Style is as varied as human emotion—it changes according to one's history, position in life, and perspective on the world. Fashion, then, is an extension of our inner self—it brings out for the world to see what we often keep to ourselves. One fashion item through which personal expression has become increasingly visible is the handbag. Not simply a repository for our daily belongings, women's handbags have come to serve both functional as well as social purposes—they represent the personality of the person carrying it. On occasion, a handbag can also be an indication of status (or the status we would like to have), or consciousness we have of certain themes or trends in fashion. Wearing the "right" bag at the "right" time indicates to others that we understand a trend. In this way, handbags act as a conduit through which all sorts of information about the social world pass.

Since bags serve a variety of purposes, it is only natural that the most outstanding ones are those that follow principles of both form and function—they serve to show the world how we feel, but also keep us organized enough to keep that presentation in motion. It is no wonder, then, that we immediately fell in love with Begeren Handbags (www.begeren.com). Designed by Linda Ly, Begeren handbags acknowledge the aforementioned principles of form and function, yet thankfully, do not place the importance of one over the other. The collection integrates several strong design elements in order to create a line that is both aesthetically valid and also practical. The Venice Hobo (at left), for example, is a standout due to its crackled leather exterior, antique hardware, and dark leather strap, but Ly gives the hobo (as well her other handbags) substance by installing clever little details inside: each bag has “...multiple organizational pockets inside for your cell phone, iPod, pen and lipgloss and a clip for your keys, so you don't have to rummage around in your purse when its eleven 'o clock at night on a dark street,” the designer states. Ly also lines all of her bag with a delicate Japanese floral motif. This sort of attention to detail both inside of the bag as well as out, is what makes Begeren so extraordinary.

The increased importance of the purse in such a mobile world, where things are constantly changing, is an aspect of handbag design not lost on Ly. “Handbags bear a lot of responsibility—they carry out everyday essentials, safe-keep our private information and also make a statement about our personal style,” she states. Ly, who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), originally studied visual communication, giving her a unique perspective on the role of fashion and the symbols it produces. It was not until she graduated from FIT and began working “12-hour plus days on the computer” at a design firm that Ly realized that simply studying visual communication and working for other clients was not going to be fulfilling to her. Ly, like many others, felt a need to contribute to the world artistically, outside of the corporate environment in which she found herself.

“I'm very much a hands-on type [person] and it was frustrating to work in 2D all the time. I was also happiest on project where I was designing for myself.” This led Ly to an awakening of sorts. One night over dinner with a friend, Ly had just finished lamenting the lack of green purses and great laptop bags when she realized she could simply address these issues herself--by designing her own line of handbags.

“Even if it didn't result in anything, it gave me the creative kick that I needed. I started sketching a couple of designs that I liked, which turned into sampling a whole collection of bags a few months later, and shortly after that, I was actually selling those bags to my favorite boutiques!” Ly states.

Part of Ly's success is that she realizes that fashions come and go, but what remains is good design. Also, what makes Begeren bags truly special is that they go with nearly anything in your closet, Ly points out.

“The Moorea tote looks gorgeous with all your silky sundresses and wedges, but you can also work it with a more casual outfit like Juicy sweats and flip-flops. The Melrose clutch can be paired with skinny jeans and a flirty, floaty tunic or it can add punch to a classic suit,” Ly states. The Moorea comes in five different beautiful colors, and is made of a very lightweight lambskin; for women who often feel as if they are toting around their life's possessions in their handbag, this small detail is a huge benefit.

StyleChronicles adores the Venice Hobo, but Ly's new collection has lots more to offer. Ly created that perfect laptop bag that she initially talked about with her friend over dinner: the Tribeca Laptop Bag (at left) is made of all leather (brown or black), and features small grommets around the perimeter of the multiple organizational pockets as well. The laptop bag is a bit pricey, but Begeren bags are made of the best materials, which are all hand-picked to insure consistent quality. “I always choose the leather before working on a design. Color, texture and weight are all important things to consider before designing a bag,” Ly explains. The leather on Begeren bags is both physically sound as well as visually striking; and while they are relaxed in appearance, they are no-nonsense when it comes to organization. Organizational and design attributes such as this make a bag that one carries every day not just a necessity, but a luxury.

“I'm a very organized person,” Ly states. “I even have my closet at home organized by season, style, color and sleeve length! This kind of madness translates into my designs.” Indeed; many Begeren bags boast the aforementioned organizational features, which translates into bags that will actually go the distance, whether you are a mobile professional or a busy parent. The “unisex” Chelsea Cargo Sling (pictured above right) is appropriate for women or (fashion-forward) men. Available in a variety of colors, it comes with a shoulder strap, has six exterior pockets, an additional large zip pocket, and a full size interior for essentials, so there is no possibility of disorganization with the Chelsea Cargo Sling.

No matter what Begeren bag someone carries, the mission of the Linda Ly's company is to stay true to what works for you, and that fundamental value is something Ly discovered along the way to launching Begeren. “I have always been a big supporter of doing what you love. I have seen many friends and family members choose careers for which they don't have any passion, or in which they don't feel challenged, and they end up never reaching their full potential,” Ly states. In this way, Ly's own positive discovery has lead to a creative contribution to the way other people live; designing bags that are beautiful and also functional is indication of this. -StyleChronicles.com. Photos courtesy of LuvCharlie.com and Begeren.com.

Where To Buy Begeren: Begeren.com, LuvCharlie.com.