I would have never guessed she was a Rebecca Minkoff fan, but I guess who isn’t these days? For the occasion, Reese was sporting her favorite 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt. The high waist and geometric pattern seem to flatter her figure very nicely. She paired the skirt with a simple black top and gray shoes. And to complete her ensemble, Reese is carrying what looks to be a gray suede handbag.

But wait, I just know I have seen that handbag somewhere before. It’s driving me crazy, I just can’t seem to put my finger on it! It is a very lovely handbag, there is no doubt about it. I really like the slouchy shape, the diagonal zippered pockets, and contrasting trim. I’m really curious as to how soft and plush the suede is. It looks really luxurious in the pictures.

So what do you think ladies? Who makes this handbag? Let’s hear your guesses in the comments section below! I’m just dying to find out who the designer is!

The Chat: identify!

Why not, lets give it a try. I’m dying to know which wallet Coach has lined up for me….

First question they ask: “What size are you looking for?”
I picked medium. Not a fan of wallets that are too small and get lost amongst the other accessories in my purse. Also not a fan of larger sizes. Don’t really need the card space.

Next question pops up: “Do you have a favorite wallet style?”
I would have checked ‘not really’, if they asked, but since it’s not an opinion, I went ahead and went with the Compact clutch. After hovering over to get the details of each, I decided that one has the most useful features for me.

Now for fabric: “Do you have a preference on fabrication?”
I sure do. Didn’t take me long to answer this one. Leather. Although I have to admit, I think Coach’s new leopard print fabric is pretty rad.

Time to pick the shade: “Choose a favorite color”
This question actually took me a while to answer. I am all for bright and bold small accessories. Little things that just burst in vibrant color is something I crave. However… that is not an option in Coach’s little Wallet Finder. So disappointed. The options: choose between brown/khaki or grey/black. Alright, I guess I will go with black.

*drum roll please* and Coach matched me up with the Gramercy Embossed Leather Compact Clutch.

Impressed, because out of all the wallets displayed on coach.com, this was indeed my pick. I love the quilting. And usually I am so not one for picking up a signature bag, but this wallet is pretty darn cute. And even though I didn’t get to pick a bright color for the exterior, what I love about this little piece is when popped open, reveals a pretty pink interior. Fabulous!

Go give it a try @ coach and see what they match you up with.

They’re pleasant to look at but I’m not sure if I’d give this style a chance, their petite frame seem is not my kind of bag, and for the $1,215 asking price isn’t too appealing. If you’re truly eyeing these out, you can find them Here at FORZIERI . Act quick as they are limited!

The Chat: Pineider!

Last week Coach Inc. filed the suit against Brown Shoe Co. Inc., accusing the footwear firm of mirroring one of Coach’s handbag designs, the Ergo.

WWD is reports: “In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on May 29, Coach accuses the retailer of selling what is “virtually an exact copy” of its Ergo Pleat handbag in the Naturalizer chain of stores. Coach began selling the Ergo Pleat bag in 2007 and patented it in December 2008. Brown Shoe did not return a call seeking comment. Coach is seeking an injunction, profits it would have made and any profits Brown Shoe made off the patent as well as other unspecified damages.”

When I went to the Naturalizer home site I didn’t see the bag they were referring to in the lawsuit, however I did spot a couple styles that looked incredibly familiar to other designers. (to name a few – ysl, f+c, and more)

But this whole clothing-exchange party thing got me thinking. What happens if you and your friends don’t all wear the same size? After all, this isn’t a perfect world that we live in. And what if you and your friends have a severe handbag and/or accessory fetish? My idea is to host an Accessory-Exchange Party instead! Just think about it! You could save some money in these tough economic times and still satisfy your urge to acquire some new goodies! Here’s how it would work:

1. The hostess in charge of the party sets up her living room like a designer boutique. She can arrange the furniture so that there is plenty of room to walk about. Her sofas, chairs, ottomans, coffee tables, or whatever can become “display cases”. Full-length mirrors are set up near each display. Finger foods and refreshments are available to promote mingling.
2. Each person invited to the party brings handbags and accessories that they no longer use (make sure the items are still in good condition, of course). The items can get sorted into groups (handbags, wallets/small leather goods, belts, shoes, scarves, etc.) and displayed nicely within the “boutique”.
3. Everyone is allowed some time to browse and try stuff on in front of the mirrors.
4. The hostess then has everyone draw a number from a hat or bowl. The person that draws #1 gets to choose something first, the person that draws #2 gets to choose something second, and so on. Once everyone has had a turn, the numbers go back in the hat or bowl and they are drawn again. Continue until all the items have been selected or nobody has an interest in anything else.
5. Allow people to offer to trade with one another if they were really wanting something or if they are having second thoughts.
6. The hostess takes the leftovers and donates them to a local charity organization. A battered-women’s shelter is an excellent choice and they are often looking for handbags to be donated.

Additional Tips:

1. Try to invite at least ten people, preferably those that have a lot of handbags and accessories in their repertoire. You want to make sure you have plenty of items to go around!
2. If you plan on hosting such a party more than once, try inviting some different people to each one. This will help ensure some variety in the selection of items and, hopefully, prevent items featured at a previous party from returning for a second round.
3. If two people are having a dispute over an item, have the group vote on who they think it looks best on. The person with the most votes gets to keep the item.

Have fun! This is a party, after all!

The Chat: Exchange Party!

Canadian born Andrea Brueckner moved to New York in 1999 to study design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. At first, she studied not to be an accessory designer, but rather clothing design with an emphasis in tailoring. While in school she internet with fabulous designers like Jill Stuart and Carolina Herrera. Before she went on to launching her own line, Andrea apprenticed under the bespoke menswear tailor Craig Robinson where she worked to master the classic art of tailoring. There she acquired many draping and patternmaking techniques, while also learning to appreciate the importance of good fit.

Andrea fuses her love for design with her acquired technique to create unique handbags, and continues to draw inspiration from clothing design, incorporating garment details and techniques into her accessories.

Her handbag line was launched in the Spring of 2004, and is now entering its tenth season.

Continue Reading: Andrea Brueckner Interview + Look Book!

The Interview

Jennifer: When did you first decide that you wanted to become a handbag designer?
Andrea Brueckner: I had always wanted to work for myself. When I graduated, I worked for a small apparel company, but I started to design clothing on my own on the side. I designed one small bag to go with that collection, and it sold so well…the small ideas turned into bigger ones.

Jennifer:What’s your design philosophy?
Andrea Brueckner: Every collection I do looks different from the previous one. My background is in tailoring, so my designs are always construction-oriented.

Jennifer: Where do you get your inspiration?
Andrea Brueckner: I am inspired a lot by experimenting that I do with draping, construction and patternmaking. I am very technical.

Jennifer: Tell us about you fall 2008 collection.
Andrea Brueckner: For this collection, I pushed myself to go outside of my comfort zone – to do color, and the results were phenomenal. Also, when I was at FIT, I took a couture sewing class, and we studied different stitching details. Trapunto was one of them, so I decided to incorporate that as a prominent design element in the collection.

Jennifer: Do you ever read blogs?
Andrea Brueckner: Yes, it is always important to keep in touch with people’s thoughts and impressions.

Jennifer: What Bag are you carrying today?
Andrea Brueckner: My Cardiff Large Satchel in black pleated patent.

Jennifer: What Items are inside?
Andrea Brueckner: wallet, keys, blackberry, water, papers, files, sketches, pens and lipgloss.

Jennifer: Who are your style icons?
Andrea Brueckner: Kate Moss and Mary Kate. It is hit or miss with them, but that is the only way to forge ahead.

Jennifer: Where’s your favorite place to shop?
Andrea Brueckner: I am not an active shopper, truthfully! I like to go to random places and find random stuff.

Jennifer: If you weren’t a handbag designer and had to choose any other job, what would it be?
Andrea Brueckner: I would never want to be anything but! ..maybe a mother.

Jennifer: What other designers out there do you admire?
Andrea Brueckner: I love Bliss Lau’s bags – her designs are truly original and I really admire her creativity.

The LookBook
While browsing through her latest accessory catalog I found it quite difficult to get passed the first page! The Aspen Lock bags, with their clean lines and simple design plus the square lock design, this is the bag to dream for – a great pick for any occasion from day-to-night. Another favorite of mine from the catalog are the Luxembourgs! Really, who doesn’t like the Luxems?? Remember BagBliss-er, bRs mentioned the perfect for fall, body form fitting Luxembourg in tobacco yesterday, and also reported that the black crackle patent is currently on sale for like $479.50 over at The Hip Chick. This bag is on my wishlist for fall!

Other highlights from the F/W ’08 catalog include the slouchy chic Cardiff line, the fabulous new Tierney city-life bags, and the hand woven basketweave embossed leather Saddle line.

This season Andrea Bruekner launched a special edition of purses dedicated to promote proper labor practices and help preserve the vitality of Manhattan’s historic Garment Center, a resource for new and emerging designers. Many established designers are moving their production overseas to seek more competitive pricing. With competitive pricing comes illegal sweatshops and unscrupulous labor practices. Available employment within the Garment Center is declining. So, Andrea Bruekner released the new line (dubbed Market) as part of the Social Responsibility Initiative. Each of the totes come with a special “green” label with the following information: “made in New York City”, “sweat-shop free”, and “supports local industry”.

Also this season keep your eye out for the Special Edition python Saddle bags. For more information on colors and availability, contact info@andreabrueckner.com

I almost forgot to mention the Andrea Brueckner Aspen clutch in Magenta!! During Nation Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), 30% of this purse proceeds when purchased from shopandreabrueckner.com will go directly to the Susan G Komen foundation. I can’t wait for October!

Above is just a minor sampling of the lookbook, continue the chat and see the rest of the Andrea Bruekner Bag Collection images here.

Online shoppers, checkout these sweet boutiques that carry Andrea Brueckner:
REVOLVE Clothing
The Hip Chick
Shop Goldyn
Feng Junk
shopandreabrueckner.com

Okay, I’ll be honest. This book is not for someone who is looking for hardcore information on designer handbags. What it does offer though is a look into the history of the handbag. It also features cute little tidbits of “advice”. Here’s one that I thought was funny:

Quote:

Advice for handbag addicts: Do you have more handbags than shirts? More purses than pants? Consider reversing the formula: Buy your handbags first, then plan your outfits around them. Yes, it goes against the advice of fashion.

Of course this probably stating the obvious. Well, “the obvious” when it comes us handbag junkies that is. But I think its really fun to see it actually written on paper. I know my love for handbags can lead me to do crazy things sometimes, so it’s nice to be able to laugh at myself (and fellow bag addicts) every once in a while.

Handbags: What Every Woman Should Know, written by Stephanie Pedersen, can be found over at Amazon.com. A nice gift for any handbag lover, just don’t take it too seriously!

[ The Bag Forum: Book Review - What Every Woman Should Know ]

In 1956 while pregnant with Princess Caroline, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco was photographed in New York City by Life Magazine carrying the large black crocodile Kelly bag, which was used to cover her pregnant tummy. After this image appeared on the cover of Life Mag, the bag became a hit and was later renamed the Kelly bag.

Hermes created a limited edition Kelly bag for Artcurial’s annual Hermes vintage sale, featuring a portrait of Grace Kelly printed on canvas.

Guess how much the bag sold for… $80,906, with all proceeds from the sale of the bag going to Princess Grace’s daughter Princess Stephanie’s charity Fight Aids Monaco.

[ The Bag Forum: Hermes Kelly Bag: Proceeds to fight Aids in Monaco ]

Now I guess this bag has a lot to offer. First off, its simply a beautiful Chanel bag….alligator leather and a diamond clasp. That is definitely a one of a kind bag that not everyone can get. Secondly, this is Madonna’s bag! Madonna! The queen of pop! I mean owning anything of hers is pretty awesome, let alone a Chanel bag with all of her belongings in it. Lastly, the money went to benefiting an AIDS charity.

Now, not many of us could pay $471,000 for a Chanel bag, but I guess overall this was a pretty good buy that benefited a great cause. Go Madonna!

[ The Bag Forum: Madonna’s $471,000 Chanel Bag ]

Kate Spade Hugo Poppy Canvas Griffen
A spring-ago Kate Spade joined forces with British artist Hugo Guinness, known for his lovely pen and ink drawings primarily of flowers, plants, and vines, created this unique illustration of poppies to create the Kate Spade Hugo Poppy Griffen tote. The super lightweight magazine tote features the artist’s beautiful poppy illustration printed on a lightweight canvas and boarskin leather trim. These bags are so cute and perfect for summer. The clear one gets my pick for beach life, and the other canvas gets my vote for an every day’er. Measures 14.5″ height x 13″ width x 3.5″ depth. Both bags available @ ebags.

Price: $225 $169.99 (canvas)
Price: $195 $144.99 (pvc)

Kate Spade Orchard Street Jocelyn Green Clutch
What’s in the name? Once the site of a bustling outdoor market that served manhattan’s tenement population, over the last decade orchard street has attracted artists, designers, and upstart eateries to the lower east side. now at the center of the downtown artists’ scene, orchard street reflects a rich mélange of cultural influences and a cutting edge sensibility.

An unstructured handheld clutch made of patent finished calfskin with oil slick finish and topped off with 14-karat white gold plated hardware. The mouth of the bag is secure with a zipper closure that slides open to reveal the custom printed dot lining on 100% sateen lining interior. Measures 6.8″ height x 10.9″ width w/ a 3.1″ drop length. Available in green or petrol @ KateSpade.

Price: $325 $244

Kate Spade Bilbao Quintessa Vertical Tote
What’s in the name? The spanish city of bilbao became a cultural destination in its own right when it was chosen as the site for frank gehry’s spectacular titanium guggenheim museum. since then, the city has become a hub for contemporary art and design. these handbags reflect the graceful, confident design found in bilbao.

White bags in the summer are a must! This bag is created out of a smooth, soft, patent calfskin and trimmed with mirrored metallic silver cowhide, and accesssorized with nickel hardware. The mouth is a wide-open style, revealing the classic custom printed dot on 100% cotton twill lining which features an interior center zip pocket, double slide pockets and zip pocket. Measures 14.4″ height x 13.3″ width x 3.7″ depth w/ a 3.1″ drop length. Available in white @ KateSpade.

> The black patent version of this bag is on sale for $397.90 over at Nordstrom’s!

Price: $595 $446

[ The Bag Forum: Kate Spade Summer Bags on SALE! ]