SEASONED DESIGNERS NOT FEELING THE "CELEB" DESIGNERS AT FALL 2008 L.A. FASHION WEEK

Just as L.A. Fashion Week took a step forward, the celeb-as-designer trend seems to have sent it two steps back.

Though the presence of bigger and more legitimate designers has grown over the past few years, fashion regulars Sue Wong, Kevan Hall and Ed Hardy are not showing Fall 2008 collections at Culver City's Smashbox photo studios this week.

So as Fashion Week got under way Sunday, the spotlight turned to the likes of "The Hills" star Lauren Conrad, Nicky Hilton and the Pussycat Dolls.

Yes, the Pussycat Dolls.

Hey, it's just Hollywood, right?

Wong, for one, calls the emerging trend "absolutely bogus."

You can read the entire story by clicking here.

(Courtesy of OMG.yahoo.com)

SOME OF FALL 2008's "MOST WANTED" ACCESSORIES

Now here are some really gorgeous handbags, shoes, and jewelry that you'll want to check out-- Vogue Magazine's on-line magazine has on display "Fall 2008 Most Wanted Accessories", straight from the Paris runways.

A slideshow of these accessories are currently available for viewing. All of the accessories that made the A-List look amazing!

Two of my personal handbag favorites are the Fendi Envelope Clutch and the Chanel Bejeweled Bag, both pictured above.

This display is a must see! You can view the slideshow by clicking here.

VERA WANG IS ANYTHING BUT SIMPLE: SHE JUST INKED A NEW HANDBAG DEAL

It looks like Vera Wang won't stop at designing wedding gowns, clothing, and bedding-- everything this woman touches turns into gold. I guess that's good reason why she would now want to take on the handbag market!

According to my source (PRNewswire), Vera Wang has entered a three-year licensing agreement with Accessory Network Group LLC ("ANG") for the design, manufacture and distribution of contemporary handbags and small leather goods for the Vera Wang Lavender Label Collection.

Retail pricing of the collection will range from $300 to $1,000, and distribution will follow that of Lavender Label apparel, including top-tier department and specialty stores.

The Vera Wang Lavender Label handbag collection will have a feel and tone similar to the Lavender Label apparel collection; whimsical, fun, youthful and flirty.

Since its launch in 2005, the label has succeeded in delivering a line of clothing that focuses on modern, feminine pieces with a retro edge.

To read the entire story, click here.

MORE CUTE AND AFFORDABLE BAGS FOR SPRING

Who says that you need to break the bank to look good? Check out these really cute totes and clutches that are cute, stylish, and most important of all, totally affordable!

The Loeffler Randall Chain Clutch shown above is available at Target. At a retail price of $24.99, this is a guilt-free purchase!

I really love this adorable, vibrant orange double-strapped tote from Chinese Laundry, and at a retail price of $51.00, it is another steal!

This classy, Deco Quilted Clutch has a very unique design, and is available at Nine West at a retail price of $59.00. Hard to believe!

How about carrying around a little bit of personality with the canvas Xhiliration Tote, available at Target for only $9.99. This is the perfect vacation companion!

These bags prove that you can be fashionable at any price level!

MICHAEL KORS HAS THE EXOTIC CLUTCHES COVERED!

If you're looking for a spring clutch that will grab everyone's attention, check out Michael Kors' Spring Collection. What really caught my attention were the beautiful exotic clutches in bold, beautiful colors. Talk about gorgeous! The clutches are accentuated with watchbands, chains, and other forms of hardware-- they are totally unique!



My favorite is this multi-colored Rehearsal Python Clutch-- you can wear it with just about anything!

How cute is this lime Alligator Watch Band Clutch? I love the idea of using a watchband for the embellishment on the front-- very clever!

The hinge detailing gives this Beverly Hinge Clutch a uniqueness of its own-- this clutch is both stylish and classy!

Check out Michael Kors' entire spring collection by clicking here!

LOUIS VUITTON'S GOT A WATERPROOF BAG FOR YOU

Finally, someone has come up with a way to keep a leather bag from losing its beauty from water stains!

This Louis Vuitton Waterproof Keepall bag has been designed to sustain any possibility of water damage, and when closed, will even provide a barrier against water entering it if it is submerged completely in water. I don't know why this would be necessary, but I guess this feature would come in handy if you were planning to scuba dive with it strapped on, or if it fell overboard while leaning against the railing of a ship or something!

The bag sells at a retail price of $2,030 when purchased directly from Louis Vuitton's e-store.

BEAUTIFUL HANDBAG STYLES FOR SPRING

Even though we're still in the midst of winter, who says we can't look at spring accessories now? Lot's of gorgeous styles will be available, from what I've seen so far.

I love the Valentino Blossom Rose bag, pictured above. It has such a delicate look!

This Prada Woven shopper is perfect for the office, and also works on a Saturday out on the town as well!

This stylish Dior Gipsy Ruffle leather bag and a pair of jeans works for me!

This beautiful printed Soft Lady Dior Canvas Bag is the perfect vacation companion!

Hurry up, spring!