Fashion Slow Lane!

I leave in just a few days to go to Linea Pelle in Italy. I hope to find some unique leathers and really cool hardware, not only for myself but for some of my freelance work that I will hopefully have in the coming months. Freelance has been slower in 2009 than in 2008. In 2008 I was super busy and designed about 10 collections for various clients around the United States and Canada. This year, not so much. I think its because many handbag and fashion accessories designers have been laid off due to economy, and now they are also offering freelance services, so I have some competition! However, I must say the clients I have had this year so far are amazing women and have been very cool to get to know over the months as we tweak designs and deal with factories in different countries and the challenges that come with product development. I went to Bologna, Italy last year for the Linea Pelle show but I only went for one day and did not have a chance to check out everything because ...

I just love this bag, I carry it everywhere and people are always stopping me to find out where I got it.  The colors are just fabulous, it can easily go from fall, through winter and into the spring.  Its Italian patent leather in gradient blue with black leather trim.  The nice thing about this leather is that it does not stain.  Patent is very wearable and you can wipe the bag clean with a soft cloth.   The leather does not absorb dirt like regular leather or suede.   I also love the way that you have two different options for attaching the shoulder strap, you can attach it via the grommets at the top of the bag, or the more traditional D rings on the sides.   I designed this bag while I was living in Milan in 2007, its very 70's inspired but with modern colors and leathers.  This bag is large enough to carry a file folder or medium sized laptop.  Its very versatile.   Its an oversize bag, but not too large - its very sophisticated...yet usable for everyday.   I also love the tu...