November 23, 2010

An Apple of a Day

beyonce in a cute dress.bmp

I see all kinds of talented bloggers making money from their blogs, but I've never really had any plans to turn Southern Belle Simple into a source of revenue. I don't have any ads and until recently, had never received anything free to review. I know there are very specific rules about this sort of thing, but you need not worry because I wouldn't tell you something was awesome if it wasn't. A few weeks ago, I received my first bit of blogger swag and I have to say, I felt a little like a celebrity.

The southern beau and I attended a local art gallery prowl and stopped in the new shop of a local purse designer who has received tons of national attention lately. I had heard of JulieApple Handbags and seen them online, but wasn't aware of the retail flagship store in my area.

After browsing the shop, I introduced myself as a local blogger (I usually do) and said that I had heard great things about the bags. The helpful staffer introduced me to Julie herself and the next thing I knew I had a free purse wrapped up in a bag and was out the door.

Fullscreen capture 11222010 124619 PM.bmp

This is something like the conversation that followed between me and the southern beau:

sb: Did she just give you a free purse?

me: Yes….ohmygosh she just gave me a free purse! FREE PURSE!

sb: and all because you told her you have a blog?

me (my head a bit inflated): Well, a southern blog that features southern folks and things available in the south (like her awesome purses!)

sb: Did she even ask for credentials? Like do you have a blogger ID card or something?

me: No, but why would anybody lie about that? I mean she could have pulled up the address. I guess this is what Beyoncé feels like all the time. sigh.

Anyway, I did get a free JulieApple bag. But I'm allowed to say whatever I want about it (I'm assuming she doesn't want it back?) I'm happy to report the bag is wonderful! The one I chose is not really a purse, but a laptop bag in cute leopard print. I guess when you have a really good product, you can feel confident that other people will feel the same and help spread the word. And it just so happens that there is a "friends and family sale" going on now that allows all of you to take 30% off your order. (I didn’t even know about the sale until a few days ago, but I thought it seemed perfect to combine it with my review!)

New_Style_email_3

JulieApple bags are made with recycled canvas, sailcloth, wooden hardware and leather tabs. Down to the last detail, they are just precious. I love the little apple tab with the logo. The bags are unique in that you choose the style first and then select which fabric you'd like your bag to be. I have toted my laptop around in mine, receiving many compliments. Here are a few other lovely designs from the collection. First, in the Tote style…

ZIPCMP

ZIPCFT

Then there’s the adorable makeup case…these are only $36 before the discount!

MAKIPM2_1

MAKRGT2_1

So that’s the story of my first taste of celebrity…Just promise you’ll take me down a notch or two if I start demanding Fiji water everywhere I go and insist on sitting in the front of restaurants. I don’t propose going around and asking for free stuff everywhere, but in this case, it was a win-win. Now what are you waiting for? The sale is only through November 30th, so don’t miss it!