Stylish and sassy Montgomery County entrepreneur Sandra Alexander has created a fashion accessory called the Bucklette that enables on-the-go women the opportunity to leave a purse at home. The Bucklette is available in two styles: a belt buckle or as a compact clip-on.

Alexander said she created the Bucklette based on her own experiences. “It was created out of necessity, really,” said Alexander, 37. “I love to dance and go out to dinner, and attend concerts and sporting events,
but I don’t love to carry a handbag. And sometimes
it’s just inconvenient.”

From her own experience, she said even a small clutch or a wristlet can be a hassle. “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,” she said. The journey to the Bucklette started in 2005.

Initial sketches were completed back then by Alexander in a notebook she still carries with her. Next, she said she worked with a local silversmith, Jen Roder, to create initial prototypes.

Alexander provided drawings with measurements and specific functionality details and security issues that they needed to consider. From there, she created the very first models.

“We were able to figure out most of the engineering tweaks needed to create a model that would become the basis for the Bucklette,” said Alexander.

About a year later, Alexander located a manufacturer in the United States who was willing to start with small quantities and work with her to fine-tune her product. “My main concerns were keeping it compact and making sure it would securely hold the essentials. We achieved both,” she said.

Alexander markets the Bucklette through her company Dessa Lea Productions, which is based in Conshohocken.

Prior, she was the former creative services director at Comcast and during her six-year tenure assembled and managed an internal creative team, and executed and directed Web, print, interactive and design projects.

Raised in southwest Philadelphia, Alexander is a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design.

She said her strategy from day one has been to start on the Web.

“Selling directly to consumers, I am able to assess price points and demand,” Alexander said. “In addition, it’s easier to control inventory levels because I can sell only what I’ve produced. I can also define my customer much more clearly since I’ll have direct sales data and contact information to garner feedback.”

The belt buckle style, which includes an interchangeable leather belt, sells for $112. The clip-on style is $92.

Both versions weigh just eight ounces and measure three-and-eleven-sixteenths inches wide and two-and-five-eighths inches high, one-and-three-sixteenths inches deep.

This chic accessory, which is constructed from a recyclable, lead-free metal and features an original, one-of-a-kind illustration, holds the essentials — one or two include one or two standard-sized keys, an identification card, a tube of lipstick, a credit card and a few folded cash bills. The Bucklette stays securely shut by way of strong magnets. Inside, clips and fasteners store the contents. Both styles are available at www.bucklette.com.

Alexander hopes the buzz surrounding the Bucklette continues. Her future business goals include introducing different designs and colors and an extended line of belts.

“Based on strong sales, activity on fashion blogs and the general feedback I’ve received so far, I’m confident it’s only a matter of time.”

For more information email info@bucklette.com, call 215-266-2058, or visit www.bucklette.com.