Ananas on BagTrends + Sale

Hey bagistas! As you enjoy this glorious weekend, I wanted to let you know that we just added a hot brand to the BAGTRENDS Shop. Check out the roomy and unconventional bags from Ananas. My favorite is the Mari in mango - a previous bag-a-licious spotlight - we charge $275 (vs the suggested $310).

Plus, this week only, all bag-a-licious tees are on sale for $19.99 (regular $38.)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

In The Bag: Shining Star

The official launch of stylish-summer fun is upon us. If you're wondering what sexy, hot-spot I'm heading too - it's the Big Apple. Yup, I'm sticking around NYC and making sure I don’t miss the nightlife fun.

Whether you're jetting off to a fashionable destination like Miami or Vegas, or enjoying a relaxing BBQ at home for Memorial Day, check out the latest in the bag goodies. They’ll leave you glowing, and have co-workers wondering "where did she go over the weekend?"

• Celebrities don't just wake up with glowing skin. They have professional that primp and pamper their face with a myriad of products. For your paparazzi glow, dab a bit of LORAC Oil-Free Luminizer Gold L2 on the apples of your cheeks, your nose, and your chin. Smooth evenly over the face and neck for an incandescent sheen.
  
• Benefit Dallas blush will give your skin a subtle glow and make your face look energized and alive. If you're a fan of the Benefit Dandelion ballerina-pink, highlighting powder, you'll love Dallas.
  
• A pink, pouty and glossy lip is a sure way to add sparkle to your face. Bourjois Effet 3D Cocktails Lip Gloss Rouge Sunset 27 is a nice sheet, pink shade that can be used alone or applied over your favorite lipstick.
  
  Have a bag-a-licious weekend!
  Pamela Pekerman
  

Initials First - LV Fun Fact

As you may know from Tuesday's FashionTribes podcast, I'm planning a trip to Eastern Europe. Naturally, the big question is, what luggage should I take? I came across a great article in TIME Magazine. Normally, I would scan a picture, but my machine is broken. Here's a fun fact I learned:

"The easiest way to identify luggage on the claim carousel is still old-fashioned initials. The idea of customizing travel gear started in France in 1854, when Louis Vuitton, a purveyor of steamer trunks, began hand-painting initials on its goods. Gaston-Louis, a grandson of Vuitton's founder, was obsessed with the trend of customization, particularly the use of stickers as a way of identifying a trunk's journey around the world. Today Louis Vuitton still offers personalization services--including hand-painting initials, stripes and crests in a choice of 15 colors. "

I'm debating getting my Speedy 30 customized. I think I'll drop by the flagship store on 5th Avenue to find out how much it costs. There's something so chic about customized travel pieces. Ah, to dream . . .

Have a bag-a-licious day,
Pamela Pekerman

FASHION TRIBES TIDBIT

If your plans include a visit to a glamorous European city this summer, don't play the part of tacky tourist. Listen to my podcast with Lesley from FashionTribes.com - becasue there's no excuse for the fannypack.

What to look for:

• LIGHTWEIGHT: Opt for fabrics that won't weight you down like linen, or even some leathers.
• SLOUCHY: All those hours walking and sightseeing are way better if your hands are free and your bag isn't too overpowering and oversized - which is why a slouchy shoulder bag is a good choice.
• PLAY IT SAFE: Safety is most important, so closures like zippers & drawstrings help keep a pickpocket at bay. Your trip is not the time to brandish that stylish - but extremely open - tote that works so well at home.

A good option:

• The Ipa-Nima Ferrah shoulder bag made with canvas and leather handles and piping. The flat-zip closer is the best selling point. (BagTrends.com)
• Go to FashionTribes.com to listen to the entire podcast and get more bag-a-licious tidbits before you head off to streets of St. Petersburg

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Soft Hardware: Pink Gold Accents

Hardware is a major trend that will not let up for Fall/Winter 2006. But, put aside gold, silver and antique brass. Pink-gold hardware is a fresh, feminine response to an otherwise heavy trend.

Goldenbeu's fall collection is rich with pink-gold hardware. The rouching and seam dealing along the butter-soft leather add to the refined look.

Pictured is Goldenbleu's Jordan Small Travel Bag in sand ($656).

Have a bag-a-licious day,
Pamela Pekerman

Summer Bags at Sizzling Prices

I'm not a fan of knockoffs. If you can't carry a real Fendi or Jimmy Choo, look for a bag within your price range that has a similar accent not the exact silhouette and pattern. Often times, there is a reason (i.e. quality, craftsmanship and key accents) for the price. Also, the way you carry your bag and pull your outfit together, is more important than the price tag it carries. Ultimately, it’s the bagista that makes the bag!!

Here are some great handbags that are trendy and budget friendly.

• Lumiani Leather Clutch - fresh, pastel-green shade and leather flower accent; made in Italy ($40, www.Zappos.com)
• Melie Bianco Multi Color clutch – vibrant, Pucci-esque colors and a cute tassel detailing. When held flat at the handle, you can carry it as a tote ($54.99, www.FashionFlairs.com)
• UGG Surf Sling - shoulder bag/backpack made of wax coated canvas and yellow leather trim. I'm not a fan of UGG handbags, but this one has a great West Coast vibe that makes this East Coast gal want to hit the beach! ($57.95, www.Zppos.com)
• Xhilaration Wigwam Tote from Target- This hobo is big, white and has interlocking link accents - three major summer trends. ($18.99, www.Target.com)

Always bag-a-licious,

Pamela Pekerman

In The Bag: Mini Treats

What's in my bag this week?

- the new "Daily Mini" magazine, courtesy of those fashion-loving, media-obsessed 'hauterflies' at FashionWeekDaily.com. It's sure to become a collector’s item - well maybe not. Here's the number one reason to grab the magazine - they are giving away a YSL MUSE BAG!!! No, that was not a typo, you don't need to adjust your screen or get better glasses.


- a sample-size version of the not-so-new Alien perfume from Terry Mugler. I love picking up these samples at department stores. It's a great way to have your favorite perfume at your disposal. Oh, and it's FREE!

Always bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

The Wow Factor - Hayden-Harnett

When I look at a new line, either for editorial review or with my buyer’s eye, I want to get the “wow” factor. In many ways, bags are like men, if they don't impress me in the first 10 minutes, I'm walking away. Now, I know that's a harsh way to evaluate a designer that probably spent numerous hours agonizing over the placement of a zipper or stud – but, what can I do.

So what makes me go "wow?"
Sometimes it’s the use of bold color. I love when designers test out shades that aren't the it color of the season.
Sometimes, it's the use of embellishments. Perhaps the designer is using pink-gold hardware (such as Goldenbleu) versus yellow gold or silver. Perhaps it's the fact that they use new materials (like Ecoist).

My latest "wow" comes thanks to Hayden-Harnett - a Brooklyn-based handbag line that has bold colors, innovative handles and silhouettes, and an appealing price-point (as compared to other new brands).

Always bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT

Listen to my weekly podcast, every Tuesday, on FashionTribes.com. This week's topic is "How to accessorize a white summer dress." Below is a sneak preview. To hear the interview visit http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/.

Accessorizing all-white with white accessories is one option, but it's good to mix it up with color. As a neutral, white is a fab background for an eyecatching purse with lots of detail or color - or both. And if you do decide to go for a white bag, at least choose a textured fabric like python, or a shiny, pearlized surface treatment. In our podcast interview with Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends.com, she offers up these tips for finding a great look-at-me bag:

• a summer fabric such as raffia or straw
• wooden beads
• embellishment
• interesting details - such as a wristlet with a bracelet handle
• bright colors like vibrant turquoise

Always bag-a-licious,

Pamela Pekerman

Kruse-ing into Fashion

If you have ever found a hidden treasure, you know what it's like to want to keep it to yourself for a while. After some time, however, it's only right for you to show-and-share. Well, a fashion-find is very much like a hidden treasure - you love being the first to know about it and you often opt to avoid answering the "Where did you get that?" questions.

Well, I'm over my selfish phase and ready to show-and-share my latest handbag find - Janna Kruse. Janna's line, while still small, shows promise of future glory. Her designs are smart, clean and avoid all the over-design trappings that plague many novices.

The Janna Kruse Katya wristlet, a two-in-one bag that can flip inside out providing two color options, is featured in the current installment of Top 3 Trends on BAGTRENDS.com. But, it’s the Nina clutch that I truly crave. The architectural juxtaposition of rough embossed croco with smooth lambskin, creates a sophisticated look. Gold rivets add an edge that is softened by the lambskin rouging. It’s this type of balance that is often missing in the evening bag genre.
www.JannaKruse.com

Always bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

Lauren Merkin Custom Bags

Can't get enough vicarious celeb-living from E!, The Fabulous Life Of..., and People? Why not shop like a celeb.

We all know those on the Hollywood A List get insane amounts of swag, including limited-edition and custom bags. Now, thanks to Lauren Merkin, you too can have a custom-made bag.

What's your fancy? I'm thinking of snagging the Eve clutch in peach with my initials. Peach is really a great color for summer and, if worn with darker autumnal colors like browns and yellows it can seamlessly transition into your Fall-fashion repertoire.

Always bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

In The Bag Goodies

I was thinking Friday posts should be devoted to "in the bag" goodies. So, here are some goodies that I'm currently toting around.

Louis Vuitton Key and Change Holder - Why spend so much on such a tiny accessory? I actually use it as a card hold and it looks very polished when you pull it out of your bag after a meeting. It's really paid for itself. ($145; Eluxury.com)

Biore Shine Control Oil Blotting Sheets - this is a must for summer. It leaves skin dry and removes excess shine. ($6; Drugstore.com)

Chanel Glossimer in Brilliance - a perfect shade of pink that I've been wearing for over 5 years. I can't get enough of it. The good thing about this lipgloss is that it's very creamy and long lasting. You also get a very vibrant, shinny color. ($24.50; Sephora.com)


Always bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

Fall 2006 it List

Market week (i.e. the time when buyer pickup new lines) is here, which is why there hasn't been a post in some time. Over the weekend, Michelle and I went to several trade shows. Here are our picks for hot lines for the fall. We can't get images just yet - check bag soon!!

Zefanya:
Amazing bags made from Italian lambskin in combination with metallic or patent leather such as crinkled and marble leather. There’s also cashmere wool combined with metallic or patent leather that you just have to see. MUST-HAVE: the "seville" tote

Goldenbleu:
I love the use of pink gold hardware - it's unique and super luxe. But with prices nearly $1000, this is not for every bagista budget. The color pallet has classic, autumnal shades like eggplant, moss and ebony.
MUST-HAVES: the "Katherine" shoulder bag in mushroom and the "Whitney" clutch

Sherry Wolf:
Michelle loved their Spring 06 line from the moment she saw the synched ballerina satchel. And, we mutually adore the Fall line. They have expanded the Ballerina collection to included shoulder bags and totes. There's less love for the Logo collection - a bit too cheesy.
MUST HAVES: Ballerina Tote in blue and the "Jessica" in burgundy

Ananas:
I personally LOVE Jennifer, the designer behind Ananas but that's not why she's on the list. Her bags have a designs have a point-of-view and don't look to other works for inspiration. From the best-selling Mari bag to her new Tessa tote, the tones are natural - bone, mango, cherry red - and the silhouettes neat and wearable.
MUST HAVE: "Tessa" in mango

Always bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman