Top 3 Trends from NY Fashion Week, the bags the editors and celebrities wore: BAGTRENDS BLOG

Dear Bagistas,

The latest installment of TOP 3 TRENDS is up on BagTrends.com. This month, we focused the trends found off the runways and on the arms of fashion-elite during Olympus Fashion Week in NYC.

What did our wandering eyes uncover? A bit of new (Rebeccca Minkoff), a bit of old (Goyard), and a dash of Marc Jacobs (of course!).

Do share your thoughts and leave us a comment. Or, e-mail me at info@BagTrends.com.

PS Don't forget that every Monday (except last Monday because of holidays) I will be answering all your questions and responding to your ideas in the new DEAD BAG GURU column.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Pink Ribbon Month, BagTrends donates to Susan G. Komer Breast Cancer Foundation: BAGTRENDS BLOG

Dear Bagistas,

To do our part in the fight against Breast Cancer, BagTrends.com will donate 25% of sales from all pink bags from Oct 1 - Nov 15th to the Susan G. Komer Breast Cancer Foundation.

• JISU pink laser cut suede tote

• JISU pink laser cut suede rotunda bag (as seen in LUCKY)

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

BAGTRENDS SHOP: Rebecca Minkoff + Socoley

Dear Bagistas,

We've been busy at BagTrends wrapping up Fashion Week Coverage from London (coming soon) and even a few notes from Chicago Fashion Week (which really only requires a few notes!)

For now, enjoy the fabulous additions to the BagTrends SHOP:

• Rebecca Minkoff (which in just one week has sold out and is on back order. To pre-order e-mail customerservice@BagTrends.com.) PS A big reason the bags are on backorder is that our price is about $50 less than other sites :).

• Socoley, a new brand that is to-die-for. Designer, Nicole Guttman has a fresh outlook on handbags. With her signature gold, elongated flower (sort of in the vain of Dali's clocks) she is really going to stand out. My favorite is the fire-red Socoley clutch. It's truly the clutch that clutches you back. (We will be getting a black version in about 6 weeks, but trust me it's all about the red!!)

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

BAGTRENDS: DEAR BAG GURU Issue 2 - Animal Prints

Dear Bagistas,

It's Monday night and that means I'm hear to answer more questions.

Here's what came across my desk this week:

Dear Bag Guru: I've notices a lot of animal prints on coats, shirts, skirts, shoes, and bags. What is your take on this trend? Should I invest in an animal print? If yes, which print? - Shelley

Dear Shelley, Animal prints are wild again - pardon the pun. That being said, I've always found it to be a difficult trend particularly in clothing. I once heard a comedian say that the only women that can pull off animal prints are well-to-socialites and hookers. That kind of leaves the middle class gals out! And I have to say, I sort of agree with that assessment.

You need a lot of confidence to pull off a full length cheetah print coat or leopard print skirt. That's why you should play around with handbags - naturally. Try a small clutch or a bag that has a solid leather base with slight animal print accents. In terms of pricing, that's always up to your budget. I wouldn’t necessary invest in animal print bag, unless you see truly love the bag and will get mileage out of it. Below are a few choices at different price points.

As for the ideal animal print, I love anything black and white, so zebra is a favorite of mine. It's less in-your-face than leopard and works well with most outfits. - The Bag Guru

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

BAGTRENDS: DEAR BAG GURU - laptop bags + healthy back bags

Dear Bagistas,

This is the first installment of "Dear Bag Guru!" Keep your questions coming and I'll answer them every Monday. info@BagTrends.com

• Dear Bag Guru, Can you advise me on how and if I can possibly find a stylish laptop bag? I'd really like something that looks like any other stylish fashionable tote bag, but is sturdy and roomy enough to carry my laptop, mouse, power supply, paper pad, wallet and cell phone - IS THIS POSSIBLE? - Michele
• Dear Michele, For laptop bags that are fashion forward, I would look at MARKA (each bag is named after an ex-boyfriend of one of the two designers, so there is a great back story to each design) and http://www.melissabethdesigns.com. The later is more for travel, though the brand has introduced some slimmer everyday options. Also, consider Talene Reilly’s Sydney Bag which comes with the brands signature laptop compartment. It’s not too wide so it has a sleeker look.
  Finally, Rebecca Minkoff ’s Morning After Bag is not a traditional laptop bag, but can easily fit an iNotebook. (You can buy a laptop case to put inside any structured/sturdy bag.) - The Bag Guru

• Dear Bag Guru, Can't consumer’s band together to demand that weight specifications be listed on each and every handbag price tag? Surely other women care about wrenched shoulders, back pain, chiropractic and podiatric injuries from lugging a high-fashion leather satchel with fringe and metal rivets all around town! - Patricia
• Dear Patricia, I feel your pain - literally!! With all the hardware and especially thick chain handles that are in vogue now, weight is an issue. My suggestion is look for a shoulder bag versus a satchel so that you can at least push the bag to your back with your elbow (kind of like a faux backpack.) Also, if you are looking for a bag that is 100% comfy try the Healthy Back Bag from Ameribag. This is no Bulga or Balenciaga, but in leather isn't not so bad and it's ergonomically designed to the curves of your back. Before you ask, yes I do have one - in brown leather :). - The Bag Guru

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Accessories Exhibit @ the tents; What Bags Made the Cut

Dear Bagistas,

With so much emphasis on clothing, runways, and celebrities, it's easy to forget about an essential ingredient of fashion: accessories. This year, the Accessories Exhibit at NY Fashion Week presented handbags from Hayden-Harnett, Plank, Bagteria USA, Susan Rapp, and Susan Farber Collections. BagTrends' own Niki Khindri chatted with each designer about their designers and upcoming handbag trends. READ ON

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - An Interview with songstress JoJo

Dear Bagistas,

With backstage access and extra time to chat with celebs sitting in the front row, I couldn't help chatting it up with JoJo. The songstress attended a bevy of shows this week and prior to the Tracy Reese show, I chatted with her about, what else, bags!

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Vera Wang

Dear Bagistas,

When Vera Wang walked the runway at the close of her Spring/Summer 2007 collection, she cried the entire way. It turns out, the designer lost her father that day. Kudos to Ms. Wang for being able to show up and take her bow. We wish her all the best.

As for the show: Opening with music from The Nutcracker, Vera Wang’s presentation – from colors choice to music – was soft and somber. READ ON

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Badgley Mischka

Dear Bagistas,

As the Wall St. Journal article attests,

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Kate Spade Handbag Preview

Dear Bagistas,

I had the pleasure of previewing Kate Spade's Spring/Summer 2007 accessories collection and there were no misses. From the python clutches to lobster inspired totes, I was ready to head off to the Cape.

PS Ms. Spade is very nice and so petite in person! We're going to try and get an exclusive interview with the handbag maven. Stay tuned!!

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - J Mendel

Dear Bagistas,

The fashion-fur King, J Mendel, showed red-carpet winners certain to grace the pages of fashion magazines and the bodies of many starlets. See what Niki Khindri has to say about J Mendel's Spring/Summer 2007 Collection.



Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Abaete

Dear Bagistas,

Viewing Abaete's Spring 2007 collection was motivation enough to make you jump off your seat and hop on the first flight to St. Tropez. Inspired by French sophistication and a Brazilian sensuality, designer Laura Poretzky's collection included lots of READ ON.

PS Abaete has partnered with Payless to produce a chic and affordable shoe line.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Jay McCarroll, Project Runway Winner finally shows at the tents

Dear Bagistas,

We all love Project Runway and who could forget the first winner, Jay McCarroll. After season's of anticipation and questions about his true aspirations (fame or fashion), Jay showed in NY on the final day of Olympus Fashion Week.

See what our reporter Niki Khindri says about his show.

READ ON (or rather 'Carry On'!)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Lisa Thon

Dear Bagistas,

LISA THON
On the last day of Olympus Fashion Week, Lisa Thon, a Puerto Rican-based designer presented a feminine and ladylike collection. The chiffon dresses with ... READ ON

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Erin Fetherson

Dear Bagistas,

Olympus Fashion Week has come and gone, but we're still adding new show reviews and trends.

ERIN FETHERSON
Flower-child-hippie-chic meets Twiggy-esque Sixties-Mod in Fetherston's Spring collection; except somewhere in between, things went very wrong. The flower-themed collection left models looking like READ ON - by Niki Khindri

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - An Interview with E!'s Robert Verdi

Dear Bagistas,

Backstage at the Betsey Johnson show and we couldn’t help stop one of our favorite style gurus, Robert Verdi, to get his take on Spring/Summer 2007.

Read what the Fashion Police-man thinks are the major colors and silhouettes for spring.

PS Robert, sunglasses on head as always, is the sweetest person! His co-host on the Fashion Police, Bobbie Thomas, is also super nice (and always looks flawless!!!)

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Backstage at Betsey Johnson's Spring 2007 Show

Dear Bagistas,

BagTrends went back stage at yesterday's Betsey Johnson show to see why a 10-minute show takes over 3 hours to produce.

As I walked inside I was overwhelmed by the frantic pace of models scouring around getting their hair and makeup done. Each model had a makeup artist and about 2 people doing her hair. Then they rush off to put on their first outfits, which have been prepared by a stylist. Oh, and each lucky gal has a personal dresser helping them during the show!

In addition to models, makeup artists, stylists and a DJ (yes, it's a party back there), there are about 75+ reporters, TV personalities and camera-crew people walking about trying to get some scoop.

Things got really crazy when Betsey Johnson herself walked out to do interviews for the Style Network, E!, Extra and others. Naturally, I was there taking notes and pictures.

As I walked out to take my seat, I uttered the following into my recorder: “Seriously, that was the coolest thing I have ever done!”

Check out http://www.bagtrends.com/fashionweek_ss07_trends.htm for a review of the show and more bag-a-licious news!

Have bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

BAGTRENDS.com's new DEAR BAG GURU Column

Dear Bagistas,

For those who sent warm notes of 'congrats' yesterday, thank you! We also got e-mails from readers asking us for handbag advice and that got us thinking....

What about a Dear Abby column for bags? Certainly the relationship a gal has with her handbag is equally as important as her relationship(s) with the opposite sex. Often, the bag will outlast the man!

So, every Monday we'll be answering all your e-mails. Looking for an ideal clutch for a black tie event? Can't decide if python is a practical choice? Need a hobo that will hold your entire life and not break your back? Don't know how to clean your stained leather bag?

E-mail us at info@BagTrends.com. Send us your pictures, thoughts and concerns and we'll help solve your bagista predicaments.

Here are a few comments and questions we received yesterday:

• Michele wrote: Can you advise me on how and if I can possibly find a stylish laptop bag? I'd really like something that looks like any other stylish fashionable tote bag, but is sturdy and roomy enough to carry my laptop, mouse, power supply, paper pad, wallet and cell phone - IS THIS POSSIBLE?

• Patricia wrote: Saw your address in the Wall Street Journal today. At last!! A blogsite where I can send my frustrated comment/plea/complaint regarding handbag weight: Can't consumer’s band together to demand that weight specifications be listed on each and every handbag price tag? Surely other women care about wrenched shoulders, back pain, chiropractic and podiatric injuries from lugging a high-fashion leather satchel with fringe and metal rivets all around town!

Responses will be posted on Monday in the first installment of Dear Bag Guru!

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

BAGTRENDS.com in the Wall St. Journal and NewYork Magazine

Dear Bagistas,

It's a day of celebration here in BagTrends land!

Yesterday, the New York Magazine Blog listed BagTrends as one of its favorite fashion week blogging destinations!!!

Today, a Wall St. Journal article discusses the evolution of blogging (and new online media, as a whole) and it's steady acceptance among the fashion elite. Oh, and BagTrends is in the lead paragraph.

Have a VERY bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Bobbie Thomas' Secret Beauty Weapon

Dear Bagistas,

Bobbie Thomas’ face always looks flawless. She was shooting a segment for the Style Network on Friday inside the Bryant Park Tents and I couldn’t help notice how insanely gorgeous her makeup looked. Then, I spotted her makeup artist and just had to pick his brain.

Here’s what Ricardo Ferrise had to share about makeup, Bobbie and beauty. READ ON.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Goyard Bags Rule

Dear Bagistas,

FYI - almost everyone bagista at the tents is carrying a Goyard bag - including fashion guru Patrick McDonald and Instyle's Erin Sumwalt. And why not, between shoe changes, make-up and all the swag, every bagista ... READ ON!


PS We'll be posting a montage of Goyard bags in the coming days.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Terexov Show

Dear Bagistas,

Terexov by Alexander Terekhov made its Olympus Fashion Week debut today. The Russian designer wowed the fashion elite with silk-satin gowns in iridescent ... READ ON.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Sass & Bide Show

Dear Bagistas,

The BagTrends team is hard at work covering fashion week from every angle. Check out out daily updates at http://www.bagtrends.com/fashionweek_ss07_shows.htm.

Influenced by the art deco movement of the 1920’s, Sass & Bide’s Spring-Summer 2007 gals were clad in geometric patterns, including an exclusive black and metallic ‘scaling the fence’ fabric. With defined piping and intricate décolletages and backsides, the models looked like ... READ ON.

Have a bag-a-licious!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - Project Runway + Dragana Ognjenovic

Dear Bagistas,

When I saw this gorgeous, pale-pink petal dress come down the runway at Dragana Ognjenovic, I couldn't help think back to a recent Project Runway Episode. Is it me, or does this dress resemble the one Michael created out of coffee filters during episode one?


This solidifies by belief that Michael is going to make it to fashion week. I mean he made this amazing dress in 2 days out of coffee filters!!! Now, I wonder if put his mind to handbag design, what us bagistas would get.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

NY FASHION WEEK 2007 - DAY 1+2 Sass & Bide, Gottex and more

Dear Bagistas,

Day 1 of fashion week was crazy. Today was Day 2 and we've begun posting reviews.

Check out our reviews of FIANDACA, MARC BOUWER, SASS & BIDE, DRAGANA OGENJENOVIC, and GOTTEX.

Don't forget to see what trends, tips and gossip we uncover in the tents of Bryant Park!! Highlights so far include a Q&A with Bobbie Thomas' makeup artist.

We will be adding NICOLE MILLER, NICOLE ROMANO, JENNI KAYNE and TEREXOV soon.

Have a bag-a-licious day!!
Pamela Pekerman

Bloggers Who Brunch - Fashion Week Bash

Dear Bagistas,

Please excuse my neglect over the past few days. On Wednesday, Bloggers Who Brunch (co-founded by myself and Ms. Lesley Scott of FashionTribes.com) hosted a Fashion Week Kickoff Bash at LOTUS night club in NYC. The event was a wonderful success and some great blog writers (BagTrends, FashionTribes, GirlaWhirl, Styleaholics, WhenTaraMetBlog, Clothing-Pin, Questforit and many others!).

See pictures here. Ignore the title of the event; the photographer made a mistake. It was called Bloggers Who Brunch Fashion Week Kickoff Party!!

There was a fabulous VIP gift bag with discounts to Caravan and eDressMe.com, books, jewelry from PONO and Fat Free by Cici, and tons more. We will be giving away a gift bag to one lucky BagTrends.com ready later on this month. To qualify, become a member!!

Also, check out daily fashion week coverage at www.bagtrends.com/home.htm. From the shows to the bag-a-licious trends and gossip, we have you covered!

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Allison Burns Fall 2006 Collection

Dear Bagistas,

The “rock star” of handbag designers, Alison Burns, cranks out another slamin’ season of hits. With Allison Burns Basics, washed, distressed leather drapes soft, slouchy messengers, hobos and shoulder bags for a relaxed, LA vibe.

For Allison Burns Deluxe, the designer collaborated with jeweler Michael Schmidt, who designed Madonna’s bra for her Hung Up video, to create gold plated studded pyramids. The two also created hanging charms – a skull and a razor blade – that dangle from leather, cow hair or lambskin handles. A not-to-be-missed clutch is the Starlet which had a 14kt gold safety pin as a handle.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Pagliei Handbags - A Knit-y Idea

Dear Bagistas,

The loose crocheting that was all the rage this summer transitions into thicker-knit handbags for the fall. Echoing this trend, the PAGLIEI Figueroa group consists of leather with knit alpaca and woven cinch detail. The bags come in ivory, brandy, olive, salmon and black. Holiday shades will also include taupe, mocha and some pearly/metallic hues.

PAGLIEI designer, Patti Pagliei, shared with me her thoughts on the Rambler - her favorite arm candy. “This bag has great leather styling around knit cinched compartments, making it a great on-the-road bag.”

Sneak Peak: For the holidays new shades will be added, including taupe, mocha and some pearly/metallic hues.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Paris Hilton @ the VMA's - yay or nah?

Dear Bagistas,

With black nail polish, black boots with poofy dresses, and black bags with gold hardware, we've entered a darker phase in fashion. Think Gothic Gal meets Park Avenue Princess.

For inspiration, look to Ms. Hilton @ last nights VMA's. I must stress the word inspiration because I can't say I love the look from head-to-toes. It's just something to obsorb and incororate into your own wardrobe in smaller doses.

Here are my accessory picks for staying fabulously fashionable during the darker days of fall:

• Burberry's Quilted Leather Bag is a great investment that will last for many, many seasons.
  

• I love this white on black cameo from BodyRocks

• Fat Free by CiCi earrings are made with 100% Italian Lambskin and Swarovski Crystals.

• Ruthie Davis shoes are high fashion meet high tech. You'll be the bell of the ball in these patent leather pumps.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Handbag Sample Sale @ LOTUS in NYC

Dear Bagistas,

For those of you that will be in NYC on September 6th, the BagTrends.com SHOP is going live. Yup. We are having a Trunk Show @ LOTUS - the hottest club in the meatpacking district.

Come ready to shop because we will have all our bags at one-time-only, Fashion Week special prices.

Here's a preview of some of the bags we plan to bring along with us:

Ted Rossi's Python Clutch
Jerry Terrance's Dr. Julie Bag in giraffe pring
Andrea Brueckner's Hamptons Overnighter
Socoley's Red Clutch

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman