Beautiful Handbags For Fall

There are so many great handbag designs to choose from this Fall 2010 season. The combinations of fiber, hardware, and color schemes make these bags look sexy! Didn't know a bag could be that, huh?! The bag pictured above is a Judith Leiber Cheetah-Print Pony Valeria Clutch... so feminine-- love it!

Here are a few more of my favorites:

How cute is this Burberry Knotted Small Healey Shoulder Bag???

Christian Louboutin Kathena Leopard-Print Clutch - a perfect accessory!

Salvatore Ferragamo Leopard-Print Gancini Tote- from jeans to evening wear, this bag would be a great show-piece!

The Valentino Rosier Tote - Beautiful and trendy!

There are many more out there to choose from... If only I could have them all!

Take That Phone Call! You Never Know Who Your Potential Customer Could Be

Today, while working on something that required my immediate attention, my business phone rang. I decided that the caller would have to wait until I finished up the task that I was working on. The phone rang again. I became slightly annoyed-- not because someone was trying to contact me, but because the phone rang again just as soon as it stopped. I stopped what I was doing and checked my business voicemail.

A gentleman left a frantic message, stating that he had accidentally sent some very personal information via fax to my business number. He was concerned about his personal information inadvertently ending up in someone’s hands he didn’t know. He indicated that he wanted to know whether or not I had received the fax, feeling that he would have peace of mind knowing the outcome of his error. I conveyed to him that I had, in fact, received the 13-page fax. I assured him that I would immediately destroy it; I had no interest in being privy to something that made someone else feel violated.

Unbeknownst to me, technology had already afforded him the opportunity to do an internet search on my phone number, and as a result, he had already checked me out, located my business, and actually visited my website! As we engaged further in conversation, he shared that “tidbit” of information with me. He told me that he needed to know who he was dealing with. I actually found it amusing!

As we ended our conversation, he told me how appreciative he was that I responded promptly to his “crisis”. He also had something he wanted to share with me: His wife was a collector of handbags, hats, and shoes!

He told me that his wife had browsed my website, loved the handbags, and was ready to make some purchases! He warned me that I should be expecting an order very soon!

The lesson here is that you never know who your customer may end up being! I've learned that even the most unlikely set of circumstances can end up presenting the opportunity for a sale! Prompt follow-up and sensitivity to his dilemma led to me gaining this caller’s wife as a new customer… no good deed goes unnoticed!!!

One other detail that I mentioned to the gentleman is that I am in the process of updating my online store with new items for the fall season… they will be added very soon, so be sure to keep checking in! I’ll help you get to my site… just click here! http://bit.ly/viAil

A HANDBAG EXHIBIT YOU MAY WANT TO SEE

I can really appreciate when someone puts their heart and soul into their creations.

As I was reading the latest "handbag news", I found an article about Carolyn Quan, who is an internationally fine art photographer of nudes and nature. Her work is very sensual but tasteful, and popping with color. She will be launching her new limited-edition handbag collection at the New Living Expo exhibit in San Francisco, beginning today. Her work is incredible, and displaying her works on handbags is a very clever move on her part!

Here are some of my favorites from her handbag collection:

"Reflections of Bruvel" Clutch

"Fantasy Island 2" Hipster

"Popcorn In Paradise" Satchel

To read more about Carolyn Quan and her beautiful collection on exhibit, click here.

LINDSAY LOHAN ENTERING THE HANDBAG GAME, TOO?!

Looks like it's Lindsay Lohan's turn! Apparently, she is in talks with Ed Hardy to design a handbag collection for his company. What Lindsay's handbag style is, I have no idea... but her popularity alone will create a buzz for this new line. We'll soon find out if attaching her name to the line will prove beneficial...

For the full story, click here.

NICOLE RICHIE IS THE NEWEST CELEB HANDBAG DESIGNER

What's up with the influx of celeb designers???

Looks like Nicole Richie will soon be attaching "handbag designer" to her name, with her House of Harlow 1960's accessories line and Winter Kate clothing label having already been established.

The House of Harlow handbag collection will include 40 new handbag styles, and will be released in spring of next year, with prices ranging from $295-$595. With her style being described as "boho-chic", it's being predicted that her handbag line will follow suit.

Despite the fact that it seems that everyone wants to be a designer, even when they've already achieved "celeb status", I do feel that Nicole has a style that is identifiable, and many people do relate with it. If she carries that same trend over to her handbag line, she will do well.

To get the whole story, click here.

My Favorite Picks of Designer Handbags For Spring 2010

With spring being just around the corner, I decided to take a peek at the designer bags for the season. Lots of gorgeous new styles, but here are a few of my personal favorites:

The Stella McCartney Hobo - clearly Chanel-inspired, with the chain link trim doubling as a handle (which dresses up this purse)

Gucci Pelham Hobo - Another simple style, but well-structured bag...

Valentino Flower Tote - Both feminine and elegant

Jimmy Choo Cowboy Buckle Hobo - Perfect for accessorizing with casual attire!

The Gucci Large Shoulder Bag -

Love the design and color of this bag -

Can wear with just about anything!

By the way, have you noticed that the bags have shrunk again? Apparently, because the tech gadgets that women carry are shrinking in size (cell phone, MP3 players, laptop), the purses are being downsized as well! Check out this great article written on the topic, by clicking here.

New Handbag Styles From D2I Are on The Way...

With the holiday season behind us now, I am currently in design mode, putting the finishing touches on some great new styles for spring! I'm loving the color palette for Spring '10, vibrant brights combined with practical neutrals:

With the re-emergence of turquoise, I've already pulled out my stash of turquoise jewelry and begun wearing it!

Can't wait to share my new collection... I'm feeling it!