Alia Michele’s Blog

I have apparently known Yori since I was 3. I think we argue about this everytime we see each other because I don't remember her from my childhood at all! She has been a part of my life for a very long time none the less. We had a moment where we never spoke, but we found our way back to one of the greatest friendships. Yori is funny, a tad crazy:P, smart, beautiful, and always a great supporter of any of the paths I choose to take.

Yori is a pretty organized individual. I am organized but when it comes to my handbag...everything is all over the place...and she calls me out about it all the time. I don't know if she has a case for everything, but I wouldn't be surprised. So I decided to make her collection a series of small cases. The designs will change over time, but this will officially be the Yors Collection. The great thing about these cases is you can either put it in your handbag to stay organized, or you can carry it by itself (if you're one of those people that doesn't have that much to carry)! And it is also reversible, so if you choose to have one color one day, you can have another color the next!

I have always admired Yori's spirituality, and so I made these cases with a small leaf that represents her love for God, and all the wonderful things He creates and provides for all of us! Love you Yors!

Check out the Yors bag here!

We all know about Bella...she is also known as Saintey! I dedicated my handbags as jewelry line to the memory of her lovely mother Wanda! Saintey is my twin, my sister, my friend, and my inspiration. Saintey is elegant, super strong, creative and intelligent. We met during my college years, and I think just one day of hanging out we realized that we would become great friends, mainly because of our crazy similarities.  As some of us know, Saintey's mom passed away last year, and for some reason I thought her mom's favorite flower was Anthuriums...only later did I find out that they were her Grandmother's (I KNEW she told me about that flower at one point!).

The wonderful thing about this flower is it looks like a heart. I have seen Saintey go through so much in her life, and the strength of her heart amazes me. Yes it may be broken after the loss of her mother, but with Wanda's memory and Saintey's friendships, her heart stays strong and is still open to giving and caring for other people.

Her bag is a part of the new Reversible Clutch collection, and one side represents a memory of her mom and Grandmother, and the other side represents her simplistic yet elegant style. Love you Bella.

Check out the Bella bag here!

Whenever I say the name Kareen, a lot of people ask me who she is. Kareen has been one of my best friends since high school. She migrated from Jamaica in 1994, and I think we have both been in Jamaica at the same time probably twice since then, which is probably why people don't really know her. Kareen has a lovely job where she gets to travel (too often if you ask me)...so unfortunately we hardly see each other. But, we have managed to maintain a lovely friendship. She cracks me up to the point of tears everytime we talk, she's smart, crazy, strong and very adventurous. I admire her for being able to go to all these different countries for long periods of time, and living her life to the fullest.

Kareen's bag represents the fact that even though we may be miles away, she is still my best friend. In a circle, friendships can be at two different points....but it's the strong friendships that make it no matter where someone else is! And I am really blessed to have not only her, but a series of friends just like that! Love you Reeni.

This bag is a part of the Reversible Clutch collection.

To check out KC's bag click here!

Many people don't know the story about Sheri and I...and I don't think everyone needs to know. But unlike other friendships...we had our rough patch in the beginning. And I really don't feel I would have been able to get out of that part of my life without her. Sheri is selfless. I live in New York, and Sheri is in Jamaica, and if I call her for any kind of help, she'll be there. She is hilarious, smart, very feisty at times, and kind...all in this short package (sorry Sher I had to put that in).

Seeing that my collection is called "My garden of Friendships", I had to ask Sheri what her favorite flower was...and she didn't have one really. But, she told me she likes Chinese Bamboo and I found it quite funny that she said that. You see, after she told me, I realized that our friendship pretty much represents that. With all that we have been through we have created a friendship that is stronger than ever, quite like bamboo. And so...Sheri's bag is inspired by Chinese Bamboo and the great friends we have become. Love you Sherbert!

To check out Sher's bag click here!

Toby is someone I have know since childhood. I was there when her eyes could barely open, and through all those years, we have remained friends...well rather sisters! What I love about Toby is she is never afraid to voice her own opinion. So when I need the reality of any situation, she will give it to me. She is a powerhouse...someone with a mouth like that will never be on the sidelines. She is caring, entertaining, stylish, creative, smart, super, and one of my many shoulders. I can't imagine my life without Toby. She is one of my best friends that knows the most about me, and has never judged me, always supported my decisions, and stood by me 100%! The crazy thing is she is five years younger than me, but she is one person I can honestly say I look up to. Her drive is amazing and I know she will go beyond the sky in whatever she chooses to do. She's got my back and I got hers, and together we'll be super! I love you Tobs.

I wanted Toby's bag to represent her which equals Loud, super and fabulous!

To check out Toby's bag, click here!

—To know someone here or there, with whom you can feel there is understanding, in spite of distances or thoughts expressed, that can make life a garden. Goethe

Introducing the My Garden of Friendships Collection; the beginning of a line which will be named after my friends who have made my life blooming great! This line is an introduction to my new idea REVERSIBLE CLUTCHES as well as a new material: Wool Felt!  And tomorrow there will be a separate post for each featured friend this year. So, let's start with the A+ Collection.

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