CLUTCH, $110, BY NELLE HANDBAGS
Who: Laura Nelli of Minneapolis.
Back story: Nelli has been making and selling handbags for five years. She did a capsule collection for Juut that includes clutches and headbands with flower buds.
Claim to fame: Jill Biden carried a navy Perfectly Petersham clutch to the November state dinner for India's prime minister.
Buy it: Juut locations (visit www.juut.com). Additional products available at www.nelle handbags.com.
Petal handbag, $170, Spike-Studded bracelets, $30 each, and Study bug wallet, $95, by Christopher STraub
Who: Christopher Straub of Shakopee.
Back story: A self-taught designer who has been working locally for years, Straub made his name nationally known by making it to the top five on "Project Runway." In 2010, he'll be adding women's and men's ready-to-wear and launching a major project.
Buy it: Online at www.christopherstraub.com and selections at Shoppe Local (813 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-827-3071).
Bow tie, $59, and Two-tone tie, $79, by pierrepont hicks
Who: Kat and Mac McMillan of Minneapolis.
Back story: Kat worked at Ralph Lauren in New York and had the idea for the company for a while. The ties and bow ties are manufactured in New York; this is their first collection.