Lets Accessorize
Purse Strings Brings Hollywood Glam With a Hoosier Flair to Carmel
Writer / Megan Arszman
Photographer / Kelli White
Tucked in amongst national brand stores in Carmels Clay Terrace is a family-owned business focused on providing a unique shopping experience, highlighted by top-of-the-line customer service and unique accessories Pure Strings.
Purse Strings was born from the original store in its spot – Vera Bradleys flagship store was established in Clay Terrace in 2004. Five years later, the stores leaders changed its name to Purse Strings and started to offer more than just the Indiana designers works. Fishers residents Paul and Heather Braun then purchased the store in 2018 with the goal of elevating the shopping experience even further.
A former wholesale representative for Brighton, Braun saw a brighter future for the storefront.
Being in this business as long as I have, I had an idea of what I wanted to do and what additional lines to bring into the store, Paul Braun explains.
Now, nationally renowned accessory lines such as Brighton, Pura Vida and Vera Bradley are lined up to catch the eye of each shopper. Handbag companies such as Hammitt, Hobo and Beside U entice customers with their supple leather and intricate details. Pieces of Me, Dot and Dash Design, and enewton products glitter in all the right places to adorn wrists, necks and fingers.
Our goal is to be the premier accessory store for Clay Terrace, Braun says. Were always adding new things and phasing out things that maybe arent as strong.
Braun and his team are always looking for new fashion trends, whether locally or nationally, hoping to bring them to the Carmel store and to the hands of their clientele.
And thats not just for the feminine clients – men looking for a more personal skin care regimen and leather accessories can find products at Purse Strings as well. Customers can find Duke Cannon Supply Company and Kiko leather products at the store.
Celebrate self-care with Indianapolis company Ambre Blends, which is a line of high-quality, organic beauty products. Adorn your home in your individual style with accessories from Fishers-based Unplug Soy Candles and Mud Pie gifts.
I think Purse Strings stands out on its own because its a mix of having national brands that people are familiar with that brings them in, then we have that local flair with Indianapolis-based companies, Braun says.
While the in-store shopping experience is unique, the Purse Strings team is working to increase its online shopping presence as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers can choose from the latest offerings for delivery or on-location pickup. Brauns oldest son works on the online shopping side of the business, while other siblings work in the store when home from school.
We are a family business, Braun says.
To see more of what Purse Strings has to offer, visit the shop at 14300 Clay Terrace Boulevard, Suite 125 in Carmel. For more info, call 317-846-8372 or visit pursestrings.shop.
