The Miche bag is one of those ideas that makes you slap yourself up the side of the head and say "Why didn't I think of that?"

The concept is simple, yet solves so many of life's little purse-related problems — for instance, being too lazy to change handbags even though you know perfectly well that you should not be carrying that black leather bag with your floral sundress.

The Miche (pronounced me-chee) bag is a simple, classic shell (in black or brown) with magnets on the sides to which a decorative outside shell can be attached. In a matter of seconds, you can change the look of your bag from snakeskin print to red patent, from floral embroidery to satin evening bag.

Miche bags are ideal for travel, as the shells pack flat.

The Utah-based company is represented locally by former first lady and United Laundry owner Vicky Cayetano, her sister, entertainer/pianist Ginny Tiu, and comptroller Terri Otani.

All three are extremely busy women who were not looking for another career. But Cayetano said she had seen the Miche bags and thought they were fabulous, but was unable to find them locally. When she contacted the company, she learned there were no distributors in Hawai'i, so she put together the hui to get Miche into the Island market.

Miche is sold in the same way Avon is sold, through local representatives. An event is planned for those interested in becoming a representative, 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Waialae Country Club. No RSVP required.

Miche base bags sell for $30 and the shells for $20. An optional chain handle is available for $13. The company offers two new designs every month, as well as seasonal looks such as stars and stripes for July 4th.

As an added benefit on O'ahu, Stanley Ito Florist will put together Fashionista Baskets with Miche bags — an alternative to a floral arrangement or fruit basket.

Get more information at www.michebagofhawaii.com.

TURN YOUR ART INTO A TEXTILE

If you've ever wanted to see your art on someone's back, here's an opportunity to learn how to design a textile print using paper, pencil and paint.

Emma Howard, a Kailua-based textile designer, will teach a small group a step-by-step approach, from drawing to finished art, 5 to 8 p.m. June 19 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 20 and 21 at a Chinatown studio. Participants will walk away with color chips on a presentation board that can be printed industrially overseas.

Howard has designed textiles for Kahala, TheBus, Dole Plantation and Reyn Spooner, to name just a few.

Students will also hear Dale Hope, author of "The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands" speak about Hawai'i's apparel industry.

Cost: $250. To register, contact Emma Howard at 692-6727 or emmahowardstudio@yahoo.com.

SUNDAYS AT WARD CENTRE

In many countries in Africa, Sundays are all about strolling through the village to show off one's finery. Ward Centre is on board with this concept.

Each Sunday through the end of July, Ward Centre merchants will offer special events and special offers.

The Gallery at Ward Centre will have an artist on hand, painting and talking about the process, from 10 a..m. to 1 p.m.

ON OUR RADAR

SWIPE THAT MAKEUP BRUSH CLEAN

We all know we should clean our makeup brushes at least once a week, but do we actually do it? Well. …
We found a product that makes it so quick and easy, there’s no excuse. Japonesque Pro Brush Cleaner Wipes come in convenient little packets to tuck into a handbag or carryon. With a swipe or two across the environmentally safe cleanser, brushes are gently cleansed, conditioned and disinfected. It dissolves all types of makeup products, including powder, liquids, wax-based and adhesive. Brushes smell yummy and feel silky.
Professional makeup artist Liz Dahl introduced us to them. She never goes onto TV or movie sets without them.
The wipes come 12 to a packet and sell for $20. We found them at Etch Salon, 1020 Keçeaumoku St.