They carry a passion for fashion

Tracy Fredkin and Doug NeJaime are bringing a touch of New England style to the West Coast.

They are the creative force behind a new L A -based handbag label called Tucker Paisley , whose debut line features structured totes and clutches bearing a pretty paisley print. The designs are an intended alternative to the large bohemian-style bags that have graced many shoulders in recent years.

"The aesthetic has been really slouchy leather bags with a lot of hardware," said NeJaime, 28. "I think we just saw a need for something different," added Fredkin, 30.

Trained as lawyers, NeJaime and Fredkin were able to draw on time spent in New England designing the inaugural Tucker Paisley line. NeJaime grew up in Connecticut and attended Brown University and Harvard Law School, and Fredkin went to Boston College. The two met at a law firm in Los Angeles and decided to begin pursuing a shared interest in fashion as a side project.

Tucker Paisley is named after important male figures in the designers' lives: Tucker is the name of Fredkin's cat, and Paisley is the surname of NeJaime's partner. The different handbag styles, such as Henne and Molly, are named for female family members.

Tucker Paisley is hoping to sell its bags across the country; in the Boston area, customers can order them at the Beacon Hill store Flat of the Hill and the Newton Highlands store Joy . Cary Berger , Joy's owner, said he found the designs unique.

"It wasn't something we had seen out there," Berger said.

NeJaime believes the timeless, preppy style will appeal to sophisticated women on both coasts, no matter their age. "My mom's carrying her s and she's in her 60s," he said. -- EMILY SHARTIN