The Bag Blog

A Note from Sally Tolentino

Many people have asked me if I design the bags and then have someone make them. Actually, I hand make each and every bag myself. I first find a fabric that calls my attention, then come up with a design that I feel enhances the fabric. Once I sketch the design, I make a paper pattern and begin to sew. Many times I actually complete the design as I am sewing, making changes as I go! The finishing touch is when I sew in the  beautiful label, (thanks to Lisa Rosenburg and Clothing Labels4U!). So be assured that each Fiori purse is truly one-of-a-kind and handcrafted from start to finish!


I Had This Idea of a Dream Purse in My Head

My purse....the nicest thing I have ever done for myself! A truly personal and unique creation. I had this idea of a dream purse in my head and Sally's technical, design and creative talents made it come true. From this process, I now have a new purse and a new friend.

Rhonda Petitt
North Carolina

 

I Will Definitely Point People in Your Direction

Angel loves her new purse that we bought from you at the Charlotte Farmer's Market on Saturday.  Knew you would like to know! I like your website a lot. It has a very classy look. I will definitely point people in your direction.

Kay
North Carolina

 

I Absolutely LOVE the Fabric and Design

I just received the most wonderful glasses/change purse as a gift from a friend and she told me all about your business. I absolutely LOVE the fabric and design! Thanks so much!

Diana
New York

 

I Can't Get Enough of Her Gorgeous Creations

I bought a travel bag right after Via dei Fiori first started and still am adding to the collection.  I can't get enough of her gorgeous creations!

Jane Simmons
Tennessee

 

After Years of Searching for the Perfect Handbag...I Found It

Via dei Fiori may be hard to spell, but it has shaken me out of my daily smashed schedule to a place of organized beauty.  Not a shopper, I had looked and looked for sophistication and functionality hi and low …-end! Needing a business travel system for carrying computers and a grab and go clutch, I now carry one bag, which includes 3 usable matching purses that are light, strong, stylish, and animal friendly – and holds 2 computers and has been on the road continuously for 2 months. Needless to say, I have kept coming back for ideal gifts for mother and niece, and what raves!

But I can’t stop touching my new everyday bag, and have given away all the old ones. The peek-a-boo lining mirrors just enough of my inner beauty to the world, and finally -- after years of looking for that perfect handbag – keys, security badges, cell phone, grocery cards, make-up, sun glasses, and cash & cards are all easily accessible in a perfectly sized, light, gorgeous purse – and don’t get me started on the revolutionary usefulness of the matching mini-pocket-book! Western culture Nirvana!

Susan Hecker
North Carolina

 

I've Gotten So Many Compliments

I bought a 'Back Buddy' purse which I carry everywhere. I've gotten so many
compliments on my bag. When I show people the purse up close: the skilled handiwork, the beautiful lining, the handy pockets, I wish Sally were with me to hear the oohs and ahhhs! I give out Sally's business card when people ask me about my purse. I've given so many, I had to get a new supply of cards this week!

Lori Norman
South Carolina

 

Thanks for Following Your Destiny

When I was in BacInTyme, I purchased your latest change purse that
says 'Trust, Believe, Have Faith, Succeed' I'm giving it to my daughter when
she come to visit me from California next week. Thanks for following your
destiny with your lovely purses!

Sharon Leaf
South Carolina

 

It Is Exactly How I Imagined You Would Make It

Sally, my purse just arrived and I love it! Everyone in the office is
admiring it and it is exactly how I imagined you would make it. I can't wait
until break so I can switch things from my old purse. Thank you so much for custom making it for me. It is truly beautiful and the leather is so soft!

Kelly Wallace
Virginia

 

I Fell in Love with It As Soon As I Saw It

I love my Via dei Fiori purse! I have the "Dancing Dots" pocketbook. I
fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. The colors perfectly match my
personality and Florida lifestyle and the craftsmanship is exquisite right
down to the finest detail. Thank you for your beautiful collection!

Cindy Byers
Florida

 

Beautiful and Exquisitely Crafted

My daughter and son-in-law gave me the "Bronze Beauty" for Christmas. I
couldn't believe how beautiful and exquisitely crafted it was! I switched
over everything from my old purse the very same day!

Jackie Dixon
Georgia

 

A Great Combination of Style and Originality

I recently purchased "Fall Fancy" from Via dei Fiori and I have been absolutely thrilled each time I use it. I usually get at least one comment when I am out shopping - people want to know where I got my purse! My bag is not only very well-made, it is a great combination of style and originality. I could not be more pleased!

Jessica Hopper
Indiana

I Love My Purse!

I started carrying it the next day and have received compliments on it! It is my "comfort bag" because the texture of the fabric is like a warm, cozy quilt. I also like how it is so lightweight that even though I have lots of stuff in it, it is not heavy to carry. I feel like I have a "one of a kind" bag made just for me! But to me, what is more exciting is to hear how God, the Master designer, puts the designs in your mind and you bring them to life! It makes my bag even more special to me because I know that my Father God had a big part in its creation! I pray that He will continue to bless you and inspire you and I look forward to seeing more wonderful and unique designs.

Linda Hohing
North Carolina


As Gorgeous As It Is Functional

I have been traveling and collecting exotic fabric and building bags for over five years, so I know a great purse when I see one. When I stopped in South Carolina last month and saw your collection, Sally, I was stunned by beauty and craftsmanship. Each purse is a mouth-watering work of art as gorgeous as it is functional. You’ve set the bar as high as it can be set. When I want one of your purses more than I want one of mine, this is an accolade of the highest order. Congratulations!

Bev Browning
Gainesville, Florida


I Just Love It

I love my Via dei Fiori purse because it is so light to carry and easy to find what I need. The cell phone pocket is great. I can reach my phone as soon as it rings!

Judy Mann
Florida


Truly a Piece of Art

Compliments abound when I carry this gorgeous handbag; therefore, I tend to carry it daily -- even if it doesn't match my outfit!  The hobo design makes this bag incredibly easy to wear; it's truly a custom fit. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are, by far, simply astonishing. Sally's creative touches, such as the front pockets adorned with vintage bone buttons, suede pull, and reverse pattern on the strap, are testaments to her distinctive flair for classic style and one-of-a-kind design. This handbag is truly a piece of art!

Erin Elizabeth Scapes
North Carolina


One-of-a-Kind Creations At An Affordable Price

Having collected several Via dei Fiori bags, I’m spoiled by the quality, variety and originality of these designs.  Now, rather than carrying handbags that compliment outfits, I can choose fashions to showcase a favorite Fiori!  It’s rare, too, to find one-of-a-kind creations at such an affordable price.  I appreciate knowing that each Fiori bag is conceived and handcrafted right here in America by an inspired artisan.  Sally Tolentino’s work never disappoints and is always stunning.

Elizabeth Donahue
North Carolina


A Unique and Thoughtful Bag

What a wonderful gift! When my friend gave my puppy Cybil a personalized tote complete with paw prints and great zipper charm, I was floored. I have never seen anything so nice in the pet stores, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. She already uses it on almost a daily basis for quick trips to the park, overnights at "grandma's," and storage around the house. It's so cute that I keep it hanging on the bedroom doorknob. Your work is high quality, but I especially appreciate the fact that there are no two bags alike. I mean, there's not another Cybil, right? Thanks for the unique and thoughtful bag! Cybil and I are thrilled!

Amanda and Cybil Martin
North Carolina


Beautiful Handbags

I am quite the purse person so I have experience with beautiful handbags. I am very taken with the quality Sally Tolentino puts into her unique and beautiful handbags. I find myself creating my wardrobe around the two bags I have, so I get to carry them often. I look forward to seeing all of her new creations. Thank you Sally, for designing such one-of-a-kind purses.

Vicki Lane
North Carolina