| Toni Halvatzis likes to get carried away when it comes to handbags.
And that's just what she wants customers to do while browsing around her handbag and gift shop, Carried Away, in the Cape Harbour Marina Boutiques, 5718 Cape Harbour Drive.
"I've always had a passion for handbags and done many handbag parties," Halvatzis said. "And people really, really, like the bags I used to carry."
Prior to opening the store on Dec. 2, Halvatzis worked as a buyer for tennis apparel and equipment. A friend told her that she should look into opening her own store selling purses in Cape Harbour.
"And since I opened in December, I've turned my inventory over four times," Halvatzis said.
Halvatzis hand-picks her stock by going to handbag shows and by using a lot of different vendors.
The around-250-square-foot shop includes mostly handbags and jewelry. All of the handbags are one of a kind, and no two are exactly alike. The store has around 500 purses for sale.
"I look for the unique and different and the stuff you don't see anywhere else," Halvatzis said.
The oldest and most unusual purse in the store is made of metal mesh and was carried in 1936 by Halvatzis' mother, but is not for sale.
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"I buy only one of each, that way my customers know that no one else will be walking around with that particular handbag," Halvatzis said.
Some of the handbags include brands like The Sak and Italy. The handbags come in a variety of sizes and styles for an occasion and are affordable for those of all ages. The purses can be made from leather, cloth, beads, mesh, polished shell, taffeta, silk and more and range in price from $20 to around $300.
The store also sells one-of-a-kind jewelry by local artists made from polished stones and glass beads.
Other unique items include Ipod beach bags and coolers made by Lifepod. The items come with speakers and a plug in to listen to music without headphones. "We even have a pinstripe cooler for men," Halvatzis said. "And I'm the only person that sells these in the area."
Gift certificates are also available.
The store is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
For more details, cal 549-2247 (BAGS) or e-mail atoni55@aol.com.
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