Spice Up Your Handbag Collection with Zara Terez

Last night I had the privelege of viewing the latest handbag collection by Zara Terez. It was a fanciful array of feathers, sequins, suede, leather, chains, and seriously girly fun.  Zara Zimmerman is a third generation designer based in New York who was on the mission of creating fashionable and luxurious handbags at an attainable price point.  She says, "the fashion industry has taken the consumer to such a different level and so high that its time to bring it back to reality".  With this in mind, she has created a brand that is fun, poppy, and different while being affordable for the everyday fashionista.  Zara also is doing her part in helping this fledgling economy by producing all of her bags in New York, sourcing leathers from local and Italian tanneries.  What I find so interesting about the collection is what she calls her three categories: Clubbing, Strolling, and Schlepping.  For a night out on the town, the last thing we want is a bulky bag dragging us down.  It is because of this that she has come up with the most ingenious and crafty way of keeping your hands free and your valuables close. In comes your perfect "clubbing" option, the 14th Precinct Holster, a compact purse that has just enough room for your neccessities while staying snug on your body.  It comes in colored suede and leather and at $125 its sure to be on everyone's holiday wish list!  For the everyday, a great "strolling" bag would be the Prince and Elizabeth.  Roomy enough for your day to day items, versatile with a long strap, and a bit of whimsy and flare with the fringe to stand out from the sea of identical "it" bags. For "schlepping" around town, try the Nolita Grande, a larger version of its clubbing counterpart the Nolita clutch.  It has plenty of room for a laptop, scarf, and any other "just in case" items and features an adjustable strap.  Gorgeous and practical!  Another great feature of Zara's bags are the linings, ranging from her Studio 54 disco sequins to comic book art to rock n' roll skulls and roses.  Considering the part of the bag we look at most often is the inside, why not make it something worth looking at!  I asked Zara who the ideal Zara Terez girl is and shes says, "She is someone who is confident, artsy and sophisticated.  She believes in herself and what she does, and doesn't take no for an answer."  What a perfect way to put it, and definitely empowers any girl who wears a Zara Terez bag.  To view more of her fabulous collection check out the gallery and head over to ZaraTerez.com!

Introducing Customizable Shoes by KM2

The launch for LA-based footwear company, KM2, was held this week at EM & Co boutique on Melrose and it was definitely a feast for the eyes.  This hot line features a set of not so basic styles to start with and then can be customized to fit your particular styles and wishes.  From feathers to studs to chains to ornate fabrics and ribbons, there is no limit to how special and unique you can make yours.  I took a moment to chat with Creative Director Megan Gelber and discuss the line.

What kind of girl do you envision wearing your shoes?
The girl who loves to enjoy life.  Our whole tagline is "Shoes to Live In".  Someone who can wear these shoes to the grocery store, to the Grammy's, wherever you may go, travel the world.

Where did you come up with the idea to be able to customize the shoes?  I think that's absolutely genius!
You know how you always want to wear something that no one else has, but maybe you want it similar?  You also still want to feel really special all the time so we wanted to make everyone feel really special.  Kind of like the Carrie Bradshaw shoes in Sex and the City, we wanted to create that special shoe.

And how long have you had the line?
We just came out in August, and have been working on it for nine months.

So then is this something that you've always wanted to do or just spontaneously came into it?
Our dad is in the shoe business and so we kind of grew up with that and its something you always want to do and you dream of but you never think oh I can really do that, I'm too young to do it.  Then one day we were just like, "We're just gonna go for it and trust God, and here we are."

I've noticed that feathers and lace are very in right now and a lot of styles incorporate those trends, is that something you try to stay on top of?
That's what's been the best part about what we do because we kind of adapt to what anybody wants and thats how I've been dong it for myself.  I think I'll have this shoe and I'll have dreams of it then draw it up.  

Do you have a set amount of trims you can put on the shoe or is it open to what ever you want to get?
Well we make like set styles, like all of these are made on a set style .  If someone wants to order and do something special there's no limit.

You can check out a snippet of their show below and also sneak a peak at some other fabulous styles in the gallery.  Be sure to visit their site and start thinking of how you're going to make a splash at all your holiday parties this year!

Twitch Vintage Brings Gorgeous Frocks

I am a lover of vintage clothing and jewelry, mostly because when buying a vintage piece you feel like you are owning something with a story.  Not to mention the uniqueness that comes along with having an item that you know will not be in every boutique around town.  With a good dry clean and occasionally a few alterations, you can turn a dated dress or blazer into a current article with a historical air.  I've recently discovered Twitch Vintage which is based in Florida but sets up shop on eBay.  Their findings are truly covetable and retro without looking costumey.  She just added 50 new items to the shop so check it out for some fab finds!  Here is a sampling of what is offered:

Juicy Couture: Do the Dont's 2009 Campaign

I always love the ad campaigns Juicy comes up with because they're so pink and pretty with a little edge.  This newest campaign is just that with some humor and hunks thrown in for good measure.  I love how they "break the rules" while looking utterly chic at the same time. 

Linda Evangelista in V Magazine

Legendary model Linda Evangelista dons a gorgeous and colorful spread for V Magazine.  She's in her 40s and still looks impeccable!  I love how she utilizes her strong facial features for such gorgeous shots.  Bellisimo!