Baggage Claim::Katherine Kwei...

I've become a bit of a bag lady as of late, so when I received an invitation to preview Katherine Kwei's S/S 2011 collection, I was "right on top of that Rose!" I've heard nothing but incredible things about the brand so my expectations were high.

The collection is a complete knock out...exceeding all my expectations and more! The quality is above and beyond, the colors are spot on, and the detail is intricate. A combination of Uptown preciousness with Downtown versatility.

While at the event, I had the opportunity to try my hand at constructing a traditional Chinese knot. I made it work, but not without some help from the tutorial board!

My knot is now an adorable key chain that hangs from my bag along side a raccoon tail!

Christina from Desmitten and me posing with our favorite Katherine Kwei bags

{photo by Nicky Digital}

I had such a great time catching up with new and old friends, chatting with Katherine about the collection, and succeeding at the DIY project! Katherine, it was such a pleasure to meet you! Thank you so much for the invitation and congratulations on an incredible collection!

SANG A Im-Propp...

Last week I was invited to preview the S/S 2011 collection of SANG A Im-Propp. I've been following the brand for a while so I was more than delighted to get an up close and personal tour of the new bags. The SANG A collection was started with an eye for exotic skin and leather accessories to rave reviews and has seen significant growth and success since its launch in 2006 and continues to develop in innovative and exciting ways.

The intricate and exceptional use of alligator, python, and ostrich skins, amongst others, quickly established Sang A as a designer to watch in the luxury accessories market. To date, the collection is still a combination of intriguing colors, shapes, and textures with an effortless since of style that has become the brand's trademark of the namesake collection.

The Mini Pop:: For obvious reason, this is my favorite bag, as well as the most popular for the brand. This is a working girl on the run dream bag! Mid-size sculpted day bag with pleated bottom and convertible zipper shoulder strap. And just so you get a better idea, the dimensions are W. 19" H. 14". The genius in the bags is that many of them have a laptop pocket and space for days. I'm the worst at bogging down my bags with everything including the kitchen sink and this bag accommodates for the unnecessary items I insist on carrying around. I couldn't keep my eyes off this bag during the preview, not to mention that it's in gold Python. I can't imagine a better bag to tote around from styling gig, to previews, events, and dinner/drinks with friends. It transitions for any part of your day and can be carried year round. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I'm going to to have to hustle a few jobs to be able to afford this deliciousness.

The Rise:: The designer was wearing this during the preview and I just about died. I'll admit it, since my trip to Peru I have been looking for something resembling a fanny pack! This is better than anything I could have imagined. Sculpted double wave belt bag with sash belt...GENIUS!

The Zip Up:: Every now and then I'm able to compact my life into a small bag for a night out dancing with the girls. I've been eyeing this for days now. Everything about the design and structure is stylish, unique, and functional... a quilted spiral-shaped clutch with wrap-around zipper wristlet.

Check out the website to see the full collection and styles available. Also, the collection is available exclusively at specialty retailers worldwide including Neiman Marcus, Kirna Zabete NYC, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, as well as select boutiques in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The global presence continues to grow, especially through involvement in various international and New York City-based charity organization.

Tote-ally!

What's In Your Bag?!

Birthday gift to myself two years ago!

My bag dumped out on the floor...minus the laptop!

*make up bag, 2 books, Dolce and Gabbana light blue pefume, Tarte lip gloss, pen, H&M sunglasses, Rescue Beauty concrete jungle nail polish, sequin change purse, Rihanna's new cd, psychedelic print wallet, and Louis Vuitton key chain, fish lighter (aka great convo starter and house sitting for Becky until she returns from London)*

I'm not much of a bag lady in the sense that I collect them. I tend to stay tried and true to one bag for as long as it will last me. Two years ago for my birthday I purchased a Marc by Marc totally turn lock tote and have recently realized it needs to be given a bit of a rest. It's the perfect bag for my life style. I carry my life in my bag which consequently looks as though I'm constantly toting around luggage with me. At any given time you will find absurd items like extra tights/socks, shoes, oatmeal or tea packets, fashion emergency kit, and an obscene amount of sunnies stashed in my bag. I'm always on the go so before I leave in the morning I'm stashing one last "just in case" item in my bag. I don't require a lot to take center stage as my "life carrier" but I do insist that you have:

1- a few different compartments

2- enough room to lug my laptop

3- a fun/interesting color/pattern

Spent a few minutes searching online for three totes that make my wish list at different price points!

Great by Sandie Fringe Tote

My favorite part of this bag is the wraparound fringe

Found at Shopbop

$578

Deux Lux Colorblock Tote

I love the color combination here and that fact that it can play double duty as a messenger bag.

Found at Urban Outfitters

$78

lululemon leather gym bag

For a gym bag this has to be one of the best. It is available in great colors and has storage and compartments like you wouldn't believe including a removable/washable dry pack to store dirty clothes/shoes. Enough room for my gym gear and laptop.

Found at lululemon

$78