The preppy handbag designer has created a trio of new bags named after Raleigh. Actually, more specifically they're named for the modernist architecture movement that thrived in Raleigh during the mid-20th century, thanks to a "dream team" of modernist architects who were teaching at N.C. State's College of Design.

Here's what you'll find when you check out the Raleigh Suede bags on the Kate Spade Web site:

"The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is a city known for its warmth and vitality. What's less known is that it was a center for modernist architecture from the late '40s through the '60s. Crafted from haircalf and woven into our custom pattern, the Raleigh group is a bit of textured luxury."

So what's left to remember of that period in Raleigh, other than the bags? The best-known structure is probably Dorton Arena, designed by Matthew Nowicki. But there are also a slew of homes in Raleigh, including the Kamphoefner House designed by Henry Kamphoefner at 3060 Granville Drive and the Matsumoto House designed by George Matsumoto at 821 Runnymede Road.

The bags, similarly, have the clean lines of the midcentury modernist movement. But they don't come cheap. The least expensive of the three, at $695, is the Raleigh Suede Small, a woven soft pony and suede bag trimmed with calfskin patent leather in charcoal gray or chocolate brown. It might be small, but it looks just big enough for everything you might need to take a tour by all those modern Raleigh homes -- sunglasses, camera cell phone, a bottle of water and a notebook.

Meanwhile, the slightly smaller Raleigh Suede Francis is an open-top tote with pony and suede in gray or brown. It costs $795. And the Raleigh Haircalf Julia is a black suede satchel that sells for $1,245.

For now, buy the bags at www.katespade.com. Fingers crossed that local department stores will stock the Raleigh bags with other Kate Spades for fall.

Don't get burned

With the Fourth of July just days away, sunscreen tips and warnings have been flooding in.

Here are a few reminders from Florida dermatologist Craig Eichler on the best ways to keep your skin protected:

* Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure so it has time to absorb into your skin.

* Re-apply every 80 minutes and after swimming or excessive sweating.

* Be generous in how much you use. About 1 ounce of sunscreen (a palmful) should cover the arms, legs, neck and face of an adult.

* Look for products with a broad-spectrum sun-blocking ingredient, such as Parsol 1789, and a minimum of SPF 15. Products labeled "waterproof" may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you swim or sweat. "Water resistant" products may provide protection for only 40 minutes.

* Don't use old sunscreen. Check the expiration dates on sunscreen you've had for a while. Exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten sunscreen's shelf life, too, so it's best to buy new bottles every summer.

* Apply under your clothes. You may think wearing a T-shirt when swimming provides protection, but a wet T-shirt only has an SPF of 4.

Labels for less

The growing number of designer clothing boutiques in the Triangle has meant more designer consignment shops. One of the newest, Threads, has opened at Chapel Hill Road and Academy Street in downtown Cary selling designer clothes from the last few seasons.

Kim Mason opened the store in April selling mostly women's clothing, including brands such as Escada, Tahari, Dana Buckman, J.Jill and Ann Taylor. About 80 percent of her inventory is previously worn.

The rest is new merchandise she buys out-of-state at discount stores or stores going out of business or online.

She said she wanted to stick with higher-end clothes to target professional women who want quality pieces and lower prices. Look for a mix of business casual and casual clothes, with a few evening gowns sprinkled in.