I discovered Crystalyn Kae Brennan — handbag artisan — and the Creative Director behind her self-named company, Crystalyn Kae Accessories, while searching for “Made in USA handbags.”
Her unique bags are unlike anything you’ll find at department stores or boutiques — as is her story, which includes a grandfather who wore red plaid pants paired with yellow argyle socks and restored muscle cars.
She’s passionate about creating handbags, wallets, and other accessories made from ethically sourced and reclaimed materials, as well as manufacturing in the United States. She also collects vintage sewing machines, restores them, and then uses them in her work.
In other words, her story is amazing. I realized nothing I write will due justice to it, so instead, I’ll let her tell you herself. Watch the video!
I first purchased a red Cha Cha Crossbody bag several years ago. I was surprised at how luxurious and soft the vegan leather felt. You wouldn’t know it’s vegan unless someone told you.
For weeks after, I’d say to women friends, “Here — feel this. It’s vegan! Isn’t it amazing?!” Everyone agreed — and then asked where I had found it.
The craftsmanship is superb, and the zipper still works as smoothly as when I bought it. That’s because YKK custom-makes its zippers for her — in the USA!
The Cha Cha is the perfect size for carrying a wallet (also from the C.K. line), phone, and lipstick. I use it during the summer months when it’s too hot to carry a larger bag.
However, I kept eyeing her Mini Troubadour bag. Made from non-leather glazed fabric and vintage fabric, the bag is large enough for an iPad and other items but small enough to serve daily duty as a handbag.
I finally bought the brown one in the photo below and use it for carrying items I need for client photoshoots and other activities. I love it so much, I bought another one in black — because well, I wanted to match things in my wardrobe (it’s a girl thing).
Both bags are beautifully constructed, with the inside lined in a complementary color fabric. The brown one has a fun brown-stripy flannel-like lining; the black one has a blue lightweight suede lining.
The nickel-plated brass hardware is solid, high-quality, and sourced in the US. Each bag features metal purse feet on bottom; this way, the bag stays clean and stands up on its own so contents won’t tip over.
Seriously, these are well-thought out, well-constructed bags.
The bags are large enough to fit my iPad, a paper notebook, a bottle of water, snacks, wallet, phone, and other needed items. I always receive compliments on them from women.
“Make something useful and beautiful.”
I consider Crystalyn Kae’s bags functional art — useful and beautiful — and instead of hiding them on my closet shelf when not in use, I hung them on my Eames Hang-It-All (pictured). Both the bags and the Hang-It-All perfectly complement my Made in USA living room and were the finishing touch I needed.
As you can see, Crystalyn Kae’s bags and the Hang-It-All complement one another perfectly.
The Hang-It-All was designed in 1953 by mid-century modern greats Charles and Ray Eames. A husband and wife team, they worked together for years designing iconic furniture that now costs a small fortune when purchased at vintage shops or online.
Today, Herman Miller is licensed to produce authentic Eames items.
I wanted to channel the Eames’ creative and collaborative energy and bought the Hang-It-All after realizing I couldn’t make their famous Lounge Chair fit my small space.
One of the many reasons I buy Made in USA items, including those handcrafted by artisans like Crystalyn Kae, is because doing so makes me feel connected to the person who made them. I feel like I’m part of an extended family.
Plus, she and I share several similar experiences: She helped her grandfather restore muscle cars; I dropped the engine on my 1969 VW Beetle and replaced the heads (by reading a book).
Sporting the knit shirt I made ca. 1983
She restores vintage sewing machines; I used to make my clothes on a vintage 1950s Singer.
She’s a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs; I inspire people to read labels before buying something — and to begin making small steps in buying Made in USA.
I wasn’t able to interview Crystalyn Kae Brennan due to scheduling conflicts, but after reading just about everything on her website and marveling at her creativity and ingenuity, I’m now even more proud to carry her bags.
I love when someone asks a question or runs their hand over one. It gives me the opportunity to tell her story — and show off the Made in USA label sewn inside.
I’m not paid nor asked to write about products or the companies that make them. All links in this piece are FREE — meaning, they’re not sponsored or paid for.
My mission is to keep manufacturing jobs stateside and this blog is my way of giving back. We like to think a “small” choice, such as purchasing something made in the US by small business people, won’t make a difference. It does.
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Final note: When I purchased my Hang-It-All, I did confirm it was made in the US. (I remember marveling that even the anchor bolts were made here.) However, the company, which used to make its products in the US, became part of the MillerKnoll Collective in 2021 and now produces items in factories located in Michigan, the UK, and China.
I cannot confirm the Eames Hang-It-All currently available on the Herman Miller site is still made here as country of manufacture isn’t listed on the product specs. However, other companies sell the product, including Lumens, which states it’s made in the USA. I’m guessing they’re relying on older specs and haven’t updated their website.
I have reached out to Herman Miller to confirm country of manufacture.
