Fullum and Holt Bags Launch, plus Mandee To The Rescue Again: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Last Tuesday, after having lunch with a new PR friend Ali, I heading up to Ali's office to check out her new handbag client Fullum and Holt. The company is actually a 111-year-old Montreal-based leather goods brand that has crafted products for everyone from the Canadian Armed Forces to John Varvatos and Alexander Wang. Finally out on their own, I found the Fullum and Holt collection to be restrained simplicity. There's no trend-chasing here, no over-the-top it bag and no bold colors. What there is, is great leather shaped into easy-to-wear styles that one won't easily get board of. My personal favorite is the Fullum Shoulder Bag. That's me in the fashion closet at BNC PR with the bag and a painting of Dita von Tess as the backdrop. Before departing, Ali gifted me a pair of dark, super soft, skinny Hudson jeans with inner zippers on the bottom because I mentioned during lunch that I don't wear jeans. How sweat is that? PS I now wear these jeans and feel very cool and fabulous! I may just be a closet jean lover (shhh don't tell all my dresses!) Snag your own pair at shopbop.com.

After that, I was off to Parsons to board a luxury limo bus to New Jersey to preview the new Mandee concept store. Note to self: Never go on these types of trips again. Between leaving my previous appointment and finally getting home, this press trip took nearly 5hrs! I loved the pr girls that hosting this event - kudos to the Bromley Group - they did a nice job of packing the cutest lunch bag goodies, gifting everyone a $100 to shop and pouring wine in the limo. But, the traffic was dreadful and there were too many delays which mildly dampened my mood. Forging ahead, once at Mandee I liked the fashion show vibe shoppers will experience, as well as the interpretation of key trends at very affordable prices. My one question: who are they appealing to? I see the Mandee girl as a young 12-18-year-old, but many of the looks were just too sexy for that age group. Call me a prude, but I wouldn't want to see my young daughters (some day) in such looks. Maybe the new Mandee is chasing after an older demographic of say 16-24. In which case there are certainly thrifty pieces to enjoy. For my $100 I was able to buy 2 dresses, a tank top and some bangles. Mandee might not be the place to go for high-brow looks, but if you want to play around with trends and purchase something you don't necessarily care to wear next season (because it's uber trendy and may not last too many wears), it's a good stop. I would go hear for your must-have light-weight scarves, your costume jewelry (which was VERY recession friendly) and silly/naughty undies. You can also grab one fun maxi dress for $30. In the bag department, I was happy to see a few goodies that I'll probably be using for future look for less TV segments - keep an eye out for those!

If you happen to be in Clifton, New Jersey tomorrow, One Tree Hill star and pop singer Kate Voegele will be performing at Mandee. This will kick off her New Jersey concert.

When: May 15th (tomorrow) 5:30 Performance

Where: Mandee 790 Route 3 West, Clifton, NJ (973)473.2019

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
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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

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , The Sak, Elliott Lucca , metallic bags , metallic handbags , work bag , work bags , work handbags , day handbags , day bags , day bag , leather tote , shoulder bags, shoulder bag

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IGNES Handbags' Chiara Tote: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,


If you haven't fooled around with IGNES Handbags now's the time to play! Designer Maria Estrada's latest creation is the Chiara tote bag. Currently available in tinted wine cowhide leather, Chiara is embellished with antique gold studs. With pockets to spare, this is a great work option if you are looking for something new in the new year. At $395 this is a great deal. Last I spoke with Maria, most stylses can be ordered in other colors. If you can, snag this in a yummy crinckle black patetnt leather or classic black cowhide.

To learn more about IGNES check out my interview at BagTrends.com.






Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman


handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , IGNES , winter 2008 trends , IGNES bags , IGNES handbags , Maria Estrada , work bag , work bags , work handbags , day handbags , day bags , day bag , leather tote , shoulder bags, shoulder bag

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Dear Bag Guru - I Need A Great Day Bag: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Check out the latest instalment on Dear Bag Guru. This time, I was on the hunt for a big day bag that's not black and brown, but still wearable in multi seasons.



Check out my picks --> READ ON

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman


handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, accessories, fashion, handbags , Dear Bag Guru, Pamela Pekerman, work bags

Jenny Yuen Handbags - a name to watch in 2007 : BAG TRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Remember this name: Jenny Yuen. This is the brand to watch for 2007. Jenny's bags are smart, functional and stylish. The Sherlock, Jenny Yuen's must-have day bag, is the new love of my life

As I do with all bag before they are written-up on the BagTrends e-zine or available in our shop, I took it for a test run. The Sherlock glamorously withstood a rigorous day of meetings (translation: I needed mucho space for my files/tech gadgets), me running around the city in 4 inch heals (no added back ache from a nutty big bag, Jenny's is sized right!), and needing instant access to my notepad (ideas come at me all the time). The clever design takes into account a gals need for pockets both inside and out!

While The Sherlock comes in a wide variety of shades, I've opted to only purchase the black pebble grain leather option for our whop. Why? Because I think a day bag should be tough and I prefer to carry textured/pebble grain leather over a softer finished leather (which is how the almond and blush Sherlocks are). If you are interested in another shade, I can send you and image and place a custom order. customerservice@bagtrends.com

Jenny Yuen has many more bags (which I am gladly going to test asap). Don't be surprised to see more styles from this new designer in www.ShopBagTrends.com soon.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman


handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, accessories, fashion, handbags , Jenny Yuen, Jenny Yuen bags, Jenny Yuen handbags, bag trends 2007

DEAR BAG GURU - Finding A Timeless Day Bag: BAGTRENDS BLOG

Dear Bagistas,

Here's what the mailwoman had for me this week:

I recently became the recipient of a modest windfall and I'm interested in purchasing a classic designer handbag with my earnings. Can you steer me in the direction of a few bags that are sure to translate for many years to come? My budget hovers around $2K or less. Any suggestions you could offer would be awesome. Thanks so much! -- Stacey

READ ON for tips on how to find that classic, timeless bag. As always, come back and share your views. Post pictures of your classic bag!!

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, accessories, fashion, Tods, structured satchel, spring 2007 bags, great work bags

Stylishly Organized Bag From Russell+Hazel: BAGTRENDS BLOG

Dear Bagistas,

As the New Year approaches we begin to finalize our resolutions and, like many of you, I resolve to be more organized. But, I have some unique organizational issues. Between BagTrends.com, my work with WSA and several other writing assignments, I'm always walking around with a slew of papers and 2 note books. And while my LV Speedy is a classic, my Gucci Pelham is super roomy, and my Tabitha Quinny has a ton of pockets, sometimes I need more. This week, I was on a massive hunt for something stylish that would truly keep this 5-9 gal organized.

Enter the Audrey Tote, a new product from the creators of russell+hazel. Audrey is a hybrid between a filing cabinet and a glamorously, structured work bag. The eye-catching eight-file tote will neatly house all your paperwork. It’s available in matte white or glossy black with a choice of four types of leather handles and retails for a reasonable $60. Since I'm still on a wait list for a mini Birkin in pearlized white pebble-grain leather, I think I'll tote around Audrey in white with a mustard handle. (Oh, and when I say waitlist, I mean a mental waitlist. This bagista has a little while to go before her bank account catches up with her taste level).

While shopping, don't forget to checkout the full range of Audrey products. With details inspired by vintage architecture, classic Hollywood and the textures of contemporary couture, Audrey products are a pleasure to use and a sight to behold.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman


handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, accessories, fashion, online shopping, russell+hazel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, unique gifts, organized, files