The Finalists revealed

The votes have been tallied and the finalists have been announced for the 7th Annual Handbag Designer Awards.  With thousands of submissions worldwide, it was a very tough to decision to narrow it down to the best of the best.   A highlight of my year, I enjoy seeing what the emerging talent has in store for us.  With that said, enjoy a  behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be the next it handbag designer.

A LOOK BACK

As I look forward to a new and exciting year, I can’t help but take a glance at everything I’ve accomplished this past year.  WOW!  Looking back, I’m so honored to have been able to meet and work with so many extraordinary people.  A personal thank you to everyone who has been apart of my journey.  Not only have you enriched my life, but you have inspired so many others, by just having the courage to live your dreams.  With that said, as we move ahead into 2013, for those of you who still struggle to find the light, remember this, if you can envision it, it can be done.   See you in the new year!

6th Annual Handbag Designer Awards

Last week, I attended the VIP cocktail party and ceremony for the 6th Annual Handbag Designer Awards at the Time & Life building here in New York.  I really enjoy being apart of this particular project and what Emily Blumenthal, the creator behind these awards has created.  She’s not only a fairy god mother to the handbag world, but has created a platform for designers to really be seen in an industry that can sometimes be tough. Fashion for good!  Congratulations to the stunning duo behind ita Collection for taking home overall best design. Can’t wait to see you in the September issue of Instyle Magazine!  Shout out to Kenneth Cole as well for his Iconoclast award.  It was great to meet another friendly face in the world of fashion.  Check out some great shots my friend Stefano Castri took of the evening for Stylesource!

Thank you J.Hilburn and Hadleigh for dressing me for the evening.  Also, thank you to Anthony Manfredonia and Clara Kasavina (Last years winner!) for dressing my date.  BTW-Those Flowers were literally hand painted onto the dress!

It was great to catch up and chat with two women I admire most for their sense of style-Miss Emma Grady and Dawn Del Russo.

A great shot of some of Kenneth Cole’s latest creations!

MR. KC himself in the flesh!

The god father of the handbag world, Mr. Carlos Falchi! From what I hear he designed the blazer he was wearing that evening.

Emily Blumenthal and Kenneth Cole having a laugh.  I love these candid shots!

The Votes have been Tallied

This past Sunday, judging got underway for the 6th Annual Handbag Designer Awards at the Hyatt 48 Lex hotel here in Manhattan.  I was surrounded by some of the next biggest trendsetters in both fashion and entertainment.  Having looked at over one thousand handbags,  I can confidently say we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best.  For a complete list of judges-Click here.

It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.  Three women especially caught my eye when it came to style, and were at the top of MY best dressed list for the day.

Emma Grady , who I met last year at the judging table nailed one of this seasons hottest trends color-blocking with a simple yet elegant yellow overcoat and green cropped jacket.

Dawn Del Russo, I met at this year’s table had a fierce Erin Fetherston look which I loved.  She edged up her feminine dress with just the right amount of metal.  I especially adored her Christian Louboutin studded heels.   I’m obsessed with anything studded!

Pamela Pekerman, I also met at this years table took classic chic to a whole new level.  I loved how she took a classic white button-down and styled it in such a way that every women would want to buy.  I also noticed her love for Prada via her handbag!

It was such an honor to be apart of such an exciting process, but what was even more exciting was the enormous gift bag that we got to take home.  It’s filled with a variety of amazing products by big names like Kipling, Vitamin Water, POP chips, and Handbags.com.  The most amazing part is I’m giving it ALL away to YOU!  I will pick one lucky person on Friday.  In order for you to be considered you need to write your name in the comment box.  Good luck!

Let the Judging Begin!

This Sunday, I will be venturing off to the Hyatt 48 Lex here in New York to begin the judging process of the 6th Annual Handbag Designer Awards hosted by Handbag Designer 101.  A very fun and long day ahead me, I’m most excited about previewing the next big names when it comes to THE must-have accessory.

Last year’s big winner was Clara Kasavina, who submitted this gem for the Red Carpet Ready Evening Bag category.  I can remember sitting at the table a bit bored and BAM the whole room gasped with excitement.  We all knew we had found a diamond in the rough (literally).

Their win resulted in a feature in September’s Issue of Instyle Magazine, and you can now find them in just about any major retailer, editorial, or red carpet.

I myself absolutely love pulling them for celebrity clients.  Supermodel Coco Rocha fell in love with this crystal minaudiere and ring which she wore to the 2011 WGSN Global Fashion Awards held here in New York.

Who will be this year’s winner?

Follow me on Twitter @Styleexpert00 for  live tweets and updates this Sunday, April 29th from the Hyatt 48 Lex New York.

J.Hilburn Fitting

This past Friday I had the pleasure of meeting Jon Patrick, the Creative Director of J.Hilburn.   I stopped by his studio in midtown for a quick fitting before he was off to Italy for a week long trip.  In June, I will be on the red carpet for the 2012 Handbag Designer Awards partnered with Instyle Magazine, and they offered to dress me for the big event.  We literally started from scratch picking out fabrics from a basic button-down, to a tie, to even a custom-made double breasted navy blue pin-striped suit.  Oh how the tables have turned since usually I am the one directing the fitting.  Hey, I don’t mind being a model for the day.  Take a look at some great photos we shot.

So many choices to choose from!

The master at work!

I like a little pop of my ankle to show!

Love the pop color under the lapel!

Lookbook!