WANNA PIMP YOUR HANDBAG?

I'll tell you, there is nothing inconceivable anymore. Someone has decided to add a TV to a handbag-- one of the most hideous ideas that I have ever heard of!

"Bag TV" is what this latest innovation is called-- a handbag equipped with a 7" LCD screen and a DVD/MPEG player built in.

I just want to know who thought a person would need a TV on their purse?

To read more about this nonsense, click here.

A SIDE TOPIC: ANYONE LOOKING FOR GUMDROPS?

My Funny Gumdrop Experience

My fifth grader is having a holiday celebration party in his class on Friday. This past Monday night, the room parent sent out an e-mail to request help and some extra items for the party. One of the things she needed help with was for some people to help coordinate two or three crafts for the kids. Although I am a creative person, I've never contributed an idea for a craft before. I do show up at all holiday parties, though, and help out with crafts. So I thought that maybe I'd offer out an idea this year. My idea: gumdrop pops!

The idea came from Martha Stewart's website, and the candy figurines looked really cute and easy to make. "Piece of cake", I thought. Wrong! I could not find gumdrops anywhere. After going to the candy store in the local mall, Walmart, Smart and Final, Michaels (where I did find a container of small ones), I still needed large ones. After all, the gumdrop pops needed to look like the examples on the paper. Yes, I will claim the perfectionist title. : )

The next day, I continued my journey to find gumdrops, and went to See's Candies. See's had to have them. Wrong again! I perused the store, in search of red and green gumdrops. All of the store clerks were busy ringing up orders. Finally, I got in the short line where you pay for pre-packaged boxes of candy. When I got to the cashier, I asked if they had gumdrops. She looked at me as though my question was unheard of. "No, we don't have them", she answered. I responded, "didn't you carry them in your store before? I thought for sure you had them in plastic bags with a bow on them." I guess I must have stated my question really loud, because in just that instant, the whole store made a roaring sound, and the discussions began. One lady answered, "the gumdrops can usually be found at Easter". You could hear others also claiming that red and green gumdrops once existed. Another lady answered, "try Walmart. I needed gumballs for my store, and I found a big box of them there, in all colors." Now, how did we go from gumdrops to gumballs? Anyhow, I left the store, amused at how gumdrops and gumballs became the topic of discussion just that quick!

My gumdrop dilemna was resolved, after spending at least 20 minutes at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, another mall store. The woman working there, who appeared to be the owner told me, "just go down to Long's or Sav-On Drugstore, and look for the off-brand candies. You will find gumdrops." She was right! I found at least three brands of them! Usually, I frown at the off-brands, but I've never been happier to see those off-brand gumdrops! My search was over, two days later. The funny thing about it is, the kids won't even care where they came from!

THE "MATERIAL GIRL" DOES GOOD WITH LOUIS VUITTON

Check out these new photos of Madonna (courtesy of NY Daily News) , promoting the latest Louis Vuitton handbag line.

So much for the focus being on the handbags-- at age 50, Madonna is in great shape! I'm sure she's open to finding any means to distract from all of the negative publicity she's been getting in her personal life, lately!

WANT TO KNOW HOW TO SPOT A REAL HANDBAG FROM A FAKE?

One Word For This Chanel Mobile Art Handbag Exhibit... WOW!!!

You have to check out this amazing Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit, which opened today in New York's Central Park!

The 2,300-square-foot structure — the Greatest Handbag Pavilion Known to Man — designed by Zaha Hadid, houses art inspired by Chanel's iconic 2.55 quilted handbag with the chain straps.

Also included is a pit inspired by the depths of a woman's handbag, an S&M-inspired room, a giant handbag, and more.

I wish I could personally visit this exhibit-- If you're already in New York, you don't want to miss this one!

(Source: NY Magazine)

Gorgeous Leather Clothes and Accessories at Bottega Veneta's Spring 2009 Show in Milan

If you're into leather, this collection by designer Tomas Maier will not disappoint you! The leather outfit shown above is just a small teaser of what this show had to offer!

The leather handbags in Bottega Veneta's Spring '09 collection at the Milan Show definitely stood out! Many of the reviews that were written about Milan Fashion Week stated that this show was one of the best shows there.

The beautiful, stylish handbags are impecccably crafted in muted brown tones, ranging from caramel and copper, to sage and chestnut. The handbags reflect the everyday lifestyle of women who want to purchase items that can be worn for years, and aren't necessary looking to dress seasonally, which was stated by the designer extraordinnaire, Tomas Maier, in a backstage interview at the show.

Check out some of the handbags from the runway show:

Isn't it amazing what's being done with leather these days? Very feminine bag!

I really like the multi-colored tones of this bag!

What do you get when you combine a basic style made up in some good leather, with leather embellishing? A gorgeous bag!!!

The exotic leather used for this clutch adds elegance without all the frills!

We can't leave out the shoes... cute, cute cute! Love the exotic leather on both pairs!

And to get an even better idea of how great this show was, check out this video:

Enjoy the show!

"Handbag Designer 101's" Featured Designer of The Day is...Yours Truly!

Today I was pleasantly surprised to open an e-mail from a top handbag site, Handbagdesigner101, informing me that I had been chosen to be their "handbag designer of the day"!

What an honor! Many extremely talented handbag designers have been featured on this site in the past, so I feel privileged to be part of their esteemed list!

To the folks over at Handbagdesigner101.com, thanks for giving me some love!!!

You can check out my feature story by clicking on the link below.

The Infinity Collection on Handbag Designer 101

FOR OBAMA-INSPIRED FASHION, CHECK OUT THE "RUNWAY TO CHANGE" STORE

Obama "Stand For Change" Tote Bag by Isaac Mizrahi

Fundraising for the Obama campaign has taken a fashion turn, with the "Runway To Change" on-line store now in full effect. Top designers have contributed their talents in an effort to raise campaign funds for the Obama campaign.

In an effort to show their support, and help Barack Obama become the next President of the United States, prominent designers in the fashion community designed their own item to be added to the campaign’s merchandise.

Many designs feature Obama's campaign logo or his message of hope. From t-shirts to tote bags and sweaters to scarves, their designer wares will be available in exchange for contributions to the Obama campaign.

Runway to Change launched earlier this month in New York City in order to raise critical funds for the campaign. There are over 20 extremely esteemed and talented designers who have sent in designs for this project.

Of course, I was drawn to the really cute handbag designs!

Check out these totes:

"Change is Awesome" Tote Bag by Rag and Bone

"Obama '08 Button" Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs

"Obama '08 Love" Tote Bag by Diane von Furstenberg



"Obama Flower" Tote Bag by Derek Lam

You can view the entire "Runway To Change" collection by clicking here.

(Source: RunwayToChange.com)

WANT AN ULTRA-FEMININE LOOK? CHECK OUT TRACY REESE'S SPRING '09 COLLECTION!

Tracy Reese's dresses and gowns have a style that is unique to any of the other designers. The ultra-feminine dresses, gowns, and coat dresses are beautiful! I love the fabrics that she uses for her creations: silky, flowing, with a splash of color, some frills, and accentuated with lace trim. She is able to pull off combining a totally funky style with delicate fabrics and patterns.

I am truly proud of my fellow sister because there are very few big-name "real" designers of color out there. Tracy Reese is one of the few who actually studied and worked in both New York and Europe. Even in my own experience of working in the apparel industry and teaching for many years, I personally saw very few people of color working in a design or creative capacity, or even studying to become a designer, for that matter. I always found this to be interesting because I know there are many talented people of color out there who can either sketch, sew, or create. One thing that I know for sure is that Tracy Reese has a gift for designing.

Check out these gorgeous dresses from her Spring 2009 collection:

Funky and feminine at the same time-- see what I mean?

No one has coatdresses like the one's Tracy Reese puts out!

Flirty and flowing-- Love the purple!

This dress is my absolute favorite! So regal and sexy at the same time!

I must say-- this girl has really got it going on!!!

For someone who really loves her designs, I only own one item with her name on it - a scarf that I purchased about four years ago. At the time, I didn't even know who she was! I was going out with my husband to a black-tie affair, and needed a scarf or shawl to accessorize my dress with. I found the scarf in a local boutique and remember cringing when I looked at the price tag. It was around $200, but I had fallen in love with the floral silver metallic pattern on the scarf, and it was large enough to use as a shawl. It also had long fringes that gave the scarf its own individual personality.

Here it is:

This dress actually looks like my scarf!

Now I'm glad I bought it. I know that there's no way now that I would be able to buy a scarf with her name on it, for $200!

"FASHION ROCKS": GOTTA HAVE MUSIC WITH FASHION!

I can't believe that Spring 2009 Fashion Week is here already! From the looks of it, just about everybody who is big on the entertainment scene right now was at the Fashion Rocks - Conde' Nast event at Radio City Music Hall this past Friday night. Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus, Kid Rock, Fergie and many other big-names in the music industry turned out for the event. The entertainers performed for a great cause-- to help raise funds for cancer research.

The only problem was that no one has any new music out right now, so instead of promoting themselves, the entertainers paid tribute to music legends, like Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Etta James, the Rolling Stones, and producer-songwriter Timbaland.

Here are some of the photos from the event (courtesy of In Style):

A glammed up Mariah Carey

Young and sexy R&B Crooner Chris Brown

Not to mention his "first lady" Rihanna and the Queen of R&B Mary J. Blige



"The Dutchess" Fergie with 80's sensation Debbie Harry

I have to mention that these performers were all looking quite the trendsetters themselves! Look out runway models-- with music sales down, don't be surprised if some of these performers show up on the catwalk soon!

LOOKING FOR A CUTE CELL PHONE PURSE? WELL, I'VE GOT ONE FOR YOU!

Thought I'd share my latest creations with you-- cell phone purses!

These purses are all handmade, and totally functional! In addition to keeping your cell phone securely in tow, these purses have a small pocket in front where you can put some cash or a credit card inside. The front flap has a magnetic snap that holds everything together! The handle even has a detachable swivel hook with a key ring that can be re-attached to your purse or a belt loop or buckle on your clothing. Easy access to your phone is important!

Ladies, I had you all in mind when I chose the prints for these adorable little creations, if I should say so myself! Who wants to display a boring purse with no pizazz?

The purses come in many styles and colors, and yes, more colors and styles are on the way! Some of the styles are adorned with crystals-- nothing like a little bit of *bling*! There is also a contrasting print on the inside-- I thought I'd might as well allow the inside to look as good as the outside!






These purses made their debut at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show in Pasadena, CA earlier this month, where I exhibited my handbag collection.


They were a hit-- and not just with women. The young girls who accompanied their moms to the show were purchasing them as well!

You can check out my collection of cell phone purses by visiting my online boutique, Designs To Infinity.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING ON SEPTEMBER 13-14TH? WALKING FOR BREAST CANCER!

In case you're wondering, I do not have breast cancer. It seemed like yesterday on a day back in January when my girlfriend, Cheryl, asked me if I was interested in participating in the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer. It was perfect timing; I had been looking for a cause that I would be willing to commit to for the long haul. It was time for me to live out my true purpose in life, to use myself to help others. Never before have I experienced friends and relatives, or even friends of those people, who knows someone with breast cancer. I've been one of the lucky ones-- so far, I've gotten good reports back.

On September 13-14th, I’ll be just one of thousands of people that will walk up to a marathon and a half over a weekend, raising awareness of the cause and educating even more people.

If you are interested in helping me support this important cause, or if you are interested in participating in this amazing event in your city, you can get more information about the Avon Walk by clicking here.

THE "CARRY-ART" HANDBAG COLLECTION: SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO SEE!

Elliot Vance has been a designer in his family outerwear business for many years and an artist, with over 1,500 pieces of artwork.

Vance has taken his art to a new level with his "Carry-Art" handbag collection. In his "Premier" collection, he has created for the Spring and Summer of 2008 eight handbags, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. He has literally created an evolution in the designer handbag industry. He has taken classic styles and updated them in his own creative way.

These bags are absolutely beautiful, and a great way to express your love of art. However, they do carry a pretty hefty price tag, so toting them around would be the equivalent of carrying around an actual painting! I would only carry a bag like this around for a really special occasion.

Great concept, though!

To view the entire collection, click here.

(Story courtesy of 24-7)

For You Jeopardy Types, I'll Take Purse History For 500!

Have Purse Will Travel

Something I came across worth checking out. There's an exhibit titled "The Purse and The Person" at the Midway Museum in Rockford Illinois. The purses tell the story of women in America—how far they’ve come and what they’ve gone through.

For instance, the museum combines articles from their collection to broaden the exhibit beyond the purse; creating vignettes of life during that time. In the twenties Women were getting a taste of freedom and in the thirties that taste grew to a healthy appetite. They were starting to work outside of the home. They were starting to go at night.

I can tell you more, but why not just read it for yourself...

BARACK ISN'T THE ONLY OBAMA THAT'S ATTRACTING TOP DESIGNERS

From a fundraiser sponsored by The Daily and WWD, attended by movers and shakers in the fashion world, to a guest spot on The View the next morning, Michelle Obama's newfound sense of style has caught the eyes of top designers in New York. They are all up for the challenge of convincing the very possible, future First-Lady to give them the opportunity to fashion her from head to toe.

Even a presidential election creates opportunity for fashion designers. If Barack Obama wins the bid for President and moves into the White House, what better opportunity could there be for a designer to be able to take credit for all of the compliments that Michelle Obama receives for her impeccable taste of style and fashion sense? Not to mention all of the dollars pouring in from sales of dresses and gown orders from women who want to be just like her.

Sometimes a little nostalgia is good-- those Jackie Kennedy days feel like they're coming back again...

When opportunity knocks, you'd better be ready to answer!


(photo courtesy of New York Magazine)

DONNATELLA VERSACE'S INSPIRATION FOR SPRING-SUMMER '09 MILAN SHOW: BARACK OBAMA!

Looks like politics isn't the only place where Barack Obama is inspiring change. Apparently, the fashion world is open to change as well.

Donnatella Versace is so inspired by Obama that she dedicated her Spring-Summer '09 menswear collection to him at her show in Milan this past Saturday evening.

Donatella Versace considers him the "man of the moment" and "a relaxed man who doesn't need to flex muscles to show he has power." Believe me, she isn't the only person who feels that way-- many of us are in total accord with her!

To read the entire story, click here.


Source: New York Magazine)

THIS EIFFEL TOWER BAG IS SOOO CARRIE BRADSHAW!

Isn't this Eiffel Tower Clutch totally unique? It's one of the many exquisite bags that Carrie Bradshaw steps out in style with in "Sex and The City: The Movie". According to my source (Shefinds.com), this clutch is predicted to be the must-have accessory once it gains exposure on the movie screens this weekend.

The clutch, designed by Timmy Woods, currently retails at Nordstrom for $415; however, more than 3,000 Swarovski crystals were added to the original Eiffel Tower design to create the Carrie-worthy, $2,500 Paris-themed showpiece.

I'm counting down the days to the movie... just a few more left!

IMAN'S "GLOBAL CHIC COLLECTION" IS WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!

I initially stumbled upon Iman's Global Chic Collection about six months ago (you can view my previous post here), and really liked what I saw. Since then, these bags have become even more appealing to me when I considered the price factor. These bags look great, and what's even better is that they're affordable!

Even though most of Iman's collection is made of faux leather and suede materials, it looks like high quality merchandise. I would wear it!

All of the bags shown here are priced under $100:





I love the color combination and style of this fuchsia Global Chic Glamour Evening Bag with a touch of metallic shimmer. It retails for only $54.95-- how can you pass this one up?

I really like the look, as well as the size of this Global Chic Red Patent Tote-- I don't like squeezing all of my personal items inside a bag, so this one would be perfect for me! At a retail price of $89.95, I feel this is a good buy!

You can check out Iman's entire Global Chic Collection by clicking here.

"Sex and the City" World Premiere In London- Are You Surprised?

New York has to be the last stop-- you have to save the best for last...

It's time to get the blender ready for the "cosmos"!

NEIMAN MARCUS GIVES US GLAM WITH FALL 2008 ACCESSORIES

I get the feel of old Hollywood glam when I look at the display of handbags coming out this fall. The handbags are feminine, sophisticated, and some of the best couture I've seen in a long time!

Being a handbag designer myself, I can tell that the designers of these bags really put some thought and effort into trying to come up with something unique from what's currently out. I personally love anything that's lacy or frilly, so these bags really stand out for me!



I love the simple embellishing when working with beautiful lace fabrics in white - a nice, clean touch that's classy!

I love the pink and berry color combination on this handbag-- very elegant!

You can read what Neiman Marcus fashion directors have in store for Fall 2008 by clicking here.

ANGELA AND VANESSA SIMMONS MAKE A PASTRY APPEARANCE IN HARLEM

Never mind Uncle Russell and Aunt Kimora--their nieces are holding their own with their cute and colorful Pastry shoes, handbags, and apparel.

Check out this video of their in-store appearance in Harlem on behalf of their successful line. Young fans came out in droves to show their love for these two sisters!

If you haven't heard of the Pastry line, chances are that your kids have (if you have them!)

To view the entire Pastry collection, click here.

WHAT DOES "THE SAK" AND HARPER COLLINS HAVE IN COMMON? A GREAT PROMOTION!

How does the idea of adding to both your handbag collection and your home library sound to you-- all for free?

A leading publisher and a handbag maker are partnering to launch "Book in a Bag," a year-long giveaway of chic and bags filled with the newest fashion fiction. The promotion -- featuring books by popular Avon A authors such as MegCabot, Marian Keyes, and Kathleen Tessaro, and handbags from the fashion-forward SAK -- "is our salute to the fans of style and stylish fiction," says Liate Stehlik, Avon's publisher.

The SAK is a brand known for using signature textures and textiles, and has been featured in fashion and lifestyle magazines like People Magazine's Style Watch, Allure, and Self.

To read more about this great promotion, click here.


(Source: PR Newswire)

LOOKING FOR A BIRKIN? MICHAEL TONELLO KNOWS HOW TO GET THEM!

Looking to add the ultimate "It Bag" to your collection?

Check out this video (courtesy of NECN.com) where Michael Tonello talks about how he was able to locate and purchase hundreds of these much sought after "status symbol" bags, and re-sell them to high profile celebrities and fashionistas, who have waited on lists for two years or more to get one of these Hermes creations. Two years or more-- hard to believe!

He's even wrote a book about his experiences, called "Bringing Home The Birkin".

This is completely baffling to me... all for this bag???

SPRING FLORAL BAGS - GOT TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE!

This one's got my name all over it--

Isn't this Missoni Floral Bag just stunning, with knitted ruffled trim? So feminine and pretty!