Michael Kors' Core Thoughts On Bags: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I'm completely addicted to the UltraHD channel. The runway reviews, beauty tips, designer Q&A ... I can't get enough so I usually have it in the background while I'm working. Just now I tuned in a bit closer to see Judy Licht interview Michael Kors. Here's what the designer and Project Runway judge had to saw about our favorite accessory.

“There are very few things you can think of that are utilitarian and fun all at the same time. A handbag has personality; it tells you about the woman; it finishes off the look; and it’s utilitarian.”

- Michael Kors

Here are some Kors bags I wouldn't mind making a statement in:


Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , Michael Kors, Kors , Project Runway , Behind The Label , UltraHD, Ultra HD , Full Frontal Fashion , Judy Licht

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Elliott Lucca's Woven Bags on CSI and In My Closet: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

If you happen to be watching CSI Miami recently, you may have noticed a cameo appearance by The Elliott Lucca Signature Woven Drawstring. I have to say that this brands woven collection is really nice and quite affordable. This bag retails for $398, and we're not talking about getting embossed weave. This is the real deal, just like - well, not just like, but pretty similar to - the fabulous Bottega Veneta weave. You have the hand crafted feel and certainly the attention to detail. The hardware is really nice.

I just got one of their woven bags from the spring 2008 collection - another lovely perk courtesy of the job! :) Anywho, it's a great, woven leather white tote with thick strip of muted woven gold (not offensive, gaudy gold) going down the center and smaller silver woven strips on the side of the gold. This gives it a sporty look, but because of the structured shape and the lux effect of the woven leather, the overall vibe you get from this bag is classy summer ease. The best part is that there is an inner slip compartment for my laptop - always a plus. So, between this, the new Rebecca Minkoff Steady ($599) I've pre-ordered (you too can pre-order from SHOPBagTrends.com. For ship dates and colors e-mail customerservice@bagtrends.com or you can call 718.531.6793 M-F 9am-7pm EST), and my red Lulu Guinness tote (I still very much love it though I may temporarily retire it after this summer, just to keep things fresh) I should be all good to go. Wow. That was a vicious run on sentence. Sorry about that :).

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

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Celebrity Fashion, Do You Care?: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I get a ton of press releases on a daily basis, lately it has been so and so has been spotted with xyz bag. Or so and so Hollywood starlet owns 5 bags from xyz. The whole celeb thing is just getting out of control, don't you think? Do you really need a celebrity to wear a bag for you to know that it's great? I mean I do understand that sometimes a potential customer may not even know a small brand exists until a Jennifer Lopez or Hayden Panettiere wear their bag. But doesn't this whole celebrity thing get to you sometimes? Maybe I'm just bitter because after avoiding this aspect of the industry for so long I now sometimes have no choice but to write about it or ask my bagtrends writers to focus on it. My question to you is, A) do you care and B) who do you think really feeds the celeb fashion crazy? I'm really interested to hear what everyone has to say on this topic. Be honest :)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , bag sale, handbag sale , celebrity fashion , celebrity style , celeb bagistas, Jennifer Lopez, Hayden Panettiere , Katherine Kwei, celebrity bags

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Lunch with CHia and a Vegan Queen Sidedish: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Last Friday was quite eventful. I had lunch with June Change, the designer behind CHia handbags. The Spring/Summer collection is fabulous. You just won't believe the bags you'll get and the prices. There are a few styles at the $350 range that are really special and destined to remain in your immediate handbag repertoire for many, many years to come. Of course, the Asianna tote (which is a big hit at SHOPBagTrends.com) is coming in new colors including this really amazing grey that you'll flip for. It's a year-around color which can be made super summery if you wrap a bright scarf around the handle! I'll be able to share images of the new collection in about a week, so stay tuned. Before our lunch, I went to preview Vegan Queen a new eco collection. I first heard about the brand about 2 months ago when Evelina, the designer e-mailed me. From the images I already saw something worth a closer eye. When I finally laid my eyes on the bags this past Friday I have to tell you this is the first environmentally friendly brand that I would actually L-O-V-E to wear.

Her VQ logo is very elaborate, adding to the lux look. The piping, structure and construction is impeccable. This isn't your mother's eco, home-made bag! The inside is lined in like a soft eco-cotton fabric that is reminiscent of the suede lining you'll find in really expensive high-end brands. All in all, I can't wait to see future Vegan Queen bags. In fact, I liked this collection so much, I'll be offering it to all you bagistas at SHOPBagTrends.com. It should be available in about a week or so.

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman

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Vintage Hermes Crocodile Piano Handbag for Drooling Pleasure: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

What a long day. I actually have bag overload. I spent all day reviewing work bags for a story I'm doing called "New Year, New You, New Work Bag." It's for a MAJOR (let's image Victoria Beckham said "major"), yes major media outlet. I'll reveal it next week once all paperwork is done. I'm very excited about this addition to my career. So I've been reviewing bags from Payless to Prada and my eyes are killing me. Many of these bags I've seen in person and some I'll still have to call in. But I just like seeing how all the images look next to one another as I narrow down my list. I can do this process for hours because I want to make sure I give readers options. Like with me, I don't care if a satchel comes with a detachable shoulder strap, but as I mentioned earlier today I'm not the mom with the files and the kids and the groceries in her arms.

After a day of bags there really is no better way to unwind then ... drool over a new bag. I know, i know. I'm hopeless. Right now, I'm drooling over the Hermes Vintage Crocodile Piano Handbag available at Bag Borrow or Steal. It's so me. Petite, refined, classic. Oh what I wouldn't give to have it right now? The brown crocodile color is perfection and the inner compartments perfect for the necessities of modern life on-the-go. Naturally, this isn't an everyday option - at least not for most working girls. But, on a casual day when I have few appointments and not much to carry ... oh to dream. Well, at least I can borrow it for fashion week. Don't be surprised if I'm raving about this stunner in 2 weeks. Um I wonder what I will wear this with? Oh and how fabulous will it be to faux own this bag? If I go completely mad or fall in love I may need to take advantage of the "steal" option of Bag Borrow or Steal.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman


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eLuxury.com Handbag Sale, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs and more: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Just wanted to pop in and remind you that eLuxury.com is having there Final Designer Clearance sale. For a limited time, take an additional 20% off sale items, for a total of up to 70% off the regular retail price from brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Thakoon, L.A.M.B., and many more. If I to go on a shopping binge right now, these would be my arm candy choices:

Derek Lam Aggie Chain Handle Bag $784 (was $1400)

Goldenbleu Jordan Ruched Shoulder Bag $447 (was $745)

Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Ryder $836 (was $1395)

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , bag sale, handbag sale , eluxury sale , Marc Jacobs sale , Goldenbleu , Goldenbleu sale, Derek Lam , Derek Lam sale , Derek Lam bags , leather tote , shoulder bags, shoulder bag

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Bag-a-licious Gifts from THE SAK: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I got up early or rather an on time today - 7:45am - now that I've finally moved my office out of my bedroom and have some true piece and quite! Wahoo. With my extra time and energy this morning, I went though a slew of mail. Fashion Week invited, old WWD's, bills, and a few holiday gifts. One such gift was completely unexpected. Andrea, the lovely pr girl at The Sak and Elliott Lucca (both by the way owned by the same company) sent me a sweet note and a sweeter bag. Check out the pewter, utilitarian tote? The color is my kind of metallic - very sophisticated and practical. It's not too bold and not likely to get on my nerves even if I wear it every day. There are four outer pockets and a discreetly placed outer cellphone pouch. Inside you'll find more pockets. I'm digging all the organizational value! There's a detachable shoulder strap for those lazy days when toted by the hand just won't do. Of course, I would never use the shoulder strap. It's just too frumpy I for me. Granted, if I had to hold a child in one hand and groceries in the other I might sing another tune ;) . If you're looking for that affordable, durable, work-bag (gosh I sound like I"m on HSN again!) The Sak's Dakota Shopper is a great option. $189 at TheSak.com

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , The Sak, Elliott Lucca , metallic bags , metallic handbags , work bag , work bags , work handbags , day handbags , day bags , day bag , leather tote , shoulder bags, shoulder bag

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Pamela Pekerman Gets Sassy with SassyBean.com: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Not sure sure if I mentioned this, but I'm now the resident Bag Guru for Sassybean.com. Check out my first post about candy-colored bags.

Also the editors decided to make me an "IT GIRL." I was very honored. Read all about mwa :) and why I love being an entrepreneur. And do check back to sassybean for my bag-a-licious beans and dating, beauty and life tips from other editors.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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Beach Trends from The Domincan Republic: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I'm never going on a 7-day vacation again. It's just too darn short. The first day you get there and you unpack and last day you're packing up; so you really have 5 days. Then it takes like 2-3 days (or maybe it's just me) to really believe you're on vacation. So now you have 3 days of pure rest. I don't mean to sound ungrateful that I was even able to go for 7 days, but it's just that I've only been back to work for 2 days and I'm already exhausted - of course I did leave during market week so I'm scrambling to make up appointments. Oh, and Fashion Week is just 2 weeks and 3 days away!! I haven't even begun to plan - but that's a whole separate topic to be faklempt about.

For now I'd like to share my resort trends, as seen on the beaches of Punta Cana.
1)Metallics are still shining, and while silver may be the main metallic for the city, gold still rules at the beach. I saw lots of straw totes accented with gold, tinted PVC gold bags, metallic sarongs and bikinis.
2)Pink and orange are the bold colors that popped out the most. In terms of bikinis lots of zebra and zebra with pink or orange accent trimmings, like on the strings.
3)Straw totes, of course were everywhere but not just in natural. I saw a lot of green, pink, orange and metallic straw.

A big bag DON'T.
I saw WAY too many backpacks (as in Jansport) on the beach. Aside from the obvious ugh factor, it's just so inappropriate. They are dark, ugly, and nothing about them screams "I'm on vacation." Can we all take an oath here and now to NEVER WEAR A JANSPORT BACKPACK or OTHER COLLEGIATE BACKPACK TO THE BEACH? .... Thank you.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , resort trends , resort 2008 trends , resort bags , resort handbags , beach bags , beach bag , metallic beach bags , metallic bags , metallic handbags , Dominican Republic , Punta Cana , sebra bikinis , Jansport

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IGNES Handbags' Chiara Tote: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,


If you haven't fooled around with IGNES Handbags now's the time to play! Designer Maria Estrada's latest creation is the Chiara tote bag. Currently available in tinted wine cowhide leather, Chiara is embellished with antique gold studs. With pockets to spare, this is a great work option if you are looking for something new in the new year. At $395 this is a great deal. Last I spoke with Maria, most stylses can be ordered in other colors. If you can, snag this in a yummy crinckle black patetnt leather or classic black cowhide.

To learn more about IGNES check out my interview at BagTrends.com.






Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman


handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman , IGNES , winter 2008 trends , IGNES bags , IGNES handbags , Maria Estrada , work bag , work bags , work handbags , day handbags , day bags , day bag , leather tote , shoulder bags, shoulder bag

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Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale in LA: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas (on the West Coast),

My dear friend Rebecca Minkoff is having a sample sale in LA this coming Sunday.

Who: Rebecca Minkoff
What: only the best functional day bags and sexy evening clutches
Where: 2321 Observatory Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
When: Sunday, January 13th from 12pm to 6pm


Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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Bag-a-licious times in the Dominican Republic: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

I'm in the Dominican Republic on a long overdue vacation – hence my MIA status. But, don't fret I'm here in all my bag-a-licious regalia with no less than 5 bags. Come to think of it that's actually really good considering I've done worse, but I tried to edit myself this time.

My 5 resort essential bags include:
1. black Rebecca Minkoff clutch - simple, leather, goes with everything, after all vacations are about hassle free, 123 dressing. That's me last night in my new DVF dress with this very bag. I also keep it within my massive Gucci (which on this trip I use as my work bag - fits the laptop, planner and other essentials)
2. Gucci Pelham shoulder bag (as mentioned above) It goes so well with my gold and white Jour Nuit flats and gold Ted Rossi cuff
3. a white terry backpack for the beach - simple and chic, and easy to wash (though I must confess I regret not getting that Rafe bag I so bag-a-licious mentioned last Friday on bagtrends ... just ran out of time.)
4. a tan leather and straw clutch with detachable chain from Savoy (which is a brand that's in the process of rebranding and really on good for summer looks, everything else is a bit on the vanilla (aka boring) side
5. another Savoy bag - this one a one-of-a-kind, super fun belt bag - not FANNY but belt bag and it's really cool. I've only worn it once prior in New York. It has a fun white and brown pattern and with white linen pants and a tight white tank it will look nice. I'll be sure to share that fashion moment later on in the week.

I'm heading off to grab some drinks and switch from Gucci to my tan and straw clutch.

As always I'm wishing you to ...

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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Handbag-a-day, Life Really is Bag-a-licious: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

For New Years, my lovely bf gave me the Handbags Page-a-Day desk calendar. Don’t you just love when they get the simple gifts right? What better way to start the day than viewing bags? I love that there seems to be a fair mix of 1990’s it bags, vintage, historic bags dating back to the 17th century, crafty concoctions – not really my cup of tea, but still fun to look at – and a few 21st century creations. The vintage looks from the 30’s through the 50’s are really neat. I love all the dainty structured satchels and purses. The whole lady-like vibe is very much my personal aesthetic. I guess that’s why I’m drawn to designers like Tracey Reese and Nanette Leapore and handbag designers like Lulu Guinness, Anya Hindmarch and Mary Norton. Just looking at this one white Scotti-frame crocheted purse (circa 1940s) I know I've found my dream resort bag. Now it only I could find it? Huumm maybe I'll check out some consignment shops in the city when I get back from vacation? The scanner is on the skids, but once it gets going I’ll show you some of the great finds I'm currently salivating over.

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman

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My Purse-onal New Years Resolution: BAGTRENDS

Dear Bagistas,

Happy New Year! Was it a blast? I went the family route and celebrated with my preggies :) sister, brother-in-law, many of their friends and my bf Steve. It was the first New Years in my sister's new home so it was very nice. But back to bags ... My New Year's resolution is to commit to blogging more. I launched this blog to occasionally pop in share info that may not fit or have time to be laid out on the main bagtrends site. But, for 2008 what I really want to do is focus on the actual mission statement of this blog which, as it says above, is to share my daily dose of bag-a-licious news. But let's expand on that: my new mission is to share news, yes, but to also let you into my world - what it's like to be a handbag editor, an entrepreneur and bag-a-licious gal-about town. I think you'll find it funny and inspirational - I have been told I'm a good motivator, so maybe reading about my daily happenings will inspire you to launch a business!! Maybe at times you'll find it annoying - I do complain about excessive events that one has to attend to really be out there in this business. Yes it's glamorous on the outside – a nice dress, a fabulous bag, cocktails and swag galore - but when I get home (oh and “home” is about 1 hour 30 minutes from the city!) it’s boxing orders for the shop, planning out the next days agenda, beginning and sometimes finishing a story about the evening for one of my freelance gigs …. Yada yada. I know you feel bad for me right? No, I’m sure you don’t. Because hell’s ya it’s a good life overall. I’m my own boss, I have access to amazing handbags – some I get to keep!, I’ve interviewed everyone from Marc Jacobs to Zac Posen to Tracy Reese (PS she’s my fav designer by far), I’ve been invited to share my scoop on Vh-1 and HSN, and so much more. OK, where was I, of ya, so my goal is to share the fun, the fashion, the frustration and the fiesta that is My Bag-a-licious Life. All bagistas aboard … cho choo

Have a bag-a-licious day!
Pamela Pekerman


handbags, bags, Bag Guru, Bag Expert, Handbag Expert, Accessories Expert, Bag Trends, BagTrends, My Bag-a-licious Life, bag-a-licious, accessories, fashion, handbag trends, personal , bagistas , bagista , Pam Pekerman , Pamela Pekerman

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