Handbags for everyday woman = style and function = Nordstrom. Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with not only a dear friend but she is; the next big thing at the Nordstrom Handbag Department. Mrs. Tara Lynn Gibson, a fashion enthusiast herself shares a passion as most women do for the perfect bag. She shares with us in this EXCLUSIVE interview with www.handbagdesigner101.com what girls, ladies, and women of all ages and lifestyles are looking for. Tara is a mother of two (one still being under 10 months old) so she understands the many fascists of what we want from our bags.

J.Lynn – Good Morning Tara; first let me thank you in advance for taking time out from your busy schedule and doing this interview.

Tara – Good Morning Jaime…you are so welcome!

J.Lynn – Now, I understand that you have the fun of working at Nordstrom in the Handbag Department. Which location are you at in case our readers want to come and see you for their next bag purchase? (Shameless plug, lol)

Tara – I am at the Frisco, Texas Location, Nordstrom, at Stone Briar Center. It is a beautiful store and the employees are genuine and kind. They want you to be happy when you walk out of our doors. The salespeople are so well informed and knowledgeable about the merchandise. Everyone is expected to be an expert.

J.Lynn – From your experience what would you say is the most important quality that woman are looking for in their bags?

Tara – I think women want style as well as function. For some women not having the outside zipper for a cell phone, or inside pockets for easy access could determine whether or not they purchase a particular handbag. Even if they love the way it looks, it must be functional or it just doesn’t work. Strap length and comfort, the way it falls on your shoulder and the weight of the bag is also important. Women who carry a lot of things with them won’t buy certain handbags that are extremely heavy to begin with. It is such a personal decision.

J.Lynn – Right now what are the biggest sellers in the store?

Tara – For girls ages 12-23 we have the Juicy Couture “Terry Daydreamer” Bag priced affordably at $195. Seen here in black with cream detailing this bag is SOLD OUT until the middle of April. They are doing some really pretty spring colors but this one we couldn’t keep on the shelves. For ladies ages 23-35 we have daily requests for the Michael by Michael Kors “Large Satchel” Bag again priced affordably at $298. Finally for the “conservative” and “established” women we have the Brahmin “Jackie” North/South Croc Tote priced reasonably at $410.

J.Lynn – What trends do you see that are happening right now?

Tara – Metallic handbags, large clutch, soft supple leather bags with lots of hardware. Color is also a big trend this spring. It is time for us all to try something new and fun! I am seeing greens and blues, even yellow! My advice is to take your time and try everything on. Look in the mirror and see what it looks like. I think we spend more time fitting a pair of jeans then we do to find a great fitting handbag. Trust me, people NOTICE what kind of handbag you are wearing. It is a great way to express yourself and your personality.

J.Lynn – Other then the bags/designers that we highlighted any others that are your personal favorite or that seem to be up and coming?

Tara – I love Elliot Luca handbags. He creates some beautiful silhouettes and the leather is so light. I always love to see Betsy Johnson creations as well as Kate Spade. I Love them all so it’s difficult for me to just name a few! I’ll just have one of each…Thank you!

J.Lynn – Well, Tara, let me take this time to thank you again. I am sure our readers are going to be very excited to hear from a woman on the inside.

Tara – You’re welcome…and may you all find a fabulous handbag…or two!

J.Lynn – Be You Be Fabulous



Author: Jaime Lynn Guli (Want to become a Handbag Correspondent?)