Fashion’s Side dish: Boots, Bags, Baubles and more

Dear Twolia Divas,

With the launch of her newest album, it seems every fashion brand wants a piece of the Beyonce mania. I get at least 3 pitches a day that start like this “Beyonce was spotted in NYC wear ….” Or “Beyonce will be wearing xyz necklace tomorrow on Jay Leno…” I reported last week that Beyonce wore a Clara Kasavina necklace on the current cover of Essence Magazine and has since become a big fan, receiving numerous pieces. Now for some shoe scoop and it’s big. On the cover of her new album “I Am … Sasha Fierce,” which hit stores yesterday, the lovely Ms. B sports Stuart Weitzman “Dorothy” Heels. I just love this shoe. It’s a classic, just like Beyonce. I’ll need to call and see if it comes in ivory satin. Wouldn’t it make a fabulous wedding shoe? I’m still on that hunt!

Album photo credit: Peter Lindbergh. 

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

COME MEET ME. I want to meet you!

Today I’ll be speaking to a crowd of brides-to-be about wedding accessories, big day dos and don’ts and much more. (Sorry for the late notice!) Clara Kasavina asked me to speak on their behalf for this super fun Bridal Bootcamp hosted by The Wedding Salon at Scully & Scully in NYC. Being a bride-to-be myself, this sounded too perfect to pass up. Details are below. If your wedding date is fast approaching, or you just love weddings ( you know who you are!) then come join me, designer Clara Kasavina, other wedding professionals, fellow brides and my mom (yup the woman who gave birth to this bagista and purchased numerous gloves for me because I would lose them all the time) for a luxurious night of wedding wonders.

WHO: you and other stylish brides
WHAT: Mini Bridal Bootcamp, get tickets
WHERE: Scully & Scully, 504 Park Ave in NYC
WHEN: November 19th, 6-8pm
WHY: Get the latest tips on wedding trends, ask me any bag-a-licious questions, meet Clara Kasavina

PS check out the new Clara Kasavina blog “Clara Kasavina’s Crystal Closet” written by yours truely

Dear Twolia Divas,

Have we all seen the new Hayden-Harnett collection for Target? The official images went out this week; not to brag or anything, but I think I was one the first people to know about this about 9 months ago. I kept my mouth shut, good girl that I am. Now it’s time to ooh and aah over the affordable selection of totes and clutches … and start strategizing. Once these babies hit select Target stores and www.target.com  on December 28th(which happens to be my silver birthday!) there’s no telling what will happen. I predict that the Flight Tote ($49.99) in black, multi andbrown and Canvas Hobo ($39.99) in  the signature print will sell out the fastest, as will the purse/clutch. My only hiccup with this collection is the kisslock purse on Clutch ($19.99). Marc Jacobs did it last year and I hated it then. It’s an odd look that doesn’t jive in my book. I’m sure it will do well or at least sell out once it goes on a markdown, but I just would urge those thinking about it to pass. Go for the The Double Flap ($29.99). My BIG love is the purple/gold print - so vibrant and fresh. On the umbrella it’s just heaven. I’ll be getting the umbrella for sure! Thirty nine days, and counting, until my birthday I mean until the Hayden-Harnett for Target collection goes on sale.

And, while we’re yapping about Hayden-Harnett check out their new line of shoes. The boots are not to be missed.

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

I mentioned it last week, but further solidified after another week of showroom appointments that coral will be the color du jour for the spring 2009 season! Here are some shots from Kaia Peterka, Clara Kasavina, Bulga, Swarovksi and The Sak. I’m so excited about this refreshing shade because it looks so good on me Don’t mind all the images, the coral hues didn’t register well on all. The Kaia Peterka tote (about $550) is a great bag and I loved The Sak (all under $200!!! and yes real leather).

If this isn’t a trend you want to delve into (g-d knows where the economy will be next year) get a coral scarf and wrap it around your existing bag. Also you can do little luxuries and ad a coral charm from COACH to your bag. They are under $45.

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

I almost forgot to mention that this week is M. CLIFFORD DESIGN WEEK on BagTrends.com. I’ve already shared why I love this brand, now it’s time to hear from the designer, Marth Clifford. Here’s a snipit of a Q&A I did with her. Read the full interview at BagTrends.com. You can also get a peak inside Martha’s bag, as she reveals her in the bag essentials.
Finally, take 20% OFF all M. CLIFFORD DESIGNS HANDBAGS at SHOPBagTrends.com with code cm20. Exp. 11/16/08. May not combine with other offers.

BagTrends: From catering to handbag design. That’s not a logical jump. What made you do it?
Martha Clifford: After going through a divorce and selling a successful catering business that I had owned for many years, I returned to sewing as a creative outlet. I began making handbags for myself, family, and friends on my kitchen counter. When requests to purchase them began to overwhelm me, I decided to seek out a manufacturer in New York.

BT: What inspires you?
Martha: Other fashion, nature, and architectural elements all inspire me. I get energy from everything I see and do!

BT: Do you design for a particular bagista in mind? If so who is she?
Martha: I design for the sophisticated, but fun bagista of any age who likes handbags that are classic with a twist. It’s not about being trendy, trendy. I want women to feel confident that their m. Clifford Designs handbag will be as wearable in 5 or 10 years, as it is today.

BT: If you could identify any woman with m. Clifford Designs and/or have a celebrity wear your bags, who would you pick?
Martha: I would be honored to have Kate Bosworth carry one of my bags because I love her style.    Read the full interview at BagTrends.com.

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

Watch me talk about watches …. Sorry couldn’t help myself. Last week I previewed several watch brands – Swiss Tradition, Obaku and Field & Stream. The later is great for any fish or sport enthusiastic on your holiday list. They have watches that tell you when is a good time to fish – or something like that having to do with the moon phases, tides and other stuff one might need if one was fishing. If you’re fishing for the ultimate gadget, Field & Stream has plenty of options under $100!! Check out www.basspro.com.

Swiss Tradition was more my style. They do a lot of large-dial pieces that are unisex ( I LOVE sharing anything with my fiancé – something sexy and romantic about sharing a watch, no?) Swiss Tradition has three groups for spring 2009 – heritage (very elegant, kind of vintage with open skeletons, tourbillion style, stainless steal construction), diamond ( diamond accents up to 1 carat – need I say more?) and performance sport (more contemporary, sleek, built to withstand extreme conditions).

Finally, OBAKU Harmony Swiss watches focuses on the simple and serene. This isn’t about crazy colors, but refines styles created by soft curves. It’s an overall feel-good company and when time is so precious and hectic, don’t you want the watch you use to calm you down? Check out www.obaku.com.

Time for me to get some R&R.

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

I’ve been thinking some more about our new First Lady’s Purse-onal Panache TM and how fabulous it will be to once again have a destended-to-be fashion icon in the White House. If you love Michelle Obama’s refined lady-like, without being daught, style you may have a similiar Purse-onal Panache. I’ve found a few more bags that will work for the First Lady, as well as some shoes and jewelry. Michelle Obama, if you are reading this, I would be delighted to be your accessory stylist! Hum me in the White House? Ah, ok back to reality and the accessories.

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

It  has been a hectic week  here in NYC chock full of spring/summer 2009 previews and big awards show (the Accessories Council Excellence Awards where I rubbed elbows with Stella McCartney, Chloe Sevigny, Helena Kristensen, Carlos Falchi, Simon Doonan, Tina Knowles, Cate Adair and many more .. yes, I have pictures but I’m having an issue with the camera so to come).

Now, back to accessories. Here are some big trends to keep in mind for spring 2009:

Tassel n Tease - on bags, shoes and jewelry - buy a new bag/shoe or just buy a tassel and attach to your existing bag (instant upgrade!) Be & D will have tassels sold separately and with their bags)

Coral is King- this going to be the hot color of the season mixed with salmon, pinks, soft oranges and persimmon (I’m SO thrilles my summer 09 wedding is actually in this color pallet)

Bigger is Better- big bangles and rings are still the main accessory ( i know it kills me because I’m such a bag lover) Expect simple pieces in design but with a lot of power and show, items that are truly classic and you  may even have some from the 80’s. (Pictures in this post are from Clara Kasavina who is bringing bag her vintage jewelry line and expanding for spring. Beyonce is a big fan.)

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

I was working on a segment pitch for CNN, but a million and one things got in the way - such a shame. So that my good thoughts -hehe - don’t go to waist, I decided to share them here with you. I’m of the belief that every woman has a Purse-onal PanacheTM, a handbag style that is uniquely suited to her. To decipher once Purse-onal PanacheTM you only need to examine your lifestyle, existing fashion choices, home decor, favorite colors, favorite icons/personalities and really uncover what you want to project to the world. After all it is the handbag, more than ANY other accessory or piece of clothing, which is seen the most and garners the attention.

Now, to Michelle Obama - who very well might become the next first lady in less that 12 hours. Based on what I’ve read about her, images in the media, interviews and other evidence, she is:

- on-the-go, focused, passionate and ambitious

- family centered AND career driven, she finds balance and doesn’t want to give up either

- isn’t afraid of trying new designers and embracing change

- enjoys fine brands, but can mix-it-up with some H&M

- loves a shift dress, more of a dress than suite gal in general

- enjoys unique colors, unconventional for many ladies on the trail (emerald green, plum)

What does this say about her political views and that of her husband, Barack Obama? That’s something I was doing to delve into on CNN, but for now her Purse-onal PanacheTM.

Based on the above observations, Michelle is a lover of TOTES. She wants something she can fit her files, maybe a laptop, a newspaper and her wallet (full of family images). The tote needs to have enough of a drop to fit over the shoulder (being on the go she needs options). Michelle would also need at least two pockets inside the bag (wallet/ keys/ makeup) and ideally one on the outside to have easy-access to her Blackberry. I would give her a new designer like m. Clifford Designs and recommend the Terrell Tote in grey or navy (both not your basic black, but still not too wild - she is a first lady, after all).

If I’m still up to it at midnight, once more states are called, I’ll do Purse-onal PanacheTM for Cindy McCain.

Happy Accessorizing!

Dear Twolia Divas,

I was just thinking howcrazy social media has become and at the same time how it can really benefit a business if done right. I myself have a personal blog, writer for other blogs, recently launched a twitter account under my own name and that of my company’s http://twitter.com/bagtrends, a facebook page and a s group, I’m on linkedin and have a BagTrends linkedin group … madness!! Well, madness or not, it’s been fabulous traffic for www.bagtrends.com. Another brand, Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers Handbags recently launched a facebook page. Fans can also check out the Harajuku Girls visit to Bloomingdales in New York on YouTube.com.

Do you get more invovled with your favorite brands/personalities/designers when they are engaged in social networking? Are you a “friends” with any designers/brands? I’m “friends” with Issac Mizrahi and that makes me happy :).

Happy Accessorizing!