Lulu Guinness - Holiday / Resort PREVIEW

Dear Bagists,

I had the pleasure of previewing the holiday/resort collection from Lulu Guinness today. Those familiar with the designer, know that she's very whimsical. Her pieces are bold and not for the faint at heart.

For holiday, the inspiration was astronomy, fortune and tarot cards. A snakeskin star shaped clutch caught my eye. It comes in pewter and gold, which will be quite popular shades for the holiday season.

Various purses and totes had a silver-star closure, rather than the usual square or button shape.

If you love your shoes, as much as your bags Lulu has a whole line a suede, structured bags with enamel or embroidered shoe prints.

The above styles will be available around November. I will try to secure images of the bags so you bagistas can be the first customers to see them!

For more immediate shopping, check out the fall Lulu Guinness Couture collection. It's the glamorous 1950's style that Lulu always embodies in her personal style and the direction of her brand. But, this line really takes the glam factor to a new level. Rich in emerald, plum, red and black the handbags are reminiscent of a chicer era when jeans were uncommon and pantyhose were a must.

Today's woman can pair the suede purses or shoulder bags with jeans or a pencil skirt, and look equally breathtaking. I do warn you that actually holding one of these bags makes you want to embrace the fabulously glamorous fashion season we are about to have - dust off your brocade coat, slip on your silk gloves and don't forget your Lulu Guinness bag.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Baby Love - Great Diaper Bags

Dear bagistas,

Skip the generic pink and blue diaper bag. You’re a gal with panache and a unique sense-of-style. These baby bags have flair and personality.

1. For the mommy who likes the celebrity treatment, we recommend Stacey Lapidus’ Tough Baby bag. Fans like Heidi Klum can’t get enough of the sleek, edgy style that looks great with jeans and tee + baby! ($499)

2. For the shabby-chic mommy, we suggest the Baby Beatrix Tote in blue mod by Dante Beatrix, a spacious diaper bag tote made from durable ballistic nylon with roomy exterior pockets. Thankfully, the leather handles lengthen and detach, so you can attach the bag to your stroller. ($185)

3. For the career mom who has the baby in one hand, and a cellphone in the other, the OiOi Messenger Diaper Bag is ideal. The messenger features magnetic snap closure in front, two exterior insulated side pockets, three interior pockets and large wipeable microfiber padded change mat. For all the other elements of your life that may get more hectic now, at least this diaper bag will help keep some things manageable. ($110)

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Belen Echandia - designer blog

Dear Bagistas,

Some more bag-a-licious scoop from our UK friends...

Jackie Cawthra, the stylish mind behing Belen Echandia hanbags, is cronically her search for good craftsman. Check out her blog at http://www.blog.belenechandia.com/. Between sipping coffee in Ecuador and learning about Panama hat weaving, Jackie shared her story of lawyer turned handbag designer.

Don't forget to check out www.BelenEchandia.com - you can also borrow many of the styles by logging onto www.BagBorrowOrSteal.com.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

All Smiles in the UK - Susse Collection Handbags

Dear Bagistas,

I found these playful clutches by a UK brand called Susse Collection. OK, so they're actually makeup bags, but they can do double duty. My favorite the white makeup bag with the smiley sunshine - it adds bit of whimsy to your outfit.

I'm thinking about picking up the brand for our BagTrends.com SHOP. So, you may be able to pick up these cute creations state side soon.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Summer Sales

Dear Bagistas,

You might be melting in the heat, but retailers are desperate to unload their summer inventory. Now is the best time to shop for clothing and accessories. I did a little online hunting. Here are some great deals I found.

• Emilio Pucci Mombasa-Print Small Shell Bag WAS: $750.00; SALE PRICE: $299.00

• Hand Maid Handheld Tote crafted from canvas and leather, and dotted with brass studs WAS: $284; SALE PRICE: $199

• Bulga Zip Crescent WAS: $588; SALE PRICE: $294

• Rafe New Bleeker Yolanda Long Flap WAS: $328; SALE PRICE: $135

• JISU rotunda tote with laser cut suede and metallic leather underlay - only 100 made! WAS: $235; SALE PRICE: $199

• Ted Rossi pearlized white python clutch WAS: $340; SALE PRICE $289
  

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Kiss and Make Up

Dear Bagistas,

I'm a glamour gal. I rarely wear jeans. The one pair of sneakers I own are hardly used. In fact, if I could, I would wake up in stilettos. So, it's no surprise that I gravitate towards anything that screams Old Hollywood glamour. Case-in-point, my new obsession with kiss-lock frame handbags. They have a wonderful vintage feel that transport my mind into an F Scott Fitzgerald book. For one brief moment I am Daisy, Gatsy's object of affection.

Back on planet earth, some wonderful kiss lock bags include:

• Marc Jacobs' Stam is big enough for everyday use and the thick chain gives it s rougher, more modern spin
• Franchi Bella Bow Clutch is ideal for those special evenings
• Judith Leiber Slim Octagon clutch in black Austrian crystals is never going to go out of style. The price tag is high, but the longevity is worth it.
• If you’re looking for the real deal, check out your local vintage shop or www.vintagebag.com. Not only will the selection impress you, but the founder Cara Chell is quite knowledgeable in the field of vintage bags. You just might learn a something while you shop!
  
  

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Bloggers Who Brunch - recap

Dear Bagistas,

Thursday was an exciting day for fashion and lifestyle bloggers. I am proud to say that the launch of Bloggers Who Brunch was a hit. Our guest speakers were phenomenal. Thank you to: Samir Arora of http://www.glam.com/, Constance White of http://www.ebay.com/ Meghan Cleary of http://www.messmeghan.com/, Najwa Moses of http://www.stylaholics.com/; Kathryn Finney of www.BudgetFashionista.com.

A special "heart" to my partner-in-crime Lesley of www.FashionTribes.com. As we mentioned at the event, the purpose of Bloggers Who Brunch is to learn from one another and establish our credibility as fashion/lifestyle experts.

A final 'thank you' to our fabulous sponsors for believing in our group and valuaing this new world of blogging. - http://www.glam.com/, http://www.bacardi.com/, http://www.bourjois.com/, http://www.bust.com/, http://www.bagladiestea.com/, www.lotusnewyork.com

And now, down to bag-a-licious scoop. The crowd was fashionable, but naturally all I cared about were the bags. My top picks include:

• Tara from http://www.whentarametblog.com/ sported a yummy Kooba Sienna in cream that toped off her black/white ensemble
• Lauren Dimet of http://www.secondcitystyle/ paired her Hayden Harnet bag with a flowy blouse and divine jewelry.
• My mom with her tan David and Scotti bag looked perfect!

As for me, I was rocking my Ted Rossi pearlized white python clutch. It paired nicely with white pants and a brown/white zebra print wrap shirt from Diane von Furstenberg.

L to R: My mom, Malvina, with my sister / www.BagTrends.com creative director Michelle; Lauren Dimit of www.secondcitystyle.com with me; Lesley with Najwa Moses of www.styleaholics.com

Always bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

SALE -- Rebecca Minkoff

Hey Bagista,

A quick note: our gal Rebecca Minkoff is having a delightful sale on her handbag line.

Visit www.rebeccaminkoff.com and type in SCOOP at checkout. You will receive 20% off now through 8/1/06.

Enjoy!

Always Bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

Bloggers Who Brunch

Dearest Bagistas,

My humble apologies for being MIA for nearly 3 weeks. I had a delightful vacation in Eastern Europe (pictures to come) and I've been planning an event that is being held today in NYC.

Introducing ...

Bloggers Who Brunch, a new organization created to celebrate and elevate the best female lifestyle and fashion bloggers. We are unifying and putting a face on this valuable voice. We believe that readers enjoy our content because it's fast, fresh and unpretentious.

Bloggers Who Brunch will host regular networking brunches and evening events such as “Podcasting 101,” ” For the Love of Advertising” and “Branding Yourself.”

WHAT: Bloggers Who Brunch - Blog-a-licious Launch
WHEN: Thursday, July 20th, 12-2 pm
WHERE: Counter Restaurant, 105 First Avenue (between 6th & 7th)
WHO: 40 professional bloggers from the fashion/lifestyle genre
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Constance White, Ebay Style Director
Samir Arora, GLAM Media CEO
Meghan Cleary, Missmegan.com / author / "shoe psychologist
Tim Gunn, Project Runway / Parsons (unconfirmed)
Kathryn Finney, BudgetFashionista.com/ author
Najwa Moses, founder of Styleaholics.com

Sponsored by GLAM Media, Bacardi and Bust Magazine.

I will be sharing pictures tonight and more information.

Always Bag-a-licious,
Pamela Pekerman

The Devil Is On Fire

How much influence can one movie have - a movie that hasn’t even come out yet? Well, just visit The Devil Wears Prada boutique on Amazon.com to find out. The online shopping mecca has SOLD OUT of the handbag Patria Field (of Sex and The City fame) designed for Anne Hathaway, who plays Andrea, the assistant to editor Miranda Priestly (aka The Devil).

The $79 distressed-brown bag was worn by Hathaway's character. If you are into fashion movie memorabilia, I would definitely get this bag. It's quite versatile, morphing from shoulder bag, to clutch, to purse. Plus, the color can be worn all year around.

Since I haven’t seen the bag in person, I can't vouch for its quality. And based on these comments from Amazon shoppers, you shouldn't expect Prada -

• "The quality of the bag is horrendous - not at all worth the price paid for! It is considerably smaller than the photographs show. And though the design of the bag is quite ingenious and useful the construction is not. I wish I owned the purse shown in the movie stills not the cheap knock-off sold."
• "It truly is a medium sized bag even though photos make it look very large."
  Again, I want to say that I really think the bag looks edgy and unique. I don't care for it as a purse or shoulder bag - but as a clutch I love it! $70 is a bit steep for faux leather, but if you're the gall wants a piece of fashion history, go for it.

If you own the bag, I'd love to hear your thoughts. E-mail info@bagtrends.com. Send an image of yourself with the bag and we'll post it on the blog.

If you can't wait until August 1st to have the Devil bag, Deux Lux has a VERY similar silhouette.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Designer Profile: Rebecca Minkoff

Dear Bagistas,

Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rebecca Minkoff, the handbag designer behind the coveted Morning After Bag. In the span of three seasons, Rebecca's bags have made cameo appearances on the big screen and served as celebrity arm candy.

Over sushi and tea, we chatted about her clothing line (which will re-launch soon!!), her bags, her stylist duties and her uncanny ability at self promotion. Later on in the week, I stopped by her office to take a peak at fall/winter handbags and pick up a few things for myself. Have no fear - I also picked out bags for the BagTrends.com SHOP.

Check out the NEWS section of BagTrends.com this coming Monday for the full interview and find out what's next for Rebecca Minkoff handbags.


Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Bags Everywhere

I did a little internet surfing to find fun Lady Jayne products. They make all kinds of interesting stuff for the gal who truly loves her bags - and that's all of us! Yes, the products are a bit cheesy, but if you happen to be stuck in a cubical, they make your space festive. The postits really come in handy!!

You put your boyfriend in a frame? Why not your REAL arm candy?!

Purse Pads - because nothing says I need a new bag like a paper in the shape of a bag that reads "I need a new bag" :)

Picture this - yourself in a bag? Frame your gorgeous punim in this leopard-print purse frame.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT

Listen to me chat about bag memorabilia, as I have my weekly chat with Lesley from FashionTribes.com

PODCAST - FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT: Don't Hide Your Obsession with Bags, Flaunt it with Some Fun Bag-Themed Memorabilia Picked by Bag Guru Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends. FASHIONTRIBES BLOG & PODCAST - MP3 File

Sports fans paper their walls in sports posters. Trinket collectors showcase their passion in dainty glass cases. Now bagistas can follow suit with bag-themed objets which pay proper homage to their fashionable bags. "It's the easiest way to tell a lot about a woman, by what bag she's wearing. You could have five women all in black, but her bag can be as individual as her. It might be funky, it might be from the 60s, the 80s, Hermes - it's very individual and telling."

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

StyleBakery Buzz + new bags

Hey Bagistas,

Sorry for my MIA - I've come down with a cold and between work and planning for my upcoming trip to Eastern Europe, it's been quite hectic. But, I just had to pop in and mention all the bag-a-licious things going on in BagTrends land.

StyleBakery is featuring the BagTrends.com SHOP in their goodies section. So, we're giving away bag-a-licious t-shirts to all StyleBakery readers that shop the site.

Also, we're adding new items this week from your favorite designers like Ananas, Andrea Brueckner and Tabitha. (shown - the Tabitha Tabitha in Cream $355; the Tabitha Dolly in Plum $335; the Ananas Anya in Mango $400) Tabitha bags go really fast. To ensure you don't miss out on this London import, e-mail info@bagtrends.com for pre-order details.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT

It's Tuesday again, so that means I'm doing my weekly podcast with Lesley from FashionTribes. Listen to hear my picks for great bags of all colors.

From obnoxious 80's florescents to fruit hues, the bag word of the day is: COLOR.

Here's a sampling of my favorite rainbow treats.

• Lorelei NYC - Kendall Clutch

• Ipa-Nima - Chloe Shoulder Bag

• Renato Minelli - Shoulder Bag

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

I'm a Styleaholic (with a bag-a-licious twist)

Hey Bagistas,

I want to tell you about a unique, new site called www.STYLEAHOLICS.com. You need to ask youself:
Are you iN? BagTrends is iN and we're down with Stylaholics?

Celebrity Styleaholic and it NYC gal, Najwa Moses, presents The iN List- an original WEEKLY VIDEO podcast show featuring a variety of iNlisters who are emerging in Entertainment, Fashion and Creative Entrepreneurship launched today.

WANNA GET ON THE IN LIST?

SIGN UP NOW at www.styleaholics.com to shop with Gwen Stefani or make music with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label. A new show is served up every Tuesday at 9am EST.

Shameless plug - yours truly will be featured in an upcoming installment of Styleaholics! I'll make sure to post more on that, later.

It’s Your LIFE. Just STYLE It.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekemran

In The Bag - Shine Control

It's that time again in NYC - humid days and hot muggy nights. I'm always fighting to control the dreaded oily T zone. Here's a peek at my tools of choice. Stay ... dry!

• Start at home with Lancome PURE FOCUS T-ZONE MATTIFIER 1.0 Fl. Oz. (30mL) - Powder Gel for Instant Shine Control Oil-Free ($26)

• A gal should shine with her charm, whit and fashion sense - not her oily spots. For on-the-go fix ups try Tarte Little Blot Book($32)

• From the go-to cosmetics line for all celebrity makeup artists, Smashbox has developed the Smashbox Compact Anti-Shine. Contains tea tree oil to help fight acne, aloe to soothe and calm, and vitamin E to help repair skin damage. Don't leave home without it. ($26)

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman