National Handbag Day 2014: Top Picks and Top Trends

Did you know that there was a National Handbag Day? Well I didn't either until recently, but whoever thought of October 10th as the day that will honor only the greatest of wardrobe accessories is just pure GENIUS! I'm completely obsessed with handbags and will admit openly here that I have an addiction. From totes to crossbody bags to clutches, I have an overflowing closet full of handbags in different shapes, sizes and colors and for different occasions. In honor of National Handbag Day, I've decided to list out my top handbag picks and trends for 2014. Ready to swoon?  Here you go!

Top Trend for 2014: Bucket Bags



Bucket bags are making a comeback and is notably one of the top handbag trends for 2014. My favorite is the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag which is in such high demand that you have to be on a list to pre-order the handbag!  I want it and I want it now!

My Top Tote for 2014: Freedom of Animals Veronika Tote

This tote is one that is both basic and functional but also so incredibly well made that it will stop people dead in their tracks when they see it. I compared this to the "poor man's Hermes Birkin" handbag in one of my earlier posts (read here) and it truly is. I get looks and inquiries everytime I wear this handbag!

Photo Credit: Thomas Garza

Top Casual Bag for 2014: Hobo Crossbody Bag

The crossbody bag is definitely one of the top casual handbags for 2014. From festivals to a casual walk in the park, this highly multi-functional bag is one that can be easily dressed up and down and one that needs to be in every gal's closet. My favorite brand for crossbody's this year would definitely be Hobo. They are very well made, using fine quality leathers and did I mention...oh so cute!

Top Clutch: Bottega Venetta

Clutches are definitely a staple for the handbag enthusiast. Whether worn casually in a light fabric or embellished lavishly for a formal night out on the town, clutches are definitely one of my favorite "purses" to carry. So what clutch has caught my eye this year as a top pick? I'm head over heels for the Bottega Veneta clutch. It's simple, yet elegant and everywhere I shop, I notice brands trying to emulate this popular style.

Photo from: www.shopjacquem.com

Top Local Handbag for 2014: Jacque M (Gimme Fringe!)


Lastly, on a local level, handbag extraordinaire Jacque M is taking the DFW handbag world by storm. With her unique and innovative designs, this local designer has definitely caught my eye. For 2014, I fell in love with the Accessories in the Nude Competition winner's fringe detail on her one-of-a-kind foldover clutches. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I can't wait to see what top picks and trends 2015 will bring! Have a favorite handbag of yours that you would like to share? Email me a pic and you may just make a future blog post!

New York Fashion Week: What I Wore, Day 1

This was my first year to go to New York Fashion Week as a fashion editor and since it is always a mystery to those who see everything on television and want to really know the insider deets on what goes on, I'm here to give it to you straight.  Over the next couple of days, I'm going to give you all of the details from what I wore to designer shows to the notorious NYC street style.  So stay plugged in and get a first hand view on how it all went down for me at New York Fashion Week.

Cab Ride to the Lincoln Center..Karen Walker shades are poppin!

Press Credentials to Fashion Week

Day 1 for me entailed 2 runway shows, 1 designer brand launch and 1 fashion presentation.  All in all, this included 2 outfits for me: one for the day events and another for the night events.  Here's how I decided to get into a New York state of mind.

Day 1 "day" outfit: NeoBantu Skirt, Freedom of Animals Veronika Tote, Karen Walker shades and Dolce Vita animal print booties

Day 1, "night" outfit: Diane von Furstenberg dress purchased at Clothes Circuit / worn to the launch of the luxury travel line, Andiamo

Partying on the rooftop of the Hudson Hotel for the Haze Collection sunglasses SS15 presentation / Shoes by: Jessica Simpson

Rooftop night view of NYC in the background on top of the roof at the Hudson Hotel...purely amazing! I feel so blessed to have seen the things that I have seen and to have traveled to where I have traveled over the course of my life!  To God be ALL of the glory!

Hermes Birkin Look-a-like: The Freedom of Animals Veronika Tote

The Hermes Birkin handbag is one of the top coveted handbags for women. It's a handbag that all of the Hollywood celebs carry but of course, one that the layman could only dream of affording. Birkin bags can be in the upwards of $25,000 to $30,000 depending on the materials, size and construction of the bag. You also have to be on a "list" to get the bag...you can't just walk into the store and order one.

                                       

                                           

(Kim K and Eva Longoria with their Birkin bags)

So now, let's just keep it real. If any one of us spent $30,000 on a handbag we would (1) have buyer's remorse and (2) would probably have to take out a second mortgage on our home. Just sayin.... So if you've been reading my blog posts long enough, you know that I stay on the hunt for the best look-a-like luxury designer bags at the layman's affordable price.

Welp, I found my "Poor Man's Birkin."  I walked into local boutique, Piermarini, about a month ago for something totally unrelated than finding a handbag...but when I saw the Freedom of Animals "Veronika" tote, I immediately fell in love.  It looked like a Birkin, had the class of a Birkin and just exuded everything indicative of luxury and class. Best part...it was approximately $480 and not $30,000.  I would say that that is quite the steal!

The Veronika Tote by Freedom of Animals

After I got over my infatuation with this handbag, I dug a little deeper into this new-found luxury brand. The label is completely eco-friendly, and all about constructing cruelty-free products.  So while my handbag looks like leather, it is vegan leather but totally created for sustainability.There were only 2 of these available at Piermarini and I bought one, so you better get down there today if you're in Dallas as this bag won't be there for long. If you're not in Dallas, take a look at the collection here and order online today!  I receive a ton of looks and compliments when I'm carrying this bag.  Pair them with some fabulous shades and you will be envied by most.

Again, I've done all of the work for you finding the most affordable look-a-like..its up to you to purchase. You can thank me later!

I'm in love with this bag!!!!