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.

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)

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.

NO NEED TO BORROW SARAH JESSICA'S CLUTCH

If you're looking for a beautiful, exotic clutch like the one that Sarah Jessica Parker accessorized her ensemble with at an event today in New York, there's no need to order it from Bag, Borrow, or Steal.
The clutch shown above is available at Macy's at a retail price of only $59.00, and is made of snake-embossed polyurethane and crocodile-embossed PVC trim.

Im sure that Sarah Jessica Parker's clutch is made of real exotic animal skin, but why buy the real thing if you can buy a fake that looks just as good?

HOW ABOUT A VEGAN HANDBAG? BEING HEALTH CONSCIOUS ISN'T LIMITED TO JUST FOOD!!!

When you hear the term "vegan", most people associate it with making food choices based on being a vegetarian. Who said that vegan only referred to a way of eating?

There is a Los Angeles boutique called Alternative Outfitters, a company that promotes a healthy lifestyle by offering products that are "eco friendly", meaning that the products are organic, environmentally-friendly, and cruelty-free (no animals spared for testing or manufacturing of products). The faux leather products actually look like the real thing! The products are manufactured using vegetables, synthetic leathers, vegetable based dyes, and vegetable based glues.

The company offers clothing, shoes, and of course, handbags! Since I tend to have an affinity for handbags, let me share with you some of the cute and fashionable bags that this store carries:

The Chinese Laundry Silver Ruched Vegan Handbag is adorable-- this bag is a great replica of metallic leather!

The construction and choice of embellishments on this Chinese Laundry Double-Braided Handle Vegan Saddlebag makes it easy to compete with any high-end designer bag:

I love the color and style of this Espe Slic Brief Green Vegan Handbag:

The Espe Fleur Large Black Vegan Wallet is really cute!!!

The good news is that all of these bags are very affordable and environmentally-friendly at the same time-- guilt-free shopping at this store!

STAINLESS STEEL ISN'T JUST FOR KITCHENS; IT ALSO MAKES GREAT PURSES

I have a whole new appreciation for stainless steel and aluminum!

Stainless steel appliances have grown in popularity in the kitchen. But what about stainless steel in your wardrobe? We found one trend, in stainless, and another in recycled aluminum, that you can throw over your shoulder and carry in high style. The artistic detail really works for me!

Nieja Bend has introduced the Opera Collection, a line of sophisticated handbags and clutch purses from designer Bo's Art Studio in Los Angeles. Each bag of woven stainless steel, features unique details, such as 24K gold plating, 23K gold leaf, copper, brass and even peacock feathers.


This stainless steel wallet, from the Stewart Stand Collection, is durable and resistant to corrosive materials, but to the touch, this material feels like silk. This wallet has a sleek look to it.

The Socorro shoulder bag by Escama, is hand-crocheted in Brazil and features more than 700 recycled aluminum pull-tabs. I love creating handmade items myself-- this bag truly has a uniqueness of its own.

Matching belts for these bags would be really nice-- just putting it out there!

(Source: STLtoday)

MORE TALK ABOUT "SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE"!

As mentioned in my previous post, I am very excited about the fact that this movie is currently in production. What I loved most about this series was the role that fashion played. The clothing and accessories worn by the ladies reminds me of something that would come straight from a top designer's sketchbook-- very fashion-forward, racy, and on some occasions, very extravagant. I found myself tuning in at times just so that I could "ooh" and "ahh" at everything!

Looks like photographers from In Style Magazine have been at the production site, snapping away as the ladies appear on the scene, sporting all of their "eye candy". As the photos are made public, I can't help but want to share with everyone all of the gorgeous clothing and accessories being showcased, fresh from top design houses.

Check out the Salvatore Ferragamo Pheasant Feather Bag in the picture above that Sarah Jessica Parker is holding, as she poses in character as "Carrie Bradshaw". One word for this bag: Scrumptious!

Now I'm curious as to whether the movie will be able to raise the fashion bar even higher than the series did. What I do know for sure is that the ladies are being fashioned from head to toe!

Here's a larger version of the pheasant feather bag:
I love this beautiful, exotic bag! You can read more about this bag here.

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!