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In 2009, the self-taught handbag designer founded Uptown Redesigns, a collection of "upcycled" handbags created from old leather jackets salvaged from thrift shopsconsignment boutiques and the back of her own closet.

"Like many Americans, my husband and I were at a point in our lives where we were trying to scale back on our spending," Philpott said. "So in an effort to keep my creativity stimulated, I looked around the house and got resourceful.

From her Uptown home studio, Philpott designs and sews one-of-a-kind accessories using not only a jacket's leather, but its pockets, stitching, belts and buckles, so nothing would go to waste.