What handbag collection wouldn’t be complete without something unique? Or perhaps even exotic? Well, how about both? Introducing Novica: an online, fair trade marketplace associated with National Geographic. Their mission is “to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity”. They offer everything from home decor to jewelry to artwork. What really grabbed my attention, however, was their new handbag section. They have every shape, size, and style imaginable. Materials used include cotton, wool, silk, leather, beads, and even pop-tops. And the best part is, you don’t have to be interested in hippie-like styles to find something you’ll absolutely love there.

The bags are handcrafted by artisans from Bali, Java, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Thailand. I think what I love most about Novica is how they give a name and a face to associate with each piece. Each artist has a story to tell and it’s wonderful to learn a little something about them when you’re considering purchasing one of their works of art. This is definitely a website I suggest you check out! These handbags would certainly make wonderful conversation pieces!

Here are a few of my favorites listed below:

1. “Moonbeams” Clutch
Natural jute with rhinestone beads
Artist: Radhika
Price: $94.95
Gorgeous for a special evening out!

2. “Earth Day” Shoulder Bag
Silkscreen on cotton
Artist: Thanyarat Sananpanich
Price: $64.99
Perfect for use as a shopping tote!

3. “Grand Central” Handbag
Natural leather
Artist: Ricardo Hinojosa
Price: $109.99
Elegant and chic!

Check out these styles and many, many more at NOVICA – Home Decor, Jewelry & Gifts by Talented Artisans Worldwide!

The Chat: Novica!

Footwear News!

Kooba has added shoes to the mix for their Spring 2010 collection. The long anticipated arrival, by many Kooba lovers, is set for August 5th at the FFANY New York Shoe Expo.

The collection will feature platforms, flats and gladiator sandals with a similar look to the firm’s classic hobo bags and totes. The shoes will retail from $225 to $450.

Founder and creative director at Kooba, Abbe Held recently spoke with WWD on this addition – “I’ve always been obsessed with shoes, so after building a successful handbag business, it just seemed like a natural next step to translate our unique mix of rich and interesting leathers, attention to detail, and an effortlessly chic sensibility into footwear.”

Kooba is sold at these locations: Saks Fifth Avenue, ShopBop, LunaBoston, TheHipChick, Pink Mascara, Singer22, ChickDowntown, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales. And always on sale at Zappos, Bluefly, and here on eBay.

Side Note: Sneak peek pictures coming soon!

Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando, a designer everyone should get familiar with. Her designs are fresh and totally fabulous. Classic styles with a modern twist.

From an early age, Danielle had a great passion for designing. At first her focus was designing custom neckties, then later went on to handbag design.

She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and later went on to study in Europe, amongst design houses like Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi and Prada. Danielle eventually went on to apprentice at companies such as Bergdorf Goodman, BE&D and Gucci.

Then in 2006, the young designer launched Danielle Nicole Handbags. Today, you can find the full collection of beautiful pieces, crafted in the finest materials such as Italian lambskin, crushed patent leather, and French embroidery fabric, by the 22-year old designer at danielle-nicole.com

And I recently got the opportunity to exchange a Q + A with this fabulous designer…

Jennifer: What was your very first handbag that you created?
Danielle Nicole: The Samantha Bag was the first bag I ever created. I made it while I was still a student at FIT. It took me over 20 hrs to make it by hand!

Jennifer: What’s your design philosophy?
Danielle Nicole: Function is key! Whenever my team or I are designing a bag we always think, “How is the customer going wear and use this bag”. All of my bags are lined with washable ultra-suede in anticipation of make-up spills. The make-up stains on the interior of the bag will come out with soap and water! Also, I love designing bags with adjustable straps. Many of our bags have straps that convert from a shoulder bag into a messenger. I try to incorporate outside pockets as much as I can so customers can have easy access to their keys, cell phones, and wallets. Another important decision I made a long time ago was to use light weight leather. Lambskin is soft and lightweight. With all of the things women throw into their bags, the bag itself shouldn’t weigh the customer down.

Jennifer: Tell us about your current Spring 2009 collection. And what was your inspiration behind this season?
Danielle Nicole: Spring is about waking up from winter. I used bright, bold colors so that my customers could stand out and feel good! It’s always fun to add a bright, fun handbag to your everyday wardrobe!

Jennifer: Any hints as what to expect for next season?
Danielle Nicole: Next season is a berry inspired collection; red and purple are going to be popular! I wanted to incorporate the signature earth tones of fall. The Lindsay Clutch is one of the new styles that I am introducing for fall. It was featured on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily this past April. I’m very excited to see the collection in stores!

Jennifer: If you were to pick one bag out of all the collections that you’ve created, which is your number one favorite bag of all time?
Danielle Nicole: I would have to say the Kristi Mini. It’s the perfect size. It’s not too big where you can’t find your things, but big enough to fit everything I need, and it is so light weight that it matches my lifestyle perfectly.

Jennifer: Who are some other designers that you admire?
Danielle Nicole: I love Bottega Veneta! Their quality is impeccable and their craftsmanship is beautiful.

Jennifer: If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you be doing instead?
Danielle Nicole: I would be working at my father’s company, Boardwalk Fries. They’re delicious!

Jennifer: Which handbag are you carrying at this moment?
Danielle Nicole: The Melanie. It’s ideal for New York women! It has the adjustable strap so I can wear the bag over my shoulder or as a messenger. The Melanie has a large extior pocket so I have easy access to my Metro pass, cell phone, and keys. The interior pockets help me find my wallet and other essentials, and the large main compartment allows me to throw in my extra shoes, book, and umbrella.

Jennifer: And what are some items that you can’t leave the house without?
Danielle Nicole: I always have antibacterial and tissues in my bag. I’m a bit of a germaphobe!

Jennifer: What’s next for the Danielle Nicole brand?
Danielle Nicole: We’re currently working on a vegan line called Elle Nicole. The collection will be made out of leather alternative.

Danielle Nicole’s Random Fav
Movies: Annie Hall, The Hangover
Animals: Dogs
TV shows: The Tudors, The Real Housewives of New York, True Blood
Vacation Destination: Amalfi Coast in Italy

Founded in 2003, Kara Ross New York, LLC is a rapidly growing luxury good company. The designer is known for her eclectic designs and use of alternative materials. Interestingly, however, Kara Ross is also a certified GIA gemologist. This probably explains her apparent love of incorporating beautiful stones into her pieces.

Best known in the handbag world for her gorgeous clutches, Kara Ross is also known for her unique jewelry designs. And just last year, her designs won the FGI Rising Star Accessories Award. What an impressive accomplishment! Especially since her company is in its earlier stages and still has much more growing to do!

Although it was difficult to choose just one bag by this designer to write about, I chose to feature the Gemma Clutch because it appears to be one of her most popular designs. This delicious little clutch is available in a wide variety of colors and fabrications. What I love most about the Gemma Clutch is the genuine stone embellishment on the front of the bag. I also love its simple, envelope styling and hidden magnetic closure. This clutch is so gorgeous, I’m not sure if I’d be able to save it for special occasions only. I would be tempted to take it out with me all the time!

Shop Kara Ross at *NET-A-PORTER.COM*. There you will find the Gemma Clutch available in Turquoise or Biscuit.

The Chat: Kara Ross

A little birdie told me that fringe details will be hot for Spring 09. My first reaction? Oh no, not again! I’ll admit it, I have never been much of a fan of fringe. And yet, these past few seasons kept having a few fringed styles showing up here and there. But this year, the fringe somehow seems different. Instead of screaming “hippie”, these new bags have more of a western feel to them. So I thought, maybe — just maybe — I should give fringe a second look. The key to making this look work, in my opinion, is to limit the rows of fringe to just one or two.

Above I have pictured two fun, fringe-filled styles. The first is the J.J. Winters Suede Fringe Bag. I think Vanessa Hudgens wore it well with her floaty top, skinny jeans, and boots. The bag measures 16.5″ x 11″ and it retails for $420. Find it in Grey at Pink Mascara.

The second bag is the Linea Pelle Janis Fringe Clutch. This simple clutch features a single row of fringe around its outer edge. I’m not sure why, but fringe seems so much more fun when it comes in such a small package! The clutch measures 10.5″ x 6″ and it retails for $235. Find it at Linea Pelle, where it is available in a variety of colors.

And for those of you that think maybe you’d like to give the fringe trend a try, but you’re afraid of making a major investment…

Check out this bag from Urban Outfitters (pictured above). This beauty is only $60! Find it at UrbanOutfitters

The Chat: Fringe Handbags

Listen up guys! Does your sweetie love handbags and accessories? If you answered yes, and perhaps even rolled your eyes a bit, then keep reading! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Don’t worry though, you still have plenty of time to pick out that perfect gift. I’m just here to tell you about all the wonderful Valentine’s Day themed accessories that are available right now. Everything from bag charms to coin purses, there is something for everyone and every budget. What better way to say “I Love You” this Valentine’s Day? Okay… okay, there might be better ways. But an adorable accessory would definitely be icing on the cake! So get out there and surprise the heck out of your girlfriend/wife! Below you will find some of my top picks. Now if only my husband was listening…

From Coach:

1. Ombre Heart Charm – $30
2. Pave Signature Heart Locket Key Chain – $58
3. Breast Cancer “Love” Scarf – $78
Shop Coach at Macy’s

From Juicy Couture:

1. Valentine’s Day Envelope Charm – $58
2. Chocolate Heart Box Charm – $62
Shop Juicy Couture at Nordstrom

From Louis Vuitton:

1. Passion Square Scarf – $305
2. Coeurs Bag Charm – $355
3. Heart Coin Purse – $450
Shop Louis Vuitton at Louis Vuitton & eLUXURY

The Chat: V.day Gift Ideas

ps. Don’t forget to change your TBF theme to “Be My Valentine”

Spring 2009 is just around the corner! It won’t be long now before all the new handbags for Spring will be hitting the store shelves. It seems that a lot of trends from Fall 2008 will be carrying over into the new year. As I have been browsing around, however, it appears that a new color may be rising to the top of everyone’s want lists very soon. I just have two words for all you bagistas out there: Cobalt Blue. It has been sprouting up within the collections of several designers lately. And the girls over at TBF? Well, quite frankly, some of them are just plain batty for this color. Could Cobalt Blue be our next Dark Purple? Only time will tell! If you ask me though, this color definitely has the potential to become something BIG. And why not? It is absolutely gorgeous! Here are a few bags I found that are currently available in this vibrant shade of blue:

Rebecca Minkoff Nikki – $600
It’s big, soft, and ultra slouchy! The Nikki has been a long time favorite of bagistas everywhere!
Available exclusively at Luna Boston

Marc Jacobs Jen Bag – $775
Classic shape meets eye popping color! Who says a chic bag isn’t meant to turn heads?
Check it out at *NET-A-PORTER.COM*

Nancy Gonzalez Flap Shoulder Bag – $2,950
Ready for a (mega) splurge? Nancy Gonzalez has just the bag for you!
Find it at Saks.com.

The Chat: Cobalt Blue, the It color

Winter is probably my least favorite season. The cold, the snow, the fighting with my husband to turn the dang heat up. Nope, there isn’t much I like about this time of year — except all of the wonderful sales! Everywhere you go, it’s an endless buffet of sales. Even Piperlime is having it’s famous Lime Tag Sale going on right now. And the best part is, there is no need to brave the elements to shop this sale! Great deals are just a mouse click away! Here is a taste of what the Piperlime Lime Tag Sale has to offer:

Olivia Harris Turnlock Flap Hobo – Only $209.99 (Orig. $425)
Post in a previous blog entry of mine, this bag is both versatile and fun. Plus the teal blue color is gorgeous!

Hayden Harnett Lorca Turnlock – Only $269.99 (Orig. $335)
This small and spunky bag is one of my personal favorites. Perfect for gals like me who don’t need to carry around a lot of stuff all the time.

Kooba Ashley – Only $429.99 (Orig. $625)
Posted in another previous blog entry of mine, this bag looks so chic with its soft pleats.

Gustto Estiva Leather Beach Bag – Only $229.99 (Orig. $465)
This large tote would be great for shopping trips at the mall as well. Plus there are three great colors to choose from!

Find these great deals, and many more, at Piperlime

The Chat: Piperlime Lime Tag Sale