Absolute Living

Absolute Living

NOVEMBER 2020

BECAUSE LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL CHARLES MAYER & CO. CLAUDIA RYAN

CLUTCH ONTO YOUR INNER GODDESS

HOLIDAY DINING GUIDE

HOW TO PUT MORE *HAPPY* IN YOUR HOLIDAYS

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CONTENTS November/2020

Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel

Claudia Ryan of Charles Mayer & Co.

12

HOW TO PUT MORE *HAPPY* IN YOUR HOLIDAYS

18

BECAUSE LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL CHARLES MAYER & CO. CLAUDIA RYAN

27

HOLIDAY DINING GUIDE

40

CLUTCH ONTO YOUR INNER GODDESS

Volume 14. Issue 10. (#155

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Absolute Living

Publisher / Editor JUSTYNA PEÑA

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Assistant Editor MATTHEW HUME

Writer SUSAN SALAZ

Photography GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER EDUARDO PEÑA

Art NICK PEÑA

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Absolute Living Magazine is published monthly by Pena Group, Inc. Copyright by Pena Group, Inc. Absolute Living Magazine is a registered trademark of Pena Group, Inc.

By Susan Salaz

HOW TO PUT MORE *HAPPY* IN YOUR HOLIDAYS Jessica Gershman shares the importance of self-love The holidays are a beautiful time, but we all know they can be stressful, especially now, as we try to navigate our usual traditions during this unusual year. As a busy mom of four, I get the stress. As a student, practitioner and facilitator of self-care, I know how important it is to take care of you. In order to make this the best holiday season yet, you need to give yourself a little love first.

I have created an entire on-demand platform where you can do just that.

Need to carve out a few minutes of “me” time? Interested in connecting to other moms and experts in monthly live classes and workshops? We do that! I have a database full of rejuvenating meditations, breath techniques, and yoga flows. Can’t figure out a holiday menu? I have hundreds of recipes at your fingertips, complete with wine pairings, video tutorials and fool-proof timing methods, because I believe that knowing how to do something builds confidence and can make any task more enjoyable.

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ere are five quick tips to help you out this holiday season. There will always be overwhelming moments, but you don't have to dwell in them. Join me at jessicanicole.love for full meditations, yoga flows, meal plans and more to make all your seasons merry and bright. #1 Be kind to yourself. I use this mantra on a daily basis, “I do enough. I have enough. I am enough.” Say these words to yourself throughout the day, out loud or in your heart, and be amazed at how they make you feel, especially this time of year when it’s easy to feel outdone. #2 Restore your balance with breath. My go-to for inner calm is a 2-to1 breathing technique.

Inhale through the nose for three seconds, then exhale through the lips for six seconds. Repeat several times. #3 When you feel stretched…Stretch! Yoga is magic and has been proven to reduce stress and increase happiness. Legs up the wall is an effective pose for pretty much everything. Lie on your back and set your legs vertically against the wall. Bring your hips closer to the wall as you let your hip flexors relax. Bring your hands to your hips and practice expanding your breath into your back and side ribs. Relax your shoulders and breathe through your nose for 2 minutes. #4 Dish up some holiday cheer. I have created an entire gluten-and-dairy-free Thanksgiving menu available to members, and this stunning Curried Butternut Squash Soup starts the show.

It’s soothing and versatile, and it is great for a crowd (or packs easily in a thermos for a winter picnic, because, yes—winter picnics are a thing this year). #5 Drink. Water of course! Staying hydrated is so important, especially in the winter when the air tends to be dry. Aim for eight to ten glasses each day. It is a festive time, though, and the Rosemary Maple Bourbon Smash is one of our favorite seasonal cocktails that adds a little extra *happy* to any hour, and pairs well with the soup. Try it with local bourbon from Hotel Tango Bourbon or Hard Truth distilleries.

The days may seem to go slow, but the years really do go by fast, my friends. I know many of us are ready to wave goodbye to this crazy year and welcome 2021 with wide, open arms, but be sure to cherish every minute, and make time to cherish yourself. For more thoughts on self-love, give my podcast Mom, Slow Down! a listen.

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RECIPES: Curried Butternut Squash Soup Serves 8-10

Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon avocado oil • 2 medium shallots, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 6 cups peeled and chopped butternut squash (about 1 small butternut squash) • Kosher salt and black pepper • 1 ½ tablespoon curry powder • ½ teaspoon cinnamon • 1 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk • 2 cups vegetable broth • 2-3 tablespoon maple syrup (you can sub coconut sugar) • 1-2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional) Optional garnish: • ½ cup toasted pepitas • Chopped chives • Full fat coconut milk Instructions: • Heat a large pot over medium heat.

• Once hot, add oil, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Add butternut squash and season with salt, pepper, curry powder and ground

cinnamon. Stir to coat. Then cover and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, maple syrup, and chili garlic paste.

• Bring to a low boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until butternut squash is fork tender.

• Purée on high until creamy using an immersion or tabletop blender. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Return to pot and continue to cook over medium heat for a few more minutes.

• Garnish if desired and enjoy!

• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Rosemary Maple Bourbon Smash Makes 2 drinks

Ingredients: • 3 shots bourbon • 1 ½ shots fresh squeezed lemon juice • ¾ shot dark amber maple syrup • 1 large sprig of rosemary (plus 2 small sprigs for garnish)

Directions: • Crush the large sprig of rosemary in your

hand and add it to shaker.

• Add the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup and ice to above the level of the liquid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

• Strain the mixture into rocks glasses containing large cubes of ice and garnish with remaining rosemary sprigs

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BECAUSE LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

Charles Mayer & Co. | Claudia Ryan

By Susan Salaz | Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | Artwork By Eduardo Peña

Claudia Ryan, owner of the storied Charles Mayer & Co. on the cozy corner of 56th and Illinois, dishes about the history of her family business, the spectacular collections she curates and the relationships behind them, and why this year’s holiday season is more special than ever.

C

harles Mayer & Co. operates under the mantra: Beautiful Things for a Beautiful Life. At first glance, the beauty in the store is unsurpassed, but Claudia insists there is much more here than meets the eye. While her store is overflowing with gorgeous, intricately detailed treasures, the connections developed from these are what Claudia values. “What’s important to me are the extraordinary relationships— between us and our clients as well as our suppliers and artisans who create the merchandise. We create visual excitement to entice our customers as we display their diverse collections and tell their individual stories. This results in an appreciation and desire for the European inspired home furnishings, accessories and distinctive gifts, that ultimately add elegance and style to our customer’s lives.”

Claudia Ryan surrounds herself with exquisite merchandise, a committed staff, and her two adorable pups, Charlie and Bella, who will cheerfully greet you when you visit Charles Mayer & Co. this holiday season.

Claudia’s store is a revival of the once iconic Charles Mayer & Company, a five-story fixture in downtown Indianapolis for more than a century, founded by the maternal great-greatgrandfather of her husband, Tim. "The store carried a wide range of merchandise, from hobby horses to diamond tiaras,” says Claudia, with a twinkle in her eye, and notes that they were widely known for their beautiful jewelry. “Every piece was handpicked for its exceptional craftsmanship and uncommon appeal.

Each floor was a study in organized clutter—each corner held the promise of undiscovered treasures. Charles Mayer and his partner, Albert Zoeller, traveled Europe courting vendors and bringing the riches home for the benefit of their customers and family, and it was not unusual to receive a call from Charlie Mayer saying that he had found a silver platter or other spectacular item that might be the perfect gift for an upcoming anniversary."

In an age when you can order anything with the touch of a button and it will arrive on your doorstep that very day, it’s sometimes difficult to even consider the importance of modern-day gift giving. That’s where Claudia comes in. (promotional content)

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Just like Mayer and Zoeller, she has a passion for the art of giving and finding new and beautiful treasures for her customers. She wants to weave those lovely ideas from our heritage, like writing a letter on beautiful stationery or registering for crystal, silver and china before your wedding day, and make them new again. She does this by encouraging her customers to mix new and old in order to create a more modern aesthetic and to demonstrate the value of these items we often take for granted in today’s hurried world.

Inspired by her youth traveling the world as the daughter of a Navy Admiral, and guided by her background as Vice President of Fashion Merchandising for L.S. Ayres & Co., Claudia takes the expression of her store to another level, enticing all the senses. Designed to emulate a home in which to welcome her customers, it is perfect for hosting a wide variety of benefits and personal appearances. Ryan originally arranged her lifestyle store as a: living room, dining room, kitchen, boudoir, conservatory and a library. Today the store melds styles, colors and textures throughout, mixing the antique and en vogue, blending burlap with crystal, linking textiles and home fashions with silver, gold and jewels. “It’s all high-low, dress it up or dress it down, and relevant to your own unique style,” she says.

It’s easy to get lost in the splendor and browse for hours, working your way from one beautiful section of exclusive collections to the next, as in Meissen China, which was also carried at the original store. You might find yourself under the Tuile de Crystal Chandelier in the Baccarat room— hung by the president of Baccarat himself. You may catch yourself in the Jewelry Bar, mingling with the limitless possibilities of Clara Williams interchangeable, one-of-a-kind necklaces or the bespoke pieces by Monica Rich Kosann. You may find yourself swooning over the gorgeous, hand-painted tabletop and casual dining items from David and Capucine Gooding in the Juliska Signature Room.

You could even hide out in the Bébé Boutique, delighting over all things dainty—and the highly sought collectible Charlie Bears, of course. Or you may fall in love with her newest acquisition, beautifully fragrant Carrière Frères candles from France.

No matter where in the store you are, each item has been hand selected with love and care, and there is probably a story about it that any of the staff would love to tell you about. There is likely a treasured friendship behind it, too, between Claudia and the vendors/craftsmen. For example, Claudia forged such a friendship with William Yeoward, the brilliant modern crystal designer, who named a Georgian decanter for her, which he described as “balanced, classic,

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Charles Mayer & Company emulates an old-world charm inspired by Claudia Ryan’s upbringing and world travels.

It features many exclusive collections of extraordinary tableware, European home furnishings, beautiful jewelry, decorative accessories and distinctive gifts. Charles Mayer specializes in the “best of the best” in European crystal, silver and china and offers a premier wedding registry.

stylish and elegant.” Claudia carries his handcrafted etched Crystal Collection, as well as his Country Studio and retro-inspired American Bar Collection. Call ahead if you want the Claudia decanter though—it is one of the store’s most popular items.

Claudia explains that while the original Charles Mayer & Co. sold expensive European gifts, it enjoyed the reputation of being a fine store that offered unique merchandise at all prices. The original store focused especially on the quality, design and meaningful value of each item, whether it be a corporate gift; a wedding, birthday, baby or hostess gift; or a splurge for oneself.

This approach survived world wars and the Great Depression, along with numerous fads and trends over the century it was in business. The current store, which has been in operation since 1992, is now surviving a pandemic thanks to those same values, along with a true following of loyal customers who kept her busy with curbside pickup and online orders even when the brick-and-mortar operation had to close its doors for several months.

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Claudia is grateful for the opportunities and relationships Indianapolis has provided her, especially her incredible team whom she calls invaluable.

“Indianapolis is a wonderful place and I love it here. There is so much culture, so many interesting people and beautiful places. There is a world of good here, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity with Ayres, and now in reviving the legendary family business. I am honored to carry on those important traditions.”

She says there will never be a store like the original Charles Mayer & Co., but “the fundamental retail equation that made the store successful has not changed: know your customer, sell quality merchandise, and make shopping a pleasure.”

As the weather gets brisker, the store gets more and more festive with seasonal décor, and the exciting introduction of Déjà Vu, featuring designer handbags, Hermès scarves, and estate jewelry in a collaboration with Gary Thrapp of G. Thrapp Jewelers. This year, Claudia has had to get even more creative to allow shoppers the time and space they need, with masks on, to shop safely, and has come up with some fun options for this special time. “Christmas isn’t cancelled!” she laughs. From jewelry trunk shows, ornament signing, and new Museum Bees arriving, to personal shopping parties (before and after hours) complete with a champagne toast, Claudia is here to help find those perfect, meaningful gifts, and at Charles Mayer & Co. they come customwrapped and tied with a bow.

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HOLIDAY

DINING GUIDE GOURMET TO GO

By Susan Salaz | Photography By Jes Nijjer | Artwork By Eduardo PeĂąa Many special moments happen around the dinner table, especially during the holiday season. This is a time to be together and count our blessings. Whether you are sharing a small meal with your immediate family, or are finding a way to safely celebrate with a larger crowd, we want you to cherish every minute you spend with your loved ones this year. Many of you have been doing it all for the past few months, why not let someone else take care of the cooking for a change?

We caught up with some of our favorite local restaurateurs who have been hard at work planning and prepping so you don’t have to. We asked them about their favorite holiday traditions and what they are grateful for. The one answer they all had in common was their gratitude for the community and their loyal customers who have supported them through such a challenging year.

Thanksgiving might look a little different, but consider it an opportunity to create new, meaningful traditions with your friends and family. Read on to discover creative carry out and catering options, where you can still have a cozy meal outside, and private party options so that you can host a safe gathering.

(promotional content)

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GRINDSTONE ON THE MONON BLAKE FOGELSONG

(317) 763-1100 17470 Wheeler Road, Westfield

T

he Fogelsongs are a restaurant family through and through. Carl Fogelsong was an industry legend and founded the first double-drive-through in the Midwest.

Today his family, including grandson Blake Fogelsong, stays rooted in the original traditions and values at the newest Clancy’s venture in Westfield—Grindstone on the Monon.

“Our family loves getting together on Christmas to eat Prime Rib and watch classic holiday movies,” says Blake, adding how special it is to play a role in other family gatherings at the restaurant too. “We cherish these moments in the restaurant, and we want to make it easy "We love the for our guests to come in and enjoy themselves this holiday house-smoked season, or take food home brisket and if they are more comfortable with that.”

white cheddar macaroni and cheese."

Grindstone on the Monon offers custom catering options or easy to-go family packs featuring some of their favorite entrées, salads and side dishes. These are completely customizable and perfect for groups of 4-6. We love the house smoked brisket and white cheddar macaroni and cheese. You can conveniently order online and choose your pickup date, and the meals are simple to reheat.

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You can also reserve one of the restaurant’s private dining spaces, including the inviting outdoor patio kept warm with extra heaters and an oversized fire pit for a safe, outside gathering option this year. The delicious food, unique contemporary-rustic atmosphere and outstanding service make Grindstone on the Monon a great place to host all of your holiday events without breaking the bank, or doing any dishes.

“We are in this business to take care of people,” says Blake. He is looking forward to helping families enjoy the holiday season, and is excited to have his doors open and see his staff and customers smiling after such a tough year.

Open daily at 11am for lunch and dinner grindstoneonthemonon.com

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JUNIPER ON MAIN KEN, ELAINE KELTNER AND DIANE CANNON

(317) 591-9254 110 E. Main Street, Carmel

J

uniper on Main sits in the heart of the Carmel Arts & Design District, and will be all decked out for the holidays.

“This year we will have the inside twinkling and festive, and outside under the Pergola and Porch we will offer dining in a warm and cozy winter wonderland for added safety and winter fun,” says co-owner Diane Cannon, noting they have brought in extra heaters and fire pits under the Pergola for an al fresco ski resort feel, and wrapped the front porch area for additional warmth outside.

Inside the historic cottage bungalow, they have gone the "Extra heaters extra mile, installing multiple and fire pits medical grade air purifying systems to keep guests under the and staff safe and confident Pergola bring through the winter months.

The beautiful, bright winter a wintry fun, environment with quaint holiday touches make for al fresco ski wonderful family gatherings resort feel." and memories, and is now accepting special occasion and family group reservations for the holiday season. “We are offering a no rental fee time slot indoors, for semi-private dining, from the hours of 2:30 to 4:30 with a minimum of 20 guests with a special entree choice. Our outside Pergola and Porch area is also available for special events. Book your party soon!” says Cannon.

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Juniper on Main is available to cater your holiday gathering with a "dash of Southern charm in the heart of the Midwest." Try the famous Shrimp & Grits Bar with house CocaCola BBQ Sauce, the Sweet Tea Brined Grilled Chicken with holiday specialty sides, or Mae Mae's Meatloaf with Cornbread, Smokey Collard Greens and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

These meals will sure be the talk of the party.

Open Monday-Saturday at 11am for lunch and dinner juniperonmain.com

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VERDE FLAVORS OF MEXICO 1111 Main Street, Carmel (317) 853-8208 11680 Commercial Drive, Fishers (317) 578-7511 2727 E 86th Street, Indianapolis (317) 280-7410

PAUL ARÉCHIGA

V

ERDE owner Paul Aréchiga, says his family’s favorite time of year is undoubtedly the holiday season. “In our industry, this is a season full of harmony and family time.

We experience a lot of this when people gather with their loved ones at our restaurants. It is a very contagious feeling that we definitely bring home too. We love it.” He enjoys special meals with his family on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and in past years has celebrated at work with a large party, gathering the teams from all the VERDE locations, along with their families.

This year has been different "Catering for everyone, and Paul understands that everyone packages has different comfort levels.

He also understands that are a perfect food is the focal point at option for those any family gathering, and wants to help families be who want to able to celebrate in any way he can. While all VERDE take extra locations are open and precautions this following current guidelines, the catering packages are a holiday season." great option for those taking extra precautions this winter.

They offer a Fiesta Taco Bar, a Grilled Fajita Bar, and more to please any size group. The catering menu is designed to travel well and is available for pick up or delivery.

“Once you figure out a menu for your party or special

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occasion, everything else simply follows,” says Paul.

They keep that in mind at VERDE, always trying to meet the needs of their customers by offering alternatives to standard services, especially this year. “We are happy to individually package each meal if you prefer, or we can cook items from the menu by the tray.”

Paul says this year has made his family realize how important their community is. “Our customers have been very supportive, and it is such a great feeling to receive such warmth from those who choose our establishment.”

Open daily at 11am for lunch and dinner verdeflavorsofmexico.com

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SUGAR CREEK VINEYARD AND WINERY (317) 688-7222

DAVID PHILLIPS

1111 W. Main Street, Carmel

“

Sugar Creek Vineyard and Winery has something for everyone, from new wine drinkers to seasoned enthusiasts,” says David Phillips, owner of the vertically integrated vineyard and winery tasting room in Carmel. Sugar Creek offers guided tastings of any of the wines on the menu, red, white, sweet or dry. Many are made from the Estate Grapes grown at the Sugar Creek Vineyard in Montgomery County, Indiana, as well as many more distinctive, artisan wines using grapes sourced from California, New York, Oregon and South America. All the wines are named for rivers, creeks, streams or rapids "This holiday that the winemaker matched with the wine’s characteristics season, come celebrating many of the great whitewater runs. for new wine

releases, wine club Sugar Creek has a lot to offer this holiday season, including memberships, trivia several new wine releases, wine club memberships, trivia nights, and live nights, and live entertainment by local musicians every Friday entertainment on and Saturday nights. They the weekends." have several spaces available to rent for your holiday celebrations as well. Whether it’s just a few friends getting together or the entire extended family, Phillips says renting a space at the Sugar Creek tasting room is easy and convenient, especially this year when many are reconsidering gathering inside homes. They have room for sit down dinners, festive cocktail parties, corporate events,

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girls night out, or a cozy winter picnic around the fire pit on the private patio (complete with extra heaters). You can bring your own food or have the event catered—there are no food restrictions, but there will be plenty of good wine!

Wine makes a great holiday gift, especially when it's local. Stop in the tasting room soon, all decked out for the fun! And be sure to bring an ornament and help decorate the tasting room tree to receive a free glass of wine.

Open Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, TuesdayFriday at 5pm sugarcreekwinery.com

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ARNI’S RIVER RIDGE (317) 571-0077

KURT COHEN

4705 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis

K

urt Cohen, son of the original Arni, loves that Arni’s restaurants have become community institutions. They have served many families across generations, and despite not being able to offer some of their usual holiday festivities like Breakfast with Santa this year, Kurt is happy to keep Arni’s moving forward doing what they do best— serving delicious food with dependable service in a friendly atmosphere. “I am incredibly grateful for the outpouring of local support at our restaurants,” he says, noting their loyal following.

Kurt is also thankful for the health of his family this year, and wants all of Arni’s supporters to stay safe and healthy this holiday season. While dining options are open under current guidelines, Arni’s is happy to offer their full menu, which includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta and, of course, their famous pizza for carry-out and delivery.

You can even order online for added convenience.

"Make it a virtual pizza party with the relatives you can't visit by shipping Arni's to family and friends around the country!"

If you need to feed a crowd, let Arni’s bring the party to you.

With a range of catering options beyond their famous pizza and salads, designed to fit whatever party you have in mind, from corporate events to family gatherings, Arni’s is ready to

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lend a hand so that you can enjoy the festivities without all the work.

If you are looking for a unique holiday gift, consider shipping Arni’s pizza to family and friends across the country. The pizzas are shipped quickly to satisfy those craving no matter where you are. Make a virtual pizza party a new tradition this year with relatives you can’t visit, and feel a little more connected knowing you are all sharing the same Arni’s slice. Kurt’s favorite is Italian sausage with pepperoni, onion and extra cheese.

Open daily at 11am for lunch and dinner meetyouatarnis.com

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By Matthew Hume

CLUTCH ONTO YOUR INNER GODDESS ANNIE DIAMANTIDIS AND ANNIE HANDBAGS

S

he may have been born in Chicago, but deep in the soul of Annie Diamantidis, there inhabits a certain mythical divinity—or two. In the exotic and leather handbags and related accoutrement that she fashions through Annie Handbags, Annie aspires to bring out the “inner goddess” in every woman on earth. Greece is her family’s ancestral home, after all, so it seems only fitting to pay homage to the likes of Athena, Echo, Demeter and Artemis in her creations. “We moved to Greece when I was 5,” Annie tells me, “and I remember watching my grandmother making clothes by hand. There, you make what you need.” To this day, Annie returns every few years to that Greek island of her youth, inspired again and again by the way of life, by the "Through her lines colors in the water of exotic and leather and the mountains, and the lines of handbags, Annie Mediterranean architecture.

Diamantidis brings a

creative, goddess-like And so, when Annie began Annie energy to each and Handbags more than a decade ago, every one of her fans." she incorporated figures of Greek mythology—the most powerful and influential women in the stories of this ancient culture—into her handbag line. “Each one of those is named after a Greek goddess, and I want to bring out that kind of energy in today’s women,” she says. “When I carry my Nyx clutch, named after the goddess of the night, that means it’s time for me to go out and enjoy

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Find Annie Handbags at Purse Strings at the Fashion Mall! life—but when I carry my Athena clutch, it’s time to be serious and get to work. They’re like mood rings to me.” To say that this playful approach to haute couture has gone over well with Annie’s fans would be a severe understatement. You can find Annie Handbags in luxury boutiques and hotels nationwide, and her bags have appeared on the arms and in the hands of celebrities at such events as the Golden Globes, Cannes Film Festival, the VMAs, the Latin Music Awards and more.

Annie’s creations have recently found their way to the north side of Indianapolis, and she couldn’t be happier. “I reached out to Paul at Purse Strings over the summer,” Annie says. “He wanted to meet via Zoom right away, but I just drove on down from Chicago—and Paul placed an order right then and there! We hit if off instantly.”

With the mythic vision that she brings to each of her artful creations, Annie Diamantidis feeds some of that creative, inner spirit to each and every one of her fans. Head to Purse Strings at the Fashion Mall to find your muse—and tell them Hera sent you.

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