It's in the (it) bag

You know that girlfriend of yours- the one who is so terrifically talented, carefree and chic, hot and humble that even if your husband admitted to a mini-crush on her, you wouldn't actually mind because, heck, you've kind of got one on her too!

Well, I'm actually blessed to have a bevy of fabulous friends who are just that, and the Maile Wilson must be counted among those ranks! Kyle and I first met Maile (along with the captivating and oh-so-cool Kate Mefford - yeah, she's also one of those girlfriends) when I attended the Digital Wedding Forum Convention in Florida several winters ago. When she's not shooting Eva Longoria and Tony Parker's Christmas card or Brooke Burke's nursery for the latest celeb weekly, this down-to-earth Texan is being a friend to many, a mom to three, a wife to one, and creating real images under the name of Relish Photography (don't you just love that name!) that have women around San Antonio seeing themselves as the sexy, smart and soulful people they truly are.

And as if all that isn't enough, Maile just added designer to her resume. Handbag designer, to be exact. Marrying her love of shooting and style, Maile's launched Epiphanie Bags, a functional yet flattering line of camera bags disguised as purses. Really, really cute purses (that hold your camera body, a few extra lenses, memory cards, flashes, batteries and any other accessories you need at your side when shooting).

Popular Photography magazine called them the "it" bag, saying - and I quote- "A toney bag you'd never guess held a camera. We've seen good-looking camera bags before, but none as attractive as Epiphanie's line of gear-toters--- dead ringers for the latest department store finds. The bags ($165, www.epiphaniebags.com) have space for a DSLR, lenses, and accessories... For photographers who want a hot bag that holds a DSLR, event shooters who need to dress like a guest, or fashionistas who wouldn't be caught dead in ripstop nylon, this is the It Bag."

Ever generous, Maile recently sent me one of my choice as a gift - I picked the "Belle" bag (see below)- and I have to say, I was as grateful as I was impressed. In the words of our mutual friend Kate, "Anyone who uses a camera can benefit from these bags. Heck, even if you don’t, it’s still a cute purse!"

Those who know me well know that while I'll wear Hanes and drugstore mascara, when it comes to my handbags I don't mess around. The clerks at the closest Cole Haan actually know me by name. So when I tell you these bags are nice, believe me. And then go get one. I debuted mine on our recent Vermont vacation, and actually found myself slinging Belle over my shoulder, even when it didn't have my camera inside. Here's proof (pic by Kyle):


And here's a look at the lineup.

Beautiful Belle (which I have)...


Gorge Ginger (Check out the inside of these bags, and how everything all fits in just right. You can configure the compartments anyway you'd like as the soft padded panels have velcro on them- you'll also notice the inside is a contrasting color from the rest of the bag, so your items really pop and can be easily located. Brill!)...


The Lovely Lola, in black...


And also in racy red...


More styles and colors are expected so stay tuned to www.epiphaniebags.com for the latest. Congratulations (and thank you) Maile! I hope to visit Texas soon to thank you! And yes, I know Kyle will want to come ;)


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