Large chain stores selling clothing at unbelievably low prices are propagating a movement aptly named: Fast Fashion. Fast Fashion on the surface appears to give the public access to a huge selection of clothing at very appealing prices. However, those who examine this movement more closely are telling us that, in the end, buyers are spending as much, if not more, than they would if they originally opted for the higher quality, more expensive alternative.

Handbags have fallen victim to the same craze. Knowing how to recognize poorly made handbags, (some of which are made by expensive and luxury brands), can mean the difference between having a bag last for a few months or enjoying it for decades.

pdhPaige HamiltonNovember 18, 2013ethical manufacturing, fast fashion, made in america, made in the usa, paige hamilton design, quality over quantity

10 Ways I Keep PHD Green

Being a good business woman means not only doing what is best for my customers but for the communities in which they live. Here are 10 ways (some of which are quite simple) I keep my business green.

pdhPaige HamiltonSeptember 18, 2013brown bag, filtered water, green business practices, made in america, made in the usa, paige hamilton design, phd, reduce reuse recycle, rent a moving box

How It’s Made: A PHD Handbag Collection

Form without function is futile, and honestly what fun is function without form? This is why at PHD when I design new handbags and collections I spend countless hours perfecting both.

Want to know the inside story of what it takes? Here is a peak into how I designed our recent Spree Collection.

pdhPaige HamiltonAugust 20, 2013bags that last, best everyday handbags, elbow clearance, high end design details, high quality design, lightweight handbags, made in the usa, meditation and creativity, paige hamilton design, prada nylon, spree collection

Ignored the Nay-Sayers, Did it Anyway

Paige Hamilton was repeatedly told she would ‘never make it’ in the ‘brutal’ design industry full of ‘miserable people trying to rip you off’. Paige listened to them – a few times. Then Paige decided she was going to do it anyway. Today Paige designs and sells handbags, manufactured in the United States, which are sought after by celebrities, the world’s royalty, and the finest stores in the nation.

Here is a bit of her story.

pdhPaige HamiltonJuly 31, 2013accessories the show, enk accessorie circuit, handbag organization, imported Italian nylon, made in the usa, paige hamilton design, pockets, prada nylon, ruched nylon pleats, starting a handbag company, trade show, trunk show