Custom Design

When I got an email from Megs a few weeks ago inviting me to an event with Tory Burch (yes, THE Tory Burch) I immediately accepted. Now, I had no idea what to expect, as I’ve never been to such an intimate event, let alone a “Blogger Breakfast,” as fellow bloggers affectionately referred to the genre of event. But I was nevertheless excited, especially since I had just purchased a pair of Tory Burch Wedges and I now had the perfect place to wear them.

When I got to the event at the TB boutique in the Meatpacking District, it was awesome to chat with other bloggers, and I also bonded with the TB Marketing intern over how much we adored the Nashe Messenger Bag. We’re both really into versatility at the moment, and you can wear this as a large clutch, a folded-over minimessenger, or an unfolded large messenger. If you’re as much a fan as we are, you can pick it up via ShopBop$395.

The highlight of the event came when Tory Burch arrived (wearing the Nashe Messenger bag, can you believe it!?) and hobnobbed with all of us bloggers. She pointed out her favorite pieces from the Summer and Pre-Fall collections, and shared her inspirations and plans for the future. Luckily for us, she has plans to focus on her handbag line next! She also mentioned a handbag that was in the works that sounded quite intriguing: a faux lizard skin clutch block-printed with a batik pattern. She said that her biggest challenge was how to incorporate prints, which are such a large part of the line, into handbags, but this lizard bag just goes to show how much innovation is possible. I’m excited to see where this develops…

As for Tory’s fave pieces from the collection, which I’m sure you are curious about, she pinpointed three bags that she loved. The first was the navy-trimmed canvas Initial Tote (we’ll update you once it becomes available online), which is embossed with her father’s family emblem, which has been remodeled as a new emblem for her line.

The next was this nautical-inspired Bright Stitched Tote and matching Stitched Clutch, which she said she loves using for travel- the clutch carrying essentials like wallet and passport. Finally, she likes the Scarab Resin Clutch (it’s not available yet, but it’s similar to the Hadley Resin Clutch). The downside to this clutch is that it’s pretty heavy for a clutch, but in its defense, it’s not an unexpected heft because it does look heavy with all those beetles on the front (which I mistook for golden eggs… no comment).

Lastly, Tory talked about her inspirations and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she draws inspiration from her travels. Usually, each collection is inspired by a particular trip- for example, her Summer collection draws from her trip to Dubai, and her Pre-Fall collection from a visit to Venice. I love to travel, so this in particular hit home for me- but it was, admittedly, pretty cool (okay, super exciting) when Tory complimented my charm bracelet, where I add different charms for different places I travel. So if you travel or not, Tory Burch is a great way to add some worldliness to your wardrobe. And I can’t wait to see how she incorporates some of that global worldview into her handbag line.

Original post by Anna Cooperberg

The Spring has been a very busy time for us here at Purse Blog. And as we are lucky enough to work with fabulous designers and brands, there is one thing that I continue to notice it is a busy time for them as well. Come to think of it, I can’t really pin-point a lull when it comes to fashion. Designers are always working on upcoming seasons, promoting current seasons and trying to stay innovative.

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to the lovely and gracious Jackie Cawthra of Belen Echandia. Commonly referred to as BE, this brand has a huge following over at the Purse Forum. It comes as no surprise since Jackie is as involved in her line and her supporters as just about any designer I’ve met. Jackie’s constant attention to detail, dedication to her brand, and most admirable, dedication and attention to her supporters has made the brand what it is today. As you read through the interview, I am sure you will see what I mean.

Before you get started, one amazing teaser: starting tomorrow, you can help us design a one-of-a-kind Belen Echandia handbag. That’s right we’re teaming up with Belen Echandia to bring you an exclusive Purse Blog/Purse Forum handbag! AMAZING!!!

Click here to read the interview!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Rounding out my meetings in LA, I had a chance to meet Andrew Cotton, the Creative Director of Linea Pelle. Now, I had been to the Linea Pelle office a couple months earlier and met with some of the amazing women who help keep Linea Pelle a fun, fashionable well-oiled machine. Megs and Vlad had met Andrew in New York early last year and they told me how awesome he was. Well, I have to say, his reputation was spot on. The interview with Andrew went smoothly. We talked about handbags, life, and one of our favorite TV shows, Brothers and Sisters (this conversation was left out of the interview).

I found myself a little envious of Andrew’s style. He had great jeans, a great button down and of course a fabulous Linea Pelle belt. My favorite part of his look - it seemed effortless. But you know, it is the perfect kind of effortless - everything comes together for a relaxed, approachable and fashionable look. The more I thought about it, I started to realize I shouldn’t have been surprised. I can see that a similar approach is used when crafting all those gorgeous Linea Pelle bags! As the interview began to wrap up I felt like we had more than just a love for Linea Pelle handbags in common. Next time I’m in LA, I’m definitely going to have to stick around longer and hit up a happy hour with the LP crew!
Shop Linea Pelle

Click here to read on!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

What comes to your mind when you think of LA? Celebs? Hot clubs? Posh restaurants? Fashion? Beach? No matter what you think of, what you should add to your list of LA-isms is emerging designers. As I already mentioned, toward the end of last year I had a chance to meet with some amazing LA based designers. And you know what, each one has their own sense of LA, their own sense of fashion yet all seem very LA to me. I was really looking forward to the interview I had scheduled with CC Skye. I had been following her designs for quite some time and couldn’t wait to meet the designer behind the amazing and cutting edge accessory and handbag brand. I knew the interview would go well because the office was just a 5 minute drive from my hotel in Santa Monica (GORGEOUS!!!). Although navigating through the LA traffic was becoming no big deal, the short drive put my mind at ease.
Shop CC Skye handbags and accessories

Click here to read on!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Although the holidays seem like so long ago, I continue my search for fabulous handbags I’d love to add to my wish list. After all, whoever said your wish list only applies during the holidays? As I am sure you know (because I say it all the time), I am a pretty practical girl. I […]

Original post by Shannon

Before writing this I realize that I may give you all the impression that Vlad and I are nothing other than bumps on logs. Not the case, but I am well aware that it may come off that way. Upon first glance this clutch screams ‘take me with you on new Year’s Eve!!’. And then […]

Original post by Megs

Donna Karan Modern Pisces Soft Tote
I was rather nice to the Donna Karan Modern Aries Bag a while back and most of you that commented thought it was nice. I happen to still like that bag. It has a different appeal, it is rather simple, but the price is exorbitant. Now, Donna Karan is designed […]

Original post by Megs

We all love our favorite designers. You know, those designers we’ve followed since as long as we can remember. But, I have to say, I love keeping an eye out for up and coming designers and here is one I’d love to share, Ellie Handbags. As so many of us spend most of our time […]

Original post by Shannon

Earlier I let you all in on a glimpse at the Gwyneth Paltrow for Tod’s commercial. A bit long yes, but the focus of the commercial is her stunning Tod’s Pashmy Bag. The Tod’s Pashmy Bags have become iconic for the house and are released in different materials, including plush nylon or exotic snakeskin. While […]

Original post by Megs

Ciao bella, come stai? So, I may have not retained a great deal of the Italian that I took in college, and I certainly didn’t learn anymore last week since I, sadly, I did not go to Milan fashion week. I do, however, have the Internet, which means that my lack of Italian […]

Original post by Amanda Mull