GOT A RUBBER... UH, BAG, THAT IS! CAMERON'S GOT ONE!

Now, here's a good use of rubber. I love this yellow Marni Balloon Bag that Cameron is sporting.

From the looks of it, it would be a great bag to travel with. I like the different handle options that this bag offers.

"Change Handbags": Cute, Quality Handbags, and The Company Supports Women's Causes Too

Here's a company that offers gorgeous handbags for women, while giving back to women as well. Change Handbags, creates unique but practical products that provide a way to celebrate style, while at the same time, generates funds to benefit important women's causes. They operate on the premise that their primary customers are women, so the proceeds of the products should give something back to women.

The handbags are available in solid or metallic leathers, and are fully reversible. An optional clutch insert is also available.

Ten percent of the company's profits go to organizations working to better the lives of women in need. Their list includes: REACH (beyond domestic violence), Horizons for Homeless Children, and Dress for Success. Their plans are to eventually expand this list as the company grows.

You can check out the entire collection of handbags that this company offers by clicking here.

"POCKETBOOK ANTHROPOLOGY": A HANDBAG EXHIBIT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS

If a woman's handbag is a reflection of her soul, there are a few females with some explaining to do. Lavender-colored ostrich feathers, cigarette packages and bottle caps were used to design some of the purses on display at the Lake County Discovery Museum in an exhibit called the "Pocketbook Anthropology: A Treasury of Handbags. "

From the conservative to the whimsical, the purses represent a historical era, an artistic creation or a sentimental bond, such as a handbag made out of neckties owned by Dorothy Crawford.

I personally enjoy exhibits like this one because it gives you the opportunity to look at the evolution of handbags since the 1800's. Even though the alligator bag shown above doesn't meet the description of the alligator "it bag" that most women look for today, it can't be said that whoever designed this bag didn't have artistic flair!

To get the entire story, click here.

(courtesy of Chicago Tribune)

SANTA-BABY, HURRY DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH THIS JIMMY CHOO BAG!

Ok, I'm just kidding-- At a retail price of $1,750, I know that this Jimmy Choo Ramona Patent Bag won't be sitting under my tree on Christmas!

I think this bag is absolutely beautiful. I can envision myself wearing this bag with a pair of jeans and matching Jimmy Choo boots, or dressing up in a winter white cashmere sweater dress.

The reality is that it won't be happening!

IF YOU'RE TRYING TO PURCHASE A MULBERRY BAG, GOOD LUCK!

It appears that the Mulberry Bayswater bag is a success story that its maker wasn't quite prepared for.

This beautiful, purple patent leather beauty is considered a must-have bag for the season. Sales have increased by 36% in the nine weeks prior to December 1st. Mulberry is trying to meet this demand by increasing its manufacturing space, changing production methods, and investing in new machinery.

Hopefully, Mulberry will be able to meet the demands of this bag soon-- I feel a knock-off version may be on its way...

WANT YOUR HANDBAG SIGNED BY FERGIE?

Now here's a innovative idea-- a handbag signing!

Entertainer Fergie held a handbag signing event at the Macy's store in Costa Mesa, California, promoting her new collection, Fergie For Kipling. It seems like everyone's getting into the handbag biz these days!

I personally love the styles that Fergie's collection offers. The bags are very trendy, sporty, and totally functional. Her handbag styles completely personify the image she puts out. She is definitely on the right track.

You can check out her entire collection by clicking here.

IMAN LAUNCHES NEW FASHION LINE - THE GLOBAL CHIC COLLECTION

Beautiful Supermodel Iman will be launching her new line of fashion accessories called the Global Chic Collection-- which includes handbags, jewelry, and will also provide fashion tips in style and beauty. The collection will launch on HSN and HSN.com, beginning Saturday, December 15th at 8:00 pm EST and Sunday, December 16th at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm EST.

With Iman's impeccable style and beauty, I have no doubt that this collection will be exceptional.

Iman's premier handbags are vintage-inspired, with three styles available: the Signature Handbag, an oversized tote, and the leopard printed Evening Bag.

Don't forget to check it out!

RUSSELL SIMMONS' NIECES ARE BUILDING THEIR OWN FASHION EMPIRE

The Next Generation Continues to Make Its Mark as Vanessa and Angela Simmons Branch Out Their Pastry Footwear Brand Into the Apparel and Handbag Arena

(Source: PR Newswire)

KNITTED TOTES-A GREAT ALTERNATIVE FOR THE WINTER SEASON

Check out these cute knitted totes by Margaret Nicole, out of New York City. I like the fact that they are very hip and functional at the same time.

You can view more designs by this company by clicking here.

HOW TO AVOID HAVING YOUR PURSE SNATCHED DURING HOLIDAY SHOPPING

I know this is a topic we would prefer to not have to deal with-- facing the reality that we could be potential targets of a robbery, especially during the holidays.

It is very easy to get caught up in the mystical, magical representation of the holiday season while shopping, and become less aware that there is someone out there who is looking for the perfect opportunity to snatch your handbag. So you're carrying pepperspray, huh? Guess what-- you've been caught off guard, it's in the bag along with all of your other valuables, so it can't be used on the perpetrator anyhow!

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of a purse snatching, courtesy of RGJ.com:

The best deterrent to purse- snatch crimes is to walk with a friend or in a group, be aware of your surroundings and know who is nearby, according to the department.

Maintaining a confident look also can be a deterrent.

Crossing the street, returning to a business, or asking someone for help, based on those using instincts to spot a potential purse snatching situation might help prevent confrontation.

The following also is suggested to avoid injury and minimize loss:

• Never carry large amounts of cash.
  


• Place keys, small amounts of cash, credit cards and identification in a secure coat or pants pocket instead of a handbag. Carrying house keys in your handbag increases the chances of unwelcome intruders gaining access to your home, especially if your identification is also in the purse.
  


• Handbags should be closed, carried in front of the body with an arm held loosely across them. A handbag dangling by the side is much easier for a thief to grab on the run.
  


• If you wear a handbag with a strap over the head, choose one with a thin strap, and wear it under your coat, which makes it harder for criminals to suddenly grab the strap which might cause you to fall and be injured.
  


• Resist the impulse to play tug-of-war if a criminal grabs your bag. Chances are you will be knocked down and possibly injured, and the criminal will probably get the bag anyway.
  


• Reduce personal items or those of sentimental value carried in a purse. The loss of these items can sometimes be more traumatic than the financial loss.
  


• When traveling in your vehicle, be sure to place your purse under the seat or secure it in the trunk. Park in a well-lit, attended area if possible, completely closing all windows and locking your vehicle when you leave.
  


• When shopping at a store or market with shopping carts, use the child restraint straps to help secure your purse if you decide to place it in the shopping cart, and never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
  


• And, if confronted by someone who displays a weapon, or implies they have a weapon, remember your property can be replaced, but you only have one life.

HOLIDAY ACCESSORIES TO DIE FOR!

Check out these stunning holiday accessories, courtesy of In Style Magazine. I absolutely love every shoe, bag and piece of jewelry shown here! The pearl accessories shown above are my personal favorites-- looks very "Jackie-O" to me! The items shown range from low-priced to high-end collectibles-- there's something for everyone here!

Very cute satin accessories:

Black and gold: A staple for the holidays

These jeweled evening bags are both elegant and festive:

You can get more information on these amazing holiday accessories by clicking here.

CAN YOU BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE DOG BAGS OUT THERE?

Apparently, dog handbags are becoming the new "cutesy" accessory for women... personally, I don't quite get it. To me, they look like a stuffed animal that a child would carry. Whatever rocks your boat, I guess. Can you imagine going on a job interview carrying one of these? Just kidding!!! You can fit a small wallet, some lipstick, and maybe even your cell phone in them.

I think I just figured out why they may be appealing to some people-- they give you companionship, while holding some of your most important possessions inside of them. The good news is that you don't have to feed them!

The dog above is part of the Fuzzy Nation Couture Collection: a limited edition bronze pug.

Here are some of the other dogs you'll spot on this site:

A "pimped-out" paisley dachshund

A fuzzy pomeranian

A red-crocodile dachshund

And even a black kitty!

The things people come up with!!!

I THINK I FINALLY FOUND THE RIGHT LAPTOP BAG!

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I have been looking for a laptop bag-- not just any old bag, but a laptop bag that is functional, cute and trendy as well. I'm in a place now in my life where I feel that any bag I carry should not only accommodate my personal needs and lifestyle, but also reflect my personal taste.

Out of all the laptop bags that I looked at, I cut down my possibilities to two choices: A very cute and trendy Juicy Couture Velour Laptop Bag, and the Sumo Laptop Bag, which looked a bit more conservative, but also stylish. For some reason, I couldn't make a decision, and ended up not making a purchase. Now I know why...


I discovered a new laptop bag called the Hartford Laptop Bag -- I believe this is the one! It is made of Italian patent leather, and has all of the qualities I'm looking for: The quilting gives it a classic look, it is compartmentalized for carrying items in addition to the laptop itself, has padded shoulder straps, is lightweight, and most importantly, it looks like a very stylish designer handbag on the outside! Priced at $349.00, I feel it is reasonably priced for all of the functionality that it offers.

This laptop bag becomes available in December. Pre-orders are currently being accepted.

If you are looking for a bag that is both stylish and functional, you'd better get your order in quick for this laptop bag-- it will surely sell out fast!

PRADA HANDBAG CHARMS MAKE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT

Handbag charms have become really popular this year. While browsing the department stores and boutiques recently, I noticed that most of the bags were not only beaded and studded, but were also adorned with charms-- lots of them! I feel that charms really add personality to handbags.

And then there's Prada...

Since its launch in 2004, Prada Tricks - a collection of iconic trinkets and charms -has become a seasonal mainstay and for Christmas 2007 the house has added two irresistable new lines: hand-crafted miniature teddy bears and a retro travel collection.

The bears are created using faux fur and recycled off-cuts salvaged from the artisan's workshop and come with a hook for easy attachment to bags, belts and keyrings - but it will be the travel collection that really gets Prada enthusiasts hot under the collar.

For the first time ever, these are direct reproductions from the company archive. The metal tags were originally designed as magnets for the dashboards of gentlemen's cars in 1930 by Mario Prada who, in 1913, founded the small leather goods company that was to evolve into one of the biggest luxury groups in the world that is today headed up by his granddaughter Miuccia and her husband Patrizio Bertelli.

Inscribed with "Buon Viaggio", or "Have a nice trip", the key chains also come with a miniature silver Prada disk tag. Get in on the trickery at Prada boutiques from November 20.

(Courtesy of Vogue UK)

HOW ABOUT A VEGAN HANDBAG? BEING HEALTH CONSCIOUS ISN'T LIMITED TO JUST FOOD!!!

When you hear the term "vegan", most people associate it with making food choices based on being a vegetarian. Who said that vegan only referred to a way of eating?

There is a Los Angeles boutique called Alternative Outfitters, a company that promotes a healthy lifestyle by offering products that are "eco friendly", meaning that the products are organic, environmentally-friendly, and cruelty-free (no animals spared for testing or manufacturing of products). The faux leather products actually look like the real thing! The products are manufactured using vegetables, synthetic leathers, vegetable based dyes, and vegetable based glues.

The company offers clothing, shoes, and of course, handbags! Since I tend to have an affinity for handbags, let me share with you some of the cute and fashionable bags that this store carries:

The Chinese Laundry Silver Ruched Vegan Handbag is adorable-- this bag is a great replica of metallic leather!

The construction and choice of embellishments on this Chinese Laundry Double-Braided Handle Vegan Saddlebag makes it easy to compete with any high-end designer bag:

I love the color and style of this Espe Slic Brief Green Vegan Handbag:

The Espe Fleur Large Black Vegan Wallet is really cute!!!

The good news is that all of these bags are very affordable and environmentally-friendly at the same time-- guilt-free shopping at this store!

BAGS FOR DOG LOVERS

There will no longer be any need for Paris Hilton to wander around using live animals as fashion accessories if there are actual fashion accessories out there shaped like live animals. As for those of us who don't tend to walk around clutching Chihuahuas on a daily basis... well, I'm not so sure. Do we really want to go out in public with a Boston Terrier tucked under our arms? Or a pug? I'm not convinced, but if you are, you can pick up a new furry friend for £39 from Viva la Diva.

(courtesy of The Fashion Police)

CELEBS AND THEIR FAVORITE BAGS

If you're wondering what the bags of choice are for some of your favorite stars, check out these recent photos, courtesy of People Magazine:

I'm really feeling this Pierre Hardy bag that Cameron Diaz is wearing-- perfect for a day out on the town!

WHY DOES THE DOONEY & BOURKE COLLECTION REMIND ME OF TAKING A TRIP TO THE ZOO?

Is it me, or does the latest Dooney & Bourke handbags remind you of all of your favorite zoo animals?

True enough, exotic prints are all the rage this season, with python bags, real and fake, being produced everywhere. Cheetah and leopard prints are just as much in demand.

Dooney & Bourke seem to have all the zoo animals covered in their collection...

Like the zebra printed sac bag:

If giraffes are your animal of choice, this drawstring bag works:

Not to be outdone by the ostrich tote:

The "croco" hobo is the icing on the cake:

While I feel that these are beautiful bags, with all of the animal choices I can't help but be reminded of the zoo!

To view the entire collection of Dooney & Bourke handbags, click here.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALMOST HERE-- NEED TO DO SOME ORGANIZING?

Can you believe that the holidays are just around the corner? If you're like me, as you shop for gifts for friends and family, you'll manage to slip in a few for yourself as well! I love gift giving, but I also like the way it feels when I'm wearing something new-- whether it be something as simple as new lingerie, new perfume, or even toting a new bag!

After I go shopping, I'm usually prompted to do some re-organizing. At one point, my handbag collection had gotten out of hand due to the fact that not only do I design handbags, but I also enjoy collecting bags made by other designers that I find unique, or just plain cute!

I recently bought a set of purse racks for organizing my handbags.

The racks latch over the top of your door, with a strap that extends down with hooks on it for hanging your bags. I really like the racks because I am able to keep my inventory of bags together in an organized manner. No more frustration from not being able to find your bags when you need them! More than one rack can fit on your door, which even makes for a great display of your handbags. This would also be a great gift for someone you know who could use a little bit of organization as well!

If you would like to know where you can find these purse racks, click here.

THE POWER OF OPRAH: CINDY CRAWFORD'S MENTION OF THE ZAGLIANI BAG CREATES HUGE DEMAND FOR IT

It's amazing how far a little publicity goes, when you make mention of something on the Oprah Show.

Cindy Crawford appeared on the show this past week, sharing with the audience what goes on in her everyday life. The striking supermodel, who appeared with her very handsome husband, surprised everyone when she admitted that she loves baking and scrapbooking. I don't know why that was surprising-- why should she be embarassed by doing something she enjoys? It seems like our society still has a problem with anything that is perceived as being domestic. Maybe she's just supposed to look sexy. Betcha' the scrapbooking actually turns her husband on!!!

She eventually led everyone to her closet, and showed all of her "favorite things". That's where the Zagliani bag came in. She talked of an amazing Italian designer by the name of Zagliani who creates beautiful handbags, and added that although he wasn't as popular in the United States as he was overseas, she likes to get her hands on things before other people find out about them. I wrote about Zagliani's bags in a previous post-- these were the bags I talked about that were being given botox injections to keep them firm and supple.

Cindy is clearly perceived as one who has great style-- otherwise, this bag would not have taken off the way it has! And as far as being on the Oprah show? Anyone who is a guest on Oprah's show has the perfect opportunity to get things out everywhere in the world-- and fast!!!

HEY LADIES, NEIMAN MARCUS IS HAVING A SALE THAT YOU MAY NOT WANT TO MISS!

Let's talk about shopping for a minute-- I just found out that Neiman Marcus is having a huge handbag sale-- designer bags are going for up to 50% off!!!

This is great news for those of us who can't afford these bags at full retail prices, or just refuse to buy anything at full price. We all like to boast about the fact that we got something great, and we got it on sale! Here are some of the deals that were highlighted, courtesy of shefinds:

An Ellen Tracy Sandalia Satchel (was $368, now $221) makes an elegant choice for the office.

Want some winter white? Look no further than the Andrew Marc Large Kelsey Tote (was $750, now $450).

MORE DEALS :

Free shipping plus a 6-piece sample set with all overs over $50 at Lancome .
Ann Taylor LOFT suit separates up to 60% off through 10/31.
30% off select Create-Your-Own styles at Ralph Lauren through 11/7.

Remember, if you don't have a Neiman Marcus store in your area, you can always shop on-line. Ahh, the beauty of the internet!

SPEAKING OF FASHION SHOWS, I CAN'T LEAVE OUT LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEK

Buyers, press, stylists and other fashion-industry insiders got a glimpse of the diverse scope of Los Angeles design during the many events of Los Angeles Fashion Week. Featuring everything from red-carpet gowns and contemporary styles to premium denim and modern streetwear, Los Angeles Fashion Week offered something for every segment and category of the market.

Grey Ant designer Grant Krajecki took a sophisticated conceptual approach with his collection, shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios:

Spanning three weeks, Los Angeles Fashion Week featured fashion shows and events at Smashbox, BoxEight at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles, and several independent venues around the city.

Check out this beautiful gown from top designer Kevan Hall's Runway Show:

I absolutely love this ensemble:

The matching fur collar gives this two-piece outfit total sophistication... so classy!

(Source: Los Angeles Apparel News)

STAINLESS STEEL ISN'T JUST FOR KITCHENS; IT ALSO MAKES GREAT PURSES

I have a whole new appreciation for stainless steel and aluminum!

Stainless steel appliances have grown in popularity in the kitchen. But what about stainless steel in your wardrobe? We found one trend, in stainless, and another in recycled aluminum, that you can throw over your shoulder and carry in high style. The artistic detail really works for me!

Nieja Bend has introduced the Opera Collection, a line of sophisticated handbags and clutch purses from designer Bo's Art Studio in Los Angeles. Each bag of woven stainless steel, features unique details, such as 24K gold plating, 23K gold leaf, copper, brass and even peacock feathers.


This stainless steel wallet, from the Stewart Stand Collection, is durable and resistant to corrosive materials, but to the touch, this material feels like silk. This wallet has a sleek look to it.

The Socorro shoulder bag by Escama, is hand-crocheted in Brazil and features more than 700 recycled aluminum pull-tabs. I love creating handmade items myself-- this bag truly has a uniqueness of its own.

Matching belts for these bags would be really nice-- just putting it out there!

(Source: STLtoday)

Watch Out Ladies, It's The Invasion Of The Purse Snatchers!

Elderly Ladies Are Getting Their Bags Taken Right Before Their Eyes!

Supermarkets have been put on red alert after shoppers were fleeced by a thief. The move came after a female distracted women pensioners who later realised their purses had been swiped.

The dark-haired woman, described as in her 30s, approached the shoppers in the U.K. The woman, who had a foreign accent and wore a white jacket, asked the victims questions to distract them. A police spokeswoman said: "This is a particularly nasty crime committed against vulnerable elderly females."We would ask everyone, particularly shoppers to be vigilant and ensure they keep their handbags and purses secure at all times."

That's a darn shame, especially that a woman would be in on this foolishness!

Source

A NEW RUNWAY FOR FENDI: THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA!

Talk about doing something unique and different! Fendi hosted the first-ever fashion show in Beijing, at the Great Wall of China. What an incredible location for a fashion show! Models strutted down a 650 foot catwalk, sporting stylish Fendi fashions by Karl Lagerfield and accessories by Silvia Fendi.

Actress Thandie Newton attended the show and looked stunning, wearing a beautiful Fendi gown and coordinated Fendi bag:

Fur made its presence at the show. Although Fendi is known for its very extravagant fur collections, I wonder if animal activists are giving them a hard time...

Thandie Newton is photographed here with Kate Bosworth, who is sporting a very striking fur ensemble:

I'm not sure what kind of animal was used here, but a fake version of this outfit would work for me!

Again, here's proof that bags are taking centerstage-- they stand out just as much as the clothing!

Read more about the Fendi show by clicking here.