Jetting to Miami, Talking TJMaxx Fashion, Viewing LaLucca Bags, Drinking with Adriana Castro: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I’m living the jet set lifestyle, well, sort of. At 8am the hubby dropped me off at the airport where I left my fabulous fur behind and slipped into a neon yellow, open cardigan from Express. Three hours later I’m in muy caliente Miami! By 3pm I’ve purchased new flipflips (this was a serious BudgetFashionista-style mission, documented on twitter) and had lunch just in time to meet with the wife-hubby team of Luara and Alex of LaLucca handbags. I was really excited when they gifted me a one-of-a-kind clutch! LaLucca is truly a marriage of art and fashion and very Miami. Each bag really has a soul and a story to tell. (More of LaLucca coming up on BagTrends.com probably in two weeks or so.) By 5pm I was at TJMaxx picking out a few more bags for tomorrow’s NBC6 segment on holiday clutches and snagging a two fashion pieces for myself – I can’t help it. By 9pm, after several hours of working from my hotel room and having dinner, it was off to have drinks with Adrian Castro and her husband, Luis, at Sushi Samba. Talking about exotic skin handbags, plans for a double date in New York, and new Adriana Castro ventures for 2010 isn’t a bad way to cap the evening. Oh, of course, I didn’t forget to light my traveling menorah! At left, see my day in pictures.

It’s an early call time (8am) tomorrow for my NBC6 segment, which should air on December 16th in Miami. I hope you like all the affordable holiday clutch options up to 60% off department store prices. You'll recognize plenty of designer goodies.

Until tomorrow, as they say in Spanish ...

Tenda un dia bag-a-licous!
Pamela Pekerman

BagTrends Presents Party for CETTU Bags with Dress for Success:BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

What a week! Michelle and I have been working hard to make sure the final BagTrends party of 2009 is fabulous. Great leather bags under $400 -check. Sleek Manhattan showroom location - check. Wine - check. Holiday music - check. Gifts with purchase - check. Wicked savings exclusively for BagTrends Bagistas - check. You having a great time with us - requires an RSVP!




Join us next week, December 15th, and please don't forget to bring a used/new handbag to donate to Dress for Success. Dress for Success is an amazing charity organization that provides clothing to women who are about to go on a job interview. Let's make sure they have the full professional, bag-a-licious look!

If you want to learn more about CETTU, here's a Behind The Bag video I shot at their NYC showroom with a brand representative.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
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Better TV, Radley and Matt Bernson Spring 2010 Previews and My Royally Fab Cettu Tote: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Yesterday was crazy. At 10:30am I shot a segment for BETTER TV (which airs next week). Then it was off to work from Cosi (my faux office in the city) on 2010 BagTrends calendar of events and other loose ends. 2:30pm I went to preview Radley London's Spring/Summer 2010 collection - super cute, review posting here on BagTrends.com in a week. I picked up the most adorable umbrella - best swag of the week!! Then is was back to Cosi for some more work and then downtown to preview Matt Bernson's latest shoes. The evening capped off with dinner with my pr friend Malorie of CameoPR and then we popped into the Atelier Minyon jewelry shop to drool over baubles. A special thank you to Nichelle of StyleMom.com for inviting me to the presentation. I'll post a few images later on this week.

I can't, of course, let this verbal diarrhea post go without mentioning the bag I wore yesterday. My new CETTU tote, pictured below, got nine compliments throughout the day. It's really a stunning piece and for $400 a fabulous investment. (You can get yours for 25% off December 15th at the BagTrends Party for CETTU Handbags). This tote does come in chocolate, but i just love purple. It is of course the color once reserved for the royals, and aren't we all the princesses in our lives?

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

What My Floor Looks Like Before I Shoot a TV Segment: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

This is what my floor looks like the day before a TV shoot. Actually, this is after I've edited out lots of other bags - which will probably live in my work closet and only get returned in early January. HELP! I so need an intern.

The segment I'm taping tomorrow is for BETTER TV about holiday handbags. The four groups are: "little luxuries" from Saks Fifth Avenue under $75, "affordable clutches" from TJMaxx under $150, "secondary lines" from Elle Nicole/Danielle Nicole and Carlos Falchi for Target/Carlos Falchi, and "smart splurges" from Kooba, Be&D and Katherine Kwei. The Kooba London tote (at right with python accent) is amazing. I've been itching for a good olive bag and it took all my professional strength not to wear this one! But, back to reality. The best part of this segment ... every one of these handbags will be given away via BagTrends.com. Details will be posted December 14 and the segment will air December 15. Check your local listings or watch it at Better.tv.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Handbag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, handbags , bags , purse trends , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , Kooba, Kooba bags, Kooba handbags, Be and D, Katherine Kwei, BagTrends giveaway, Kooba giveaway, tjmaxx, tjmaxx bags, clutches, holiday clutches, holiday gifts, party clutches, affordable clutches, little luxuries, little holiday luxury gifts, Carlos Falchi, Carlos Falchi Target

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Brahmin Handbags December Giveaway on BagTrends.com: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

We have a hot new handbag giveaway on BagTrends.com. The December Giveaway is Brahmin Handbags' Pin Tuck Tote in red ($395).

Brahmin is a wonderful, family-owned brand, based in Boston, Massachusetts, with many of the bags made in the good-old USA. The bags, many of which are croc embossed, have a sophisticated appearance and reflect back to the name"Brahmin" which was used in the 1800s to identify high-society, Bostonian men and women. To learn more about Brahmin, I interviewed the brand's CMO, James Bunn, in our latest BagTrends TV series Behind The Bag.

To WIN the Brahmin Pin Tuck Tote you must be a registered member of BagTrends.com. A winner will be selected on January 2, 2010.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Handbag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, handbags , bags , purse trends , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , Brahmin, Brahmin bags, Brahmin handbags, Boston Brahmin, Brahmins, Brahmin handbag giveaway, BagTrends giveaway, pin tuck tote, red bags, red handbags, croco handbags, handbag giveaway, bag giveaway

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Tucker Paisley Holiday Party Wrap Up: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Even rain can't wash out a good party! Thanks to everyone who came on Tuesday for BagTrends Holiday Soiree for Tucker Paisley. We had a blast. Michelle and I loved wearing Tucker Paisley's new Eliza dress. I ended up buying the metallic silver sample dress that Tracy, the designer of Tucker Paisley, let me originally borrow for the night. What can I say, this the season to shop for fabulousness.

Three big thank yous belong to: our amazing intern Q (nobody poses better with a clip board than her), Marnie the owner of Blue Bag which hosted our event, and all the bagista babes that came out to have some fun with us.

Couldn't make it to this shindig? Join us December 15 for our next party. This time we'll be ringing in holiday cheer and stocking up on last-minute holiday treats from CETTU Handbags.

RSVP to cettu@BagTrends.com. Visit BagTrends.com for more details.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman
handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Handbag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, handbags , bags , purse trends , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , Tucker Paisley, BagTrends party, BagTrends Tucker Paisley Party, BagTrends holiday shopping party, BagTrends shoppin party, shopping party, Tucker Paisley handbags, Tucker Paisley bags, shopping party nyc, New York events, New York parties, New York shopping parties, New York shopping party, cettu, cettu bags, cettu handbags, cettu bagtrends party

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Elliott Lucca Summer 2010, Which Handbag Should I Get: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Last week I previewed Elliott Lucca, The Sak, Sakroots and Freebird summer 2010 collections - all part of The Sak Brand. I love this particular appointment for several reasons: the fabulous Andrea who handles PR, the affordable and stylish bags, the fact that smart questions are asked and notes are taken by the pr rep during the appointment, and getting to choose any handbag I fancy. That means, I get a bag from The Sak Brand about 5 times per year. Sweat perk no?

This time, I'd like your help in selecting the handbag I should get.

I've narrowed it down to a new silhouette from Elliott Lucca (see below). This satchel has signature woven detailing on the front, a generous opening, shoulder strap option, and plenty of pockets. I'm loving the white because I just need a new white bag and I like the tortes shell accent on the turnlock. The metallic navy color is also quite nice. So, which do you prefer for me?

Leave a comment below stating which color you prefer and why ... who knows, maybe you'll win one too - hint, hint!

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman
handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Handbag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, handbags , bags , purse trends , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , Elliott Lucca, Elliott Lucca bags, Elliott Lucca handbags, satchel, white bags, white handbags, metallic navy handbag, spring 2010 bags, spring 2010 handbags, summer 2010 bags, summer 2010 handbags, summer 2010 handbags trends , summer 2010 bag trends,

Meeting Tracy of Tucker Paisley in LA, plus BagTrends Holiday Party: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Last month I went to Los Angeles for a week of fun in the sun -- OK, actually it was more like a week of driving around in a car while the suns rays burned through the windshield. I was on a mission to find an amazing venue for an upcoming BagTrends LA Arm Candy Party (details to come). During my visit, I also checked out some of my favorite boutiques (including Arcade by Rochelle Gores) and finally had a chance to meet Tracy Fredkin founder of Tucker Paisley.

For those that don't know, Tucker Paisley, is an accessories brand that originally started out making handbag with paisley prints on canvas and quickly expanded into using leather and suede. Tucker Paisley also makes small leather goods, scarfs (one of which I'm wearing in this video) and beachwear.

Tracy and I hit if off so much that she's decided to come to New York and have BagTrends host a Holiday Shopping Soiree for Tucker Paisley. Michelle and I are really excited because we just love working with nice people and we both love clutches and Tracy makes lots of clutches. That's Tracy, at right, holding the Embossed Joey Clutch $155.

I hope you can join us December 2 from 5pm - 8pm. Details Below. Space is super limited so you can only bring one guest. If your friends want to come, they must rsvp separately.

WHAT: Tucker Paisley Holiday Shopping Soiree

WHERE: Blue Bag, 266 Elizabeth Street New York City

WHEN: December 2nd 5pm - 8pm

RSVP: tuckerpaisley@bagtrends.com by Nov 30. Space is limited!!!

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Frye Spring 2010 Preview Kicks Off My Day: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

It was a non-stop day of spring 2010 preview appointments. I kicked off the morning with a Frye presentation. I’m not really a rugged, leather boots and saddle bag kind of gal, but Frye isn’t just that any more. Their offerings have expanded without losing site of their worn leather and hand detailed pieces. The Weave Magazine Shoulder Bag in violet with a woven lanyard-like rope handle, really caught my eye ($368). This shape is part of the assortment of huaraches. At the presentation, it was nice catching up with the ladies from the Bromley Group, which reps Frye. Karen Bromley is always a delight to see and her tribal-cool necklace was having its own fashion moment – just wish I took a picture to share with you. In my past life, I used to intern for the Bromley Group and despite my abrupt departure (long story – nothing too dramatic) I’ve kept in touch with Karen. Before departing, I was gifted a leather-bound Frye notebook. You really can’t give a writer anything better!

Holly Drawstring in Ecru



Dara Honeycomb (left) and Rosy Honeycomb Sandal (right)
Wood/Soft Tote in Brown (top) and Wood/Soft Convertible Hobo in Brown (bottom)

After departing the Coca-Cola building on 55th and 5th, I walked to the P3R press preview on 37th and 7th and then cabbed it to Rebecca Minkoff’s spring 2010 line.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

Swarovski Re-colored Power Bag in Pink, BCA: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Swarovski has re-colored it's Power Bag in pink. The original version of this evening clutch has been a red carpet staple, carried by Hillary Swank, Carmen Electra, Dita Von Teese and Emmy Rossum. The Pink Power Bag went on sale on both on http://www.swarovski.com/ and at Swarovski boutiques nationwide October 1st. It retails for $850 and ten percent of the proceeds will go to The Libby Ross Foundation’s Yoga Program For Breast Cancer Survivors.

Now, I know what you are thinking - everyone and their mother is creating a pink product in order to get press. And, I get it! But, whether a company is giving 10% or 100%, whether they are doing it all year long or just during Breast Cancer Awareness month, and whether they are involved because they care or because it makes for good publicity, the end result is still the same. A lot of money is being diverted to a good cause. So, I shall still share this type of information with you! That's all I have to say about that. :)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

You Be The Designer, New ALDO Contest: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Have you ever seen a great handbag and thought, "Oh, if it only it had a longer shoulder strap and an outer pocket with a zipper, it would be perfect"? If so, this ALDO contest is for you.

ALDO invites you to personalize a pair of their shoes, boots or a bag with studs, straps, accessories, or any other creative element. Post a picture of your creation online at www.aldoshoes.com/diy where a panel of judges from both ALDO and TEEN VOGUE (the co-sponsor) will choose 10 Finalists. The public will then chose a winner who will get to collaborate with the designers at ALDO to create a shoe or bag for the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. To make it even more bag-a-licious and shoegasmic, the winners item will be promoted in Teen Vogue's Spring 2010 issue.

OK, now to the fine print: submissions close ct 16 and the finalists are chosen Oct 20. The contest is open to all legal residents of Canada , the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska , Hawaii , the District of Columbia and the United Kingdom who have reached the age of majority in the territory in which they reside. Visit Aldoshoes.com/diy for all the details.

So, remind me again, why are you still online when you should be cutting, crafting and creating magic?

PS Feel free to share you designs and progress with me! I'd love to see what you come up with.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

You're Invited - Fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party in NYC Oct 7: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

It's that time again. Time to gather the girlfriends for a night of bag-a-licious fun at the fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party. We invite you to relax as you get pampered with hand massages and mini facials courtesy of Lierac, receive complimentary hair analysis from Phyto, drink Voga wine .... but most of all SHOP SHOP SHOP.

The list of Arm Candy delights at this party is beyond words ... but I'll try.

Adriana Castro - recently spotted on SJP to be part of the next Sex and The City Movie (her crocodile skins are luxury at its finest) http://www.adrianacastroonline.com/
Anavaa Kisasa - my fellow Brookylyite making sleek bags for the city dwelling diva http://www.theakstyle.com/om/
Anya Rubin - don't label her a designer, this is a multi-talented artist who makes great baubles (and small world turns out she was the maid of honor at my uncles wedding - I was the flower girl) http://www.anyaart.com/
Beirn - these bags are burning up! the lightweight and super affordable water snake line has been spotted on Sarah Jessica Parker in the first Sex and The City Movie, at Peter Som fashion show and the rackes of Henri Bendel http://www.beirnbag.com/
Clara Kasavina - dazzles with her Swarovski-drenched, hand crafted and cast in the USA evening bags, but this 25yr+ brand has lots in store including fun, cross-body bags, hand-painted python clutches, and jewelry. Fans include Beyonce and Catherine Zeta-Jones. http://www.clarakasavina.com/
Clipa - the handbag hook that always stays on your bag and can be worn as a bracelet - all I can say is, "why didn't I think of this?" http://www.clipa.us/
Emre New York - made with love in Turkey, this handbag line has the glamour and craftsmanship without forgetting about function. It's not surprising it's an Oscar gift bag favorite! Fans include Beyonce, Milla Jovovich, and Kristin Cavalleri. http://www.emrenyonline.com/
Lena Erziak - I'm dying over this ultra-new handbag line because of it's vintage essence and it factor. I just feel downtown cool about it, and so will you! http://www.lenaerziak.com/
Joanna Maxham - the Italians know how to make good handbags. Do I really need to say more about the exquisite skins and suede lining on these bags? See for yourself! http://www.joannamaxham.com/maxham.com/
Radley London - a reason to loath the Brits, they kept Radley all to themselves for nearly 10 years! This line of just-right work/day bags always has a British-humor wink it it's design ... maybe it's to do with the dog. You'll see what I mean at the party. http://www.radleylondon.com/
Zara Terez - funky and all NYC inspired and made, this young designer taps into every neighborhood in NYC (even those bridge-and-tunnel boroughs I love so much!) to create handbags inspired by each area. Are you a Forest Hills girl or Madison Avenue? http://www.zaraterez.com/

RSVP and join the fun
October 7th, 6pm -9pm @ Phyto Universe 715 Lexington Avenue in NYC



Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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BagTrends.com Wows Celebs, Editors, Stylists at The Daily Fashion Week Suite: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

What a week! (Actually, what a summer! – but that statement requires many posts, so I’ll save it for next time).

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week wrapped up last night with the spring 2010 Tommy Hilfiger fashion show. The week was a bag-a-licious success for BagTrends, as we presented once again at The Daily Fashion Week Suite. This season Michelle and I showcased amazing handbags from Adriana Castro, Zara Terez, Emre New York, Passchal, 2ENLIGHT10, m. Clifford, Creations by Kage, and Joanne Maxham, and the Clipa handbag hook. Editors, fashion personalities and celebrities flipped over the eclectic mix of luxury skins, club-happy glow bags, eco-chic styles, and feathers.

The Hart Sisters - Jessica and Ashley - escorted by uber publicist Lizzie Grubman, couldn’t get enough of the Passchal tire/leather clutches.

Pussycat Doll – and total sweetheart! – Melody Thornton was in love with 2ENLIGHT10’s glowing clutch.


Rosemary Ponzo was dying for Emre New York’s Lolita Stoli in green snake skin. It totally matches her Purse-onal PanacheTM.

Others that popped in to learn more about BagTrends, check out the designers we’re in love with and get the latest info on the upcoming Fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party include Fashion Network TV, Today Show, Vogue Greece, Vibe, Brides, Lucky, Wall St. Journal, SheFinds.com, SecondCityStyle.com, Teen Vogue, MAXIM and Seventeen. Everyone walked away with Candy Shop lipgloss from ELF, to remind them about our Fall 2009BagTrends Arm Candy Party.

The brands presented at the Daily Suite, and others, will be participating in our upcoming party poised to be our most exciting and luxurious event to date. The October 7, 2009 party will be held at the ultra serene Phyto Universe on 58th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City, a block away from Bloomingdales. Guests will be treated to complimentary spa services provided by Phyto hair care salon and Lierac Paris skin care, and the chance to shop today’s hottest up-and-coming brands.

To RSVP or learn more about the Fall 2009 BagTrends Arm Candy Party in NYC, visit BagTrends.com. Entrance is free, but space is limited. RSVP a must.

If you are a member of the press and would like more information please email info(at)BagTrends.com.

To see all the fun BagTrends.com had at the Daily Suite check out the album on Facebook.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

Bulga Company Story Opens Tomorrow July 15th in NYC: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I'm excited to announce that tomorrow you'll be able to enter the full world of Bulga as they launch their first company shop. The store will offer a range of merchandise from handbags and small leather goods to Bulga's line of denim. There will also be special bags, that will be sold exclusively at this VIP location. All gift purchases will be wrapped and shipped at Bulga’s expense and dropped off same day (if purchased in New York, of course). This is a soft opening and you're hearing it here first, so don't forget to mention my name or BagTrends when you pop in.
WHAT: Bulga Company Store
WHERE: 214 West 39th Street Suite 1000A, NYC
WHEN: Weekdays 10am - 7pm, Thursdays 11am - 8pm
CONTACT: 212. 334. 9119

Next week, I'll sit down with the designer Natalia Konovalovao dish on this new venture, her new baby and what lies ahead for Bulga. (We may even dish in our native tongue - so brush up on your Russian bagistas!) BagTrends TV segment to follow.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Handbag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, handbags , bags , purse trends , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , Bulga handbags, Bulga bags, Bulga store, Bulga company store, Natalia Konovalova, Russian handbag designer, BagTrends TV

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