
Your weekly roundup highlighting news from around the web!
Saint Laurent Paris moves in to SoHo. As of yesterday afternoon, Saint Laurent opened the doors to their new 4,000-square-foot boutique on Soho’s Greene Street. [nymag]
Designer von Holzhausen Carrera Bag Giveaway! psst, when your friends sign up, you get extra points! CraAzy huh? [facebook]
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is launching SJP, a line of shoes, bags and trenches coats. She’s doing it with a little help from George Malkemus, the CEO Manolo Blahnik. [fashionista]
Andrew Gn debuts Fall 2013 bag collection made w/semi-precious stones including amethyst, jade and turquoise. The collection will include four styles with a price range from $1,065 and $1,965. Will be sold at Bergdorf Goodman. [WWD]
Gucci coming to a counter near you! It is rumored that Gucci is developing a makeup line as part of its beauty licensing agreement with Proctor & Gamble to hit stores in 2014. [WWD]

Want 10% off your next Kooba.com purchase? Use this code (AF10KOOBA) at checkout and your wish will be granted. This exclusive code expires at the end of the month on March 31st.
The promo code only works on full-priced bags. So if you’re planning on picking up one of Kooba’s beautiful new Spring favorites, like the Logan or Crosby, now’s your chance to get it at a deal.

This past year was filled with so many wonderful bags from so many wonderful designers. It is so difficult to choose just one as my all-time favorite for 2012. Lucky for me, I don’t have to. I was told I could have a list of my top picks. Admittedly, this was still somewhat difficult. But I think I managed to come up with four bags that are the best of the best. They are all something I think every bagista should consider adding to her collection. So check out my top picks below. They are listed in no particular order.
Rebecca Minkoff Studded Affair Bag. $425
I absolutely adore my Affair. It is such a sweet little shoulder bag. The pyramid shaped studs and classic flap closure design create the perfect balance between edge and sophistication. I also love the pairing of gold-tone hardware with soft black leather. It is such a great, updated look. This bag looks great with just about any ensemble, but personally I love it with a dressy top.

Hey guys here’s a promo deal for you and your friends to enjoy. For a limited time save 20% off at StefaniBags.
Pictured above are a few of my favorites (clockwise): Kooba Jonnie, Diane von Furstenberg Carolina Lip Clutch, Rebecca Minkoff Cupid and the Rebecca Minkoff Navajo Mini Crush.

Kooba makes some of the most beautiful handbags. The leather is so soft and thick, I just want to touch and squeeze it! So you can probably understand my surprise when I stumbled upon the piece you see pictured here. Introducing the Kooba Bethenny Clutch!

I’ve always been into reading about the Zodiac, especially when it comes to my sign. I’m a Leo and I think it’s fun to read what astrologers read about our signs. Some facts are always right on target and some are so off that it makes me wonder if the zodiac is even real?

Last year around this time, I had the honor to interview, Kooba founder, Abbe Held. I went to college for Journalism, so I’ve interviewed quite a few people before but never a designer. Let alone, a known and highly successful designer. I remember before the interview I was so nervous! Not because I was afraid to mess up but because I was about to talk to someone who founded one of the most popular designer handbag brands. It was one of the biggest interviews I had ever done, so I think it’s natural nerves would set in. Ms. Held was lovely to talk to and made me feel very at ease. It was as if I was talking to a great friend and now I can see why her brand is so successful. Good things happen to good people. Karma blesses those who are kind, and Ms. Held was definitely kind to me.

Ever since I got the chance to interview Kooba’s creative director, Abbe Held, I’ve been in love with the brand. It’s always a pleasure to talk to someone who has so much enthusiasm and love for their product. I’ve always believed in the saying, “If you believe in what you are trying to sell, the world will too.” I have to say in my 20 minute interview with Ms. Held, she made me a fan instantly and I can’t wait till I’m able to purchase my very own Kooba bag. I don’t have one in my collection and I think I found one I’m absolutely in love with!
I bring you the Kooba “Kiley” Leather Satchel and boy does it give me a cheek-to-cheek smile. Everything I have been searching for in a black handbag has been put on the “Kiley and I’m literally yearning for it! The zipper closure, belted handles, metal feet, envelope flap pocket, I’m in love with everything. It reminds me of a modern vintage bag and it’s no secret that I’m obsessed with anything vintage. This is definitely the type of bag I could envision Audrey Hepburn, who happens to be my idol, carrying on a daily basis.

Ever since Kooba disappeared from the shelves of my favorite local department store, I sort of lost track of this designer. There is no doubt that Kooba is still near the top of my list of favorite handbag designers. Out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind. So I just couldn’t help but wonder what the heck they have been up to lately! You probably have already guessed by now that I decided to take a little peek at Kooba’s official online store. What did I find there? For one, there was a lot of canvas! But none of those really catch my eye. Nope, my eyes landed on this leather style you see pictured here. It’s called the Faye Shoulder Bag!