By Lauren Vaught
Staff Writer

    It's a great thing when fashion and functionality mix. Just look at the new line of multifunctional totes from the bag called Covered. Covered is from the business Wud'n It Be Nice, LLC. Partners Lisa Reid and Wanda Wall are both living in the local area. The bags are presentable by the way that the totes look but usable in the way that they can be both a tote and fold out into a large blanket.

    This pocket book type bag is made to hold things like a few books or a water bottle. The idea was originally created for carrying you things to church.

    "My partner first thought of this [bag] when she needed something to put her bible in at church and to put on her lap when she got cold," said Wall, an owner of the line. The pocket book function was for your bible and then the tote folded out into a lap blanket.

    You can use the bag for other places also. For example a ball game or some other sports events.  It has three functions. One form of the bag folds out into a blanket or if you keep it folded you can use it as a seat cushion with the pocketbook function hanging off the bench below your legs. You can also get the other form of the bag which folds out into a quick-to-use rain poncho.  This form is reversible with cotton cloth on one side and nylon on the other side of the poncho. The bags are made from water proof nylon and will be sold in a variety of prints.

    "One of the prints will be a red, black and white paisley print," Wall said. Five different prints will be available at the Briar Rose sometime this month. Covered is also having their first show at The Mart in Atlanta showing the pieces in their line.

     Also check out the children backpacks.  This is an excellent ides for children. These kid friendly book bags have functions like big buttons, zippers and snaps to help the kids interact with the bag.

    "The kids can put whatever papers they need signed in the bag and bring them home to their parents," said Wall.

    These functions also keep whatever papers the children have inside safe. One last good thing about Covered is the fact that every step of the manufacturing process is made right here in the United States. "We like to keep it this way so people know we are supporting our country," Wall said.  Look for their web site coming in the beginning of February.

    Multiple functions to use, Sold in Madison stores and made in the USA, this bag has the people in mind from start to end. Something we all need a little more of today.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
GOT YOU COVERED: Partners Lisa Reid and Wanda Wall have created a new bag that serves as both a tote and a blanket.

Published in the January 22, 2009 edition.