Design A Coach Tote, Win A Coach Shopping Spree: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

It seems everyone is a handbag designer these days. No, seriously! Anyone and everyone who wants to design a Coach bag, now has there chance. The brand has teamed up with Brickfish, a California-based marketing firm specializing in online campaigns (which happens to also employ my former boss and secret mentor – well not so secret anymore - Karen Robinovitz), to launch a world-wide-web contest for the next must-have Coach tote. You can create your own sketch/pattern and/or use existing Coach symbols/prints.

Nearly 3,000 people have designed Coach totes. And, over 4.5 million have viewed them. Some of these bags are really quite special. I’ve selected my top three. Which ones are yours? Check out the site and vote. Or, if you’re in the creative mood, design a Coach tote yourself. Maybe you’ll win!

The grand prize winner , selected by Coach experts from all entries , will have his or her Coach tote manufactured as a special limited edition item and a celebratory event for the winner will be held at a Coach store along with a $2 , 500 shopping spree , and a $500 scholarship or cash! Coach will also award most viral and highest score a $1,500 Coach online shopping spree and a $250 scholarship or cash.

Only 5 days left to design!

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Rebecca Minkoff Miami Trunk Show: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I'm sure there are a lot more Miami readers after my recent trip and TV spot in Miami -lol. So, it's only fitting I post about this great trunk show my gal Rebecca Minkoff is having in the Miami area.

Who: Rebecca Minkoff
What: trunk show of fabulous bags
Where: 12730 SW 119th st
When: August 2nd, 1-5PM
Why: it's being hosted by Carolina Salazar and Catalina de Gagne

RSVP: catalina@rebeccaminkoff.com

Of course, you can always show new Rebecca Minkoff styles at http://www.shopbagtrends.com/. New fall colors just arrived and more styles coming in a week!
Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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ANK, Miami Swim Fashion Week Spring 2009: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

OK, ok… I’m still trying to catch up to all the work I missed, so I’m just getting to my final show reviews. Miami Fashion Week Day 3 kicked off with the ANK by Mirla Sabino presentation. My friends from Cece Feinberg PR were coordinating the show, so it was nice to finally put faces to names. I almost missed this show as I was catching some zzzz in my room at The Shelborne (which thank goodness was right next door!) after the beach. While I had a standing seat, because I neglected to RSVP – oops missed one – I was still able to get a front-row seat because some guests didn’t show up. All the better. It was easier to see all the details and take notes.

ANK
Dubbed the “Melting Pot” collection, like other shows, ANK had an ethnic vibe and plenty of bead work. What I loved was the 3 or 4 beads or metal hardware placed along the hipbone instead of a string-tie bikini option or just a regular fabric all-around bottom. It just adds a little something to the look when you’re coming and going. Again, as in other shows I saw a fair share of one-shoulder swimsuits. Perhaps this will be a trend for the spring 2009 season. There was one swimsuit I want to call out for its “voodoo” effect. It was a one-piece with color blocking on the chest and bottom, but a solid plum section across the tummy. This is going to make any pudge seem much less obvious!

As for my fashion choice for the night, it was a fab DVF coral and white wrap dress in this "melting pot" of cultural references - Greek warriors, tribal goddesses, Caribbean carnivals. I loved that the bottom was pleated, so not your average DVF wrap. I paired it with a gold Andrea Brueckner pouch and white Ruthie Davis shoes. Sorry no pictures.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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, ANK by Mirla Sabino, Mirla Sabino , Mirla Sabino swimwear

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CUSTO BARCELONA, Miami Swim Fashion Week Spring 2009: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

The final show on Friday was Custo Barcelona and it was definitely my favorite or a close tie for favorite with Saturday’s Red Carter show. This was Custo’s first complete swimwear collection, and what a way to start. All items – bikinis, beachwear and accessories – will be available at the Custo Barcelona store (including the one in NYC’s SOHO area) and fine shops around the world. At this show I had front-row seating which was wonderful and I was right next to the photography pit – tre exciting considering I focus mostly on bags.

CUSTO BARCELONA
There were plenty of metallic sheens and sequins that sparkled, as vibrant, happy colors shined. The main theme was a tribal/ethnic influence that has become a staple in the swimwear category. Custo Barcelona was inspired by “ethnic references from Turkish kilims, romantic exotic flowers, graphic prints and ethnic motifs, oriental mosaics or figurative drawings.” The fabrics play with a mix of matt and glossy, and playful beadwork mixed with sequins for intriguing results. Tunics, kaftans, kimono-styles and sarongs will keep the Custo customs covered-up as they walk along the beach. Though if they look like these models, why would they bother covering up? Beach bag options were to be found at the show with lots of color and coordinating prints.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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TOMMY BAHAMA, Miami Swim Fashion Week Spring 2009: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

After the Tibi show came the Tommy Bahama presentation, which was a perfect swim-oriented runway. The tent was on the beach and it was clear so you could see the sky. All the models walked barefooted along a sandy runway. Plus, the press gift was a big blue and orange Tommy Bahama beach towel - practical and on theme! As for the swimwear, here are my thoughts.

TOMMY BAHAMA
To me Tommy Bahama is about easy-to-wear pieces that aren’t overly sexually, but rather tropically sophisticated and confident. If you’re looking for a great one-piece, although there were plenty of lovely bikini options, this is a good brand to consider. There was one leaf-print, one-shoulder option in a black/white/orange coloration that I really liked and think will work for many age groups and on many body types. The beach bags were mostly simple straw options in solid brown. The jewelry was in keeping with the current trend towards big, over-the-top necklaces with stones, wooden beads and mother-of-pearl discs. Overall, the show was sweet and carefree and contained plenty of options for real women.

Oh, and on a manly note, there was a divine older male model that made the gals blush. See for yourself.

Celeb notes:
I think Al Reynolds was sitting across from me – yup Al Reynolds, as in Star Jones' ex-husband. Not quite sure about the logic there. Did he really need to take up a seat that some buyer or press could occupy? I hope that doesn’t sound mean; I just don’t get it.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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TIBI, Miami Swim Fashion Week Spring 2009: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

OK, so I didn’t go live every day from Miami Fashion Week. Sorry. By the time I would get back to my room all I wanted to do was shower and sleep. Right now it’s about 10am and I’m flying back to New York, so I figure I’ll use these two hours to give you all the juicy runway rundown. First up, Tibi.

TIBI
I’m a big fan of the clothing line – always a great source for fun prints, great dresses and bold uses of color. The swimwear was in keeping with designer, Amy Smilovic, playful and colorful spirit. Aqua, green, turquoise and yellow all melded together in paisley, swirly and candy stripe patterns. There was a water lily print grouping that and I loved, and hope to see in New York incorporated into the ready-to-wear items for Spring/Summer 2009. I also noted, as with many shows, the use of gold bangles and gold chandelier earrings. The Tibi shoes were also gold and kind-of-funky, but not my thing. Oh, and lucky for me and you there were also some cute beach bag options, which I’m sure to call in for segments and editorial work this time next year. Now, let the pictures speak for themselves.
Enjoy.

As for what I wore that day - Hermes scarf as a top, white linen pants from H&M, Ted Rossi white python clutch, pink Ted Rossi python bangle and Ruthie Davis white pumps. This was a total mix of high and low, and mass and luxury.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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DIESEL, Miami Swim Fashion Week Spring 2009: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Day 2 in South Beach Miami is here and I’m enjoying this workacation.
Last night I caught the Diesel Swim Fashion Show which had a collegiate, sporty inspiration mixed in with a hint of 80’s flare. The color scheme was black, white, silver and an occasional dash of color. Some the looks took their cue from sports jerseys, and while I’m not a sporty gal, I like the sexy-meets-sporty look Diesel was going for. With menswear, what can I say? The guys were hot, but what do I know about men’s swimwear – some fellas need to stick with long swim trunks and some can pull off Speedo styles. I’m not against the Speedo. My family is Russian and every man I know has worn it around me since I was a baby. But, back to the show. The setup was a runway over the pool that was so cool and something I never experienced before. The only issue was seating. I expected rows of seats as we have in NY and other fashion weeks. Here it was mostly standing, except for VIPS – which by the way, for the life of me, I could not id any of the VIPS. Also singer Teyana Taylor walked the runway to the beat of her own music.


After the show it was time to party and kick off fashion week in a festive way I have not experienced before in New York. The entire Raleigh Hotel pool area, cabana space and part of the beach was converted to what seemed like a frat party (beer pong and all) – all be it with fine food, fabulously dressed guests, and amazing bags. Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Hermes, Foley+Corrina, Rebecca Minkoff and all our other handbag friends where there. I was sporting my white Ted Rossi python clutch – so Miami, no? The party raged on only until 11pm, I’m sure due to noise restrictions. My fiancé watched the show and some of the party from our balcony at the Shelborne Hotel, and then joined me for dinner. Ah, all in a days work. Now, off the pool, then I need to prep for an interview about back-to-school trends and then it’s more shows and parties.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman


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Miami Swim Fashion Week 2009, Day 1: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Day 1 in South Beach, Miami is going very well.
I woke up and heading to the NBC studios to shoot my Beach Bag/Swim segment for South Florida Today. This was quickly followed by a phone Q&A with Marta from http://www.styleinterview.com/. They are doing a fun piece on me and http://www.bagtrends.com/. Then is was back to my hotel – which is the Shelborne, located right next door to the Raleigh Hotel where all the shows are taking place. In fact, last night I saw the crew setting up the tents and the special runway over the pool. This morning my ocean-front view (which was a kind upgrade at no additional charge – so nice!) was to die for. There’s nothing better than typing as you look out onto the beach. Tonight’s activities include a Diesel fashion show, that I’m quite excited for, and the official Mercedes-Benz Swim 2009 Fashion Week Kickoff Party hosted by Diesel. There will certainly be scoop to share on the shows, the celebs, the hot bags in the crowd and more.

For now I’ll leave you with these divine pictures of the view from my room and fashion week setup. I don’t know about you, but I’m always amazing at how they set up for big productions.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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Handbag Expert Pamela Pekerman on NBC 6 South Florida Today, Miami Swim Fashion Weed 2009: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Exciting news … I’m heading off to South Beach in an hour for Miami Swim Fashion Week and I’ll be doing a beach bag segment on NBC 6’s South Florida Today show. It’s all very last minute and that makes it all the more thrilling. The segment, which will air between 11am and 12pm on July 17th, will focus on beach bag trends as they relate to swimwear trends. Some of the bags will be repeats from my previous beach bag segments on BETTER TV and Comcast’s Your Morning. Returning again is the divine Escada Margareth bag (which I happen to be using as my carry-on bag for fear of loosing it with my luggage. I figure this one is worth as much as all the others combined! Naturally I have a dust bag to cover it when it goes on the ground in the plain and everything inside the bag is in a case to that nothing gets damaged.) But I digress.
One of the newbies is the Cole Hann Genevieve Beach Bag in orange. I’m quite obsessed with this one because it’s in keeping with the brands trademark weaving, but really taking it up a notch and being ultra fashion-forward. Woven plastic never looked so good and for $225 I think it’s a divine beach and travel bag. You wouldn’t be embarrassed walking into a restaurant with this one.

I’ll have more to share about the bags, my plans in Miam, the celeb scene and of course the HOT bags I’ve taken with me both for the segment and my own. (I have no less than 4 of my own bags to wear – fyi I’m only going for 3 full days.)

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Loving the Loews Philadelphia: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

What a hectic month it has been. I went from HSN (in Florida), back to NYC for one day, then off to Philadelphia to tape a beach bag segment for Your Morning on the Comcast Network, then back home to NY and woke up the following morning to prep for another beach bag segment in NYC for BETTER TV (watch me on Better TV here). It’s all very exciting, but ridiculously exhausting. That’s why I’m always happy to stay at nice, relaxing hotels. The Hilton in Florida was really nice and I had a killer view of the water and wooden walking bridges – total tranquility.

My hotel of choice in Philly was The Loews. I stayed there back in May when I shot my first piece for Your Morning on Sex and The City handbag trends for less. It’s super convenient for me, given that the show films in the hotel. But after staying there twice I can also highly recommend it if you’re planning a weekend trip to the area. The location is perfectly centered to all the museums, the historic district, little cafes, antiques row, and other attractions (including the Liberty Bell, a true tourist trap you can skip!) My room, especially this second time, was phenomenal. I got the biggest “regular” room I’ve ever scene. No joke! I was able to do about 6 cartwheels across the length of the room – yes I actually counted. The staff is very king, to boot. They provided countless towels for me to stuff the beach bags, helped guide me to perfect eating spots, and even gave me and my guest complimentary bottles of water on our way home. A nice staff makes a hotel! 100% consider the Loews. OK, that's my bit of travel advice...I'm still sticking to the bags :)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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Calla HSN Handbag Giveaway, Winner Announced: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Thank you to every website editor and online blogger that did a shout out about my recent HSN appearance. Our fashionable friends included:

TheBudgetFashionista, WhatsHaute, TheCheapChica, StyleItLess, Glam.com, FashionFling. BeyondMom, and BeautyNewsNYC.

As promised, I worked out a deal with CALLA and secured 6 bags for one lucky blogger and 5 of his/her readers. To be fair, all website names were placed in my personal CALLA satchel - the steel grey one I was holding during several of the shows. In the presence of my fabulous assistant Paula and the office dog - Simbachka - a winner was selected.
Drum roll please .............

AND THE WINNER IS:

Style It Less

Congrats. Six Calla bags will arrive at your office within 2 weeks.

In other giveaway news, over in BagTrends land we're still giving away Sex and The City handbag looks for less. If you haven't already done so, SUBSCRIBE TO WIN. Five hot styles still left!!

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

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