Angela Adams/Sea Bags for J. Crew: In the Bag

To say we were pretty excited to hear that Angela Adams had teamed up with J. Crew is an understatement. But when we discovered that AA had designed bags produced by Sea Bags for J. Crew, we were over the moon — two great Maine companies plus one tasteful national retailer equals one beautiful collaboration.

There has been much buzz about the bags over the last couple of days, but if you haven't seen them yet, look no further. According to the J. Crew site, the colorways are inspired by the "neon colorblock lobster buoys that dot the coast of Maine" (whatever), but we're partial to the more understated gray stripe. They look like regular Sea Bags — made from recycled sails, accented with spinnaker fabric, but the designs are less nautical and more abstract — no numbers, stars or anchors here. Oh, and they cost $198 apiece.

With any luck, J. Crew aficionado Michelle Obama will take one look at these and decide they're a must for summer in D.C. Either way, we're pretty wild about them, and we hope you are, too. Let us know what you think by posting a comment below.

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Flower Power

Because The Maven feels like she's the size of a cottage — if not a house — right now, shopping for anything other than diapers and onesies has become a lot less enjoyable. One exception? Jewelry. It always fits, and it always looks good.

Lately, in order to draw attention away from the fact that she looks like Jabba the Hut while seated, The Maven has taken to wearing exceptionally large, bold accessories in eye-catching colors. We're not sure if the distraction is working, but it's fun either way.

Speaking of fun, the new spring line from Yikes! Studio is like a party on your wrist, earlobes, fingers or neck. We've long admired Suzanne Anderson's eye for color and design, and this year, the Dedham-based artist has blossomed — literally. Her flower rings are to die for — at the top of our wish list — and her new dangle earrings look like pieces of cut-rock candy.

We first encountered Anderson's work years ago, when she was working with bright, oversize beads strung in color combinations that only an artist could think up. Her necklaces were amazing. She has since switched over to polymer clay (which is usually a medium we're not all that wild about), but her striking, graphic pieces have an elegance all their own. She often incorporates hand-wrought pieces of silver or found objects into her work, and of course, no two pieces are alike.

The new work from Yikes! Studio is sure to be a conversation piece, which is just the way we like it. It's the perfect distraction from ... bigger issues.

To view a list of galleries and shops that carry Suzanne Anderson's work, click here (scroll down). To learn more, visit the Yikes! Studio website.

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Good as Gold

Editor's note: Congratulations to Victoria Paskett, who has won the Erin Flett bag from AU.

Recently, we were able to chat with John Milburn, the man behind AU Inc., a Maine-based company that has created totes and luggage since 1968. You may remember the Bag Lady chain of retail stores, a local chain that sold bags at a discount. Those were the retail side of AU (short for Accessories Unlimited), which did a brisk business sewing private-label products for such companies as Laura Ashley. Back then, AU had 1,400 possible products in its pattern lineup.

When Milburn took the helm in 2004, he wanted to find a way to maintain the company's integrity,  streamline the offerings and build the brand. And he has succeeded by really getting to know AU's core customer.

"We're very aware of who she is and what we need to do to fit into her world," Milburn says.

She likes traditional prints, such as damask, but with a hip twist. She wants a bag that will mesh easily into her existing wardrobe, but she's willing to take a chance with an unexpected "neutral" like Dunegrass, a chartreusey green from AU's new line designed by Erin Flett. And she wants something a little more complex than your average tote bag. That's why such products as AU's signature Raincoat Cotton line of patterned travel bags and day bags are so successful. Garnet Hill recently started carrying the line, and they've been very popular.

Milburn believes AU's recent partnership with Flett, a Portland-based designer, will only add to that success and give the brand a distinctive look and feel. Flett's debut collection — ocean-inspired, windswept, abstract patterns in deep blue, soft gray, tangerine and the aforementioned Dunegrass — has been a hit so far. Her fall collection — a modern interpretation of traditional floral and damask patterns in brown, turquoise and royal blue hues — promises to be equally enticing.

As the brand evolves, Milburn says, one thing will remain the same: AU's commitment to Maine.

"As a Maine brand, we really enjoy the fact that we're based in the state," Milburn says. "It's a lifestyle."

For more information about AU, click here.

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Cut And Paste

Remember when you were a teenager and you used to clip out fashion ads, funny sayings and photos of hot guys (or gals) out of magazines and plaster them on your bedroom walls? So does Samantha, a Maine native and creator of Magazine Street Designs, one of the coolest collage-makers we've found.

Growing up on the coast of Maine, she turned her room into one big collage. Then she moved on to a desk. Today, she's a college student (or is that collage student) at Loyola University in New Orleans. For fun and profit, she sells eyeglass cases, totes, dishes and — our favorite — shoes bedecked with cheeky phrases and bold images.

The Maven is DYING for a pair. And if you are too (you know you want a pair) Samantha does custom work, so you'll be sure to get just the right thing. That Jon Hamm photo on your bulletin board needs a home, doesn't it?

For more information, visit the Magazine Street Designs Web site.

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The Art of Accessorizing

Since accessories are about the only thing that fit these days, we've become a little obsessed with jewelry. And one of our favorite new discoveries is Andree Delapalyee Brown, a New York artisan who spends the warmer months in her studio on Islesboro. Her work is, in a word, stunning.

Take, for instance, the honed sterling links that she combines to create elegant-yet-bold chains. Or her delicate flower earrings in gold vermeil. Though her work is cast, everything she touches has a sculptural, hand-hewn feel to it — due in no small part to the fact that she trained as a sculptor at RISD.

It's no surprise that her work is popular with news anchors, actors and performers. But you don't need to be famous (or rich) to get in on the action. Her earrings are especially affordable, and you can find them online at Andree's Web site or at Archipelago in Rockland.

They're always in good taste. And they always fit.

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Silver Drops

The way this month is starting out is really living up to the whole "April showers" adage. At least, it is in Orono at 7 a.m. But rather than dwell on the complete lack of umbrellas in our house, we'd rather think about these raindrop-inspired earrings by Portland silversmith Judy Babin.

Babin is a librarian by day, jeweler by night. She takes two distinct approaches to design: her wire-wrapped pieces are heavy and substantial, while her hammered pieces — such as these earrings — are feather-light and delicate. We love them both. But why not see for yourself at her Web site or on Etsy.

What else are you going to do on a rainy April day?

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The Antidote to Ugly Diaper Bags

The problem with diaper bags is that they look like diaper bags. Even the expensive ones. Even the designer ones. Even the ones that are made to look like a clutch or a tote or a messenger bag. The only thing we've seen that's remotely attractive are the Petunia Pickle Bottom bags at Blanche & Mimi in Portland.

We get it: there's a reason why they're glazed and waterproofed. There's a reason why they have 8 million pockets. But that's no reason for them to be ugly.

So when the mini Maven arrives, we're taking matters into our own hands and buying a Maine-made bag that serves the same purpose in a more attractive way.

Take, for example, SeaBags. They're already waterproof by nature, and if you choose the custom option, you can get as many pockets as you need. We like the star design, but if you go custom, you can let your imagination run wild — the little one's initials or birth date, perhaps?

We might take our friend Anna's lead and using our Angela Adams mailbag as a diaper bag. Our friends at Angela Adams tell us this isn't exactly uncommon, and it's a far better alternative than what we've seen at the mom stores.

If you prefer patterned fabric bags, Maine-based Ellie Anna Purse Co. does an excellent job. The New Momma Set is an obvious choice, because it comes with the things you need to do the diaper deed — changing pad, diaper/wipe pouch. Plus, you get to choose from a variety of fabrics by designers such as Michael Miller and Amy Butler. Too cute.

For active moms who aren't planning to wear their baby, the backpack-style options from MIMSMaine are attractive and durable. They're the right combination of cute and functional, and the textiles designer Natasha Durham uses are to die for.

Convinced that you need something that wipes down with a wet cloth? You need a Raincoat Cotton bag from Au (Accessories Unlimited). It can withstand everything baby throws at you and still come out looking adorable. Check out Au's Freeport retail location or order online.

No matter which one you choose, they all have one thing in common: they don't look like diaper bags.

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Off The Wagon

Hi, my name's The Maven and I'm an Angelaholic.

Might as well call it what it is: this addiction to Angela Adams bags is that bad. It started innocently enough, in the early 2000s, with a retro canvas handbag bought on clearance at her Portland flagship. Next it was wool and patent leather, then a mailbag, later, a handprinted linen tote. But that was all recreational bag use.

The new leather collection is serious stuff.

Think soft, vegetable-tanned Italian leather in understated black, brown and green (or night, earth and sprout, in Angela-speak). The line isn't huge — just clutches and wallets for now — but it's enough. Plus, they're made by hand in New England.

What a wonderful way to fall off the wagon, and this week's 20 percent off sale (enter "SWEET" at checkout) makes it even better.

Looks like it's time to join AA (that would be Angela Adams). Again.

For more information, click here.

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All That Glitters

Love is in the air ... and in the ear, if you treat yourself or your Valentine to a pair of Riverside Jewelry Designs earrings.

That's what we wanted to do on Saturday, as The Maven, her sister and mother drooled over the simply elegant pieces at Bella Luna in Bangor.

Designed and crafted by hand by Amanda Coburn of Stillwater, the hammered sterling or copper dangles have just the right flash (for not a lot of cash). Classic types will love her understated hoops. But it doesn't end there. Her bold, chunky rings and sculptural pendants make quite a statement.

And this time of year, that statement is, "I love you so much that I didn't go to Jared, Kay or Day's."

See for yourself at Riverside's Etsy store or check out Amanda's designs in person at Bella Luna in Bangor or Studio in Orono.

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L.L. Bean Signature: First Glimpse

If you're anything like us, you're dying to see the new L.L. Bean Signature collection, designed by Alex Carleton of Rogues Gallery. The line launches in March, but sometimes, impatience pays off. Two pieces, both totes, are available now for pre-launch sale.

We prefer the leather tote to what looks like a giant, stonewashed denim Bean bag, but we're even more excited about the lobster-buoy-print wrap dress — which looks better than it sounds — and Oxford shirt dress in the slideshow on the Web site (see for yourself at www.llbeansignature.com). And are those skinny L.L. Bean jeans? Really?

Carleton might just usher in a whole new era for L.L. Bean — one inspired by the past but tailored for today. We can't wait.

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Shopping in Maine? BYOB

Editor's note: If you'd like to learn how to enter our Angela Adams giveaway, click here.

Remember when it was a bad idea to bring your own shopping bags? Case in point: That girl from your chemistry class tried it and ended up getting arrested for trying to stuff lipstick, earrings and a new pair of shoes in her backpack.

My, how things have changed. Reusable bags aren't just for shoplifters and hippies anymore. Stylish options abound, making it so much easier being green. Maine retailers have come together to support the use of reusable bags with the "Got Your Bags, Maine?" campaign, which kicked off Monday in Augusta. They aim to cut back the use of paper and plastic single-use bags by 33 percent by 2012.

Participating stores and trade organizations include Maine Grocers Association, Maine Merchants Association, Hannaford Supermarkets, Rite Aid, Walmart, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine Chamber of Commerce, representatives from the Maine State Planning Office and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, as well as independent Maine grocers and retailers.

These days, it's absolutely fine to stuff a head of lettuce, a new pair of pants or a pack of gum in your bag. As long as you make sure to pay for it before you leave.

For more information, follow Got Your Bags, Maine? on Twitter @gotyourbagsmaine or visit www.gotyourbagsmaine.com (this leads you to Facebook, but a Web site will be up soon).

Also, let us know where you go to buy stylish reusable bags. We're big fans of the options at Sea Bags in Freeport, Metropolitan Soul in Bangor and YoMamma's Home in Belfast.

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Babbidge Patch hats — Geek Chic

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away ... you totally wished you were Luke Skywalker. Or Princess Leia (what gal wouldn't want braided buns on each side of her head?). For a while, you begged Mom for a light saber, but all you ever got was a lousy Chewbacca action figure (and, really, what kind of action was Chewy ever involved in?)

You're over it now. Really. But three decades later, you can still live the dream thanks to Babbidge Patch, owned by Cathy Costa of Falmouth. By day, Costa works as a biologist. For fun, she creates the most adorable hand- and machine-knitted items, including this R2-D2 hat crafted from cotton and available in men's and children's sizes.

Costa's designs have been featured in national knitting and crochet magazines and in 1991, Down East Books published "Puffins and Pine Trees," which is full of Maine-inspired machine-knitting designs. Though you'll find plenty of those on her Etsy shop (the lobster boats are particularly cute), we're still smitten with our old friend R2-D2.

The design is out of this world.

For more information or to order Cathy Costa's work, visit the Babbidge Patch Web site.

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Flower Power

Not to complain about the weather, but we're complaining about the weather. Forty-nine degrees? In August? Seriously?

At least we have these recycled felt and fabric scarves from MABird to warm our thoughts. Last week, they wouldn't have even crossed our mind, but they've returned with a vengeance. We discovered Bird's work at the Common Ground Fair a few years back — her felted barrettes are an adorable accent to a messy French twist. But ever since we saw this scarf at Archipelago in Rockland, it's been on our mind.

Mary Alice Bird is a retiree who lives in Spruce Head. When Bird's daughter, a textile artist and environmentalist who lives in Austin, Texas, told her mother about all the wasted textiles that sit in our country's landfills, Mary Alice decided to do something about it. Something really lovely. The scarf is just the beginning — Bird also makes gorgeous Christmas stockings, hats and children's clothing from repurposed fabrics.

But today, what we really need is a scarf. A long, pretty, felted wool scarf.

MABird's flower scarf and other accessories are available at Arhcipelago. For more information or to drop Mary Alice a line, visit her Web site.

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Clam-tastic

Who ever would've guessed a bag of clams could be cute?

Ann Perrino, founder of Cape Elizabeth-based Ann Veronica Handprints, has designed the new "Happy as a Clam" print as a fundraiser for the upcoming Yarmouth Clam Festival. Half of the proceeds from the pictured bag ($15 each, available in summery raspberry hibiscus or blue violet) benefit the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce.

You can get yours at the festival, which takes place July 17-19, or click here to view other bags available in the pattern.

You'll dig it. Even if you don't dig clams.

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Fine Linens

People have been calling you a bag lady for years now — and you take it as a compliment.

We get it. Which is why we can't help but fuel your passion for purses. Our latest obsession? The new Angela Adams linen collection. These gorgeous totes are brightly patterned — in Pod and Munjoy, for all you Angelaholics — and fashioned from a medium-weight linen-cotton blend. The best part is, they're made in Maine.

They're casual enough for the beach and the farmers' market but you could dress them up for evening, too. Either way, they'll be perfect for summer if, in fact, summer decides to show up.

Thanks to Angela Adams, there are two more reasons why it's great to be a bag lady.

The linen bags cost $65 each and are available online at Angela Adams.

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The Bucket List

We love bucket hats — especially on rainy days. And since we've had nothing but rainy days lately, we were glad to discover The Cog from The Little Hat Co. of South Berwick, Maine.

Named for its ability to render the wearer incognito, The Cog is just the thing for a bad hair day (which we've had for about five straight days). It's also perfect for keeping out the sun's harmful rays — not that we'd know anything about that. We need one of these, and we're pretty sure you do, too.

The Little Hat Co. was founded in 2006 by Jen Houghton, a South Berwick mom who wanted to put a cute but practical "lid" on her kid. The pint-size designs soon attracted a giant following — and Houghton and her crew of Maine seamstresses began making lids for grownups, as well. This spring, The Cog appeared in the Daytime Emmy gift bags and on the "Today" show.

The reason for the national exposure is obvious. They're absolutely adorable. And they make this weather seem a little more bearable.

Clearly, this is one little hat that could.

The Little Hat Co. can be found online by clicking here.

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The Umbrella Chronicles

Only happy when it rains?

We'll, you're about to get even happier. With these sassy umbrellas from Bella Luna in Bangor, Maine, how could you not?

Made by T6, they have a distinct Scandanavian design feel (think Lotta Jansdotter), and they're big and sturdy enough to keep even the heaviest showers at bay. Bella Luna's owner, Heather van Frankenhuyzen, plans to get in the matching shopping totes soon.

Who would've thought the umbrella would be this spring's ultimate accessory?

T6 umbrellas cost $30 and are available at Bella Luna, 48 Main St., Bangor (207.941.0950)

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Culture Clutch

Mary E. Robbins is known for her T-shirts — bold, graphic designs that promote understanding of Muslim cutlure. We've wanted to write about them from some time — since we discovered her on the Etsy Maine Team. It's a great story, really. Mary, a South Portland girl, went to Morocco on exchange, met her husband, fell in love, got hitched, returned to Maine and set out to break all sorts of stereotypes. The T-shirts, with their Arabic script, do their part by teaching the language, one word at a time.

But for some reason, we keep coming back to her handbags. Made of recycled fabric and named for a member of Mary's Moroccan family, these simple, elegant clutches have won us over.

Both are sold under the label Moth Designs, which you can find on Etsy and at various fairs and festivals statewide. As Mary explains on her site, the moth is a good omen in Morocco. And though the handbags aren't quite as obvious in their celebration of the Arabic-speaking world, it doesn't matter — the language of purses and fashion is universal.

To learn more about Mary E. Robbins' work, visit her blog by clicking here.

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Flop House

It's hard to sneak up on people once the weather warms up. Why? Because everyone within a half-mile radius can hear your flip-flops smacking your heels with every step you take.

So the bank robbery is off. Ditto for pantsing your little brother and trying to scare the hiccups out of your friends.

The lack of surreptitiousness seems like a small price to pay, however. Especially if the tradeoff involves ToeGoz. The Portland-based company started with sturdy ribbon-and-canvas flip-flops and has since branched out to preppy totes, headbands, belts and rubber thong sandals that resemble our favorite Havaianas.

The irony isn't lost on us — a flip-flop company with headquarters in Portland, Maine, is like a parka company based in Brazil — but whatever. They can be as ironic as they want, especially when they donate a portion of their proceeds to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, a retreat for children who have life-threatening illnesses and their families.

We're digging the pictured Norwegian floral pattern, but you can also show your school pride (Go Blue!), wear your Greek letters like the sorority girl you are, or order customized flip-flops with your own pattern or logo on the straps.

Martini glasses or lobsters? Golf clubs or tennis rackets? Plaid or polka dots? UMaine or UNH? (UMaine, obviously)

No matter what you choose, one thing is for certain — you and your friends will flip for them. Even if you can't sneak up on anyone.

ToeGoz has retail stores at 1 East Grand Ave. in Old Orchard Beach (207.934.4017) and 14 Dock Square in Kennebunkport (207.967.4317) or you can order a pair online at ToeGoz.

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Walking On Air

If she had $300 to spend on shoes right now, this is exactly what the Maven would buy. Yes, she likes teetering around on 4-inch heels anyway, but this particular model has a foot bed cushioned with Nike Air technology. What's not to love about the Cole Haan London T-strap?

It would look just perfect with some of the swingy skirts featured on Bill Cunningham's New York Times slideshow on Sunday. Actually, it would look just perfect with pretty much everything in the Maven's closet.

We adore Cole Haan — not only because the company's shoes are so comfy and gorgeous, but because it has headquarters in New York and Yarmouth, Maine. And we'd like to keep as many Mainers in work as possible in this economy. For now, we may need to stick to the sale section (and we're totally digging these Mary Janes), but every little bit helps.

At the Maven, we're all about supporting the Maine economy — one step at a time.

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