Our latest news ...

  • WE HAVE A NEW STUDIO!

    STUDIO NEWS: That's right, we moved our studio! It's a very stressful time but I'm feeling very good about shaking things up! All of the sewing and design work will be brought to life in the new studio space! Those of you who know me, know that I grew up in Portsmouth, RI, so this will be just over the bridge from my old stomping ground in Warren, RI at The Handkerchief Building. I moved on July 17 and I'm still setting up the studio. Once I'm in, it's definitely a place you can stop by for a visit, say hi and even shop!

    Don't worry, for local folks, I still have the showroom on Beacon Street with one of every style and color in Brookline, MA. I plan to open the showroom for limited hours on the weekends and weekday appointments. So, contact me for any requests!

    Stay tuned for snapshots of the move and all the fun to come! Follow us on Instagram @larabdesigns or Facebook.

    WE'RE SHIPPING! Free Shipping on all domestic orders. So, instead of purchasing your handbag face to face, now your handbag will be at your doorstep, no added cost. If there's something you saw on social media and can't find on the site, just reach out.

    I'd love to hear from you too. Let me know how you're doing and what you're looking for - maybe we can dream up some new styles together! This will pass ... it'll just take some more time, be patient and stay safe and please support your local small businesses, they'll appreciate it more than you know!

    Smiles and {virtual} hugs,
    Lara ;)
    xx

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  • SHOW UPDATES & SPECIALS!

    SHOW UPDATES & SPECIALS!

    UPDATE 9/3: As the year progresses, it's doubtful I'll be participating in any in person shows in 2020. I've updated my Show Schedule 8 times so far with changes. So, I'm looking to find other ways to connect with you. Social media, newsletters, word of mouth ... it all will be important. If you are connected to my Instagram @larabdesigns or Facebook accounts {view my stories}, you'll be the first to know about Flash Sales and Special Promos I dream up! I figure, if I'm not paying for the shows and all the expenses involved, I can pass the savings onto you! I'd love to hear from you too. Let me know how you're doing and what you're looking for - maybe we can dream up some new styles together! This will pass ... it'll just take some more time, be patient and stay safe. xx
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    April 2020: To our customers and community ... with all the news swirling and virus spreading, it seems everyday is still bringing change. We are all feeling the effects in our own unique way. For Lara B, it means all of our shows have been postponed or cancelled through July 24(so far). The whole Artist and Small Business Community is feeling the impact.


    Let's try to make the best of it somehow! #lemonade While we're not able to show you any new designs or leathers in person; you can still find us here online and follow us on Instagram @larabdesigns or Facebook for the latest news and flash sales!

    AND, we're adding Free Shipping to all domestic orders! So, instead of purchasing your handbag face to face, now your handbag will be at your doorstep, no added cost. If there's something you saw at a show and can't find on the site, just reach out.

    Now, it's time for me to stay put - design, dream and create!
    Stay healthy and isolate and please support your local small businesses, they'll appreciate it more than you know!

    Smiles and elbow taps,
    Lara ;)
    xx

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  • NEW SHOW JUST ADDED!

    Paradise City Arts Festival
    Royal Plaza Trade Center
    181 Boston Post Road W
    Marlborough, MA 01752

    SPRING SHOWS CANCELLED FOR 2020

    For more info:
    https://festivals.paradisecityarts.com/shows/marlborough-march-show

    I'm so excited to be selected to participate in the next Paradise Arts Fest, Marlborough! This is a brand new show for me and I look forward toΒ  exploring a great new audience, right in my own backyard! Click the link above and find out more about Paradise City Shows.

    From artists with established reputations to emerging talents fresh on the scene, 175 curated exhibitors from across America will delight you with their extraordinary work. This show is always the go-to destination for imaginative home decor, art for your walls and sculpture for your garden, as well as a favorite source for fashion, jewelry and gifts that transcend expectations.

    Look forward to seeing you there!
    Smiles n' Hugs,
    Lara
    xx

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  • FIRST SHOW OF 2020!

    FIRST SHOW OF 2020!

    American Craft Council - Baltimore
    BOOTH #318 - Lara Van Slyke
    Baltimore Convention Center
    1 West Pratt Street
    Baltimore, MD 21201
    Wholesale ONLY:
    Wednesday, Feb 19: 10am - 6pm
    Thursday, Feb 20: 10am - 6pm
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Retail ONLY Show Days:
    Friday, Feb 21: 10am - 8pm
    Saturday, Feb 22: 10am - 6pm
    Sunday, Feb 23: 11am - 5pm

    For more info: www.craftcouncil.org/shows/

    First show for 2020! I'm so excited to head back to Baltimore for the ACC Wholesale AND Retail Show! We continue to expand the business into wholesale and returning to Baltimore, we look forward to meeting new accounts. ACC Baltimore is unique allowing artists and buyers to two days of wholesale on Wednesday and Thursday; and Friday - Sunday the show is open to the public!

    Wholesale:
    Don’t miss your chance to experience the 2020 Wholesale American Craft Show in Baltimore showcasing the highest-quality handmade work by more than 300 of the country's most talented artists. Find us in BOOTH #318 - Lara Van Slyke

    Retail:
    Join us to shop the work of more than 600 diverse makers from around North America, carefully chosen for the quality of their work and impact in the creative economy. Explore hundreds of thousands of unique, handcrafted objects, each with a story you can take home with you. Find us in BOOTH #318 - Lara Van Slyke

    Please contact us or click the link below for more information:
    https://craftcouncil.org/

    Look forward to seeing you there!
    Smiles n' Hugs,
    Lara
    xx

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