Friday, September 28, 2007

IT'S ABOUT TIME! ACCESSORIES DESIGNERS ARE BEING PUT IN CONTROL

I stumbled upon this great article on how accessories designers in many large fashion houses are now being placed in positions of total creative control. Why is this happening? Well, because accessories have taken center stage, and the accessories sector is highly profitable!

Finally, companies are finally realizing the significance of accessories! Read more about it here.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

J-LO: SEVENTIES STYLE!

J-Lo was spotted this weekend in London, sporting a very funky, seventies look. Apparently, she's there to promote her upcoming album. Her Gucci "Indy" Bag totally works with this outfit. This bag is hot! Now, here's someone who really has a knack for putting the right fashion pieces together-- J-Lo has great style!

THE LOUIS VUITTON TRIBUTE BAG: ONE OF FIVE IN THE WORLD BELONGS TO BEYONCE

I did a previous post titled "Isn't This Bag Just Lovely?", which singled out one particular handbag (not the one above!) that made Forbes "World's Most Extravagant Handbags List" for 2007. Well, this Louis Vuitton Tribute Bag also made the list, with a hefty price tag of somewhere between $42,000 - $45,000. Although In Style Magazine has this bag priced at $52,500, all other reliable sources I checked has it priced at the lesser amount. Heck, $100 is too much for this train wreck, as far as I'm concerned.

With only five of these hideous looking bags available in the world, I wondered, "who would be willing to give up their dough for this one?" Who would've thought that Beyonce, of all people, would have her eyes on this handbag collage? It looks like it should be in a glass case in a museum somewhere!

Beyonce, you don't need to tell anyone you have this bag... we already knew you could afford to buy it!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

BOTOX INJECTIONS ON HANDBAGS? YOU'RE KIDDING!!!

Cosmetic surgery on a handbag? The ideas people come up with never cease to amaze me!

Looks like a dermatologist-turned designer came up with the idea of injecting botox into the skins of his collection of Zagliani python and alligator handbags, making them feel "supple". The designer, Mauro Orietti-Carella, describes touching the bags as "a very private, sensual experience". Remember, this is a bag we're talking about, not a person!

It seems like a costly process for a handbag; I don't know too many people who can afford botox on themselves! But then, on the other hand, the bag's gotta be pretty expensive to begin with if you're considering having it botoxed.

Even an "old bag" can be beautiful again!

Read the full story here.

A BAG TO SUPPORT ANOTHER GREAT CAUSE: CHILDREN WITH HIV/AIDS

When it comes to supporting charitable causes, I am all for it-- especially when it benefits our children.

The Vavoom Gold Heat Weekender Bag has been created to support a very worthy cause: the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation. Designed by the fashion team at Marie Claire and donated by Vavoom, the bag sells for $35, and 100% of the proceeds go towards helping children with HIV and AIDS. Although the bag is currently sold out, requests for the bag are still in high demand.

For more information on how to support this cause, click here.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

ANGELINA JOLIE TAKES "MOMMY AND ME" TO ANOTHER LEVEL!

I haven't decided on whether this is cute or not. Angelina Jolie was spotted out and about with her daughter Zahara, and both were carrying "mommy and me" Valentino Histoire handbags! I wonder what kind of birthday presents the Jolie-Pitt kids get-- hope they don't end up being spoiled brats!

A TOTE FOR TEACHERS - WHAT TEACHER CAN AFFORD THIS ONE?

I find this quite interesting-- DHL has partnered with designer Zac Posen, who has created a limited edition "Tote For Teachers" tote bag. DHL will be donating 100% of the proceeds to Teacher Counts, a non-profit organization who is dedicated to providing a permanent culture of teacher appreciation.

While I like what this partnership stands for, I'm just wondering if any teachers will be able to purchase this bag for themselves. Why create a bag with inspiration for its design being drawn from a teacher and slap a $400 price tag on it so they won't be able to purchase one for themselves? The bag offers the functionality that would appeal to a teacher-- it's made of natural Italian leather and lined in cotton twill, and its expandable interior allows room for all the papers and supplies that teachers tend to carry. This bag is a teaser! Sometimes when you charge less, you end up selling more!

Monday, September 17, 2007

THE 2007 EMMYS: THE GOWNS WERE THERE, BUT SOME LEFT THE CLUTCHES BEHIND!

I won't even bother to talk about the Emmy Awards show-- after all, I'm not watching much prime-time TV these days. So let's talk fashion! There wasn't really anything unpredictable about what to expect on the red carpet-- there's always a few who really look stunning, and most are just ok. Let's get right to the stunning:

Everyone's buzzing about Katherine Heigl, who most agree won the "Best Dressed" title, wearing a Zac Posen gown and Mary Norton clutch.

This was my second favorite:
Minnie Driver looked amazing in this Donna Karan gown. Her figure really complements this dress. Wish I knew who the clutch was by-- great ensemble together!

And of course, Eva Longoria always brings it to the table!

Stylin' in a Kaufman Franco shorter length dress. Eva always looks very classy!

Of course, royalty was there:

Queen Latifah looks fabulous in this red gown-- don't know who made this gown, but this Covergirl aways shows up for the party!

Purple was the color of choice for Julia Louis-Dreyfus:

Julia looked regal in her Narcisco Rodriguez gown and Hochman Fuller clutch. What stood out more for me was the clutch that accessorized the gown. This photo doesn't do the clutch any justice, but I saw a close-up of it on television during the pre-awards show, and it was absolutely gorgeous!

If you're dressing up for a major event like the Emmy's, I believe that accessories are part of the total package-- especially a handbag or clutch. Some of the women were jeweled down, but the bag was missing!!! It almost looks like you forgot your bag when you don't have one!

Vanessa Williams looks beautiful (despite what others think) in this Kevan Hall gown, embellished with feathers. A small clutch would've finished off this look.

Even Heidi Klum wasn't wearing one-- although she was toting her man, Seal. Looks like Seal could've been carrying a man-bag in his hand, though.

Next time you need a bag, CALL ME!!!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

WITH COACH ACCESSORIES, YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG!

Coach has a beautiful collection of handbags, shoes, scarves, and jewelry this fall season. I love the fact that there are so many color choices and patterns available to coordinate with your wardrobe. Whether your handbag choice is a hobo, satchel, or maybe just a small wristlet to carry a few items in, Coach has something for you!

Check out this Ergo Patchwork Hobo with matching Deidra Patchwork Pumps-- this combination is really funky! All you need is a basic dress or two-piece pants outfit, or even just a pair of jeans, and you're good to go!

Top it all off with a matching scarf!

If you want to look more business savvy, this Legacy Signature Satchel and choice of Hillory Pumps will do the trick!

How about finishing this ensemble off with a cute bangle?
I could go on and on!

Saturday, September 15, 2007

CHECK OUT VERA WANG'S NEW "SIMPLY VERA" LINE AT KOHL'S

Who says you can't look fashionable if you don't have big bucks? Vera Wang has obviously gotten smart and come up with a new line that caters to women who want to be stylish, but need to stay on a budget. Her new line consists of clothing, shoes, accessories and linens.

Hey, it's about time that a top designer like Vera Wang has decided to step away from the boutiques and high end department stores for a minute. People in the 'hood would like to have a piece of Vera Wang in their closets too! You must check out the "Simply Vera" line-- cute stuff, and affordable too!

Friday, September 14, 2007

HOW ABOUT A LIGHT INSIDE OF YOUR BAG?

Need to find something quickly in your bag while in the dark? These Solas bags are your solution-- the lining inside of the bag actually lights up! The bags look great too. God knows I've lived that scenario over and over again of trying to find things in my purse while in the dark. Kudos to the person who came up with that idea!

It looks like Nick Lachey's girlfriend, Vanessa Minillo found time to pick up one for herself!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

THERE'S ONLY ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE MICHAEL KOR'S COLLECTION: STYLISH!

The Michael Kors 2008 Spring Collection is another one of my favorites from New York Fashion Week. There is so much style and elegance in his designs. What I like most about his collection is the fact that you can actually wear the clothes out-- they're not just showy haute couture that's only good for a model's "fantasy" photo shoot, or going to a Liza Minnelli performance!

His swimwear designs are very sexy and tasteful at the same time. His designs prove that you don't have to have everything hanging out in order to look fab at poolside!

This gown is a show-stopper! So elegant and flowing!

Michael Kors, you've earned major points from me!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

IT'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK AND OSCAR DE LA RENTA'S FASHIONS ARE HOT!

For those of us who follow fashion, New York Fashion Week is something we anxiously await every year. Fashion Week has actually been going on since September 5th, and will run until the 12th of this month. Even though we are just starting to wear our fall fashions, I always look forward to viewing all of the top designers' spring collections. I would have loved to have been able to attend the show this year; looks like I'll just have to plan for next year. That's where the beauty of technology comes in-- with just a click of a key, I'm still able to be there!

Out of all of the fashion shows that have taken place so far, Oscar de la Renta's show stands out for me. I love his new spring collection-- especially the absolutely beautiful, flowing, printed dresses!





It's so refreshing to see that elegance is coming back! Of course, I can't fail to mention the gorgeous handbags that accessorized the outfits on the runway... totally classy!

His designs are so inspiring... looking forward to displaying my own spring handbag designs soon!

You will love Oscar de la Renta's Runway Show!

Monday, September 10, 2007

IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE, FOCUS ON THE ACCESSORIES!

It looks like the fashion trends of the '80's are back in again: Silver metallics, patent leather, and lots of bright colors! Personally, I love the latest trends. The '80's were a great period in my life.

On one particular day when I was in college, my girlfriend and I spent the entire afternoon digging in her closet, both on a mission to find the right outfits to wear to a party that evening. We both showed up at the party wearing two-piece shorts outfits, with fake patent leather stilletto-style pumps. The fashionistas had arrived!!! Clutch bags were my bag of choice back then. I remember carrying a taupe foldover clutch , similar to this one!Actually, not nearly as cute as this Donald Pliner Leopard Print Calf Foldover Clutch! Same style, though. All you need is a matching pair of pumps with this one, and it's on!

Having the fashion trends of the past come back into my life again brings back some really great memories!

To find out where to find the latest trends at an affordable price, click here.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

ARE YOU LIVING IN A 3-D VIRTUAL WORLD?

Okay, I just need to take a moment to talk about something I just learned about a couple of days ago... I had no idea that things like this even existed! After getting my boys off to bed the other night, I decided I'd climb into bed myself and catch up on the news stories for the day. Instead, I ended up watching a show called i-CAUGHT TV.

On the show was a segment about a website called Second Life, a phenomenon that people from all over the globe are taking part in-- OVER 9 MILLION to be exact! Second Life is a 3-D virtual world built and owned by its "residents", meaning real people. In this virtual world, there are no limits-- you can be or do anything you desire!

What I found most fascinating about this whole "Second Life" thing is that people are logging on to this site and using it as a means for buying and selling their goods and services with other "residents". Where have I been hiding? I never qualified a virtual world as a marketplace. As a mother of two boys, I thought I knew quite a bit about video technology and virtual games. I even get video magazines delivered to my home for my eldest son.

What I've come to realize is that even in our own world, the options are becoming endless when it comes to making a business transaction. Whether you like this whole virtual concept or not, you must admit that this whole "Second Life" thing is quite clever!

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

NEWS FLASH! LEGENDARY COUTURIER VALENTINO PLANS TO STEP DOWN

Looks like another one of our fashion icons will be leaving the scene soon. After 45 years of heading his fashion house, Italian couturier Valentino Garavini, 75, is planning to retire. His exit from the fashion scene is planned for this January, following his haute couture show in Paris. You can get the full story here.

ANOTHER BEAUTY!

Here's another beautiful bag, adorned with austrian crystals, from the Judith Leiber collection (as well as the one from the previous post). These bags are pricey, but you have to admit, they are gorgeous. Check out the entire Fall Collection!

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

ISN'T THIS BAG JUST LOVELY?

How would you like to carry a beautiful bag like this one on your arm? Well, it's possible if you'd like to trade in your mortgage for it! Click here and find out just what type of price tag we're talking about! (Just to give you a clue, it made Forbe Magazine's "World's Most Extravagant Handbags" List for 2007.)