Three Clutches for New Year's Eve (plus a $20 secret find)

Is it the new year already? When did that happen?

New Year's Eve is one of my favorite holidays. Time to celebrate memories of the year before and toast to new adventures in the year ahead. And having a little soiree to ring it in is pretty great too.

Of course, you'll need a fantastic bag for your fantastic party. With a glass of champagne in one hand and a great friend / beau by your side, you're not going to have room for that gorgeous big bag you picked up over the holidays. A clutch is the way to go. Here are a few options:

1) Sillage Turn-Lock Clutch by Oryany
I found this little gem at Anthropologie, which means it has to be good. The bag is made of what looks like cracked sparkly leather and has a delicious texture. Inside you'll find two zippered pockets and an unexpected (and stunning) patterned green lining. The price tag is a little high at $198, but I bet you can find a way to justify the price per wear.

2) Rihanna Crystal Foldover by BCBGMAXAZRIA
With one bedazzled side and one black side, this foldover would be perfect for your LBD. Sadly the champagne color (top right) is sold out everywhere, but there's a silver version called the Triangle Stone Beaded Clutch on sale for $178. This bag is bigger than you'd expect, so if you need a little wiggle room this is your go-to.

3) All That Glitters - Emanuelle Frame Clutch by Kate Spade
This begs to be worn on New Year's Eve. Normally I'm not a fan of words on my bags, but for this night I think you can make an exception. The hard structure on this clutch will help you keep everything in order, and the center zippered pocket is a handy addition. Like all Kates, the details are to die for. The bow closure is adorable and the lining is downright spectacular. The All That Glitters was born for this event - give this little beauty it's moment. It's $328 at Nordie's.

Bonus secret find: 
Wandering happily through the Anthropologie maze, I stumbled on the Gem Monogrammed Wristlet by Miss Albright. It's everything you want in a New Year's clutch - small but not ridiculous, sparkly, and with a winter touch. Best of all, it's $19.95. Seriously. Get thee to an Anthro.

Here's to many adventures in 2014!

 Champagne photo credit: Strychnine via photopin cc

On the Inside: Mindy Lamont talks business, sunglasses, and The Insurist

Every so often I get the opportunity to interview a bad-ass babe, but few are as genuinely cool as Mindy Lamont. I've long admired Mindy and I couldn't be more thrilled to introduce her to you in this episode of On the Inside.

Quick introduction - On The Inside is a regular series here at Hello, Handbag featuring darn cool women. We take a look inside their bags to learn what's important to their lifestyle (so you and I can steal their good ideas).

Mindy was part of the insurance industry behemoth until she said, "Uh uh, there's a better way" and founded her own company. The Insurist is an irreverent, approachable, human-centered way of getting insurance done. In true entrepreneurial fashion, Mindy didn't just stop with The Insurist. She's just launched Insure Mom Too, a must-see for all you moms (and children of moms) out there.
 

Let's take a peek in Mindy's bag and see what good ideas we can steal.

What's your go-to bag?
Much of my life is spent on the road, so I choose bags that can hold my iPad Mini at a minimum. Most often I use this Rebecca Minkoff Cherish Tote. It travels well, and it fits the Tumi leather portfolio I take to all client meetings (a wireless keyboard fits in the side pocket of the portfolio so I can set up office anywhere). It was my answer to a briefcase and it's been working overtime for about five years now.

A handbag has to have a key hook and pockets designed for my phone and business card holder as I am always reaching for those items and I hate digging around in a bag looking for things...it's one of my biggest pet peeves.

I'm a bag changer, so I keep things as organized as possible by having bags within my bags. 

Wait, say more about staying organized by using bags within bags:

So I have to tell you this story - I'm staging some photos for this post, which consisted of dumping the contents of my bag on the ground and making them look interesting, and my friend walks in and starts laughing. First, because I look ridiculous, and second, because my bag is filled with many other bags - which she delighted in pointing out. "What's in your bag? MORE BAGS." 

The little makeup bag was a birthday gift from Anthropology I think. It's the perfect size though. Enough for lip stuff, powder and perfume.

I'm actually not a Louis Vuitton girl, so it's funny that I have a monogrammed wallet and business card holder. The wallet was a gift, and they just paired well. It's important to me to have my cards in something presentable because I'm always reaching for them. If I'm going to a professional event I often throw a credit card in with my cards and forego a wallet altogether.

Sunglasses are my guilty pleasure - my current dailies are a pair of Lanvin aviators. I tend to change my glasses depending on what I'm wearing, but these are pretty universal right now. Helps to take an unnecessary decision off my plate. Lord knows you don't want to suffer from decision fatigue over sunglasses (laughing).

You have a lot of tech going on here. What is it and why is it important? 

I use a Mophie Juice Pack Plus because I'm on my phone all the time and it allows me to go a full day without needing to charge. Ugly? Yes. But it's necessary when the phone is your most prized business tool.

The orange sleeve you see is from Aldo, it was my answer when I needed something to carry my iPad Mini. I was doing everything on my iPhone when I was out of the office and was tired of trying to operate from such a small device. The iPad Mini was the perfect solution, and now that it takes phone calls... even better.

Any last must-have items?

There's always a small bottle of hand lotion and a hair clip or tie in my bag. And a reusable shopping bag (the green one is from Petunia Pickle Bottom), preferably one that folds up in to itself like this one.

Lastly, I've usually got a handful of branded pens with me to give to people. Just one of those marketing things...people seem to appreciate them and it's one more way to stay in front of people.

PS...if anyone knows of an amazing hand cream I'm in the market for one.

Thanks Mindy! Here's what I learned today:

1. Style is important, but it must serve a business purpose first
2. Organization is key
3. Tech is a must, but ugly cases don't have to be
4. When in doubt, put on a great pair of sunglasses

Thank you so much to Mindy for the glimpse into your lifestyle! Mindy and I would love to hear your tech solutions, tag us in your instagram photos (@hellohandbag and @theinsurist). You can also follow Mindy on Twitter at @theinsurist or @insuremomtoo, or if you're ready to take the plunge on insurance I can personally guarantee you won't find a better experience than you'll get with The Insurist.

Interested in being featured for an On The Inside post? Send me a tweet at @hello_handbag!

What is a Whole Grain?

Grains are divided into 2 subgroups, Whole Grains and Refined Grains.

Grains provide many nutrients that are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies.
The nutrients includes dietary fiber, several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium).

Grains and grain products are important sources of energy, carbohydrate, protein and

Why I won't shop on Thanksgiving

I won't be shopping on Thanksgiving. And I'd like to ask you to stand with me.

A friend posted on Facebook that her company (a national retail chain) will be open on Thanksgiving evening. My first thought was "ugh." It was a deep inner sigh of upsetness.

For me, having a giant retail store open on Thanskgiving means that, if I just can't manage to be around my family for a few hours, I can go get a good deal on that perfume I've been thinking about.

But for my friend, working on Thanksgiving means being forced to miss the family dinner. It means not seeing her three year old cousin fall asleep in the bowl of green beans. She'll always remember this as the first (and hopefully only) year she couldn't spend with the people she loves because America had to go shopping.

Thanksgiving is NOT about 60% off. It's not about towels. It's not about the XBox One vs the PlayStation 4. It isn't about door busting or waiting in line or buying perfume.

Thanksgiving is about people, not stuff.

According to the great philosopher Charlie Brown, "We should just be thankful for being together. I think that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving.'" I couldn't agree more.

Thanksgiving is about family. It's about friends. It's about the friends who have become family. It's about laughing because some of us like egg nog and others can't stand the stuff. It's about turkey, tofurkey, nachos, or whatever you choose to come together around.

Thanksgiving is for getting away from our phones and back to talking to the real people sitting just across the table. It's for new families to create traditions, and for old families to relive the ones they've perfected over time. It's for Aunt Martha and Uncle Bob to have too much mulled wine and tell the story (again) about how your parents met. It's for kids to see that their mom and dad really do have time for them. It's for college students to take a deep breath. It's for overworked small business owners to finally get a night off. It's time for you and I to honestly and sincerely appreciate each other.

So I'd like to ask you to do something important. On Thanksgiving, let's not go to the big box stores. Let's make a pact that, no matter how unbeatable the deal, our friends and family are more important. Let's spend time with people we love and make memories that will last a lifetime. Let's tag the big box stores in our selfies and tell them why we're NOT going shopping on this one day.

We get one day to make it about each other. Please, stand with me on this.

4 things to always carry in your bag

After all, what are these beautiful bags for? Here are the four things you should never be caught without:

1) Lip gloss

Ok, I'm not winning a Pulitzer for this one. But if need it and don't have it, you will be distracted. You will be less productive (because you're keep thinking about lip gloss instead of that spreadsheet) and less comfortable. If you're at work, being less productive could lead to a bad meeting with the boss, and being less comfortable means less confident in standing up to said boss. If you just had the lippy in your bag, the whole situation goes poof. So, really, having lip gloss with you could save your job. You're welcome.

2) A notebook

This is essential for the following people:

• People looking for a job
• Creatives types
• Anyone in a fight with a significant other
• Future celebrity chefs
• ___________ [your occupation here]

Having a notebook means you can capture those important moments that would otherwise flutter by. If you meet Ariana Huffington on a train, write down her words of wisdom. Meeting people at a party? Draw a diagram of the room and write in their names in the spot you met them (Jessica by the fridge) after you leave - you'll remember them later. And really, pulling out a real honest-to-goodness pad of paper instantly brings you up a notch. Go for a notepad you love (I swear by a thin purple Moleskine)

3) Wet wipes

Last year I took a big trip with a few friends. As we got on the plane and reached for our seatbelts, my friend Ginny let out a heart wrenching groan. She pulled her hand back and opened it to reveal a brown smushy mess. Was it chocolate? Was it something worse? We will never know, because thankfully we had a package of anti-bacterial wipes with us. They're also better than those detergent pens for getting out spills and stains (I'm talking about you, red wine on my white shirt).

4) Hot sauce

Always, always have a couple of packets of hot sauce with you. You'll be surprised the people you can talk to when you're the chick with the hot sauce.

That's my must-have list. What did I miss?

photo credit: meg_nicol via photopin cc

In defense of Kim Kardashian - why her Birkin is better by North

I am not a Kardashian fan. So I can't believe I'm going to say this, but... I totally support her. I LOVE that Kim Kardashian is carrying a bag hand painted by her daughter.

If you haven't heard, Kim has started carrying a beautiful Hermes Birkin bag hand-painted by her 1 year old daughter North West. It's a vibrant red, yellow and blue number with a recognizable handprint on a canvas colored background. It's really, really sweet.
There's sadly been a ton of backlash. Critics say the bag is a waste of an expensive piece, it's a subversive way to show wealth, and there are a ridiculous number of comments on the size of her toes in the photo (come on people, she's a celeb but she's human too).

Here's my two cents:

When you're Kim Kardashian, you can wear any bag ever made. I bet she has dozens of Birkins. She famously spent $100,000 in one go at Hermes. So what's the hubbub about making one of these enormously expensive bags a little more personal?

Second, this was a gift from Kanye. If you're going to be mad at anyone, be mad at him. But let's reframe the way we're thinking about this. Yes it's an expensive gift, but Kanye knows his wife loves this particular bag, and she loves her daughter more than anything. How thoughtful to create something special and unique for her based on two things she cares about.

Because, in the end, a Birkin is just a bag, even if it's THE bag. You can't take it with you. And this Birkin is different. It's beautiful because her daughter made it.

I'm not a parent, but if I was, this bag would be more special to me than my entire collection of bags put together. Mr. Handbag, if you're listening, I would be proud to carry a bag like this some day.

Thanks to Eva Rinaldi for the photo.

12 bags your friends don't have

Tired of seeing the same old bags everywhere? Fear not - here's a list of 12 bags your friends don't have.

1) Vroom Beaded Clutch (Big Box version) by Sarah's Bag - $1100

Ah, the good old days when my brother and I would play with Hot Wheels on the steps of my childhood home. Fast forward a couple of decades and this highly unexpected clutch takes my breath away! Graphically stunning with a beautiful beaded texture, the highlight of this little beauty is the toy car clasp. Although this bag is way outside my pay grade, the mission of Sarah's Bag makes the price tag worth it (note - there are several less expensive versions). Sarah Beydoun is a Beirut-born designer who employs incarcerated women in the middle east. Expect to see a lot more of Sarah's Bag here.

2) Round Phone Dial Clutch by Betsey Johnson - $88
A basic black clutch goes with everything, but can get... well... boring. Spice things up with this eclectic Betsey Johnson creation. Besides, if your date gets dull you can use it to phone a friend!

3) Fifi Doll Face Clutch by Lulu Guinness - $487
One side her eyes are open, the other side her eyes are closed, and the clasp looks like bright red lips. It's brilliant. And since I found it on a UK website, chances are you won't be seeing it nearby.

4) J'aime La Vie by Claire V. - $210
Show the world your zest for life with this colorful Jaime La Vie ("I love life") clutch from the always gorgeous Claire V. I also love the chambray lining.

5) Flavia Wilted Daisy Clutch by Edie Parker - $1495
I've seen daisies, but wilted daisies? I would never have thought this would work, and it's fantastic. Everything is unexpected - the flowers, the structure, there's even a mirror along the inside wall! If you're investing in this one, make your purchase from Kirna Zabete to support a very cool woman-owened business (I don't get a cut, I just like to support great entrepreneurs).

6) Yeezy Stronger Clutch by Necessary Clothing - $20
Fans of Kanye West and Daft Punk will recognize this immediately. I listen to "Stronger" when I run, it makes me feel empowered. Take that empowerment to a whole new level with the Yeezy Stronger Clutch. $20 for a bag full of confidence? I'll take it.

7) Moi? by Marks & Spencer - $40
Another UK gem, the Moi? clutch is a fun low-priced option. Surprisingly, this clutch has two slip pockets and a zip pocket on the inside.

*Update: Uh oh! I've been told the Moi? is sold out. Not to worry, they have a fun "Yes & No" bag at the same price point.

8) Mixed Feelings Clutch by Nasty Gal x Nila Anthony - $24 on sale
On one side, "It's not that complicated" on a white background. On the other, "It's complicated" on a black background. Because, as Nasty Gal says, "Life's too short for predictability."

9) Love Clutch by Les Pettits Joueurs via The Real Real - $375
It's hard to tell from this picture, but "LOVE" is spelled out with... you'll never guess... legos! And the yellow leather is just luscious. This is a much more expensive bag, but since it's The Real Real you get a great discount and absolute assurance that you're purchasing a real product.

10) Place Your Bets Emanuelle by Kate Spade - $328
You knew I had to throw in a Kate! This clutch has a card face on the front and a traditional back-of-card design on the back, a three-section interior and of course gorgeous Kate Spade lining. If you need this for a specific event, consider renting it for as low as $50 for 4 days via Rent the Runway.

11) Play On Player Game Over Clutch by Go Jane - $20 on sale
It's big, it's bold, it's nerdy in the best way. You'll love the bright red interior with two slip pockets and a zipper pocket. Bring this to game night for extra points.

12) Blue Glitter Eye Clutch Handbag with Teardrop by Luna On The Moon - $114
This fabulous Etsy find is the most unique of the bunch! This London-based designer hand makes her bags, so the chances of someone else carrying your bag is slim to none.

Your turn! What are some unique bags you've discovered? I'd love to see picture, tag me on Instagram @hellohandbag or post a link in the comments below!

How to find the perfect travel bag

More than almost anything in the world, I love to travel. New food, new streets, new people, I can't get enough. If you're heading on a trip soon, you'll need to pick a good bag. Here's how:

Find something lightweight

If you travel like I do, you're on your feet all day long. You need provisions for that long day - layers, snacks, sunscreen... With all that stuff in tow, the last thing you want to do is carry around a heavy bag. Leather is just not going to work my friends. Go for canvas, vegan leather or a heavy nylon. Try a large Longchamp Le Pliage, $145 at Nordstrom.  

Make it easy to carry

Imagine with me - so you're in Paris, and you're headed to the Eiffel Tower. You punch your ticket at the metro. You hold the bottom of your bag during the ride so no pickpockets get your goods. You pause for a refreshing glass of chardonnay and a croissant. You get to the Eiffel tower and hold on to the rail for deal life as you climb up the 704 stairs. Now... imagine having to do all that with a top handle bag. No thank you! You need a crossbody or a backpack. Personally I am nervous with all my possessions behind my back, so a crossbody is best for me. Consider the Michael Kors East/West Kempton, $88 at Macy's. 

Don't forget the pockets

Where's your hotel key? Those loose euros? The metro ticket? Keep all the important things organized with strategically placed pockets. The best in the business is Dagne Dover. My personal fave is the Clutch Wallet, it's simply amazing how organized one clutch can be. There's even a pocket for your lip gloss! Starts at $125 (it's worth it).

So what's your perfect travel bag? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

17 Benefits of Standing

1.Standing posture is good for health.It renders numerable benefits to your health.


2.Standing, also referred to as orthostasis, is a human position in which the body is held in an upright ("orthostatic") position and supported only by the feet.



3.Standing is good for health compared to sitting.Standing is the preferred posture to reverse the health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.

Fight lung cancer with Angela & Roi

You might know November as "movember," but did you know it's also Lung Cancer Awareness month? These gorgeous handbags by Angela & Roi support the cause and look great doing it.

When my family member had a close call with lung cancer, I found out just how devastating this disease can be. Luckily she's ok, but many aren't.

I'd like to introduce you to Angela & Roi, a handbag brand with a mission. Their "Donate by Color" campaign makes shopping a charitable endeavor! Angela & Roi has 11 colors, each corresponding to a different cause. Purple for Alzheimer's, gray for diabetes, red for AIDS/HIV, and more. This month, white bags are where it's at - they support lung cancer awareness. Here are three I'm loving:

The Minimal Ivory Bucket Bag ($110) is simply beautiful. A lovely everyday bag. The vegan leather (all their bags are vegan leather, no animals harmed here) is soft and easy to clean. There's a top zipper and a smaller outside zipper pocket to keep phones, keys and other grab and go items.

The Moa Tote ($165) is a gorgeous choice for sophisticated style. Best feature: full vegan suede lining. Grab this one if you're looking for a work bag that will get you noticed.

    

The Palette Cross-Body ($65) is casual chic. The surprisingly large interior will fit everything you need, and the structure keeps everything easy to find.

With every bag sold, Angela & Roi makes a donation to the Lung Cancer Alliance. The Lung Cancer Alliance offers free 360° support and has a goal to triple survival rates by 2020. You can also support the cause via jewelry and clothing.

Not ready to purchase a bag? You can still help! Join Angela & Roi's Ribbon Project by writing a message to Juan, a 22 year old who is about to have his lung removed. Click here to leave Juan a message.

Review: Alessa Wellesley by Kate Spade

Ladies and gentlemen, meet my new baby.

This is Kate Spade's Alessa Wellesley in Garnet. It's similar to the Grove Court Maise, but you won't find little gem at KateSpade.com.

I love the way this bag is put together. The center is open, roomy and structured, with two open pockets and one zipper pocket. I have some beautiful slouchy bags, but I'm always digging for things that slide around. That's not a problem here. This fits comfortably on your elbow, and the chunky handles help keep it in place. There's an additional cross body strap, but I prefer carrying this baby front and center.

The best thing about this bag is, of course, the color. It just screams to be picked up. Going to an event? Get noticed with this bag. Wearing your favorite jeans and t-shirt outfit? This is your statement. I plan to wear it everywhere. And with the holidays coming up, a bag in this color is the perfect accessory.

The only thing I dislike is the way the zipper scratches your hand when you try to grab something inside the bag. However, with a little time, the leather won't be so stiff and I anticipate this problem will go away.

The regular version of this bag is $398. The outlet price is $295. I got it for $110 because my local outlet had a sale on top of a sale. 

If you want to grab this beauty, you'll probably need to find a Kate Spade outlet too. There are plenty in California - the Camarillo and Citadel outlets are the closest to Los Angeles. Find the nearest location to you here (select "outlet").

Seriously, go now. I'll be here when you get back and we can compare.

Special thanks to Stephanie, Janis, and all the Kate Spade Citadel staff for helping me find just what I was looking for!

Homeless in LA

This is a bit of a departure for me. I usually cover such hard-hitting subjects as handbag reviews and product launch events. But this week something really got under my skin.

I met a homeless woman, and I didn't help her.

I was coming home late and stopped to pick up some food. As I was walking in, a woman sitting in the restaurant called me over. She asked if I could help.

At this point, I would like to say my heart melted and that I as a good human would have done anything necessary to help someone else. But I didn't.

I asked if I could get her some food, and she said no. What she really needed, she said, was a hotel for the night. She used to live in Beverly Hills, and something happened and she'd lost her home, and... then she started crying.

When I was younger, I met a woman near my house who told me she was a teacher and her car had broken down and she just needed some money to get back home. I gave her $40. She told me she'd come back the next day to pay me back. She didn't. I think she needed the $40 more than I did, but I also never forgot the experience.

About a year ago, I walked past a homeless man on the way to Target. He looked tired and dirty and asked if I could give him anything to help. I went to Target and spent $15 (nothing, in the grand scheme of things) on healthy, durable foods. A few minutes later I walked back and handed him a bag of peanuts, apple sauce, jerky, things I thought might help sustain him for awhile. He looked at me like I had given him poison. He turned his back to me and asked the people walking by for money. I left the bag, but that look stayed with me.

So when this woman started crying, my heart did melt. It hurts to see another person feel broken. But as much as I hate to admit it, I was skeptical. As I waited for my food, I called 2-1-1 to find out about available local services. When I got through the line, I turned around to give the woman what information I could. She wasn't there.

Forgive me if this sounds rude, but I've come to firmly believe that organizations specifically set up for this mission are able to provide help much more effectively than I can. When I got home, I made a donation to the Downtown Women's Center. I gave them $36. It was more than I would have given the woman in the restaurant, but as I drove home I felt acutely aware of how luxurious this handbag hobby of mine is. $36 isn't nothing, but it's definitely something I can spare.

The Downtown Women's Center website tells me that $36 provides a week of basic services for ten women. I'm trying to tell myself that helping ten women for a week is more cost effective than helping one woman for one night. Mathematically it makes sense, but my heart is still a little sore.

Should I have given her money for a hotel? In this city, a hotel for one night would have been more than double what I gave to the Downtown Women's Center. I'm not sure I would have felt good about that either.

Honestly, I'm not sure what I should have done. But I do know I was unprepared. So, should you ever find yourself in this situation, here's what I suggest:

1. Call your local information line, usually by just dialing 2-1-1. They can direct you to emergency food and shelter near your location.
2. If you do have the means to help, consider a local organization that helps those who need it. They can probably stretch your dollar farther than you can. I gave to the Downtown Women's Center because they teach entrepreneurial skills, something I am passionate about. There are hundreds of organizations with different specialties out there. If you're not sure where to start, try Charity Navigator.
3. If you can't give money but still want to do something, there are lots of volunteer opportunities. Try searching VolunteerMatch - a quick search using the keyword "homeless" in my zip code gave me 254 opportunities.

Did I do the right thing? I don't know. I don't feel good about it, but I'm still struggling to find what the "right thing" would have been. I hope the woman I met found a safe place to sleep and some services to help her. I hope that my $36 helps the next woman find another option before she has to ask a stranger for help. And I hope that the next stranger in that situation finds a better solution than I did.

photo credit: Ed Yourdon via photopin cc

Kate Spade Saturday Comes to LA

This post originally appeared on SoCal Blogger Society, where I am proud to be a founding member.  

Hello SoCal Bloggers! Can you believe it’s October already? While the weather hasn’t turned yet, one thing has changed… Kate Spade Saturday has come to Los Angeles!

The store is welcoming, with friendly staff and an inviting sign tempting you to come inside. I’ve always loved the voice of Kate Spade (I could swear she’s talking directly to me) and already Saturday has the same appeal. This latest location is a neat, brightly lit fusion of well organized prints and vibrant colors. Oranges, greens, purples and yellows delight the eyes. The gazebo-like storefront is full of movement with waving mannequins in impeccable shoes, and two chairs just beckon you to sit down and stay awhile.

I’ve been to Kate Spade Saturday online a hundred times, but I’m usually so caught up in the handbags I miss the rest. I had no idea there was so much to this line! The housewares are particularly fun. The black and white plates are unexpectedly playful, and would be lovely matched with the bowls and little mugs. And the jewelry is a treat! Simple lines with a pop of color. I fell in love with these cube earrings, they’d be lovely with a yellow scarf, brown handbag and a pair of boots.

I’m impressed with Kate Spade’s foray into the city of angels. I’ll be headed back to stock up for the holiday season, come join me!

The new Saturday store is located on Third Street just east of the Beverly Center at:

8400 West 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90048

Interested in joining the SoCal Blogger Society? Find out more here.

5 Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is the National Fruit of Antigua and Barbuda,which is a twin-island nation lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The Pineapple fruit is considered as the International symbol of hospitality.

Pineapple is one of the most popular tropical fruit.It contains vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is  rich in fiber.

1

What to do when you're under the weather

When you're sick, there's no good solution. You have no energy, your attention span is negative, and your throat/head/stomach/everything hurts. It's tough! So here's what you do:

Get a glass of wine

I know, I'm supposed to say "have some tea." And tea helps. But you know what will really make you feel better? A glass of red wine. Sore throat? Coated. Upset stomach? Quelled. Plus, that low emotional feeling of being sick starts to go away. 

Now let's be clear, I'm not saying to drink a bottle. But one glass will do you wonders. Besides, I learned this trick from my mother. So you know it works!

Go back through that "promotions" tab

If you're on Gmail, you have a "promotions" tab. That's where all the Loft, Bloomingdale's, Kate Spade, Bloglovin etc. emails end up. If it's an automated email, chances are it's in there. Most of this stuff can be removed with a cursory glance. But there are some gems! Here are a few things I recently found:

• The Bag Lady faux leather pants, made from old handbags
• The 10 Most Important Bags in Modern History from PurseBlog
• Shades of Cool from Rebecca Minkoff celebrating the newest Mini Macs (a timeless crossbody in all new colors!)

Spend that gift card
You know the lonely gift card stuck in your wallet? The one with $17.12 left on it after you purchased that great pair of pumps? Now's the time to spend it! Try these:

• Macy's: Betsey Johnson leopard coin purse (you'll love this) on sale for $15.99
• Nordstrom: Nila Anthony Beaded Clutch on sale for $48.60
• Amazon: The Aubrey by MG Collection just $35.50 and free shipping! This is a personal favorite, see it street style here.

These are are the things that get me through. What helps you? I'd love your suggestions!

This post contains affiliate links. These help me buy more handbags to review for you! Photo credit: Dominik Martin

Mail Call - best bags in the magazines

I am giddily excited by snail mail. There's something so satisfying about opening a mailbox. True, usually it's junk mail or World Vision asking for money (you can donate ducks, how cool is that?). But about this time of the month, magic finds its way to my mail. The magazines are here!

Around this time you can usually find me melted into the couch, a spot I don't move from for hours, hungrily turning pages hunting for the best bags. October has been particularly good. Let me show you:

Gucci via Vanity Fair

It is impossible not to drool over this bag (pun intended!). This is the New Bamboo Leather Top Handle Bag. I'm loving this color but can't find it on the website, although the animalier jaguar is gorgeous as well. Starts at $2190.

Diane von Furstenberg via Lucky

This is the Highline Courier, and boy is it gorgeous. Side pockets and a slip pocket under the flap make it functional, and the leopard print is delicious for fall. This would pair beautifully with a pair of black boots, a glass of red wine, and a classic novel. $595.

Kate Spade via Nordstrom

Hello, my name is Anna and I'm a Kate-aholic. My love of Kate Spade is well documented (here and here). But this, this just takes the cake. Perfect size, top zipper, gorgeous lining. I'm particularly coveting the creamy affogato color, although molasses would be perfect for this season. $448.

Any good finds in your mail this month?

Trendy Kitten - the online boutique for designer bags on a budget

Love bags? Don't love the investment prices? Then you've got to meet Jen, founder of The Trendy Kitten. The Trendy Kitten is a refreshing new online boutique where you can find Kate Spade, Michael Kors and more. All at significantly better prices than you're used to!

Jen, a model-turned-entrepreneur, has impeccable taste in bags. With her fashion industry background, it's no wonder Jen hits it out of the park in her online shop. I had the pleasure to interview Jen about the launch of her new brand, here's what she had to say:

I love the name "The Trendy Kitten"! Where did it come from?

Thank you! I love the name, too! It took a lot of time and thought to come up with a store name that was both simple and ‘me.’ I toyed with a few other ideas, but once I came up with The Trendy Kitten, I knew that was it! I also love it because it has deep, personal significance. Growing up, my dad nicknamed me his 'kitten,' as I always loved to snuggle up with him. The Trendy Kitten isn’t just a cool name; it’s also a tribute to both my background in fashion ('trendy') and a way to honor my dad.

Jen, founder of The Trendy Kitten, on a modeling tour in Singapore

You mention that everything on Trendy Kitten is handpicked, what's that process like?

The process takes a LOT of time! But I love being able to go through different items and styles, finding only the best quality pieces. I try to have a variety of styles available (I realize not everyone wants the exact same things). I spend quite a bit of time looking for pieces that are trendy, fashionable, and allow me to pass on some significant savings. If an item isn't at a level of quality that I would wear, or be proud to sell, then I won't carry it. Luckily, I enjoy the process of shopping for others – saving them time, money, and stress!

I also love having everyday fashion on the same site as higher end designer items, at such a great bargain! It opens up so many new venues to people who otherwise wouldn’t consider combining their everyday look with a designer piece. It can really spice things up!

A Kate Spade Sedgewick Place Avalon crossbody, handpicked for The Trendy Kitten

What was your favorite piece you ever sold on The Trendy Kitten?

Can I admit that I have several items that I fell in love with and just had to add to my own wardrobe? There is this adorable maxi dress, with pockets, that I had to snatch up for myself! (It’s still available in black and white or purple). It is so comfortable and easy to dress up or down; I absolutely love it! There is also a pair of purple Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses (who knew I had a thing for purple!) that I had to get for myself too. Such a good designer name, at such a crazy price! Sometimes I will also go through a bit of a love affair with some purses I'm able to stock. I want to keep them each so badly, but I know that is not how to keep the business going.  

What's been your biggest obstacle? How did you overcome it, or how are you currently managing it?

I would have to say that, so far, my biggest obstacle would just be getting the whole business process going! As with anything worth doing, I found that after each step in the process there always seems to always be another obstacle to overcome - but I love the challenge and work! When I first started out, as silly as it may seem, just coming up with the name was a huge obstacle. Even something as simple as choosing the business name meant that I needed to file legal documents, tax information, get the website up and going, and so on! The current obstacle is figuring out how to get  more website traffic and getting my name out there. I’m also working double time to keep inventory available, because everything seems to be flying off the virtual shelf! (I’m not complaining about that part, though!) Thankfully, I know my brand and reputation for quality items will help customers happy, returning, and referring their friends.

Jen taking some time to play

What fashion industry knowledge did you bring to The Trendy Kitten?
I want people to know how easy and affordable fashion can be. By buying long-lasting, quality items, they’ll not only be able to look great, but they’ll be able to do it on a reasonable budget. It is so much easier (and cheaper!) to have a smaller, quality wardrobe that can be accessorized than to try and keep up with the big box store displays. Getting some awesome customer service to boot? That’s just icing on the cake.

What's your biggest piece of advice for a budding fashion entrepreneur?

My biggest piece of advice? Be patient, determined, and don't skip steps! If you don't have patience for the time that things take, you don't stand a chance. These traits will be seen by your customers, because all of the hard work that goes into the details is key! Your customers have lots of options available, so you have to be the one that they can trust. I know that there are lots of steps and procedures that are necessary, like the boring legal work, to get the right permits, tax ID's and much more. Even so, pay attention to the details, and eventually, you will find yourself much more settled.

Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Wristlet, part of a bag/wallet set on The Trendy Kitten

What's coming up next for The Trendy Kitten?

I’m excited for some special upcoming items. They’ve been ordered, and I should get them any day. They are going to be fabulous fall and winter (transitional) pieces – and I can see having to snag one or two for myself!

Need to grab one of those transitional pieces for yourself? Hello, Handbag readers get a special discount - just use code "hellohandbag" at checkout for $5 off anything over $75! 

Stay tuned for more on special upcoming pieces, you'll be seeing them on Instagram via Hello, Handbag and The Trendy Kitten! Have a question for Jen? Or a special request? Leave a comment below, we'd love to hear from you!

Currently Coveting - Sale

It's late. I have to work tomorrow. I should be in bed. But what am I doing? Looking at handbags.

Tonight is special though. I'm looking at bags on sale. Here are a few you should know about:

• The Classic Q Hillier Hobo by Marc by Marc (the one everyone you know is carrying and you still love) is on sale for $287 at Nordie's
• Kate Spade's Cobble Hill Dot Little Minka is down to $250. The lining in this one is worth every penny. Oh, and Kate Spade (and Saturday) is 30% off right now with code FALL13FF.
• Speaking of Kate Spade, Saturday's Half Circle Satchel in Bright Coral is down to $133. 
• Henri Bendel's Jetsetter Satchel is $148, but only in yellow. I'm partial to the purple, sigh.
• The J.Crew Bienniel Medium Satchel in henna is $220 (psst - use promo code "FALLSALE"for extra 30% off fall sale items)
• I can't believe I'm loving this, but the Dooney and Bourke Nylon Nina is now $130 at Macy's. It has pink lining!
• Call me crazy, but I'm into the Two-Tone Leather Pouch by Gap. Especially for $30. Especially with an extra 30% with code GAPNEW.

What fabulous sales am I missing?

photo credit: HAMED MASOUMI via photopin cc

Street style: Echo Park

Echo Park is a little hideaway of cool in the Los Angeles sprawl. East of Hollywood, and somewhere near Dodger Stadium, Echo Park is the home of foodies, budding artists, new music, and great little pubs. So when I received this photo for a street style review, I knew I was in for a treat.

This bag is such a find! I've never seen it before.  The graceful, rich texture and beautiful piping had me thinking Coach, and the structure led me to Michael Kors. But the top clasp is absolutely unique, and kept me guessing until I finally reached out to Shanna, the beautiful lady who carries it. To my delight, it's a brand I'd never heard of. And you'll never believe the price.

This is the Aubrey Vintage Clasp Closure Doctor handbag by MG Collection. Inconceivably, this bag is on sale for $38.

I love how Shanna pairs this bag with denim, and the vintage look is just classic with her hair. I'd try pairing this with a winter coat, boots and red lipstick. It's classy enough for a lawyer to wear to work, and functional enough for a fashionable mom to tote around with a little one. I may have to pick one up for myself.

Many thanks to my good friend and beloved reader Jennifer for sending in this picture for review.

Gone Girl's perfect black bag

Have you seen Gone Girl? Whoa nelly! But because so many people haven't seen it, let's not talk spoilers. Instead, let's talk about Amy Elliott Dunne's handbag.

There's one scene where Amy and Nick are in New York. As they walk to the car Amy swings a beautiful, slouchy, pebbled leather bag onto her arm. I about died - it's PERFECT. Much like Amazing Amy. 

But can I find it? Oh no. The Google doesn't know, and I'm a sad girl. So until I find it (I'd love your help!), here are a few bags I think Amy Dunne would carry:

1) Ella Moss Groupie Hobo - $298
Slouchy? Check. Pebbled leather? Check. Fits Amazing Amy's perfectly classy but demure style. You can't go wrong with a classic hobo in black. 

2) Michael Kors Sutton Satchel - $358 
This is a little more structured than Amazing Amy would carry, although I could see "sharp bob Amy" wearing it. And the side pockets would be perfect for her journal, themed pen, and.... well, you know. Or maybe you don't. Go see the movie (and then DM me on Twitter so we can talk about it!).

3) Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha - $328 
The ultimate "cool girl" bag. Not too flashy but very recognizable. The Natasha has a surprising amount of room inside for all those unexpected moments (of which Gone Girl has many!). Amazing Amy would probably know to shop for this beauty on Piperlime where she can get an extra 30% off just for giving up her email address. 

So, have you seen Gone Girl? Did I get her bag choices right? And what was she carrying in that scene? And... can we just talk about the movie please?!