While I think of Mix as the go-to gift shop for all things modern, they have a keen eye for accessories, too, and they like to keep it local. I was excited to find these colorful carry-alls called Carson. The story is even better: while designer Patricia Smith’s son (Carson) was deployed in Afghanistan, she decided to channel her anxiety into something constructive and The Carson bag was born.

Designed in Haddam and fabricated by an expert craftsman in Fall River, MA, each bag is individually made with saddle leather and solid brass hardware. Available in a slew of brights, neutrals and animal prints, the bags retail for $425. Say you saw it on The E List and take 20% off through October 6th. Oh, and Carson is safely back home now and giving his mom a hand as Chief of Operations at Carson Bags. I love a happy ending.