Thursday, January 31, 2008

Dining with The Divas Who Dine: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

What an invigorating day! Yesterday I attended a Diva’s Who Dine (DWD) lunch held at Jour et Nuit Restaurant. For those who don’t know, DWD is an organization for female entrepreneurs and business executives primarily in the fashion/media/design world to mingle and network.. This was a particularly special gathering as the founder Zoe Alexander was in town to attend. Other divas included designer Kathlin Argiro (her dresses are always on Stacey London and featured on Fashionably Late with Stacy London), TopButton.com founder Dianna Feldman, event planner Maya Kalman, Bulter Bg founder Jen Groover, pr diva Monica Schenker and many more. I just can’t tell you how alive I feel after these lunching and gatherings (this being my second time). When your in a room with women who have launched successful fashion brands, websites, pr firms, marketing campaigns, TV shows, etc. it makes you feel like you can do it too. Of course, the networking is amazing. I can’t wait to connect with several of the pr gals to get more info about their clients, to chat with some of the style experts for upcoming shows and In HER Bag features and of course to connect with journalist and producers to help me expand on the bag guru brand.
Wow. Did I already say how invigorating the day was? Diva’s Who Dine is as healing, energizing and therapeutically as a good day at the spa! Forget about my monthly trips to Bliss, I’m going to apply to be a full-fledged Diva member. Membership is $400 a year for the New York chapter, and I just know it will be worth it. If you’re reading this and you’re an entrepreneur or in the process of changing your career path I recommend at least checking out their website.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
Add to Technorati Favorites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSOR:


BagTrends Fashion Week Fall 2008 Kickoff: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

It's here - NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2008. For the first time since I began attending I am genuinely excited to go and work the shows. I don't even mind that the weather is revolting in the city right now - it's been raining since the morning and apparently will not let out until 10PM. And even thought that meant I needed to alter my shoe choice from high healed quilted Be&D booties to very short healed Ruthie Davis boots, I'm still happy as a clam. My team (the lovely Sabrina N. -who started as my intern in July, morphed into my assistant and in a week is leaving me to become Assistant Ed. at Stylehive.com - and Paula L - the bagtrends celeb trends editor) and I are ready to hit the tents, chat with celebs, see what bags everyone is wearing and report on upcoming trends. Check into BagTrends Fashion Week Headquarters for daily updates starting tonight.




have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Thursday, January 24, 2008

BagTrends.com Weekly Roundup - Q&A with Marc Jacobs and More: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Did you miss a fabulous story my fabulous - seriously they are fabulous and I adore them! - team did at BagTrends.com this week? No worries. Here's a roundup of what's new and must be read this weekend or during your extended lunch break on Friday. (Shh don't worry your boss will be reading it to!)



Have a bag-a-licious day!
SPONSOR:



Michael Kors' Core Thoughts On Bags: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I'm completely addicted to the UltraHD channel. The runway reviews, beauty tips, designer Q&A ... I can't get enough so I usually have it in the background while I'm working. Just now I tuned in a bit closer to see Judy Licht interview Michael Kors. Here's what the designer and Project Runway judge had to saw about our favorite accessory.

“There are very few things you can think of that are utilitarian and fun all at the same time. A handbag has personality; it tells you about the woman; it finishes off the look; and it’s utilitarian.”
- Michael Kors

Here are some Kors bags I wouldn't mind making a statement in:


Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
Add to Technorati Favorites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSOR:
macys.com

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Elliott Lucca's Woven Bags on CSI and In My Closet: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

If you happen to be watching CSI Miami recently, you may have noticed a cameo appearance by The Elliott Lucca Signature Woven Drawstring. I have to say that this brands woven collection is really nice and quite affordable. This bag retails for $398, and we're not talking about getting embossed weave. This is the real deal, just like - well, not just like, but pretty similar to - the fabulous Bottega Veneta weave. You have the hand crafted feel and certainly the attention to detail. The hardware is really nice.
I just got one of their woven bags from the spring 2008 collection - another lovely perk courtesy of the job! :) Anywho, it's a great, woven leather white tote with thick strip of muted woven gold (not offensive, gaudy gold) going down the center and smaller silver woven strips on the side of the gold. This gives it a sporty look, but because of the structured shape and the lux effect of the woven leather, the overall vibe you get from this bag is classy summer ease. The best part is that there is an inner slip compartment for my laptop - always a plus. So, between this, the new Rebecca Minkoff Steady ($599) I've pre-ordered (you too can pre-order from SHOPBagTrends.com. For ship dates and colors e-mail customerservice@bagtrends.com or you can call 718.531.6793 M-F 9am-7pm EST), and my red Lulu Guinness tote (I still very much love it though I may temporarily retire it after this summer, just to keep things fresh) I should be all good to go. Wow. That was a vicious run on sentence. Sorry about that :).


Have a bag-a-licious day!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Celebrity Fashion, Do You Care?: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I get a ton of press releases on a daily basis, lately it has been so and so has been spotted with xyz bag. Or so and so Hollywood starlet owns 5 bags from xyz. The whole celeb thing is just getting out of control, don't you think? Do you really need a celebrity to wear a bag for you to know that it's great? I mean I do understand that sometimes a potential customer may not even know a small brand exists until a Jennifer Lopez or Hayden Panettiere wear their bag. But doesn't this whole celebrity thing get to you sometimes? Maybe I'm just bitter because after avoiding this aspect of the industry for so long I now sometimes have no choice but to write about it or ask my bagtrends writers to focus on it. My question to you is, A) do you care and B) who do you think really feeds the celeb fashion crazy? I'm really interested to hear what everyone has to say on this topic. Be honest :)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
Add to Technorati Favorites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSOR:


Monday, January 21, 2008

Lunch with CHia and a Vegan Queen Sidedish: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Last Friday was quite eventful. I had lunch with June Change, the designer behind CHia handbags. The Spring/Summer collection is fabulous. You just won't believe the bags you'll get and the prices. There are a few styles at the $350 range that are really special and destined to remain in your immediate handbag repertoire for many, many years to come. Of course, the Asianna tote (which is a big hit at SHOPBagTrends.com) is coming in new colors including this really amazing grey that you'll flip for. It's a year-around color which can be made super summery if you wrap a bright scarf around the handle! I'll be able to share images of the new collection in about a week, so stay tuned. Before our lunch, I went to preview Vegan Queen a new eco collection. I first heard about the brand about 2 months ago when Evelina, the designer e-mailed me. From the images I already saw something worth a closer eye. When I finally laid my eyes on the bags this past Friday I have to tell you this is the first environmentally friendly brand that I would actually L-O-V-E to wear.
Her VQ logo is very elaborate, adding to the lux look. The piping, structure and construction is impeccable. This isn't your mother's eco, home-made bag! The inside is lined in like a soft eco-cotton fabric that is reminiscent of the suede lining you'll find in really expensive high-end brands. All in all, I can't wait to see future Vegan Queen bags. In fact, I liked this collection so much, I'll be offering it to all you bagistas at SHOPBagTrends.com. It should be available in about a week or so.
Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Add to Technorati Favorites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSOR:





Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Vintage Hermes Crocodile Piano Handbag for Drooling Pleasure: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

What a long day. I actually have bag overload. I spent all day reviewing work bags for a story I'm doing called "New Year, New You, New Work Bag." It's for a MAJOR (let's image Victoria Beckham said "major"), yes major media outlet. I'll reveal it next week once all paperwork is done. I'm very excited about this addition to my career. So I've been reviewing bags from Payless to Prada and my eyes are killing me. Many of these bags I've seen in person and some I'll still have to call in. But I just like seeing how all the images look next to one another as I narrow down my list. I can do this process for hours because I want to make sure I give readers options. Like with me, I don't care if a satchel comes with a detachable shoulder strap, but as I mentioned earlier today I'm not the mom with the files and the kids and the groceries in her arms.

After a day of bags there really is no better way to unwind then ... drool over a new bag. I know, i know. I'm hopeless. Right now, I'm drooling over the Hermes Vintage Crocodile Piano Handbag available at Bag Borrow or Steal. It's so me. Petite, refined, classic. Oh what I wouldn't give to have it right now? The brown crocodile color is perfection and the inner compartments perfect for the necessities of modern life on-the-go. Naturally, this isn't an everyday option - at least not for most working girls. But, on a casual day when I have few appointments and not much to carry ... oh to dream. Well, at least I can borrow it for fashion week. Don't be surprised if I'm raving about this stunner in 2 weeks. Um I wonder what I will wear this with? Oh and how fabulous will it be to faux own this bag? If I go completely mad or fall in love I may need to take advantage of the "steal" option of Bag Borrow or Steal.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Add to Technorati Favorites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSOR:



eLuxury.com Handbag Sale, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs and more: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Just wanted to pop in and remind you that eLuxury.com is having there Final Designer Clearance sale. For a limited time, take an additional 20% off sale items, for a total of up to 70% off the regular retail price from brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Thakoon, L.A.M.B., and many more. If I to go on a shopping binge right now, these would be my arm candy choices:

Derek Lam Aggie Chain Handle Bag $784 (was $1400)

Goldenbleu Jordan Ruched Shoulder Bag $447 (was $745)

Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Ryder $836 (was $1395)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
Add to Technorati Favorites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSOR:
Elf Cosmetics

Bag-a-licious Gifts from THE SAK: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I got up early or rather an on time today - 7:45am - now that I've finally moved my office out of my bedroom and have some true piece and quite! Wahoo. With my extra time and energy this morning, I went though a slew of mail. Fashion Week invited, old WWD's, bills, and a few holiday gifts. One such gift was completely unexpected. Andrea, the lovely pr girl at The Sak and Elliott Lucca (both by the way owned by the same company) sent me a sweet note and a sweeter bag. Check out the pewter, utilitarian tote? The color is my kind of metallic - very sophisticated and practical. It's not too bold and not likely to get on my nerves even if I wear it every day. There are four outer pockets and a discreetly placed outer cellphone pouch. Inside you'll find more pockets. I'm digging all the organizational value! There's a detachable shoulder strap for those lazy days when toted by the hand just won't do. Of course, I would never use the shoulder strap. It's just too frumpy I for me. Granted, if I had to hold a child in one hand and groceries in the other I might sing another tune ;) . If you're looking for that affordable, durable, work-bag (gosh I sound like I"m on HSN again!) The Sak's Dakota Shopper is a great option. $189 at TheSak.com

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
Add to Technorati Favorites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SPONSOR:
Bright Accessories