Vintage discontinued brands: Princess Gardner and Florida Keys Handbag, inc.

Here are some of the new vintage items available at Steamray and a history about the companies that made them way-back-when.

Princess Gardner 

Princess Gardner was a leather working company out of St Louis, Missouri. It was founded in 1955 and registered for the sale of "BILLFOLDS, KEY CASES, FRENCH PURSES, POCKET SECRETARIES". In 1966, This company was purchased by Swank, Inc. A new factory was built in 1978 to handle the budding popularity of Princess Gardner products.

Many of Swank, inc.'s products, including Princess Gardner, were available for sale at Belk stores. After a 5 year decline in sales, however, Swank, inc. ended it's contract with Princess Gardner in 1989. The company would, however, continue under their trademarked name until 1996, likely disbanding afterwards. 

 Florida Keys Handbag, inc.

This company was also known as the Original Florida Keys Handbag company. It was registered July 12,1976 as a for profit corporation. The now closed Florida Keys Handbag Factory was located at mile marker 91.5 (Tavernier). At one point the factory employed over 40 employees creating handbags to be sold in select locations along the Florida Keys and Florida's mainland.  One such place was Mademoiselle Fashion in Holiday, Florida.

The leather they manufactured with is the same material used to make boat seats which makes it both soft and durable. Each bag would be created by a designer and individually painted. The original seemstress was Rose Holbrook and the original designer was Bonnie Staryk.

The company, sadly, didn't last through the recession, but their factory can still be found on maps of the area as it used to be a bit of a tourist destination.

The tag included on this particular bag reads:

"The florida keys handbag story

What began as a hobby several years ago in a tiny island shop sewing yacht upholstry and marine goods... has resulted in The florida keys handbag

Heavy duty D-rings, cockpit-cuchion snaps, ship bunk's "Rot-gaurd" linings, hurricane-proof snail stitching, and weather-proof fabrics make the bag what it is!

The classic shape and handy features... combined with a seaworthy, heavy-duty marine fabric produces this popular andpractically  indestructible handbag. Simply wiping with a damp cloth keeps your bag fresh.

True... our small family company has been asked to sell to many large department stores. But we decided years ago to remain small, making each handbag a custom work of art - still; one at a time. Happy customers are our best salespeople.

So... from the productive hobby of Rose Holbrook, our original seamstress... and our first proud orders for personal handbags, to our growing custom handbag business today, the basic bag remains unchanged.

On our coral island, artist Bonnie Staryk sketches many original designs for you. The washable handpaintings which are richly embossed into the fabrics add that fashion bit of color.

You now own a florida keys handbag ... from small tropical islands, just 90 miles north of cuba and 70 miles south of florida - on the overseas highway to key west.

 a product of the florida keys, u.s."

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Steamray

Pregnancy: 5 ways to feel beautiful again

5 ways to feel beautiful when pregnant.

Pregnancy. Rumored to be a beautiful thing. But by the time third trimester rolls around, it's hard to feel all that beautiful. Clothing and shoes that fit last week suddenly become too small. Maternity outfits can make the baby bump look like a fat lump. And the clothes you can still get into just don't fit quite the same.

How do you feel beautiful when pregnant?
For many women, pregnancy can be a very trying time when it comes to body image. In many fashion conscious areas- such as New York City- there is a subculture of woman who make it a goal to only gain "baby weight" without any extra "fat weight". When it comes to pregnancy, however, it may be easy to gain more than you'd expect. Pregnancy can take it's toll on body image!

Here's how I started to make it through:

1) look at the numbers. 

In pregnancy, the weight you gain is more than just fat and baby weight. Here are some numbers and figures from AmericanPregnancy.org: 

Pregnancy Weight Gain on Average 

• 7 1/2 pounds: the baby will weigh by the end of pregnancy.
• 1 1/2 pounds placenta
• 4 pounds increased fluid volume.
• 2 pounds from expanded uterus.
• 2 pounds breast tissue.
• 4 pounds increased blood volume.
• 7 pounds is attributed to maternal stores of fat, protein and other nutrients
• 2 pounds for the amniotic fluid.
• Total: 30 pounds

2) Keep it in perspective.

The advice I have read most commonly says this: you're making a child, don't be so hard on yourself. But the truth is, even if you love the little creature baking in the oven, it's easy to forget that fact when you're feeling particularly rotund. 

Sometimes all it takes is reconnecting with the baby on board: 

count kicks, sing to your belly, compliment your unborn offspring (who must be getting cutier by the day), play baby your favorite music or even just talk to him or her. Remind yourself what all the belly expanding is for.

3) learn to love your new self.

Sometimes it could feel like your new pregnant body is getting in the way of your personal life. Sexual intimacy can become difficult or even awkward for a number of reasons. While there are a number of resources to help to regain intimacy, there aren't as many dedicated to regaining your sexual confidence after dealing with these issues. First of all, don't take it personally. It doesn't mean you are unattractive or doomed to a life of celibacy. There are still many attractive things about you: It helps to refocus on them. 

It may seem counterintuitive but check out your new form without clothes on. Not bad huh? You may have gained baby weight but you also gained cleavage, curves and a nice healthy glow. 

4) dress to impress yourself.

Pick out something about yourself that is new and beautiful. Does your new complexion bring out your eyes? Are you loving your new bra size? Is your hair finally behaving itself? Try to bring focus to this new and beautiful attribute. Wear complimenting makeup, or try out a new low cut shirt. Pick out an outfit that makes you feel beautiful. 

5) relax and take care of yourself. 

One of the easiest ways to feel better about yourself is by taking care of yourself. Are you suffering from back pains? See a chiropractor. Are your muscles tense? Get a massage. Are you feeling lethargic? Take up prenatal yoga. It's okay to do something nice for your your body, especially when pregnant. If you are worried about costs you could simply take a long, warm bath. Don't forget to drink enough water! The goal is to lower your stress while addressing the changes your body is going through. 

Take it a day at a time.