It's Time For Some Blackberry Sorbet!

The way in which I came up with a name for this new cell phone purse style popped up in my head almost automatically! For some reason, the color of the trim kept reminding me of a sorbet, and with the exterior of the purse being black... and the perfect size for a Blackberry smartphone, it made the name, Blackberry Sorbet, only fitting!

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...

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 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.

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!

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!