HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Looking forward to the new decade... feeling as though 2010 will be a very good year!

Designs To Infinity is Offering Discounts on Cyber-Monday!

Today's the day to stock up on holiday gifts-- and we've got the perfect gift for women this holiday season: Cell phone purses! Today, in keeping with the spirit of Cyber-Monday, Designs To Infinity is offering a 15% discount on all cell phone purses and evening bags!

What makes these items so special is that they are hand-crafted, impeccably constructed, and stylish! The cell phone purses pictured above have long straps, and a small front pocket secured by a magnetic snap on the front flap, for carrying your light essentials-- some cash, an ID or credit card, and a tube of lipstick, along with your cell phone, of course!

Don't miss out on this special discount today-- to see the entire collection of evening bags and cell phone purses on sale today, click here.

DESIGNS TO INFINITY HAS GONE COLLEGIATE WITH NEW CELL PHONE PURSE STYLES!

Yes, it's true... Designs To Infinity has gone collegiate!

D2I is in the process of creating new cell phone purses for women who like displaying their favorite college logo in a fashionable way, set off with some bling!

To get the details about my latest creations, check out today's feature story posted on No Cream, No Sugar's blog, by clicking here.

NEW PURSE STYLES BY D2I

That would be my company of course, Designs To Infinity!

I just added some new evening bag styles on my website today, and I thought I'd provide a sneak preview on my blog. The bags are vintage-inspired, with an Asian flair. I love brocade and I also love vintage, so voila--here you have it, the two combined!

To see more of my new styles, click here.

DID MICHELLE OBAMA MAKE A FASHION FAUX PAS?

What do you think-- do you feel that Michelle Obama is dressed inappropriately here, on a family trip this past weekend at the Grand Canyon?

Personally, I don't think the attire would be bad at all... if you weren't the First Lady! You know that you're going to be photographed anytime you're out, so don't dress like your daughter!

Sorry First Lady, but that hemline needs to come down a few more inches!

MY LATEST DENIM BAG CREATION

I thought I'd share my latest creation-- a denim bag that even I think is hot!

Here's the "rear view":

I had a sample of this bag on display at the Pasadena Show that I exhibited at recently-- the taker of this bag, a girl who looked to be no more than about 12 or 13! When she saw the bag that was displayed in my glass cabinet, she decided that she had to have it for the first day of school! I was so touched by her display of affection for this bag that I went to work right away on this one, probably just as excited for her to be able to carry it to school. I am so relieved now that I completed it and managed to ship it out yesterday!

I found it so interesting that this young girl wanted this bag-- after all, I didn't even consider her to be part of my target market!

It just goes to show that sometimes, what you intend to make for someone isn't always who responds...

Any more young girls looking for a denim bag?

Now That The Pasadena Bead & Design Show Is Over...

I've finally gotten a chance to blog about the show! Overall, I felt it was a great show-- lots of amazing artists out there! There were a wide variety of exhibitors who made exquisite jewelry and necklaces, vintage clothing, handpainted and knitted scarves, and even handbags! (wonder who made those?!) Of course, there were beads, beads, and more beads everywhere: Glass, porcelain, ceramic, wooden, real gems and stones, you name it... the whole place shimmered!

Here are a few pics:

A close-up of some of my purses

Some of the neighboring booths

I even had friends and members of my family stop by to wish me well.

A shot of me with my mother-in-law and neice

I had a chance to meet some great people who had booths in the vicinity of mine, who traveled from places as far as Canada, along with very interesting customers who shared stories of how and why they were there. One customer who was staying at the hotel, was in town for a big soccer game at the Rose Bowl. Another woman was in town for business and stumbled upon the show while having lunch with a friend at the hotel.

I even ran into an old co-worker who I hadn't seen in almost 15 years! That was quite a surprise. Ironically, her face had popped up in my mind the week prior, totally out of the blue. I remember how, just for a moment, my thoughts went back in time as I wondered what had happened to her... and then she popped up at the show! It was one of those experiences where you are reminded of how life goes by and people move on in separate directions, only to be brought back together years later, sharing stories much different from when you knew one another years ago. I realized that the universe responded to what I had put out there!

Now that the show is over, it's on to the next one in September...

Designs To Infinity Comes To Pasadena

The Pasadena Bead and Design Show is happening now, from today, July 30 - Sunday, August 2nd, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. I am here, displaying many of my new creations, and blogging about it from my booth as we speak! Styles range from totes, to vintage-style evening bags and cell phone purses.

If you live near the Pasadena area, come on out-- I would love to meet you in person and give you the opportunity to touch and feel my bags (sometimes a picture is just not enough)!

To find out more about the show, click here.

DESIGNS TO INFINITY'S NEW LINE, THE "PATRIOTIC COLLECTION", NOW AVAILABLE

In the spirit of patriotism, I just recently developed a new line of cell phone purses called the "Patriotic Collection". There are three styles available:

The "Starburst"


The "Obama"

The "Stars & Stripes"

These new styles will be available for a limited time only. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, this is a better time than ever to show love for our country... and for our new president!

The cell phone purses are made of cotton and denim fabrics, and contain a front pocket for holding your essentials, like your credit card, some cash, and even a tube of lipstick! They also have a swivel hook that allows you to fasten your cell phone purse to a larger purse or a belt loop. The styles are adorned with crystal embellishments and/or metallic trim.

At a retail price of $30.00, they are reasonably priced, and handcrafted as well. In other words, they are well constructed, functional, and you will not find these purses anywhere else (unless someone else has a way inside of my head!).

You can obtain one of these spirited and festive purses at my online boutique at www.designs2infinity.com, or by clicking here.

AND THE VERDICT ON THE CELL PHONE PURSES, IS...

I would just like to extend my thanks to everyone who have taken time out to view my showcased items on etsy.com today, as well as visiting my website at designs2infinity.com. Sometimes, when you feel like you're on to something, you just need a little bit of feedback to let you know if you deserve a "thumbs-up" or a "thumbs-down"!

To my benefit, I've been getting lots of thumbs-ups! The only reason I really know this is due to my husband (thanks!) posting on his Facebook page that my items were being showcased, and the response was almost immediate. Looks like I may have to join the Facebook bandwagon myself, after all!

If you get a chance, take a peek at my new bags at designs2infinity.etsy.com, and please let me know what you think!

MY NEW "DESIGNS TO INFINITY" CELL PHONE PURSE COLLECTION TO BE SHOWCASED

I know I've been blogging less lately; the reason being that I have been designing new handbag and cell phone purse styles for spring and summer.

On Monday, May 18th, my new "Designs To Infinity" collection of cell phone purses will be showcased on Etsy.com, in the "Bags and Purses Showcase". There are 10 new styles that will be featured.

These purses are currently on display in my Etsy store. You can take a peek by clicking here.

Let me know what you think!

A LOVELY SATURDAY IN L.A. AT SHAUN ROBINSON'S BOOK SIGNING PARTY

I had the opportunity to attend Shaun Robinson's (of Access Hollywood) book signing party promoting her new book, "Exactly As I Am" (I am pictured on the left, along with Deborah Langford on the right). It was a great event, with lots of beautiful people everywhere, of course!

Holly Robinson Peete and Sheila "E" looked fabulous!

Of course, I can't leave out my hunk-of-a-man husband (!) pictured with Shaun

The ladies were representing!

Other celebs in attendance, included Rolanda Watts (left) and Terri Vaughn (2nd from right)

I usually spend my time at these events zooming in on handbags, looking to see who I can give the "Cutest Handbag Award" to!

The award (not a real one!) went to the beautiful Paula Bond, who may not be a household name, but is known in the many facets of the entertainment and fashion industry of which she works in. She was holding a really cute little number that she bought "somewhere on Broadway in New York". I thought it was so lovely!

Paula, pictured with San Francisco Anchorman, Dave Clark

Overall, I had a great time at the event! Shaun, I wish you much success with your new book!

MICHELLE OBAMA'S ON A ROLL WITH HER FASHION CHOICES!

Emerald green was the color of choice for Michelle Obama at an event honoring Stevie Wonder this week. He was awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress, by President Obama. The silk chiffon dress was designed by none other than Stevie Wonder's wife, fashion designer Kai Milla.

I can tell that Mrs. Obama is becoming very comfortable in her role as the "First Lady". Good for her!

MICHELLE OBAMA'S GOVERNOR'S BALL GOWN: A BETTER FIT FOR THE INAUGURAL BALL?

Personally, I feel that Michelle Obama would have rocked this sequined gown better at the inaugural balls, which was designed by Peter Soronen, along with the new hairdo! Instead, she chose to wear it to the Governor's Ball this past Sunday.

She looks really amazing in this ensemble-- oh well! Better to "step it up" each time you step out!

BEAUTIFUL NEW HANDBAGS BY VALENTINO

If you have a thing for roses, these beautiful totes and satchels in Valentino's new collection definitely make the cut. The flesh-colored, studded leather bag above is a must-have!

While they are not affordable for most people, ranging from around $1,800 - $4,500 at retail, no one can argue that they are works of art!

Look at all of the gorgeous styles and colors:

Aqua taffeta - good for a trip by the beach!

Red taffeta - very hot!

Love this silver and pink taffeta combo!

Pink leather - very flirty!

For your viewing pleasure, click here to see the entire Valentino collection-- you won't be disappointed!

MICHELLE OBAMA'S FAVORITE DESIGNER, JASON WU, AT NY FASHION WEEK

I'm sure the timing of Michelle Obama wearing Jason Wu's gown to the Inauguration balls made him a hot commodity at New York Fashion Week. I bet the orders are pouring in now!

Check out the video, where he talks about when he discovered that Michelle Obama was wearing his gown, which is now a part of history!

MICHELLE OBAMA'S INAUGURATION OUTFIT: HIT OR MISS?

Both Barack and Michelle Obama conveyed through their choice of inauguration outfits that tradition and conservatism weren't how they wanted to show up for the party. Our president looked quite dapper (and handsome!) in his stylish suit, with a single vent long jacket, while our first lady wore a yellow Isabel Toledo suit and accessorized with green gloves from J Crew and shoes by Jimmy Choo. Talk about mixing and matching designers! The color choices were very complimentary to her, I felt.

Personally, I really wasn't that crazy about the first lady's outfit, partly because I couldn't figure out what was going on with it. I found myself distracted by the yellow that peeped out from under her jacket. Was it a scarf? Or maybe a tie hanging from her jacket? The picture below clarifies what it was:

A cardigan! I actually like the dress better without the coat!

A word of advice for the first lady: If you're looking for a non-traditional coat/dress ensemble, call Tracy Reese!

I did like that she chose a gown by an unknown designer to wear to the inauguration balls. What great exposure for this young designer, Jason Wu! But again, I couldn't really understand why she chose this style of a gown, that reminded me of something a young girl would wear to a high-school prom!

I couldn't appreciate the beauty of it until I came across a close-up picture of the detailing:

Now, I get it!!!

Let's not forget about the chandelier earrings:

Very stunning!

And matching ring:

Beautiful!

The close-ups (thanks, Huffington Post!) definitely helped me to gain a better appreciation for Michelle Obama's choices. She is clearly defining her own personal style, and her style does not have rules or limitations.

I think that a hidden message can be found when observing the fashion choices of Michelle Obama. That message is that we should make our our own decisions about what we feel is best for ourselves, and not worry about the judgement that may come from others. An interesting thing is happening right now: Fashion seems to be following Michelle Obama. It just goes to show you that sometimes even top designers can't influence the direction of fashion!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE 2009 LOREAL PARIS GOLDEN GLOBES' COMPACT?

Do you like this "luxury compact"? I think it's a real beauty!

Well, all of the Golden Globes' female nominees will be getting one of these fine gifts from Loreal Paris, valued at $3650. The compact was designed by Carelle, a fine jewelry company, and is a shimmering combination of lemon citrine and pale green quartz stones set in 18K yellow gold with diamond details in honor of the Golden Globes.

The compact, entitled "Harmony," evokes a calming, balanced aura with yellow citrines that symbolize optimism, positive energy and enhanced creativity. The yellow is a perfect compliment to green as it represents harmony and "attracts success".

One limited edition compact will be listed for sale through eBay Giving Works, eBay's dedicated program for charity listings, with all funds generated benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). lt will be auctioned on www.ebay.com/lorealparis following the award show, from January 11 through January 18, with an opening bid of $500.

IS MICHELLE OBAMA REALLY INFLUENCING THE DIRECTION OF FASHION?

Well, according to today's NY Times article, she definitely isn't hurting the industry.

Michelle Obama is being recognized for her ability to successfully combine off the rack items from retailers like J Crew, with top designer pieces, and look fabulous in doing so!

Why would this be appealing to the fashion industry? In these tough times with most people spending less, it's refreshing to know that you don't have to "break your bank" in order to look your best. Consumers may spend their money on one really great designer piece that accentuates the more affordable wardrobe that it's combined with. Its a win-win; spending continues to occur in both lower end and higher end retail markets.

Who would be better than the first-lady to show that this concept can be pulled off?

To read today's NY Times article, click here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So glad that 2009 has arrived!

Let's hope that positive "change" is really coming!!!