Let me just start off by saying that I hate carrying a purse around with me all the time. Sure, I think they are stylish and fashionable, but if I am going to be out drinking or dancing, the chances of me spilling something on it or forgetting to bring it home with me are pretty high. Once, I accidentally left my purse filled with my wallet and other valuables at a Cold Stone Creamery in Ardmore and didn’t realize it until I was almost back at my apartment in Philadelphia. I made my boyfriend drive all the way back.

Thankfully someone turned it in and nothing was stolen. Recently, I’ve gotten into the habit of just shoving my keys, ID, credit card and lip gloss into my pockets just to avoid carrying a bag– but that solution is neither comfortable or safe.

So when I saw the adorable design and practical  approach of Bucklette, I knew I had to have more information. Bucklette is a compact carrying case that clips on to a waistline or is available in the form of a belt and buckle. What makes this different than other hands free items (think fanny packs) is that it is actually incredibly stylish.

This chic, hands-free accessory was invented and designed by fellow Philadelphian, Sandy Alexander, a graduate of Moore College of Art & Design and the former Creative Director for Comcast. Of course, as soon as I found out this ingenious product was made by a local girl, I reached out to see if she could give me some more information on Bucklette. Here is what she had to say:

phillyBurbs: Bucklette is such a different idea when it comes to women’s accessories. What inspired you to create this product? How did you go about designing it?

Sandy Alexander: They say necessity is the mother of invention. In my case that’s very true. I love to dance, go out to dinner, concerts and sporting events. But sometimes a handbag is just inconvenient. I was always bumping into people or wondering where to put it when I needed my hands free. I stashed my essentials in odd places (lipstick in the cleavage, money in the shoe) trying to avoid carrying a purse. What I needed was something unobtrusive, stylish and secure that I didn’t have to worry about.

One night, I was at a restaurant and my friend’s purse was stolen. At that moment I knew there had to be a hands-free, worry-free alternative. But I couldn’t find one that I liked, so I started brainstorming and the idea for the Bucklette was born.

I found a Philly silversmith named Jen Roder to create my initial prototypes (Jen has her own unique line of jewelry made out of sterling silver and recycled bottle caps). I provided drawings with measurements and specific functionality details and security issues that we needed to consider. From there, she created the very first models using copper. They were pretty simplistic, but we were able to figure out most of the engineering tweaks needed to create a model that would become the basis for the Bucklette.

pB: What is the product made from and how is it created?

SA: It’s made from a recyclable, lead-free metal here in the US. Each Bucklette is cast individually from a mold, but the assembly and finish are done by hand. I’m on the Upper Merion Environmental Advisory Council so making a green product as close to home as possible was very important to me.

pB: What can women expect to carry in the Bucklette? Why do you think it is a good alternative to a purse or bag?

SA: The Bucklette was designed with interior “nooks” to accommodate the essentials: ID, credit card, house key and lipstick. Plus a few folded bills stashed under the key. Some of our customers tell us that they don’t wear lipstick, so they use that nook for cash or maximize the nooks for other items.

I think it’s a good alternative to a purse or bag for many reasons.

Most women will admit their handbag is full of stuff they don’t need to carry around with them all the time. And it can be heavy! The Bucklette frees you from that and paring down to the bare minimum can be liberating!

It’s also great because it’s completely hands-free. You’re free to dance, free to socialize, free to enjoy yourself without dealing with a handbag. It safely stows your items and is secured with high-powered magnets and interior clips to hold everything in place. Plus there’s never a fear that your purse will be stolen.

pB: What made you decide to include the bird and branch on the current design?

SA: I’m completely intrigued by Greek art, architecture and mythology. My overall concept is based loosely on Greek goddesses and the design of the current Bucklette is inspired by Chloris, the goddess of flowers and the personification of spring. The flowers are my favorite– peonies. I also wanted to create a feminine design since the material and finish I’m using is so industrial. I love the mix of girly but edgy at the same time.

pB: Are you working on more designs? What can women expect to see in the future?

SA: Absolutely! More designs, different colors and I’m getting a lot of requests for a male version - something more masculine. I’m also going to be introducing a removable attachment to the belt for a cell phone. Think Bond girl!

pB: Where can women find this product? Is it available in stores?

SA: Both versions of the Bucklette are available at www.bucklette.com. In addition, the Bucklette is available at Honey B’s Boutiquein Norristown, JKarma Boutique in Old City Philadelphia, and The Art Shop at Moore in Center City Philadelphia. I’m also in the process of adding additional stores around the Main Line area. Eventually, nation-wide.

For more information on Bucklette, visit www.bucklette.com.

What We Heart

The Bucklette

by Nikki Volpicelli

Published: Nov 19, 2008

$92-$112, bucklette.com

Hey Philly lady, we know you’ve been here before: stuffing keys, credit cards and ID into your tiny back pocket or bra only to find they’ve magically disappeared when it’s time to open the door or find a cab at 3 a.m.

Philadelphia-based designer Sandy Alexander has a cure for your dilemma. (Well, the non-tequila part of it, anyway.) Her lightweight, clip-on “bucklette” sits on your waistband or comes in belt-buckle form. A floral design is etched into the metallic antique finish, providing a hint of style without overdoing it. Inside, you’ll find individual compartments (a nook for lipstick, clips to hold keys, cards and cash) to organize your essentials.

Which means it’s time, once and for all, to give up on your fanny-pack argument.