Trudy Gumbel is a true bag lady. After all, handbags “always fit,” she says. “What a great little accessory.”

Gumbel, who is serving as one of three judges for the local Bags2Riches Gala this week, began making bags about 10 years ago.

“I started making them as presents,” she says.

This bag lady doesn’t limit herself to one kind of purse, either. Quilted, knitted and then felted — she makes what she pleases, finding inspiration in what the market doesn’t carry.

“You can do a lot more with bags,” she says. "You can do trims and variations in handles and uses.

Gumbel, who works under the name Cute Bagz, has given all of her purses “pursonalities.” While she works on them, she names them and infuses them with the personality she gives that name.

Gumbel sells her bags at crafting event booths, donates them for charitable causes or sells them via Twisted Sisters, 5628 E. 71st St.

She makes sure they’re affordable, too.

Many are priced in the $20 to $30 range.

“(Your handbag) should be a whim; it should be fun,” she says.

The Bags2Riches Gala benefits Trusted Mentors, a group that works to prevent homelessness by providing mentors to individuals who have been recently housed and referred by a homeless prevention agency.

During the gala, attendees get a chance to vote on the top 10 handmade, donated bags. Each vote is also a chance to win the bag. (Votes cost $5 each or six votes for $20).

The gala is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Healing Arts Indy and JP Parker Flowers, 805 S. Meridian St. Tickets are $50 to $75. More information is available at www.bags2richesindy.org.

Sparkling debut

Congratulations to local jewelry designer Donna Kishbaugh, previously mentioned in this column, who debuted 15 pieces during New York Fashion Week. Kishbaugh’s pieces appeared as part of Dubai designer Buffi Jashanmal’s fashion line. You can find Kishbaugh’s jewelry online at theartofdonna.etsy.com.

Shapely curls

My poor hair is a wreck after a summer of sun exposure topped with flat ironing. I decided to go au naturel — or at least a little bit closer to au naturel — and wear my hair curly. There are some great curl enhancers on the market that help shape wavy hair into enviable curls. My favorite is Umberto’s Curl Defining Spray, $8.99 at Target. This light spray can be used on wet or dry hair and has a gentle fragramnce.

Lids are back in style

Hats are coming back in full force, with the fascinator and the beret leading the pack. Don’t miss The Art Institute of Indianapolis’ show, “Dress Your Head: An Exhibition of Modern Millinery,” highlighting hats by Emily Clark, founder of the Emilliner label. Under British milliner Philip Treacy’s tutelage, she worked with celebrity clients such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Moss. Her hats graced the runways of Valentino, Ralph Lauren and others. Exhibit hours at the institute, 3500 Depauw Blvd., are 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.