Last weekend, I shared a book with you that changed my opinion on applique and proved that it could be done in tasteful and modern ways.  Today, with the help of Redbird Style, I'm changing my official opinion that hip bags and fanny packs are major no-nos. 

Wha wha wha what?! Did I just say that? Next I'll be convincing myself that tie-dye is incredibly stylish, acid wash jeans are hot and the mullet is the look for spring.

Ok, perhaps that went too far.  Let me just introduce you to Robin of Redbird Style, who not too long ago was spending most of her days inside the courtroom.

Let's cut to the chase: you've updated the hip/fanny pack in a very modern and stylish way. When you started out making these, were you ever concerned that you'd have a hard time selling them?

I guess it crossed my mind that people might not necessarily want to buy a fanny pack, but I try to design purses that meet my needs. I crossed my fingers that there were other like-minded gals out there who wanted to be liberated from their purses, but not from their lipstick, cash, and cell phones.  Whew!

How long have you been sewing?

I've been sewing with a machine for only a couple of years. I made a lot of things throughout my life by hand, however.  I just couldn't afford a machine until recently.

When did you start selling your accessories online?

I started selling online last October. It was a good time because I had just left a long-term job and needed a serious change of pace and creative outlet.

If you weren't designing accessories, what would you be doing?

Well, I was a lawyer before this. Can you believe it? When I couldn't stand it anymore, I just quit. That was last summer and I haven't looked back once. So, I guess I'd be arguing in court right now if I weren't here sewing!

When you quit your job, did you know you'd be selling online or was Redbird Style something that came with time and experimentation?

I left my job as an attorney to work at a private company. I took off 2 weeks before I started my new job. During that time, I realized I just couldn't do it. I looked at my husband (then fiance) and said there was something else I really wanted to do. Without hesitation, he said, "Open an Etsy shop?" 

He was so supportive. It was great. So that's exactly what I did.  Well, I got married first. Then, I opened up shop! It's been fantastic to have a creative outlet like this and to be able to make whatever I want!

What are you working on for 2010? Any new products or designs we can expect to see from you?

I just came out with an updated gym bag. I'm sort of in love with the idea of bringing back the barrel shaped gym bag. I'm also working on upcycling a whole bunch of vintage items into cute new accessories.

Wow, Robin! I'm sure you were a fabulous lawyer, but I'm really glad you quit so you could share all these great things with us. 

Speaking of sharing... Robin's doing a giveaway for this cute hip pack.  Who wants it?

All you have to do to enter is:

1. Stop by Redbird Style on Etsy and browse around the shop. Come back here and share with us your favorite item for 1 entry.
2. After browsing through the shop, tell us what new colors you'd like to see for spring for 1 entry. (Be sure to leave a separate comment.)
3. Tweet about this giveaway on twitter for 1 entry. Leave a separate comment with your twitter ID. (An easy way to do this is by clicking on "Share Article" at the bottom of this post and clicking Twitter.)

One winner will be selected at random and announced by March 7, 2010.