Archive for July, 2008

The one and only fabulous fashion designer, Tracy Reese, has been brought in to collaborate with Keds to create a new fashionably fun line.

The new Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds line will include peep-toe wedge sneakers, skimmers and ballet flats inspired by designs and prints from her Spring 2009 collection. Retail is set to be in the range of $65 to $80.

“Keds has a unique feminine aesthetic coupled with fun, whimsical designs,” said Reese. “I am thrilled to collaborate with such an iconic brand and excited about fusing the Plenty by Tracy Reese eclectic and wordly designs with casual footwear.”

Will be available when March 2009 rolls around over at keds.com, Tracy Reese boutiques, and select department and specialty stores nationwide.

Current Chat: Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds Shoe Line

Jessica Simpson isn’t done leaving her tracks in the fashion world as she is set to add another piece to her lengthy resume — she’s done handbags, footwear, outerwear, jewelry, sunglasses, swimsuit lines — now there’s rumor of a new dress collection.

“I plan on creating beautiful dresses in distinctive fabrics and silhouettes that are reflective of my personal style and offer something special to the market place” stated Jessica Simpson. The multiyear deal was sealed between The Camuto Group, which holds the master license for the singer-actress’ brand en G-III Apparel Group Ltd, to design, develop, manufacture and distribute the Jessica Simpson label dresses.

Debuting with a soft launch for Spring 2009 with a complete roll-out expected for the Fall 2009 season.

And like most of the fashion pieces tagged by Jessica Simpson, you’ll be able to pick one up when available over at Macy’s.

Current Chat: Jessica Simpson Dress Collection

I just discovered a eco-chic designer that I must tell you all about: Beth Springer!

Pictured above is the Jelli Clutch, one of her latest creations — which can be spotted over at Tiffini Dooris. It’s the perfect size shoulder bag dresses up and dresses down. This limited-edition, highly sought after tie-dyed suede is gathered along a hidden frame to give it a feminine shape and lined with vegetable dyed, organic, hemp. Optional tortoise chain strap. Lightweight. Easily cleaned with a suede brush. Measurements: 12″ L x 8″ H, Strap Length: 21.5″ + Strap Drop: 9″. $376

Here’s a bit about Beth Springer and her process as a eco-friendly handbag designer:

- using no extraneous hardware. Metal feet are absent on the bottom of my bags because 1) those little metal feet use our precious natural resources, require a highly toxic process to coat, and do not biodegrade 2) feet are redundant on my bags because the leather I use can sustain long years of use without wearing through.

- using all remnants. I endeavor to use the entire hide. You can find note cards, ribbon cuffs, and one of a kind purses at my studio in Venice- all made with waste materials. Come on by!

- using no filler- most leather bags today use a thinner leather to save money, and then back that leather with vinyl. It is a hidden environmental disaster. Most Beth Springer bags “stand on their own”.

- with 100% cotton linings – adding 100% organic hemp/cotton linings to several styles starting with the Spring 2008 collection. Check out our ecovertible the trim is reclaimed leather – that means that I saved this scrap leather from the land fill and made something beautiful from it. It is also lined with organic hemp linen lining.

- with vegetable dyed leathers

- the tags are made from recycled paper and attached with organic hemp cord. I ship in reused boxes whenever possible, so the boxes are ugly but the world remains beautiful. Please recycle or reuse them. I do! (I reuse stuffing and packing, too.)

Current Chat: Eco Friendy: Beth Springer Handbags

Calling all Katherine Kwei purse lovers – the designer is set to feature her latest gorgeous pieces on sale over at online sample sale site HauteLook!! —> Mark your calendars, it will begin July 31st @ 8: am

About the designer:
Innovative design, exceptional quality, and a deep reverence for tradition are the foundation for accessories designer, Katherine Kwei’s design philosophy. As a young girl, Kwei remembers spending afternoons with her grandmother folding wonton dumplings, knotting cords for necklaces filled with jade and precious stones, or looking over the intricate embroidery patterns of old quilts and robes. Kwei’s grandmother who was a clothier “artiste” for silver screen legends Katherine Hepburn and Anthony Quinn, as well as a master at Chinese knotting –instilled in Kwei a deep reverence for her cultural roots and passion for working with her hands.

Kwei’s fashion career began in Public Relations with Louis Vuitton in Hong Kong, spanning 14 countries in the Asia Pacific region,where she developed a deep respect and appreciation for exceptional quality and design. Her love of handbags, passion for design,and entrepreneurial sprit inspired her to start her own line. In 2002 she left the company to pursue a degree in accessories design, graduating with an M.A. in Design and Technology for Accessories from the prestigious London College of Fashion (Cordwainers). While in London, she worked with bespoke floral applique handbag designer Susannah Hunter, as well as the trendy Billy Bag Company. After moving to New york, Kwei completed a six-month internship with the famed Zac Posen, working on his handbag and accessories line for the Spring/Summer 2006 collection.

With the Spring/Summer 2007 launch of her own handbag line, Kwei’s designs aspire to seamlessly blend modernity with tradition by creating her own unique texture by using luxury materials, while always keeping her signature Chinese “Eternity” knot-inspired weave as the main focus. Her goal is to create collections that are outstanding quality and timeless designs – much like the art of Chinese knotting that she learned from her grandmother, that has inspired and been integrated throughout her work.

Deeply ingrained in her heritage, Kwei draws much of her inspiration from her Chinese roots as well as her experiences from living globally in nine different cities including Athens, London, Dubai,Hong Kong, and New York. Her enthusiasm to create is not only limited to accessories; Kwei has won awards batik and pottery, and is knowledgeable in other fields such as environmental science where she earned a B.S. from Cornell University.

Kwei’s own style blends everything from luxury brands to vintage pieces to the latest street wear to create a polished, yet chic and playful, figure-flattering silhouette. Her refined sensibility is reflected in her pieces appealing to a woman who is confident and secure in her own sense of style.

Current Chat: Katherine Kwei Purse Sample Sale (july 31)

When October rolls around handbag designer Andrea Brueckner is set to donate a portion of her Aspen clutch purse proceeds to the Susan G Komen foundation. The gorgeous clutch retails for $395 and whopping 30% is going to the foundation!!! How sweet is that?!!

end note: Rebecca Minkoff is also donating to SGK –> the Minkoff Rose bag in Champagne.

Current Chat: Andrea Brueckner Aspen clutch in Magenta – Donation to Susan G Komen

Introducing from Louis Vuitton’s glamorous jewelry collection, the new 1001 Nuits.

Here’s what eluxury has in stock:

1001 nights bracelet – $725.00
- gold-finished pewter
- inset multifaceted sparkling strass crystals
- louis vuitton signature encircles bracelet
- wrist opening measures 2.5″

1001 nights earrings – $515.00
- gold-finished brass
- inset multifaceted sparkling strass crystals
- logo-engraved nail at flower center is inspired by those used on iconic louis vuitton luggage pieces
- clip-on
- measures 1″ across

1001 nights necklace – $560.00
- gold-finished brass
- pendant with inset multifaceted sparkling strass crystals
- logo-engraved nail at flower center is inspired by those used on iconic louis vuitton luggage pieces
- long golden chain

1001 nights ring – $355.00
- gold-finished brass
- inset multifaceted sparkling strass crystals
- logo-engraved nail at flower center is inspired by those used on iconic louis vuitton luggage pieces
- small: 50 mm; medium: 53 mm; large: 56 mm

Any fans?

Current Chat: Louis Vuitton 1001 Nuits Jewelry Collection

Unless you have been living under a rock, then you’re aware that Miss Mischa has her very own purse line, which is now available @ ASOS.com. From clutches to jumbo day bags in material works of leather, snakeskin or fabric and finished off with the signature flower logo by Mischa. How much? Price range is about $40 to $300.

A unique and indead interesting collection. But would you wear one? I know Mischa Barton hasn’t. This starlet who is pictured on a daily basis with a Chanel purse (and is known for her huge collection of), has yet to be photographed with one of “her creations”.

Current Chat: Mischa Barton handbag line

America Ferrera Shines in Fred Leighton’s Jewels at “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” Premiere in New York

America Ferrera charmed the crowds with her grace and style at the New York premiere of her new movie “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.” Wearing a blue strapless Brian Reyes dress and antique jewels from Fred Leighton- 19th Century diamond fringe earrings, antique bracelets in diamonds and in turquoise, and a 19th Century natural pearl and diamond heart ring.

Shop the latest Fred Leighton Jewelry

Current Chat: America Ferrera rocks Fred Leighton Jewelry