Imagine fulfilling the exuberant dream of starting your own handbag empire with your best friend, then seeing Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton sporting your creations in the spotlight. Savvy fashion mavens Lily Rafil and Sulaika Zarrouk did just that.

In 2001 New Yorkers Rafil and Zarrouk created Felix Rey, a collection of flirty and feminine handbags and accessories for the metropolitan girl on the go. They gained immediate popularity for their designs, in part because they understood what their clientele desired. After all, they lived the life of the hardworking downtown girl who wants to have fun expressing her style.

Theirs was a perfect match for taking on this endeavor. Rafil's background in investment banking and Zarrouk's fashion beginnings at Donna Karan made for a successful union. It didn't hurt that they already enjoyed time together as friends.

Rather than start a line that competed among higher end brands, Rafil and Zarrouk recognized a niche in the market for bags that looked couture, but were affordable. This smart strategy, coupled with sexy, chic designs, launched their brand into the marketplace.

When they're not running their company, the two entrepreneurs frequent museums, exhibits and flea markets, soaking in inspiration. This appreciation for art may have led to the naming of the Felix Rey brand. When Vincent Van Gogh cut off part of his ear, he paid the doctor who treated him with his "Portrait of Doctor Felix Rey," a painting whose colors and story Rafil and Zarrouk appreciated.

Felix Rey bags are ultra feminine, often adorned with bows, ruffles or hearts. They find their influence in vintage, lady-like style, but with whimsical accents, leading them to be compared to "Breakfast at Tiffany's" meets "Sex and the City."

As unique as the women who invent them, one could wear Felix Rey bags as the only accessory needed to complete a polished outfit.