Lesa Wallace could easily be a top model in a magazine, a fierce negotiator in the boardroom, an accomplished artist, or well-sought after poet, because she literally has that type of talent. She’s the effortless friend you always want to roll with, the cool girl in your school that everybody loves. She created her line of handbags in 2003 with an entrepreneurial background and a vision for developing innovative and creative pieces, combining soft leathers with bold colors, unique detailing and multi-function, all while keeping in line with her own unique passion and talent.

“I am forever trying to develop the ultimate bag,” says Wallace as we devour hummus and pita at Los Angeles’ ultra-hip Newsroom Café. “There’s a story behind each piece.”

It’s a story worth telling. Wallace’s collection combines some of the hottest elements of the season (brooch-like detailing, bold primary colors such as royal blue, grass green) with innate styles that are as workable and wearable as they are interesting. “When I look in the mirror,” adds Wallace, “I want my bag to pop.”

That’s the exact effect Wallace’s bags achieve. I was introduced to the line earlier this year by Label-LA.com co-owner Emily Hines, whose retail site has been one of the first to carry Wallace’s bags online. What I liked about the bags were the bold colors and user-friendly styles, the materials and detailing, all of which Wallace offers at reasonable price points, a great price for a good everyday handbag you’ll get a ton of use out of but won’t be afraid to set down.

“When it comes to picking a good bag, it’s important to ask yourself what you’ll use it for, if it’s functional and if it works for your lifestyle,” says Wallace, adding that, “Don’t stick to specifics or rules – think about what you have to carry instead.”

This may just very well be the “secret sauce” in Wallace’s designs. She creates spacious, functional bags that seem to have the capacity to fit everything, yet are still reasonably sized and fashionable in styles that are neutral enough to work with just about everything in your closet.

“I think the key to working in a great bag is to not put an emphasis on whether it coordinates,” Wallace shares. “Handbags are so forgiving; it’s something that will highlight the color or playfulness in your outfit. You can be a little bit off.”  

Wallace advises those who are new to working with handbags to aim for both a combination of function and style, adding that “If you’re feeling plain, put on a simple outfit and get the detail with your bag,” – great advice for occasions where you need to keep your outfit simple, such as being at home with children or in the professional environment. “A great way to work in a bag is to go with one that’s going to make your outfit pop.”

Without question, you’ll get this from Wallace’s line. The current season features five styles that range from upbeat classic (the “Tash bag”) to the eclectic (the fringed “Tiva”) and nearly everything in between. Among Wallace’s favorites is the Arcadia style, which has a slouchy hobo feel with an adjustable strap for a few different options. “You can wear long like a messenger style or tie it tighter to fit the shoulder.”

As she pulls out her samples to give me a peek at the line, a small crowd of women forms around us. They’re excited, passing the samples around to each other and shouting about the colors and styles. As the group winds down and returns back to their table, Wallace and I spend a little time oogling over the collection ourselves.

 “I think the most exciting thing for me is seeing other people enjoy my pieces,” she says. Given the stir we've created during our chat (and this was only in a restaurant!), I can imagine what the future holds for this designer as her line grows to the mainstream!

Wallace's collection can be seen at www.lesawallace.com and purchased Online at www.label-la.com.