We recently caught up with Cynthia James, designer of the new line, JamesCyn handbags. We were pleasantly surprised to find an uber interesting and passionate woman who is not only a handbag designer but a former ballet dancer, costumer, choreographer and world traveler. Her rich background weaves itself, literally, into her amazing bags.

As a self proclaimed "die hard romantic," Cynthia's line is filled with her life's passion, the people she's met, and the places she's been. Inspiration came to her at a young age, thanks to a former Russian ballet instructor, who gave her a massive appreciation for the "old world" and the quality that came with garments and accessories in eras past.

For example, her to-die-for Duncan bags pay homage to a former dance instructor, Isadora Duncan. "When Isadora was alive there was a certain style there. As I looked at fabrics I would have images of the 1920s and that era. That's where my mind and imagination go -- the lifestyle she lived."

Combining that love of "old world" with quality and personal zest, Cynthia accepts nothing but the best for herself so she figures she should accept nothing less for her customers.

"I focus on handbags because of sizing. If I made a wonderful dress on one body it might not be good on others. I also love fabrics especially tapestry and it not as easy to combine tapestries in clothing. I also love to hand stitch everything. Machines don't do fabrics justice. I figured if I have an appreciation for detail, other people must too! I focus on perfection that I appreciate myself and choose to focus on what I think makes things special."

And magical. Don't forget magical Cynthia because your handbags are nothing less!