I’m taking a break from my usual Sassy Fashionista clothing posts this week to talk about purses, one of those everyday fashion accessories almost every woman has. Most will probably admit to having more than one.
Guilty.
Today, I’m singing the praises of Michigan purse designer, Jenna Kator, who has found her creative niche, and built a pretty loyal following in the process. No easy fashion feat.
I’m adding a little travel post here, too.
I now count myself among Kator’s many happy followers. She has a great eye for delivering good design, affordability, and solid product quality, something often hard to find in lower-price-point purses.
This designer’s stylish purses come in a variety of colors, and many are named after popular Michigan towns. Think Harbor Spring. Detroit. Mackinac Island.
Pick your fav place and style.
You can find her online at www.JennaKator.com (link below). She also has her goods in numerous speciality stores in Michigan, including Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, (link below), one of my favorite summer vacation haunts.
FYI: Mackinac Island is an extremely popular international summer destination in Northern Michigan, where horses, bikes and feet are the only means of getting around town. No cars allowed!! Horses are king. It’s an extremely charming place with good places to eat, drink, shop, and explore, plus some beautiful cottages that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The island is surrounded by Lake Huron and reached by ferry boat. Think Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard without cars. Glorious!!
My favorite boat is SheplersFerry.com. They earned my loyalty because of how they treated my son, and us, when we traveled with his heavy wheelchair.
I’ve been a Mackinac Island groupie for years, and I try to get there at least once a season. The island holds an extra special place in my heart. It was one of the few places that our family could easily travel to enjoy outdoor island accessibility required by our son’s wheelchair use.
There, we could explore most of the island by pushing Eric easily in his wheelchair, enjoying miles of expansive island beauty and natural vistas. Just like other families. For a few precious hours, and a few lovely overnight stays, we enjoyed many satisfying vacations there. It was one of the last places we visited before Eric died in 2003.
Today, Mackinac Island is sacred ground, and we return often to remember.
Today, I most enjoy visiting the island on our wedding anniversary. Last year, I began a new tradition of purchasing a Jenna Kator bag as my gift from hubby, who helps me choose. In 2024, I selected a lovely white small backpack that doubles as a crossbody bag. I’d been looking for a white bag for summer and this one hit the mark. I traveled with it often this past year, a real test of its staying power.
It passed with flying fashionista colors.
Because I am such a fan of all shades brown and tan for fall, this year I chose Kator’s smaller, woven crossbody Pier Sling Bag for a Cause. Ten dollars of every bag purchased goes to All Hands and Hearts to help restore communities impacted by hurricanes in the south.
The bag was priced at $129. I got it for just over $100, and $10 of that went to support the cause. Did I mention the bag was also 20 percent off? Part of an end-of-summer promotion. In short, I lucked out. I got another cherished bag and supported a great cause to boot. A new yearly island tradition was born.
Love a little charity with my coveted fashion purchases.
Kator’s expansive line also includes wallets and small purses. Most of the bag’s straps serve multiple-style purpose, and many are removable, so you can style the bag in the way that works best for you. More bang for the purse buck.
I own more expensive bags, including some designer. But as I scale down on material possessions and become increasingly focused on affordability, sustainability, cruelty free and vegan with the look of leather, Kator’s bags have become a staple in my closet. With the savings I get, I can then support more charities in need.
That’s a big Sassy Fashionista win.
You can find Kator online at www.JennaKator.com. Her styles are popular and often sell out. So, if you see something you like, you might want to grab it sooner rather than later. IF your budget allows.
If you’re in the purse market, Jenna Kator’s products are worth a look. Her new fall line has just been released. I may grab a lovely dark green one in the near future.
One of my target colors for Fall 2025.
You can also shop Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island online. Besides the Kator bags, this charming island shop has lots of adorable things to tempt you. Many with the island’s famous theme and smell of lilacs, the island’s royal flower.
And my favorite flower, too.
Are you a purse girl, too?
Winter Images 2025. All rights reserved.