Project Runway - Handbag Challenge

Dear Bagistas,

I thought I would play stylist for a day and see if I could find the right handbag for several members of Project Runway. Here are my bag-a-licious choices based on the personal style and character of each individual.

• Uli is calm and earthy. She looks great in patterns and flowy fabric. I recommend: the Ananas Nicky tote in Mango

• Angela is a bit of a wild child. She likes volume, color and fun clothing. I recommend: Sobella's mini messenger with funky detachable chain

• Laura is fabulously glamorous. It's about classic cuts and sticking to black, white, and nudes. I recommend: Jerry Terrance's Giraffe print structured Dr.'s bag. (Available on www.BagTrends.com in a week... e-mail me to get pricing info customerservice@bagtrends.com)

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Prince William's Gal loves Belen Echandia Bags

Dear Bagistas,

With all the celeb crazed publications showing what young Hollywood is wearing, I thought it would be fun to cross the pond and check out what our friends in the UK are wearing.

Apparently Price William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, has an affinity for Belen Echandia bags. And who could blame her? The silhouettes are clean, the leather is superb, and the color options are endless.

They haven't caught on quite as much in the states, but over in BagTrends land we've been raving about them since our very first issue back in April 2005. (Can you tell we have had a lot of Botox since then?)

Check out www.BelenEchandia.com to see how you too can dress like the royals.

Also, check out an interview we did with Jackie Cawthra Founder and Creative Director of Belen Echandia.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Linea Pelle Handbags - Celebrity Favorite

Dear Bagistas,

If you love Linea Pelle belts - and who doesn't!! - you'll enjoy their new handbag line. The Los Angeles-based belt company with a cult Hollywood following, launches a woman’s handbag line for fall 2006.

I had the please to meet with Andrew Cotton, Linea Pelle’s VP and Creative Director, when they presented to collection back in March. Adrews says “the handbags compliment the belt line. The colors are traditional yet fresh and the bags are modern with a vintage theme.”

My favorite collection is the Beverly Group, which consists of structured satchels and shoulder bags accented with buckles and silver studs. The whipstitching along the buckles is amazing. (For some reason this collection is not on their site so call 1-800-770-0027 or e-mail custserv@lineapellecollection.com)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Black Handbags with Gold Hardware

Dear Bagistas,

Listen to my latest chat with Lesley of FashionTribes as I share my picks for great black bags. No, black is not back... it never goes away. However, black mixed with gold hardware is looking fresh again in a recycled 80's sort-of-way. Pair this skinny jeans and gold jewelry.

"The new thing in bags is black with gold hardware," explains Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends.com. "Browns have been hot for a while, but now black is the new thing."

• Marc Jacobs Quilted Leather Tote
• YSL Muse

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Jerry Terrence Handbags Fall 2006 - SHOP NOW !!

Dear Bagistas,

"Jerry Terrence, the king of the carpet bag is back on the fashion pages after a 40-year hiatus. JT bags, constructed of carpet and solid frames, were on the arms of chic, Hollywood starlets. There was even a song inspired and named for Jerry’s creations burning up the radio airwaves. After bursting on to the fashion scene in the 60's, Jerry’s carpet creations disappeared, only to be seen in vintage shops and on Ebay.

The recent decision to return to the bag-a-licious fashion world was ..." READ ON - by Tamara Spiegel

The BagTrends SHOP will carry the fall 2006 JT Jerry Terrence collection. (As seen in Elle, Lucky, and others.) To pre-order send an e-mail to customerservice@bagtrends.com

PS We hare having some issues with images... pictures of the fall line will be posted here soon.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Animal Print Bags - Isharya clutch

Dear Bagistas,

It's a wild jungle out there, and by out there I mean accessory closets. From zebras and cheetahs to leopards and giraffes, animal prints are as hot as the Sarah Sun.

Isharya's Cheetah Clutch is made with pony hair and accented by a 113 carats of green onyx that makes it stand out from the other handbags. It's equal part art, jewelry and handbag.

Pair this clutch with a Wool Jersey Dress by Jill Stuart and patent leather pumps $ or $$$.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

BAGTRENDS: Top 3 Trends, August Issue

Dear Bagistas,

Every month BagTrends.com reveals it's TOP 3 TRENDS. Here's a snip-it from our August Issue. Plus, don't forget to visit our site on September 1st for a new batch of trends ...

"Alluring, glamorous, timeless – those are the adjectives that will define the coming season. For Fall 2006, designers like Marc Jacobs, Monique Lhuillier and Tracey Reese were inspired by the unforgettable charm of bygone eras. Perhaps it’s a response to the carefree look of ‘boho chic’ which for handbags meant oversized, unconstructed totes. Regardless of the reasons, the bags to covet now are . . . " READ ON

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Red Bags are Red Hot for Fall 2006

Dear Bagistas,

Listen to my weekly podcast with Lesley from FashionTribes.com. This week's topic is my obsession with fall's crimson & cherry hued purses, clutches & handbags.


"Think bright, vibrant shades like ruby red lipstick," explains Pam Pekerman of BagTrends.com. "We've already seen it in clothes & accessores, and now it's perfect for bags." While eyecatching red bags are available at almost any pricepoint, Pekerman is lusting over a ruby red number that will be out later in the year from Lulu Guiness. "I'm completely, completely obsessed with the ruby red Talluleh frame bag with a structured closure," she admits. "On the outside is a lipstick case that reads lipstick where you can stash your lipstick, a change purse, compact...everything. I love the whole collection!"

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Resort 2007 - what's all the HYPE?

Dear Bagistas,

Resort season is officially an entire new shopping season. It used to be for the rich and richer, but now every department store and boutique is telling shoppers that they need to purchase beaded turquoise tunics, bikinis, and raffia bags in November.

As a buyer (for the BagTrends.com SHOP) I'm not too excited about having to replenish yet another time just to compete with Saks and Scoop. As a shopper, I'm thrilled to have another excuse to shop. I mean really, you can't expect a gal to wear the same straw clutch in NY as she would in Riviera Maya, Mexico?

So, I wanted to preview some fun resort bags from HYPE. They did a lot of red with white and sea biscuit (a major trend for the season, overall). Leather is mixed with straw or eyelet. Popular fall details like kisslock closures, framed bags and chain handles get a softer interpretation.

Look at this, we're barely done with summer and already the mind begins to fantasize future fashion scores.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Wrinkles Worth Having - HOT BAGS

Dear Bagistas,

Don't run for your Creme de la Mer just yet. These rouched and synched bags are the type of wrinkles you'll want. These are my picks for great fall bags with gathered fabric, another major trend for the coming season.

• Prada Antic Nappa Gauffre Tote $1,750
• Miu Miu Quilted Bag $1,295
• Goldenbleu Virginia Clutch $484
• Gap Slouchy Leather Tote $134

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Elaine Turner - Best Dressed Designer

Dear Bagistas,

Market week is upon us once again. Now is when stores begin to preview and purchase resort and early spring merchandise. Michelle and I went to ENK's Accessories Circuit - an accessory gal’s heaven. There's much to say about upcoming trends and all will be shared in a follow-up post.

For now, here's our pick for Best Dressed Designer at ENK - Elaine Turner. Elaine is Southern bell with a handbag line that oozes with sophistication. Wearing cropped black pants, a synching black belt and layering a puff-sleeved blouse and a grey vest, Elaine oozed with sophistication herself.

If you want to steal her chic look, head over to Saks and check out the fall offerings from Trina Turk. It's a pretty good match, right?

To see more Elaine Turner bags, visit http://www.elainerturner.com/. We have a sneak peak at her upcoming collections. My personal favorite is the yellow, ostrich-embossed satchel. The handle has tortoise shell rings - a huge Spring 2007 trend.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Hermes + Chloe = Moschino

Dear Bagistas,

I just got this image from Moschino's pr gal and I had to share it. I think I love this gold bag. Sure it has a bit of the Chloe Paddington look and the closure of a Hermes Birkin - and I'm not a fan of one brand being "creatively inspired" by another.



That being said, I still like the glitsy look of it. Plus, the "good lock" slogan is just too cute. And, chain handles are a big trend for fall.

The Moschino Cheap and Chic retails for $985 (not sooo cheap) at select Bloomingdales.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Fall Bag Trends under $175

Dear Bagistas,

Check out the latest issue of BagTrends.com, the magazine.

Top 3 Trends - a preview of fall looks under $175

Bag-a-licious - Lulu Guinness's Ava purse

In The Bag - glossing up for summer

News - Getting to know Rebecca Minkoff

News - Beauty tips from a Bobbi Brown makeup artist

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman