Handbag Happy Hour doubles previous year’s totals

The 8th Annual Handbag Happy Hour came to a successful close on Friday night, November 5th raising a NET total of $35,883.00 for the Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN). The total for the evening was twice as high as the previous year which brought in $17,821.00. Over 250 designer and celebrity handbags were purchased and bid upon during the event which was held at the Miromar Design Center in Estero. All funds raised from the Handbag Happy Hour go towards providing vital support services to ICAN clients such as food, transportation and counseling to over 400 HIV/AIDS infected individuals and their families in Southwest Florida. Celebrity purse donations played a big part of the fund raising success with donations sent by such stars as Reba McEntire, Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift, Kim Basinger, Florence Henderson, Glenn Close and others. In addition to the celebrity donations CHICO’S designer Michael Chase created a one-of-a-kind bag for the live auction and an additional one-of-a-kind creation was also donated by Naples purse designer Pam Durkin. The collection of donated purses from retailers, designers, celebrities and individuals surrounded the design center atrium and kept participants’ involved for four hours in silent and live auctions. Sponsors of this year’s event included CHICO’S FAS, Miromar Design Center, The Office Pub, Jason’s Deli, The Norton Miller Group of Morgan Stanley, Smith, Barney, Meyers, Brettholtz and Company and Mail-Meds Clinical Pharmacy.

Rotary club invites you to gets hands-on with their handbags

Purses for a Purpose was so popular in its first year, many women begged the Maysville Rotary Club to have a similar sale the next year. Those women, and others, should get ready to shop. The Rotary fund-raiser will return with more purses and will feature an addition to the sale: a silent auction for six hand-painted wooden purses. Contributing artists include Skip Werline, Ken Swinson, Donna Huber, Karen Fulton, Jane Nelson and Bobbi Finch Brothers. Jackie Thomas, secretary for the Rotary and chair of the committee organizing Purses for a Purpose, said the hand-painted purses are a unique addition to the event that promotes local artists. She said the wooden purses will cover various subjects, but could not elaborate on the type of subjects. Thomas said she has not yet seen the purses and likely will not see them until Thursday, one day before the sale. Other donated purses are already on display downtown at the former Hendrickson's Paint Store on West Second Street. There are more than 300 purses of every color, shape and size, from name brands to vintage favorites. "With 300, you're going to have every kind," Thomas said. "There's not two alike. There are 300 totally different purses." Purses for a Purpose was so popular last year that women began lining up outside the store an hour before the doors opened, Thomas said. "It was like Black Friday, only it wasn't Black Friday," Thomas said. Many women took early breaks, vacation time, days off or their lunch hours to get to the sale. Thomas said if there is a particular purse a person is interested in, they must arrive early, or it may be gone. Costs for the purses range from $2 to $60. There will be door prize drawings with each sale. More than 60 door prizes have been donated, Thomas said. Among them, gift certificates to various restaurants, a free mammogram and free classes to the YMCA and Maysville Community and Technical College. A grand prize drawing for two UK basketball tickets will take place after the doors close. Last year, Thomas said the Rotary raised more than $2,300 with Purses for a Purpose. The Rotary decided to do Purses for a Purpose as a fund-raiser after Thomas read an article about a church having a similar project. The Rotary typically has the horse show and farm equipment sale as a fund-raiser. Purses for a Purpose targets the female Rotary members. The Rotary Club supports several local and international projects, including two scholarships to MCTC annually. It also is a sponsor for the Community Crib and Newspapers in Education. It also supports Polio Plus and Shelterbox, USA.

Paris goes to war over handbags

The elitist world of Paris high luxury, where a customised handbag can cost more than a car, appears immune to the financial crisis. The French label Hermes has made so much money this year it is likely to post the best results of its 173-year history, and has just opened a lavish store in the old art deco swimming pool of a Left Bank hotel. But behind the success of silk-scarves and crocodile-skin clutches, Paris fashion is being torn apart by secretive empire-building and power-struggles dubbed the "handbag wars". Advertisement: Story continues below Hermes – the family brand that prides itself on being more interested in leather hand-stitching than bling – says it is under attack from one of the world's richest men. It emerged last month that Bernard Arnault, the owner of LVMH, a champagne and luxury goods empire, which includes Louis Vuitton and Dior, had secretly acquired a 17 per cent stake in the Hermes family firm. Since then, the two sides have been at war. The dispute is being billed as a David and Goliath stand-off which also calls into question the promise of the President, Nicolas Sarkozy, for financial transparency on the Paris stock exchange. Hermes's bosses claim they were stupefied to discover that Arnault had built up a stake using a legal but shadowy derivatives system that masked his identity. The brand's hand-crafted "it-bags", the Kelly and the Birkin, can cost tens of thousands of dollars if customers have the patience to join a waiting list that once lasted six years. While the world luxury sector's profits dropped in 2009, Hermes has experienced a 20 per cent surge in sales in the first half of this year. Mr Arnault is France's richest man, a close friend and former best-man of Mr Sarkozy. He has made his fortune acquiring firms and his luxury goods empire includes Moet & Chandon, the world's biggest champagne maker, as well as fashion houses Marc Jacobs and Celine. Known in France as the "Pope of Luxury", he has long been said to have an eye on Hermes's prestigious brand. Ten years ago he failed in an attempt to take over Gucci. Hermes bosses, fearing that his business savvy is too tough a match for the family firm, have made a rare public plea for him to get out and sell his shares. Outraged, he promised he was "peaceful" and "friendly", keen to protect the French label from Swiss or Chinese interest. Hermes snapped back that this was "pure invention". The next step of the battle will be fought in France's corridors of financial power as the stock market watchdog investigates how Arnault acquired his stake.

Car Windows Shattered, Handbags and Wallets Taken

Police received a report that a car, which had been parked on Lincoln Avenue, had a key mark on the right rear bumper and the right passenger side door, police said. According to police, the car was parked at 8 a.m. and at 10 a.m. the damage was noticed. 10:25 p.m. Police stopped a Bronx resident driving on New Rochelle Road at Labelle Road for not signaling when making a right hand turn, police said. According to police, a driver's license check showed the 21-year-old's license had been revoked. In addition, a small bag of marijuana was also found, according to police. The driver was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd and unlawful possession of marijuana, police said. He was due in court on Nov. 24. A caller reported to police that she brought a box filled with merchandise to Consignments on Mill Road, police said. According to police, the caller first tried to get in the store through the back door, but it was locked. She left the box there and went around to the front, they said. When she opened the back door again, the box was gone, police said. According to police, there were two Louis Vuitton handbags, five Talbot sweaters and one leather jacket in the box. 12:15 p.m. Police on routine patrol stopped a 17-year-old Eastchester resident on Manchester Road, who they had been looking for an alleged past trespassing, according to police. Police said the teen was brought back to headquarters and arrested for criminal trespassing, 3rd degree. 7:14 p.m. Police on special detail charged a 17-year-old Yonkers resident with criminal possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a forged instrument, police said. According to police, the teen and a passenger were sitting in an Acura in the White Plains Road and Hillside Avenue area. The teen, who was in the driver's seat, is accused of having a plastic bag of alleged marijuana as well as two forged NYS driver's licenses, according to police. The teen was released on $500 bail and is due in court on Dec. 10.

Bid on Eva Longoria and Elsa Zylberstein's handbags

In the market for a new handbag? Bid on purses that once belonged to Eva Longoria, Elsa Zylberstein, Sarah Lavoine, Vahina Giocante, Pascale Arbillot, and Sonia Rolland at an online auction taking place from December 1 through 5. The celebrities offered to donate their accessories for an online charity auction to be held on the French website instantluxe.com. All profits from the sale will benefit the non-profit organization Paris Tout P'tits, which provides food and hygenic products for disadvantaged babies. The Paris Tout P'tits/InstantLuxe charity auction is now in its second year. Last fall, French celebrities Claire Chazal and Laetitia Hallyday were among those who donated their jewelry, bags and other accessories for the initiative. Auction bids for this year's event will start at 100 euros ($132 USD). To participate, Web users must first become a member of the site by registering basic information like their name, address, and email. InstantLuxe, founded in 2009, is an online marketplace for certified authentic luxury goods and operates in the same manner as its direct competitor, the French site VestiairedeCopines.com. Both platforms allow individuals and professionals to buy and sell second-hand goods, including jewelry and handbags, from upscale brands. Recurring sales on InstantLuxe revolve around gently used Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags and Rolex watches. Aside from the Paris Tout P'tits event, InstantLuxe doesn't host any other charity auctions on its site. Conversely, there are several web platforms that specialize in selling celebrity memorabilia for a good cause. For example, The Clothes Off Our Back regularly hosts online auctions of clothing worn by celebrities like Julianne Moore, Rachel McAdams, and Lisa Loeb. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children's charities.

Handbag Happy Hour doubles previous year’s totals

The 8th Annual Handbag Happy Hour came to a successful close on Friday night, November 5th raising a NET total of $35,883.00 for the Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN). The total for the evening was twice as high as the previous year which brought in $17,821.00. Over 250 designer and celebrity handbags were purchased and bid upon during the event which was held at the Miromar Design Center in Estero. All funds raised from the Handbag Happy Hour go towards providing vital support services to ICAN clients such as food, transportation and counseling to over 400 HIV/AIDS infected individuals and their families in Southwest Florida. Celebrity purse donations played a big part of the fund raising success with donations sent by such stars as Reba McEntire, Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift, Kim Basinger, Florence Henderson, Glenn Close and others. In addition to the celebrity donations CHICO’S designer Michael Chase created a one-of-a-kind bag for the live auction and an additional one-of-a-kind creation was also donated by Naples purse designer Pam Durkin. The collection of donated purses from retailers, designers, celebrities and individuals surrounded the design center atrium and kept participants’ involved for four hours in silent and live auctions. Sponsors of this year’s event included CHICO’S FAS, Miromar Design Center, The Office Pub, Jason’s Deli, The Norton Miller Group of Morgan Stanley, Smith, Barney, Meyers, Brettholtz and Company and Mail-Meds Clinical Pharmacy.

Paris goes to war over handbags

The elitist world of Paris high luxury, where a customised handbag can cost more than a car, appears immune to the financial crisis. The French label Hermes has made so much money this year it is likely to post the best results of its 173-year history, and has just opened a lavish store in the old art deco swimming pool of a Left Bank hotel. But behind the success of silk-scarves and crocodile-skin clutches, Paris fashion is being torn apart by secretive empire-building and power-struggles dubbed the "handbag wars". Advertisement: Story continues below Hermes – the family brand that prides itself on being more interested in leather hand-stitching than bling – says it is under attack from one of the world's richest men. It emerged last month that Bernard Arnault, the owner of LVMH, a champagne and luxury goods empire, which includes Louis Vuitton and Dior, had secretly acquired a 17 per cent stake in the Hermes family firm. Since then, the two sides have been at war. The dispute is being billed as a David and Goliath stand-off which also calls into question the promise of the President, Nicolas Sarkozy, for financial transparency on the Paris stock exchange. Hermes's bosses claim they were stupefied to discover that Arnault had built up a stake using a legal but shadowy derivatives system that masked his identity. The brand's hand-crafted "it-bags", the Kelly and the Birkin, can cost tens of thousands of dollars if customers have the patience to join a waiting list that once lasted six years. While the world luxury sector's profits dropped in 2009, Hermes has experienced a 20 per cent surge in sales in the first half of this year. Mr Arnault is France's richest man, a close friend and former best-man of Mr Sarkozy. He has made his fortune acquiring firms and his luxury goods empire includes Moet & Chandon, the world's biggest champagne maker, as well as fashion houses Marc Jacobs and Celine. Known in France as the "Pope of Luxury", he has long been said to have an eye on Hermes's prestigious brand. Ten years ago he failed in an attempt to take over Gucci. Hermes bosses, fearing that his business savvy is too tough a match for the family firm, have made a rare public plea for him to get out and sell his shares. Outraged, he promised he was "peaceful" and "friendly", keen to protect the French label from Swiss or Chinese interest. Hermes snapped back that this was "pure invention".

The Blade, Toledo, Ohio, Mary Alice Powell column

The loss of a job in the Detroit automotive industry and the inspiration of her mother were key factors in Jenna Kator's decision to launch her own business in the fashion world. But equally important behind the scenes of the Jenna Kator Collection is Michigan. Jenna was born, raised, and educated in Michigan, lives there with her husband, Michael, and is such a strong supporter of her native state she promotes 17 of its cities in a very unusual way. The handbags in her first and latest designer collections are each named for a city. Jenna doesn't just point to a Michigan map to select a city for the names. Instead, she knows the city for one reason or another. One handbag carries the Leland name because as a child she visited the western Michigan city with her parents. Detroit, Petoskey, Traverse City, and Mackinaw are other cities that got the nod on Jenna's drawing board. Troy, her home city, was one of the first to be acknowledged. Another handsome handbag was named Adrian because her in-laws, Linda and Andy Kator, are residents there. It is no surprise that the Adrian bag has been a good seller at the Especially for You shop in downtown Adrian. Owner Judy LaPlant was so impressed with the Kator collection that she gave up the Vera Bradley handbags in preference to it. Even though Jenna had always dreamed of having her own business, her professional life was running smoothly after she graduated from Michigan State University in 2004 with a degree in advertising, a background that landed her positions as media planner with Chrysler and General Motors. As part of her work on the Cadillac account she met editors at Gentleman's Quarterly and Vogue who discussed fashion accessories. Jenna lost the job in December, 2008, and two weeks later was on the brink of launching the handbag business in 2009. "I had looked for jobs, but I have never wanted to leave Michigan. So many interesting things are happening here to transform the landscape, including alternative energy," she said from her showroom in Royal Oak. "And I had always wanted to have my own company." Her late mother's inspiration plays a major part in the business. "Her legacy has been the driving force behind the collection," Jenna said, describing her mother as "fashion forward." "She was always far ahead of the fashion trends and wore things that went together. I used to say 'why are you wearing that?' and then a few days later I would ask to borrow it," she recalled. Handbags were important elements in her mother's wardrobe. Her initial steps for the company included two trips to China, accompanied by her father, to select fabric, hardware, and a factory to produce the handbags. With production locked in, selling from the showroom and road trips for trunk showings now take many hours. "If there is a negative, it would be the long hours," she said. "But when you love what you are doing it's really not a negative. And I love what I am doing." Her husband, operations manager for a plumbing company, is well-versed on handbags. "He knows all about hobo, clutch, and shoulder styles," she said.

Black Friday: More shoppers, modest sales

The verdict so far: The crowds were bigger. People walked away with arms full of goodies. And shoppers spent modestly more, although sales may have been stronger online and in the days surrounding Friday. With shoppers scooping up discounted items, total sales on Friday rose a slight 0.3% over last year to $10.7 billion, while customer traffic increased 2.2%, according to ShopperTrak, which records sales and customer traffic at more than 70,000 stores and malls. Stores may have cannibalized some Black Friday sales by prodding shoppers with doorbuster-like deals weeks in advance, said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin. Indeed, in the first two weeks of November, sales were up 6.1% and 6.2%, according to ShopperTrak. "Retailers were very conscious of driving traffic early in November, and in doing so some might have thinned Black Friday spending a bit," Martin said in a statement. The retailers were more bullish about sales over the whole four-day weekend. The National Retail Federation issued a report Sunday saying that 212 million shoppers visited stores and websites over the four days, up from 195 million last year. The NRF data are based on a survey of 4,306 consumers. Overall, NRF said, shoppers will have plunked down $45 billion over the four days, up from $41.2 billion last year. Next up: Cyber Monday A separate survey found that shoppers bought more goods on Black Friday. The number of purchases were 4% higher than last year, according to market research firm NPD Group. NPD also found that 33% of consumers bought items for themselves -- a good sign that Americans are feeling more comfortable about spending. Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at NPD, said "it is an encouraging start" for stores. "But it's important to remember that the weekend accounts for just 25% of total holiday sales," Cohen said. "So we're done with one quarter, but they still have three more quarters to go." The NPD survey was conducted online on Friday and Saturday and polled 1,768 consumers. Buying more online: Online sales were strong on Thanksgiving day and Black Friday, according to a report Sunday from ComScore, a digital marketplace research firm. On Thursday, sales jumped 28% over last Thanksgiving day to $407 million. On Black Friday, online sales rose 9% to $648 million -- making it the heaviest day of online spending so far in 2010. Amazon.com was the most visited site; its traffic went up 25% from a year ago. The next three were the Web sites of Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy.

Coach Is a Holiday Bargain, Cowen’s Champine Says: Tom Keene

The 2010 replicashermes Awards are accepting votes from Handbag fans now through November 30, 2010. This is your chance as a handbag Fashionista to vote for the handbags you feel should be noticed. The 2010 replicashermes Awards is sponsored by online handbag resource replicashermes.com. The 2010 replicashermes Awards has eight categories including “Best Timeless Classic” and “Best Designer.” Nominees in the 2010 replicashermes Awards include hot “IT” bags such as the Chanel 2.55, Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch and the Chloe Marcie. In order to cast your vote for the top handbags of 2010 through the online voting process for the 2010 replicashermes Awards, please visit replicashermes.com and cast your vote. From replicashermes: “Founded in 2009, the Handbago Awards are dedicated to highlighting designers and handbags that stand above the rest. You can view the 2009 Handbago Award Winners. “

Handbags at dawn as France's most famous fashion houses wage war

The elitist world of Paris high luxury, where a customised handbag can cost more than a car, seems to be immune to the financial crisis. The French label Hermès made so much money this year that it is likely to post the best results of its 173-year history and has just opened a lavish new store in the old Art Deco swimming pool of a left bank hotel. But behind the success of silk-scarves and crocodile-skin clutches, Paris fashion is being torn apart by a saga of secretive empire-building and power-struggles dubbed the "handbag wars". Hermès - the family brand and former saddle-maker that prides itself on being more interested in leather hand-stitching than bling - says it is under attack from one of the world's richest men. It emerged last month that Bernard Arnault, owner of LVMH, the world's number one champagne and luxury goods empire, which includes Louis Vuitton and Dior, had secretly acquired a 17% stake in the Hermès family firm. Since then, the two sides have been at war, backed by an army of PR gurus, lawyers and bankers. The dispute is being billed as a David and Goliath stand-off, a battle for the soul of the nations' calf-skin purses, which also calls into question Nicolas Sarkozy's promise for financial transparency on the Paris stock-exchange. Hermès' bosses claim they were stupefied to discover that Arnault had built up a stake using a legal but shadowy derivatives system that masked his true identity. Hermès is one of the world's last independent fashion houses. The family shareholders who still control three quarters of its shares say the firm has deliberately distanced itself from mass-market techniques and resisted conglomerates. The brand's hand-crafted "it-bags", the Kelly and the Birkin, can run to tens of thousands of pounds if customers can stand joining a waiting list that once lasted six years. The Birkin bag's elitist image was not even damaged by suggestions that Victoria Beckham, the queen of bling, owned 100, worth a total of £1.5m. While the world luxury sector's profits dropped in 2009, Hermès has seen an 20% surge in sales in the first half of this year that has kept rising. When the family discovered that Arnault had secretly acquired a stake in Hermès, they warned there was "an intruder in the garden but we don't want him in the house." Arnault is France's richest man, a close friend and former best-man of Sarkozy. He has made his fortune voraciously acquiring firms, often exploiting rivalries within small companies. His luxury goods empire includes Moet & Chandon, the world's biggest champagne maker, as well as fashion houses Marc Jacobs and Celine. Known in France as the "Pope of Luxury", he has long been said to have an eye on Hermès' prestigious brand. It's not the first time Arnault has started a "handbag war", ten years ago his famous - failed - onslaught on Gucci caused a bitter stand-off against another French magnate and friend of Jacques Chirac, François Pinault. The two men have since continued their rivalry in the arts arena, building staggeringly expensive rival art collections. Hermès bosses, fearing that Arnault's business-savy is too tough a match for the family firm, have made a rare public plea for Arnault to get out and offload his shares. Outraged, he promised he was "peaceful" and "friendly", keen to protect the French label from Swiss or Chinese interest. Hermès snapped back that this was "pure invention". Arnault fumed in Le Figaro: "I do not see how the head of a listed company can be qualified to ask a shareholder to sell his shares. On the contrary he is supposed to defend the interests of all shareholders." Patrick Thomas, the Hermès chief executive, said the family was "calm, united and vigilant".

Wagga police warn Christmas shoppers to watch for bag snatchers

POLICE are warning shoppers to keep a tight grip on their handbags and wallets leading up to Christmas in the wake of a bag snatching in the Wagga Marketplace. A 21-year-old woman standing at the entrance of the Supr? clothing store had a wallet containing $800 and personal cards snatched from the folded hood of a stroller carrying her child about 1pm on Wednesday. Sadly, a little girl, believed to be about four years old and wearing a pink and white frilly dress, was with a woman and a teenager seen running away as the victim noticed her wallet was missing. Wagga police crime manager, Detective Inspector Rod Smith, said the woman seen running away was described as being about 40 years old, about 158 centimetres tall, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, of chubby build with curly or wavy hair pulled back in a pony tail and wearing black three-quarter pants. The teenager is believed to be about 15, about 158 centimetres tall, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance and thin build. She was wearing a grey top with gold buttons running down the front and a black three-quarter sleeve short underneath, as well as denim shorts. The little girl was also of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appearance. Inspector Smith said shoppers should always keep handbags and wallets with them. "Always have your handbag zipped up and over your shoulder and never leave it or your wallet in a shopping trolley or stroller," Inspector Smith said. Inspector Smith was unable to say if Wednesday's victim was doing Christmas shopping, but if she was the robbery would have been a particularly cruel blow.

Pelham group's used handbag auction helps raise money to help children with vision problems

A Pelham-based organization is hoping to bag lots of bucks Saturday to help children who are visually impaired. An auxiliary group for Sight Savers America is holding a "purse party" to sell more than 3,000 new and gently used donated handbags at The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. The fundraiser will include a sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a silent auction from 1 to 2 p.m., said Linda Long, communications director for the nonprofit group. Money raised from the purse party will go to purchase equipment for visually impaired children whose conditions range from low vision to legal blindness, Long said. The children must qualify to receive the equipment, none of which is covered by insurance. Sight Savers provides a variety of items, including hand-held telescopes and magnifiers and Braille equipment, Long said. Purses to be sold include designer originals, knockoffs, vintage purses and some owned and signed by celebrities such as actress Eva Longoria and singer Sara Evans, Long said. "We've got Coach and Prada bags, current fashion bags, evening purses and an eel-skin briefcase," Long said. "There's something for all ages and everyone's taste." Prices will begin at $2 or under for bargain-bin bags and go up to about $30 for higher-end purses, Long said. Overall pricing is about 50 percent of retail, she said. When organizers settled on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the sale, they decided to take advantage of its falling the day after the Iron Bowl. Both Terry Saban and Jonna Chizik, wives of the Alabama and Auburn head football coaches, donated purses for the event. Barbara Dooley, wife of former Georgia football coach Vince Dooley and mother of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, donated two purses. The designer and celebrity bags will be sold through the 1 p.m. silent auction. Bidders must be present to claim their items, Long said. Trudy Phillips, co-chairwoman of the event, said the group has received purse donations from around the state. "When people realize children age 3 to 12 can't see the world like we can and receiving a piece of equipment that costs up to $2,500 not only can allow them to read a book but give the opportunity for an education, it touches their heart," Phillips said. Long said organizers of the purse party are excited about all the good that can come from the event. "Providing this equipment for children and their families who can't afford the expense can make such a difference," she said. "It changes their lives for the better, making the kids more self-confident and allowing them to do things they've never done before."

Tiffany Raises Earnings Forecast on Sales of Handbags, New Store Openings

Tiffany & Co., the world’s second- largest luxury jewelry retailer, raised its full-year earnings forecast after third-quarter profit rose 27 percent, helped by new stores and sales of handbags. Profit excluding some items this year will rise to as much as $2.77 a share from $2.12 a year ago, New York-based Tiffany said today in a statement. Analysts estimated $2.64, on average. The shares rose to a record. The jeweler, led by Chief Executive Officer Michael Kowalski, introduced its first handbag collection in 20 years in September to extend the Tiffany brand. Other new accessories include men’s briefcases, purses, wallets and business-card holders. The company operated 225 stores at the end of the third quarter, 10 more than last year, with six being added in the Asia-Pacific region. Tiffany rose $2.54, or 4.4 percent, to $60.81 at 10:25 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading, after reaching $61.30, the highest level since the share were sold to the public in May 1987. Tiffany had gained 36 percent this year before today. Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, the world’s largest jewelry maker, had gained 53 percent before today in Zurich trading. Net Income at Tiffany advanced to $55.1 million, or 43 cents a share, in the three months ended Oct. 31, from $43.3 million, or 35 cents, a year earlier, according to the statement. Excluding costs related to the relocation of headquarter employees, profit was 46 cents. Analysts projected 36 cents, the average of estimates in a Bloomberg survey. ‘Stellar Spender’ Revenue jumped 14 percent to $681.7 million, exceeding the $652.5 million average of estimates. Stock market gains have helped improve confidence among luxury consumers, who will be the “stellar spender” this holiday season, according to Michael P. Niemira, chief economist at the International Council of Shopping Centers. Sales in the Americas, which make up more than half of Tiffany’s total, rose 9 percent. In Europe, sales gained 22 percent, while in the Asia-Pacific region they increased 24 percent. Tiffany has “hiked prices to counteract the rise in commodities with no apparent detriment to consumer demand,” Brian Sozzi, a New York-based analyst for Wall Street Strategies Inc., wrote in a note today. Sales at all luxury stores open more than a year will increase as much as 8 percent in November and December from a year ago, according to the ICSC.

Coach Is a Holiday Bargain, Cowen’s Champine Says: Tom Keene

Coach Inc., the largest U.S. maker of luxury leather handbags, is likely to be a top-performing retailer this holiday season, according to Laura Champine, an analyst at Cowen & Co. “I would be buying Coach for the holidays,” Champine said in an interview on Bloomberg Television on “Surveillance Midday” with Tom Keene. “I think they’re going to do great with their new product line. We would stay away from Williams- Sonoma.” San-Francisco-based Williams-Sonoma Inc. is a gourmet- cookware retailer. Williams-Sonoma shares fell 43 cents to $33.47 after reaching a 52-week high of $36.82 on Nov. 5. Shoppers across the U.S. during today’s Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, started early to take advantage of deals as they face down a slower economic recovery than projected. Retailers view Black Friday -- so named because that’s when many stores become profitable -- as a bellwether for the entire holiday season. New York-based Coach’s shares fell 73 cents to $55.90 per share, after touching $56.94 yesterday, a 52-week high. Coach’s one-year total return is 58.1 percent. --with assistance from Chris Burrett in Greensboro, North Carolina. Editors: Paul Cox, Dave Liedtka

New Store Offers Affordable Handbags, Accessories

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, CiCi, on Maple Street at Union Place is open for business. The store, which sells women's handbags and accessories, opened two weeks ago and is already seeing its business grow, mainly due to word of mouth. CiCi is the first storefront for owner Vivian Servello, of Mountainside, although she has bee present at street fairs and corporate events in the past. Servello said that she spotted the store's location while in town for Girls' Night Out, and decided to seize the opportunity. "The truth is every time I went to Lord and Taylor and Macy's I saw that I couldn't afford a simple bag… I was like 'wow, you can't even afford to switch up a bag if you want at the end of the season," Servello said of her decision to start her own store. "I want to be able to provide women with affordable handbags that are stylish but you could switch in the spring or with an outfit or, you know, and have fun." The small store is filled wall-to-wall with purses and jewelry, which gives shoppers the comfortable feel of shopping inside a friend's walk-in closet. Servello picks these items from accessories shows in New York, such as Moda and Fame. CiCi is currently open Monday through Saturday, although Servello noted that after Thanksgiving she will be open seven days a week through the holiday season. Servello's current lease is for four months, which she will be using as a test period to see how the store does. If it does well, she said that she would be interested in expanding to a larger location.

The Design Your Dream Handbag Contest

Described as "the new crown jewel in your handbag collection" by retail experts. Princely Couture Handbags are topping holiday lists all around the globe from Dubai to Japan and across the US. Princely Couture Handbags feature the company's signature bows prominently placed on each handbag. The line mixes bows, buttons, rhinestones and woven chain shoulder straps resulting in a perfect fit for every girly girl. With collections called Ladies Who Lunch and The Cocktail Clutch as well as handbags named after date destinations, the question begs, how can't you fall in love? "Lunch with Christian", "Around Town with Miles" and "Cocktails with Curt" are bestsellers that we cannot keep in stock " says, designer and owner Lindsay Monchecourt. "Women appreciate the mix of textiles used in our designs. They also love being able to customize fabrics as well as select the color of the suede or leather to have woven through the chain straps. Princely gives women the opportunity to wear the handbag of their dreams, a perfect expression of themselves." Check out their testimonials page. It's a sonnet of love for the brand. Raina raves " I love, love, love this handbag. The colour combination is beautiful. The tapestry material and chain handle gives it elegance and the silk taffeta bow gives it a touch of whimsical fun. It is roomy enough and holds all of your essential needs without being too big. I've received lots of compliments on this handbag. Very happy with my purchase. Thank you!" The line underwent a year of testing and design before being launched. What emerged is a collection of fabric handbags that maintain their shape and a style truly unique to the market. "The entire creation of our collection is by hand. From our woven chain handles to the couture stitching on our signature bows, Princely is handmade with love." says Monchecourt. Through December 24,2010 anyone can participate in the Design Your Dream Handbag Contest run by Princely Couture Handbags on their website princelycouture.com. The winning design will be created and presented to the selected "guest designer". The selection be featured on the Princely Couture Handbags homepage and announced on Princely Couture Handbags Facebook Page.

Wagga police warn Christmas shoppers to watch for bag snatchers

POLICE are warning shoppers to keep a tight grip on their handbags and wallets leading up to Christmas in the wake of a bag snatching in the Wagga Marketplace. A 21-year-old woman standing at the entrance of the Supr? clothing store had a wallet containing $800 and personal cards snatched from the folded hood of a stroller carrying her child about 1pm on Wednesday. Sadly, a little girl, believed to be about four years old and wearing a pink and white frilly dress, was with a woman and a teenager seen running away as the victim noticed her wallet was missing. Wagga police crime manager, Detective Inspector Rod Smith, said the woman seen running away was described as being about 40 years old, about 158 centimetres tall, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, of chubby build with curly or wavy hair pulled back in a pony tail and wearing black three-quarter pants. The teenager is believed to be about 15, about 158 centimetres tall, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance and thin build. She was wearing a grey top with gold buttons running down the front and a black three-quarter sleeve short underneath, as well as denim shorts. The little girl was also of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appearance. Inspector Smith said shoppers should always keep handbags and wallets with them. "Always have your handbag zipped up and over your shoulder and never leave it or your wallet in a shopping trolley or stroller," Inspector Smith said. Inspector Smith was unable to say if Wednesday's victim was doing Christmas shopping, but if she was the robbery would have been a particularly cruel blow.

Pelham group's used handbag auction helps raise money to help children with vision problems

A Pelham-based organization is hoping to bag lots of bucks Saturday to help children who are visually impaired. An auxiliary group for Sight Savers America is holding a "purse party" to sell more than 3,000 new and gently used donated handbags at The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. The fundraiser will include a sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a silent auction from 1 to 2 p.m., said Linda Long, communications director for the nonprofit group. Money raised from the purse party will go to purchase equipment for visually impaired children whose conditions range from low vision to legal blindness, Long said. The children must qualify to receive the equipment, none of which is covered by insurance. Sight Savers provides a variety of items, including hand-held telescopes and magnifiers and Braille equipment, Long said. Purses to be sold include designer originals, knockoffs, vintage purses and some owned and signed by celebrities such as actress Eva Longoria and singer Sara Evans, Long said. "We've got Coach and Prada bags, current fashion bags, evening purses and an eel-skin briefcase," Long said. "There's something for all ages and everyone's taste." Prices will begin at $2 or under for bargain-bin bags and go up to about $30 for higher-end purses, Long said. Overall pricing is about 50 percent of retail, she said. When organizers settled on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the sale, they decided to take advantage of its falling the day after the Iron Bowl. Both Terry Saban and Jonna Chizik, wives of the Alabama and Auburn head football coaches, donated purses for the event. Barbara Dooley, wife of former Georgia football coach Vince Dooley and mother of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, donated two purses. The designer and celebrity bags will be sold through the 1 p.m. silent auction. Bidders must be present to claim their items, Long said. Trudy Phillips, co-chairwoman of the event, said the group has received purse donations from around the state. "When people realize children age 3 to 12 can't see the world like we can and receiving a piece of equipment that costs up to $2,500 not only can allow them to read a book but give the opportunity for an education, it touches their heart," Phillips said. Long said organizers of the purse party are excited about all the good that can come from the event. "Providing this equipment for children and their families who can't afford the expense can make such a difference," she said. "It changes their lives for the better, making the kids more self-confident and allowing them to do things they've never done before."

New Store Offers Affordable Handbags, Accessories

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, CiCi, on Maple Street at Union Place is open for business. The store, which sells women's handbags and accessories, opened two weeks ago and is already seeing its business grow, mainly due to word of mouth. CiCi is the first storefront for owner Vivian Servello, of Mountainside, although she has bee present at street fairs and corporate events in the past. Servello said that she spotted the store's location while in town for Girls' Night Out, and decided to seize the opportunity. "The truth is every time I went to Lord and Taylor and Macy's I saw that I couldn't afford a simple bag… I was like 'wow, you can't even afford to switch up a bag if you want at the end of the season," Servello said of her decision to start her own store. "I want to be able to provide women with affordable handbags that are stylish but you could switch in the spring or with an outfit or, you know, and have fun." The small store is filled wall-to-wall with purses and jewelry, which gives shoppers the comfortable feel of shopping inside a friend's walk-in closet. Servello picks these items from accessories shows in New York, such as Moda and Fame. CiCi is currently open Monday through Saturday, although Servello noted that after Thanksgiving she will be open seven days a week through the holiday season. Servello's current lease is for four months, which she will be using as a test period to see how the store does. If it does well, she said that she would be interested in expanding to a larger location.

Girls’ Weekend

O h, that time of year is here, when blaze orange becomes the new black, and trucks and trailers are decorated with deer carcasses. But, with hunting season comes another season—Girls Night Out season! Now, I’m not biased, girls can hunt as much as men can, and I’m not morally opposed to the hunting of Bambi. I’m just one of those girls who look horrible in blaze and would prefer not to get up at the crack of dawn and shiver in the cold while suspended in some sort of deer watching hammock. It is something I’ve wanted to try though. The problem is, if shooting darts or pool are any indicators, my aim seems to get better the more angry I get. And I don’t think that me mad with a gun = safety. Maybe if I had a bow and arrow and I was alone in a deer stand/tree house type area. Hmmmmm. . .maybe next year. Anyway, Girls Night Out or Girls Weekend can consist of power shopping, craft fairs, martinis with the gals, spa days, or movie nights. Most restaurants/ bars/venues host a special show, and some groups of gals have a set plan season after season. Last year I was invited to participate in one such Girls Weekend, one that had been in existence for years. Last year, I was the newbie—this year, I charged right in. It’s sometimes difficult to make good girlfriends when you are older and a workaholic. And quite frankly, if you don’t have kids, you don’t have that instant “in” of play dates and mom groups. And, though I love all of my friends who have kids, when you just want to meet someone for a drink after work, or run out of town on a shoe shopping trip, it can be hard to coordinate the single gal schedule with the schedule of a mom (especially when the moms are fantastic mothers and wives, which all of my mom friends are). And whether you are single or married, mom or not, we all need a getaway from our day-to-day lives. And as women we sometimes feel guilt in taking time for ourselves. Like many of you, my brain does the “I should be doing laundry/paperwork/dishes/grocery shopping etc.” rant, but sometimes you just have to shut that little voice off and play hooky. That little voice was running overtime last weekend before the fun started. I was thinking about all of the things I had to get done at work and at home, feeling guilty about taking a night for fun, and as Saturday got closer and closer, I was just worn out, and thinking how nice it would be to just stay home in the storm and read a book.

Phillip Lim Spring/Summer 2011 Handbags

Adopting a more minimalist than ever approach towards his spring collection Phillip Lim managed to provide us with universal and all event -appropriate accessories. The 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring/Summer 2011 handbags collection keeps things more simple both when it comes of shapes and also shades. Neutral tones paired with the classy boxy silhouette would win the heart of those who long for a practical and at the same time dapper detail that would top their casual chic look. Fashion-loving girls will have the privilege to trawl the market for the 3.1. Phillip Lim Spring/Summer 2011 handbags that come in a sight-pleasing simplicity and still filled with an urban chic allure. This season the A-list designer managed to dress down the most glamorous trends of the season and show how the various prints and heart-warming shades can be embedded into a cute business chic or casual look. Mutes shades and neutrals were some of the top options when it comes of chromatic selection whereas the tailoring patterns would be restrained to the clear and fine lines and angles to keep up the super-neat theme of the complete collection. Handbags were also envisioned in the same perspective and made especially with the objective of pleasing the increasing needs of the the fashion pack for versatile accessories that can be used to top the different apparel ideas.Style critics as well as celebs in the front row took a bow to honor the unique and refined style fantasy of Phillip Lim for the SS 2011 season. Eliminate drama and vibration and you'll get the minimalist and sophisticated handbag collection of Phillip Lim for the spring/summer 2011 season. The stylish sportswear designs paired with flirty and sensuous details all made up the main inspiration behind the complete collection. Accessories and especially bags were feminine still radiate a more utilitarian chic approach towards tailoring patterns and also chromatic selection. The shades 'that live in the shadows' as the designer formulated it would come to life hen teamed up with creativity and unique detailing. Consumers will be just thrilled to take home these stylish handbags and match them with their chic shopping spree outfit and more even an office-appropriate apparel. Double-handle totes represented the central pieces of the complete collection. The dapper side zippers as well as the detachable coin purse all turn these stylish accessories into real statement pieces that should feature in the wardrobe of every style puss.

Tiffany Raises Earnings Forecast on Sales of Handbags, New Store Openings

Tiffany & Co., the world’s second- largest luxury jewelry retailer, raised its full-year earnings forecast after third-quarter profit rose 27 percent, helped by new stores and sales of handbags. Profit excluding some items this year will rise to as much as $2.77 a share from $2.12 a year ago, New York-based Tiffany said today in a statement. Analysts estimated $2.64, on average. The shares rose to a record. The jeweler, led by Chief Executive Officer Michael Kowalski, introduced its first handbag collection in 20 years in September to extend the Tiffany brand. Other new accessories include men’s briefcases, purses, wallets and business-card holders. The company operated 225 stores at the end of the third quarter, 10 more than last year, with six being added in the Asia-Pacific region. Tiffany rose $2.54, or 4.4 percent, to $60.81 at 10:25 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading, after reaching $61.30, the highest level since the share were sold to the public in May 1987. Tiffany had gained 36 percent this year before today. Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, the world’s largest jewelry maker, had gained 53 percent before today in Zurich trading. Net Income at Tiffany advanced to $55.1 million, or 43 cents a share, in the three months ended Oct. 31, from $43.3 million, or 35 cents, a year earlier, according to the statement. Excluding costs related to the relocation of headquarter employees, profit was 46 cents. Analysts projected 36 cents, the average of estimates in a Bloomberg survey. ‘Stellar Spender’ Revenue jumped 14 percent to $681.7 million, exceeding the $652.5 million average of estimates. Stock market gains have helped improve confidence among luxury consumers, who will be the “stellar spender” this holiday season, according to Michael P. Niemira, chief economist at the International Council of Shopping Centers. Sales in the Americas, which make up more than half of Tiffany’s total, rose 9 percent. In Europe, sales gained 22 percent, while in the Asia-Pacific region they increased 24 percent. Tiffany has “hiked prices to counteract the rise in commodities with no apparent detriment to consumer demand,” Brian Sozzi, a New York-based analyst for Wall Street Strategies Inc., wrote in a note today.

Tidy bags for free energy flow

Have you ever thought that the principles of feng shui can be applied to almost anything? This week let us do the feng shui of your handbag or briefcase. One of the most important principles is to have a clutter-free bag to allow a good flow of energy. Try to minimise your belongings inside the handbag because if you have too many things it is almost impossible to be tidy and well organised. While purchasing handbags you should select several matching or complimentary smaller bags for things you might carry in. Segregate your belongings according to their requirement and utility. Keep your money in a red wallet along with three Chinese coins that are tied together with a red thread. There is a special way to create trinity — luck of heaven, earth and human —by tying these coins in a triangular pattern. Important documents, papers and tickets should be placed in a yellow small bag. Yellow is the colour of earth element that will help to keep these important papers safe. Zip pocket within the bag should contain only two things like a little white coloured notebook and a pen so that you do not have to scribble around. White symbolises clarity and can help you to totally focus on the day’s agenda. Ideally you need more than one handbag but never keep too many as one tends to accumulate clutter. Hence, one should have a small size bag for daily use, because the bigger the bag the more tempted you are to stuff in. Choice of colours influences one’s personality. According to Chinese astrology, each colour has a significant influence on each individual depending on their date of birth, but as a general rule different colours are connected with different elements. The colours black and white are perhaps the only two colours that are used universally in handbags. Black belongs to the water element and represents power and money. It absorbs all the negative energy and gives you the much-required power. The colour white has an essence of purity. It is believed that a person using white handbag is always open to new suggestions as white is a non-colour, which simply radiates all the other colours. On the contrary a person using a red handbag will be looking for excitement and adventure in life. Red and orange are the colours of love and passion. Only vibrant and lively natured people can afford to carry such a strong coloured bag. The colour green in a handbag has an accent of evolution. The green handbag represents travel and growth. Someone carrying a green handbag is looking for a relationship that involves a lot of outdoor activity. On the other hand a person looking for a long lasting traditional relationship based on truth and honesty should use a blue coloured handbag. Blue is the colour that represents truth, sincerity and support.

Style Snack: Next Faux Fur Chain handbag

Faux fur has to be one of, if not the, biggest Winter trend ever. Its so versatile, and is generally liked by all- no matter your fashion preferences. If you never really took to the whole ‘faux fur coat’ trend, but still have a bit of a thing for the style, then look no further. No longer do we need to just stick to outerwear, or faux fur trimmed boots, because fluffy accents have hit accessories too. I’m not talking trapper hats or gloves and scarves either- faux fur handbags are big news right now. Why should a fabric stop at the practical level of merely keeping us warm? Faux fur looks and feels fab, and to incorporate into accessories it may only prove more so. From Next a gorgeous chain bag oozes funkiness, and adds a splash of originality to an outfit. Limit soft accessories down to one piece, and enjoy the sophistication that the seasonal trends have lent this classic winter fabric. Keep it fresh by teaming with a pair of skinny jeans and a mac, or a cropped leather jacket- there’s always another way, see.. Shop the Style Snack at Next

2010 AMA red carpet handbags

The 2010 American Music Awards, AMA’s, were held today in Los Angeles and the red carpet featured sparkling crystal clutches, metallic minaudieres and formal evening bags paired with one shouldered black Grecian styled gowns as well as festive party attire. Celebrities such as Fergie, Kelly Osborne, Jenny McCarthey, Julie Benz and Keisha walked the red carpet with handbags in hand. Fergie wore a black embroidered handbag that could easily be worn during the day or to a cocktail party paired with a deep blue brocade and lace overlay cocktail dress. Julie Benz walked the red carpet in a one shouldered black gown paired with a geometric gold clutch that could be worn semi-formal or formal. Jada Pickett showed up in a flowing bronze gown paired with a long, rectangular bronze clutch perfect for any formal event. Jeannette McCurdy paired her pale pink party frock with a small black satin clutch that is classic and black-tie worthy. Jenny McCarthy sparkled in a sequin, one shoulder cocktail dress paired with a shiny gold minaudiere. Keisha walked the red carpet in a sky high Mohawk which topped off a revealing gown paired with a small, gold sequin on black satin, tiny evening clutch that featured a small handle which could be worn on the forearm or by hand. Keisha opted to wear her handbag with the strap wrapped on her wrist and clutched in her right hand. Natasha Bedingfield paired a silver and gold clutch with her black and white party dress. Her sophisticated casual look worked perfectly with her handbag which could be worn during the day or with a black dress for evening events. Stana Katic paired her silver sequin dress with an engraved silver clutch perfect for a black or white tie event. To view a slideshow of celebrities with their red carpet handbags at the American Music Awards, AMA, please click on the slideshow to the left of this article near the top. To return to this article, please hit your browsers back button.

Purses and Handbags, Men’s Wallets and Money Clips

The age-old question around the holidays is always what to get for that person who has everything. This year, Ecommerce Superstores’ collection of websites is sure to help you find the perfect gift, no matter who your hard-to-shop-for person might be. Whether school aged, recently a parent, laptop user or just someone who carries money…the right bag or wallet can be found in five minutes or less, guaranteed. Find a wide variety of purses and handbags at YummiHandbags.com. From hobo style to eco-friendly bags, American West to Valentino, YummiHandbags.com is the place to find a bag for your special someone. Categorized by brand, size, shape, even function, the YummiHandbags.com site makes it easy to search, view and ultimately purchase great handbags. For the guys, it’s often even more difficult to choose the right gift. Another site in the Ecommerce Superstores family is WeKnowWallets.com, which offers just about every possible style of men’s wallets out there, from the original Ducti bi-fold wallet, made of 100 percent duct tape, to the Winn International leather magnetic money clip, and all wallets in between. These are just two of the six websites in the Ecommerce Superstores collection of sites. CoolComputerBags.com specializes in computer bags, laptop sleeves and backpacks; TheLuggageExperts.com provides luggage of all types; BackpacksSuperstore.com offers a wide range of backpacks for the whole family; and DiaperBagsOnly.com carries diaper bags in all colors and styles. Each site was created to make the buying process as easy as possible, with simple search options, live online support and free shipping for the holidays on orders over $75. So, start shopping now and mark off one or more people from your list today. About Ecommerce Superstores Founded as a single website offering computer bags in 2007, Ecommerce Superstores is now a collection of niche bag websites selling everything from Handbags and backpacks to diaper bags and wallets. Ecommerce Superstores has grown by providing its customers with great service, great selection and simple websites that make finding the perfect bag (whatever kind of bag) in five minutes or less.

Princely Couture Handbags Announces: The Design Your Dream Handbag Contest

Described as "the new crown jewel in your handbag collection" by retail experts. Princely Couture Handbags are topping holiday lists all around the globe from Dubai to Japan and across the US. Princely Couture Handbags feature the company's signature bows prominently placed on each handbag. The line mixes bows, buttons, rhinestones and woven chain shoulder straps resulting in a perfect fit for every girly girl. With collections called Ladies Who Lunch and The Cocktail Clutch as well as handbags named after date destinations, the question begs, how can't you fall in love? "Lunch with Christian", "Around Town with Miles" and "Cocktails with Curt" are bestsellers that we cannot keep in stock " says, designer and owner Lindsay Monchecourt. "Women appreciate the mix of textiles used in our designs. They also love being able to customize fabrics as well as select the color of the suede or leather to have woven through the chain straps. Princely gives women the opportunity to wear the handbag of their dreams, a perfect expression of themselves." Check out their testimonials page. It's a sonnet of love for the brand. Raina raves " I love, love, love this handbag. The colour combination is beautiful. The tapestry material and chain handle gives it elegance and the silk taffeta bow gives it a touch of whimsical fun. It is roomy enough and holds all of your essential needs without being too big. I've received lots of compliments on this handbag. Very happy with my purchase. Thank you!" The line underwent a year of testing and design before being launched. What emerged is a collection of fabric handbags that maintain their shape and a style truly unique to the market. "The entire creation of our collection is by hand. From our woven chain handles to the couture stitching on our signature bows, Princely is handmade with love." says Monchecourt. Through December 24,2010 anyone can participate in the Design Your Dream Handbag Contest run by Princely Couture Handbags on their website princelycouture.com. The winning design will be created and presented to the selected "guest designer". The selection be featured on the Princely Couture Handbags homepage and announced on Princely Couture Handbags Facebook Page.

French footwear brand adds designer men's bags to its repertoire

French footwear company Heschung has teamed up with storied handbag designer Vincent du Sartel to debut its first line of men's bags. The collection is set to launch in stores on November 22. The Vincent du Sartel for Heschung bags come in three different styles: a shopping tote, a messenger bag, or as a two-handled Boston bag. The shopping tote (€590), messenger bag (€550), and Boston PM Vegetal (€850) are made of vegetable-tanned calf leather while the Boston PM Trapper (€650) is made from slightly greasy calf leather. The Boston PM Toile (€540) is made from nylon canvas. All of the bags possess a discreet yet luxurious touch: cotton gabardine lining. Sartel told Relaxnews in an exclusive interview that his designs were inspired by vintage Heschung ski shoes: 'I went through their archives and studied the stitching and fabrication of the shoes so I could infuse a similar quality in my bags.' Created in the French region of Alsace in 1934, Heschung shoes were initially designed for skiing, hunting and hiking, though they now possess a modern vibe. The Norwegian and Goodyear welts that were used for its ski boots are guarantees of quality and durability and have earned the brand its reputation. Sartel was the one who pitched the idea of launching a line of men's bags to Pierre Heschung: 'I love the savoir-faire and artisan quality of the Heschung brand. My own personal design ethos revolves around craftsmanship and I like working with brands with a long history of tradition.' Sartel - who was the creative director of leather goods for French luxury house Louis Vuitton for more than a decade as well as the former creative director of Spanish luxury brand Loewe for three years - started his workshop Atelier du Sartel in 2006. Today it consults, designs, and fabricates handbags for major fashion houses like Maison Martin Margiela, Ermenegildo Zegna and Davidoff.

After lean years, luxury retailers in Michigan see spike in sales

Local retailers say people are back to buying the best, no matter the cost. • Black Friday preview: Plan your holiday shopping Karen Daskas, co-owner of Tender, an upscale boutique in Birmingham, said her business suffered after the stock market crash in fall 2008, just after the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Wealthy people saw their portfolios dive, and they closed their wallets. Now that the market has seen some recovery, it's a different story. Daskas said customers started shopping more in August. And surprisingly, they were going for the very high-end pieces, such as a $16,000 soft white mink and fox fur coat. Luxury retail sales are an important gauge of the market's recovery because the wealthy consumer typically springs back from recessions ahead of the curve. Nate Forbes, managing partner for the Southfield-based Forbes Co., which owns Somerset Collection in Troy, said he expects sales to rise by 3.5% to 5% at the upscale mall this holiday season as people are feeling better about their job security and are less skeptical about the housing market. Brands doing well at the mall include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Ralph Lauren and MaxMara. "There has been a little bit of a flight to quality this year that you didn't see last year. People are back to buying goods that have a certain timelessness in their design, that have a certain elegance to them," he said.

Women and handbags

Some have described how handbags make them feel complete as they go to work, on a journey or attending some official function. What a valued possession! Making them feel complete clearly underscores how important a handbag is to woman. Handbags come in all sorts of designs and colours, shapes and sizes. We always see them hanging on women's shoulders as they (women) go shopping, attend parties or funerals - literally everywhere. But what really inspires the choice of a handbag that a woman chooses to buy? "For me, it's my personality. Being somebody who is always vivacious and so lively when I walk, I need a handbag that goes with that. That is why my handbags are bright in colour. I also choose that looking at the colours of my outfits. The handbag that I choose for the day should match with what I would be wearing. It helps complete my outfit and makes me feel good. A handbag is a fashion statement," Mareledi Mapini says as she points at her purple handbag. Do all women choose any handbag regardless of the mood that they are in? Not necessarily though some say their choice for the day is influenced by their mood. Interesting. "If I'm in a jolly mood I take a handbag that is bright in colour with some fancy design. That, to me, suits the jolly mood. When I'm in a bad mood, I choose a bag that has a dull colour. My friends know this, so they just look at my hand bag to tell whether I'm in a good mood or not," says 30-year-old Meriane Majaha. She says that a handbag is a part of her and cannot think of a day without one. The choice of the type of handbag that some women take for an occasion is determined by the event itself. Here, the size and the colour matter. "When going for dinner, I take a clutch bag. "When going to a wedding, I take something bigger than that in which I can carry all the stuff I need: make-up kit, washing rag, mirror, change clothes, etc; the colour has to show that I'm going to a happy occasion," Khumo Johannes also shares her experience with handbags. But what is in a handbag? "I put so many things in here: my purse, car and house keys, cell phone, card holder, diary, pen, sanitary pads, toothbrush, toothpaste, clothes, shoes, wet wipers or tissues, chewing gum, you know what, the list is endless. A handbag helps a woman to be organised. "Once you have bought a handbag organiser, you put each item in its own compartment, so, you do not waste time looking for what you want in your handbag," Keitumetse Tom says.

The 2010 American Music Awards, AMA’s, were held today in Los Angeles and the red carpet featured sparkling crystal clutches, metallic minaudieres and formal evening bags paired with one shouldered black Grecian styled gowns as well as festive party atti

The 2010 American Music Awards, AMA’s, were held today in Los Angeles and the red carpet featured sparkling crystal clutches, metallic minaudieres and formal evening bags paired with one shouldered black Grecian styled gowns as well as festive party attire. Celebrities such as Fergie, Kelly Osborne, Jenny McCarthey, Julie Benz and Keisha walked the red carpet with handbags in hand. Fergie wore a black embroidered handbag that could easily be worn during the day or to a cocktail party paired with a deep blue brocade and lace overlay cocktail dress. Julie Benz walked the red carpet in a one shouldered black gown paired with a geometric gold clutch that could be worn semi-formal or formal. Jada Pickett showed up in a flowing bronze gown paired with a long, rectangular bronze clutch perfect for any formal event. Jeannette McCurdy paired her pale pink party frock with a small black satin clutch that is classic and black-tie worthy. Jenny McCarthy sparkled in a sequin, one shoulder cocktail dress paired with a shiny gold minaudiere. Keisha walked the red carpet in a sky high Mohawk which topped off a revealing gown paired with a small, gold sequin on black satin, tiny evening clutch that featured a small handle which could be worn on the forearm or by hand. Keisha opted to wear her handbag with the strap wrapped on her wrist and clutched in her right hand. Natasha Bedingfield paired a silver and gold clutch with her black and white party dress. Her sophisticated casual look worked perfectly with her handbag which could be worn during the day or with a black dress for evening events. Stana Katic paired her silver sequin dress with an engraved silver clutch perfect for a black or white tie event.

Accessories Maketh the Woman

The runways are silent, the lights have dimmed and the seats are empty. Jakarta Fashion Week 2010/2011 is officially over, but that doesn’t mean that the annual weeklong show won’t have a lasting impact on the country’s fashion industry for months to come. One prominent event during this year’s Fashion Week was the Lomba Perancang Aksesori (Accessories Design Competition). The competition was specifically designed to put hot, young talent in the spotlight while introducing a wide range of new accessory trends. Loaded with talent and amazing designs, this year’s contest, titled “Modern Urbanites,” more than accomplished both of these goals. Held on Nov. 6, the show featured creations from 15 finalists in the categories of custom jewelry, handbags and shoes. Things got underway in front of a standing room only crowd with the appearance of three models wearing black dresses and sparkling necklaces, bangles and earrings, all designed by Anindita Putri. The accessories, made from colorful acrylics, gave the models a fresh and playful air as they pranced down the runway. Anindita’s creations reflected trends seen at the biggest fashion shows around the world this year. “In the New York, Paris and London fashion weeks that I attended, I saw similar pieces making strong fashion statements. I think this type of jewelry will become a hot trend next year,” said Zornia Harisantoso, chairwoman of the competition jury and editor in chief of Grazia Indonesia fashion magazine.

Keep handbags hidden and out of reach

IT is unfortunate for Amarjit Kaur that she had her bag snatched from her car when she stopped at a red light “Grateful for kind souls in time of trouble” (The Star, Nov 11). I cannot help but feel that she is partly to be blamed because she could have put her bag on the floor of the car, out of reach of even the most skilled snatch thief, but she didn’t. Given that there have been many cases of snatch thieves on motorbikes smashing car windscreens to snatch handbags left on the passenger seat, it is puzzling that many women drivers continue to place their handbags on that risky passenger seat. What makes them think this kind of incidents will not happen to them? Why have they not wised up to the fact that snatch thieves are skilful at targeting their prey. Ladies, get your act together. Stop making yourselves easy and helpless victims. There is no point in moaning about the rising crime rate if people themselves failed to take the necessary precautions. No doubt, we cannot completely stop crime and criminals, but we can do everything in our power to make it not so easy for them.

Boots and bags add polish

Actually, not only are handbags and shoes both pretty important this fall season -- boots are too. These accessories are statement pieces. That means that they stand out with lots of style and personality. This season's clothing style is so minimalist, that ladies are going to have to use their accessory to pack their fashion punch. Keep in mind that this season is very sensible and functional. So, crazy over-the-top looks are not in fashion. There is a hip, street-smart trend that has a very urban appeal. The accessory look is very downtown. You have things to carry and places to walk to, with as much style as you can carry. There is an order of importance. Boots are always a must in every fall wardrobe. If you can manage one casual pair and one fancy pair, then you are good to go. I usually reserve black for fancy occasions and brown for casual outings. Boots are definitely comfortable with lots of whimsy. Even the heels are comfortable as the wedge heel is still in fashion and can be found in pumps and desert boots. Riding boots have the same style as in the past, yet the colour of the leather needs to be rich, in brown or black. The Frye boot puts a smile on my face as they are back in fashion with a vengeance and I used to wear them in high school. They are by far the best casual boot this season. For trendier boot styles, look for glossy leather with detailing. The buckles are shiny and noticeable. Many lace-up boots have ribbon instead of regular laces. There is fur or fringe trim on ankle to mid-calf boot styles. Boots and handbags really incorporate a lot of detailing this season. The next in order of importance is your handbag. It is a great time to buy a new handbag because there is a lot of styling in the bag. Handbags are structured with intriguing design elements. Bags inspired by the Hermès Kelly bag are a great option for a fancy or professional look. The messenger bag is also popular this season. Both can be finished in regular canvas or leather as well as be embossed in a less than neutral leather colour. The Kelly bag has hard leather handles with its classic frame. The messenger bag integrates contrast suede straps. Although both of these bags have traditional attributes, their detailing can really make a statement for you.

The only way a Birkin should be carried is open

So I'm having lunch at Claridge's with Victoria Beckham (as you do) and as we mill around for quite some time waiting to be seated, my dear muckerina Hilary Alexander of The Daily Telegraph hands me my perfume and BlackBerry, which she had, entirely unbeknownst to me, lifted from my handbag only seconds before. "It'll be your purse next," says the good lady in question (henceforward she will be known as the Artful Alexander). In truth, though, she was making the point that, gaping open as it does, my bag might prove rich pickings for anyone with either their hands or heart set on such things. "I'm only being protective," she continued, in case I was considering pressing charges, presumably. I am, of course, not alone in carrying my possessions in an open receptacle – the more wide open the better, all the easier to reach into. In fact, it appears to be one of the fashion follower's golden rules to do just that. The only way a Hermès Birkin or – even more so – a Kelly bag ever appears to be carried, for example, is open. I know that's true, having seen any number of celebrities doing just that – from Kate Moss (pictured) to, yes, VB. But why? For my part, sheer laziness, not to mention a genetic weakness regarding anything even remotely associated with co-ordination, decrees that the endless opening and closing of handbags is not an option. I'm that irritating person at the counter, faffing around with complicated fastenings and holding everyone else up. In this, the reasons behind any sartorial idiosyncrasy has its roots in pragmatism over and above style. That is probably not the case elsewhere. A status bag is all well and good, but it's also somewhat on the smart side. Smart is rarely fashionable and so, while mere mortals might protect such precious items, wrapping them carefully in their dust sheaths once they're done with them, the rich and famous prefer theirs battered to within an inch of their lives. And never closed. The luxury of not caring is the story here, whatever the consequences.

Online counterfeit sales worry luxury brands

While surfing a popular Korean news website, Anna Lee, a 36-year-old office worker, noticed a small ad with flashing images of luxury handbags. One click later, and she was looking at a website filled with authentic-looking designer bags being sold for a fraction of the original price. ``The bags looked new and real. I saw a Chanel bag for only 280,000 won, but after looking at the price, I guessed it was a fake. A real bag wouldn’t be that cheap,’’ she said, noting that the Chanel purse would normally cost more than 3 million won. Lee is still thinking about whether to order the ``real-looking’’ Chanel purse from the website, noting that online shopping offers convenience and privacy. ``No one will know if I bought the bag online,’’ she laughed. It used to be that one had to go to Itaewon to purchase those infamous Louis Vuitton or Chanel ``super-fake’’ handbags. These days, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of websites selling counterfeit luxury branded bags, shoes, accessories and clothes. Visit any Korean search engine, type in the words Louis Vuitton and it will come back with results not just for the official website, but with sponsored links to dubious-looking sites selling the latest ``it’’ handbags. These sponsored links and websites represent a new headache for luxury brand companies and Korean authorities, who already have to contend with the steady stream of counterfeit bags for sale on the streets of Seoul. ``You have these advertising links flashing up on legitimate websites, and it will take you to other websites, whose servers are often based outside of Korea. That causes problems for taking enforcement action against them. It’s difficult to close a website, but when it’s outside Korea, it’s an even bigger challenge for brand owners and Korean authorities,’’ Tom Duke, director of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) IP Centre, told The Korea Times, Wednesday. The IP Centre works with EUCCK member companies, especially on trademark and design protection. The websites are usually in Korean, obviously targeting Korean consumers, but the servers are based in Hong Kong and China, making it hard for authorities to track them down and force their closure. A few years ago, fake designer goods were popping up in legitimate online marketplaces like Gmarket, Auction and 11st Street. The websites have been working with luxury brands on a system where they can report suspected sellers of fake luxury items. After an investigation, the sellers’ accounts can be deleted from the website. It has worked well, but counterfeiters have found ways to circumvent the system by posting links to off-shore websites. ``A lot of these activities are being driven off the main sites. But the problem is you have the hard core on the sites, the people who can keep coming back and re-registering on the same site with different IDs, which technically should not happen, but it does,’’ Duke said. The Korea Times still found a few sellers offering suspicious-looking Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton bags on Gmarket, with links to external websites.

Holiday vendors have returned to Lakeshore Mall

From Miche Handbags, Thomas Kinkade prints, Swarovski crystal items to dips for chips, calendars and embroidered hunting shirts, the holiday vendors at Lakeshore Mall have a variety of merchandise to sell. Many of the kiosks have been set up at the Sebring mall and those that haven't will likely do so soon as the Christmas shopping season will kick into high gear at the end of this week. According to Jenny Cheek, the mall's general manager, at least 10 holiday vendors had committed as of Thursday to being there and more are expected. Cheek said Lakeshore has more seasonal vendors this year than in 2009. This is the first year for The Gourmet Snack Shack at Lakeshore that features cinnamon roasted nuts — pecans, almonds, cashews, peanuts. Charles Caraway, who operates the kiosk, said he will have a variety of gift tins that customers will fill fresh with chocolate nuts, salted nuts, the cinnamon nuts and candy. "It is gift ideas that you package yourself," he said. "It's something for people who you don't know what to buy for." "We'll be cooking, the closer it gets to Christmas, we'll be cooking the whole time we are here," Caraway said. "The mall will be smelled up with it (the aroma). In Lake Wales, no matter what door you would walk in, you would smell it," he added. "In December you smell the nuts cooking." Caraway, who lives in Lake Wales, said The Gourmet Snack Shack was at Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales for six years. He noted that the reason for leaving Eagle Ridge was that the mall moved him to a different location because somebody wanted the spot he had occupied there. Caraway explained that he has been selling electronic cigarettes for four months at Lakeshore. He added that he also sells the electronic cigarettes in Lake Wales. "We came here to do that," Caraway said. "As we are already here, we decided to do this again (the snack shack) because it has never been here according to Jenny (Cheek)." Caraway said he is planning to operate the snack shack at Lakeshore for six months to see how it goes. He noted that he recently signed a year lease for the electronic cigarettes. It had been on a month-to-month basis. John Butler and his wife Karen operate The Butlers. They sell personalized piggybanks, ornaments, room signs and all sports bags among other things. The couple lives in upstate New York and participates in weekend craft shows in the north. They spend the winter in Sebring. They set up their location in the mall Nov. 2, and Butler said it has been slow so far. Butler said they have had "decent" winters in previous years at the mall and are hopeful about this year. "We are keeping our fingers crossed," he said. Other vendors include: Julie's Art and Gifts, Hamilton's personalized Christmas ornaments, Where U Find It, Guarded Treasures (floral arrangements), Discounted Cellular, Portrait Masters (family portraits), Calendar Club (calendars and games), LaCroix Creations (angel pins and decorations) and All-American Dips (chips and vegetables). Mall hours will vary during the holidays. It will be open at 6 a.m. Nov. 26 and from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Nov. 27 and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Nov. 28. Hours on Christmas Eve are 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. The mall will be closed Dec. 25. Santa Claus is now available to hear children's wishes Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Sundays, noon - 6 p.m. Santa's visit to the mall will extend until Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. when he begins his Christmas trek around the world. Santa is located in front of JCPenney. There is no charge to visit Santa. However, visitors may purchase a photo with Santa. Donations for the Humane Society of Highlands County will be accepted where Santa is visiting. In addition to cash, people may donate food.

Where to Get Coach Handbags Online Black Friday Deals are at Tanger Outlets

Coach’s is a very well-known brand name in American designer handbags and accessories – including shoes. They have been one of many top brands of apparel accessories since they started hand crafting leather items in 1941. Several products are offered at many different prices which are marketed for many segments or styles. The selling price for a Coach Bag is around 0 to 0 based if it’s a closeout or new style. Their own factory outlets supply the same high quality purses, wallets and fashion accessories that are available in the retailers such as Neiman Marcus or their web store. Each item has a serial number and lifelong warranty that indicates that it is authentic. Coach merchandise are usually viewed as high-end brands, but offered at cheap prices. These days most people searching for COACH products will look for one at a Coach Factory Outlet Stores, in search of a steeper discounts. These outlets are located in major locations within the US, such as the Tanger Outlets in Branson Missourri, Prime Mall Outlet in Orlando, Fl, or the Premium Outlets in Chicago, Il. These places are destined shopping locations for additional outlet retailers and Coach has more than 900 retail locations around the world. Coin handbags are found to be the most inexpensive bags to get through COACH, a small coin purse or bag. You will probably pay around $ 38 to and they range to around . The identifying attribute which establishes the purchase price is by the material and over all size by which it is produced, particular adornments (tassles, embossed leather, special patterns like the Disney exclusives) can add to the value. Small Hand Bags and Totes will generally cost a minimum of 0. These kinds of designs include clutch bags, the sack, the swingpack, and the cross body will be coming in at around $ 138 to $ 258. Coach handbags with imitation (artificial) python fabric or gem beads cost $ 298. Medium to larger sized handbags can start around 0, and will be different primarily based on the sizing and type. Medium Sized Coach handbags are the best items and include things like the hobo and satchel, which cost between 0 and $ 350. Larger styles consist of items like the carry all and shoulder bag, that start at about $ 350, and can have cost well over 0, like the Madison Embossed Tessa (for $ 798) or the Madison Embossed Jordana (for $ 698). Wristlets and wallets are great and trendy, these are extremely popular for young women. They are made with a slender strap that enables you to carrier to purse round the arm. They are affordable but small compared to the medium to large purses that women typically carry. Coach wristlets and wallets costs start at about , but can you might pay over $ 100 for exclusives, new arrivals or ones with special fabrics and metals.

This season’s It bag – the rucksack

“I almost think the rucksack is the ultimate bag for the 21st century,” says Katie Hillier, Marc Jacobs’ accessories designer. “It’s a completely functional, unisex bag that ticks all the right boxes.”

Ed Burstell, buying director of London department store Liberty, is unconvinced: “Imagine a chief executive swinging into the boardroom with a rucksack on her back. She’s not recapturing her youth, it’s just silly.”

So who’s right? It depends on the rucksack in question – and this season labels from Chanel to Mulberry have all proposed versions of their own – and on how, exactly, you wear it. What is clear is that the object at issue is no longer your backpacker’s rucksack.

Liberty, for example, offers Jas MB vintage leather rucksacks (£230) nestled among its Miu Miu/Givenchy/Céline handbags. Eastpak – a brand loved by photographers and students – applies prints by the likes of Eley Kishimoto and Peter Pilotto to its practical shape (from £35). Jean Paul Gaultier has a fur-trimmed, embroidered number, just about big enough for an iPhone. At Chanel, the look is quilted.

Michael Kors has designed flat and slouchy rucksacks in distressed brown leather; Etro’s grown-up version of the schoolbag comes with a buckled strap to go over both shoulders; Marc Jacobs’ “Army Handhack” (£120) is a zippy, drawstring backpack with leather flaps, buckles, laces and zips in soldier khaki and high-octane orange; and Alexander Wang has made rucksacks from the same fabric as his ready-to-wear, for those who like to match.

As a result, Burstell admits, “There’s a little sliver of a cool moment about a rucksack right now.” And the truth is, he adds, they do sell.

CVS now recalling shopping bags for lead levels

TAMPA - Drug store giant CVS is recalling a line of their reusable bags companywide after tests showed the bags contain elevated levels of the toxin lead. The move comes after a Tampa Tribune investigation found several grocery store companies were selling bags with levels of lead that alarmed health advocates, and could require special handling as hazardous waste when ultimately thrown out. CVS Caremark is the nation's largest pharmacy chain, with more than 7,100 locations nationwide. The recall affects just one kind of CVS bag, a 99-cent green-colored, square bag made of a mesh-like material. CVS officials declined to say how much lead was in that particular bag, but said they had run new tests this week and found the levels exceed 100 parts per million. Federal standards prohibit paint on products that contain more than 90 parts per million. The bag is the same variety held up by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, who after the Tribune report, called for a federal probe of reusable grocery bags. "There is no evidence that the use of this bag is harmful to consumers," the company said in a statement to the Tribune. "It is being voluntarily recalled as a matter of precaution." Lead is considered a toxin that can cause learning disabilities in children and fertility problems in adults, among other problems. CVS sells other types of bag that have no lead content, or lead content below 100 parts per million, the company wrote in a statement. This follows a similar move by grocer Winn-Dixie, which voluntarily stopped selling a bag that showed elevated levels of lead in tests commissioned by the Tribune. Both CVS and Winn-Dixie are telling customers they can bring the bags back to the store for a full refund. Sunday, the Tampa Tribune will publish a report tracing the origins of different kinds of bags, and why some bags contain lead. Or click on the link above to read the story now.

Orlando Magic bag third straight with a win over Phoenix Suns

The Orlando Magic came out firing right from the opening tip as they cruised past Phoenix Suns, 105-89, for their third straight win on Thursday 18 November at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Dwight Howard dominated inside as he finished the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Jameer Nelson racked up 15 points and season-high 12 assists for Orlando, who took advantage of Steve Nash’s absence. The two-time MVP, Nash, missed the game with a sore groin, and the Suns struggled to execute their offence without their crafty point guard that led to their second-straight humbling defeat. “Everything on that team revolves around Steve Nash, so they didn't have him tonight and they struggled,” said Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy after the game. “They are an up-and-down team that scores a lot of points. And without Steve Nash, it's hard for them to play at that pace.” Quentin Richardson also had an outstanding game with his 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting, while Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter added 13 points apiece for the Magic, who built an early 31-15 lead at the end of the first period. Orlando continued to sizzle in the second period and they built a huge 62-34 half-time lead, and they never looked back to take their eighth win in their first 11 games this season. Goran Dragic started for the first time this season and he finished with 10 points, four assists, and four rebounds, while veteran forward Grant Hill had 21 points for the Suns, who absorbed a 123-96 loss against the Miami Heat on Wednesday 17 November. “Trust me. I've come to Florida before and lost twice, too,” said Hill on their two-straight lopsided defeat. “It's always tough to lose on national television twice, but we've got some new guys. We are still learning each other. It's a long season.” After the game, Suns head coach Alvin Gentry said that Nash could have played but they opted to sit him out to avoid aggravating his injury, but their decision took away the flow of their offence especially their run-and-gun style of play. “Can they play without Dwight? Can the Lakers play without Kobe? Nash is our Kobe; he is our Dwight. He's the engine that makes the car go,” said Gentry after the game. Steve Nash is expected to return on Saturday 20 November, and help the Suns in their bid to end their two-game skid against the Charlotte Bobcats. The Magic, on the other hand, will try to make it four-straight when they travel to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers also on Saturday 20 November.

New Direction for Chinese M&A: Brand Names?

Could China’s taste for acquisitions abroad soon shift from iron ore and autos to handbags and Hollywood? That is what speakers discussing the future of China’s outbound M&A at the Journal’s China Financial Markets conference in Beijing believe is likely. But they also think there will be hiccups along the way, similar to the experience of Japanese companies during their outbound splurge in the country’s bubble years. In recent years the Chinese have largely concentrated on acquisitions in energy, mining and cars led by state-owned players. But now more closely held businesses are out shopping for brand-name companies in the U.S. and Europe and looking to sell their products in China’s fast-growing market said Wang Ran, chief executive of boutique investment bank China eCapital. Bloomberg News Will handbags be the new iron ore for China? “We’re beginning to see a second wave of M&A initiatives diversifying away from those heavy industries,” he said Tuesday in Beijing. In the year to date, Chinese outbound M&A is running at a record vale of $47.8 billion across 274 deals, according to data providers. Wang said also noted Chinese film companies are interested in acquiring stakes in Hollywood film studios to gain access to their libraries. Like what happened when Japanese firms sought trophy assets in the late 1980s and early 1990s, many deals may run into trouble as the new owners try to manage their purchases. Matsushita Electric Industrial had a tense, combative relationship with the management of Hollywood movie studio MCA and eventually sold its 80% stake in 1995. Wu Yibing, president CITIC Private Equity Funds Management Co., said the biggest struggle Chinese companies have making acquisitions is integrating the company afterwards. If Chinese managers were to ask themselves if they could manage foreign companies, “I would say 90% of the rational Chinese buyers would answer no,” said Wu, adding resource deals have predominated to date because they are simpler to manage. For the last two years, Chinese companies have mostly coveted overseas oil and gas assets, according to Dealogic. Some of the well-known obstacles Chinese companies face are linguistic, cultural and regulatory, said Fred Hu, chairman of Primavera Capital Corp. Hu’s advice to Chinese companies is to do their homework thoroughly before pouncing, and also communicate extensively with regulators and the public to ease fears of what he called the “800-pound gorilla that’s called China.”

Crown & Goose owner doubles as a high profile, handbag designer

The moment you step inside Crown & Goose in the Old City, you notice a sense of artistry and creativity, especially at Christmas. "I'm passionate about design," says Patricia Nash. And that shows throughout the pub. But the Crown and Goose isn't her only business. Patricia doubles as a high profile designer and has so for 20 years, creating accessories for private labels and brands. However, these days, she's working for herself. "It's old world feel in a current trend bag." Patricia launched her own handbag line two months ago in New York. It's a dream that started in a high school sewing class. "I actually made a bag out of left over sewing material." And, Patricia developed a love for Italian leather during frequent work trips to Europe. "The smell of it is amazing to me. Besides good food, what smells better!" To date, Patricia's handbag collection includes 18 designs. "A hundred years ago when they made bags in Italy, all the edges would be raw and they would burn the edge." She's replicated that classic technique and modernized the bags with pockets, making them more functional. "I'm just really overwhelmed at how popular they are." Ironically, her favorite bag is her very first creation. "It still remains my favorite and still remains to be one of the top sellers." But she's always dreaming up new looks. And, what better place for ides than people watching at the pub. Crown and Goose is her home away from home. "I'm probably on the road most weeks and some days. I'm gone about 10-15 days a months." Patricia's skipping the globe from her factory in China to her showroom in New York. "They kind of laugh at me in New York and ask, 'Why are you living there?' I tell them Knoxville is the best kept secret there is." Even though her trademark might resemble an East Tennessee dogwood, it's remnant of Italian wineries she drew up in the pub. "I started sketching out a grape leaf.. put them together and made a little dot in the middle." And now, that Patricia Nash logo is being carried around the world. You can find her handbags at Dillard's stores nationwide and also on her website.

Vegetarian policy violated rights, former worker says

A former employee of a Montreal company specializing in vegetarian handbags is complaining that a workplace policy banning meat from the office violates her rights as a carnivore. Matt & Nat has been making animal-free, faux leather purses and belts for 15 years as part of its vegetarian philosophy. But a former employee, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the CBC that she was forced to sneak meat into her purse and hide it in her car to get around the company’s strict no-meat policy. “It’s a free country,” she told the broadcaster. “I think we should eat what we want.” The company’s founder and creative director, Inder Bedi, said the no-meat policy has been around since he started the company in 1995 as part of a school project for Concordia University. Employees are told upfront in the job interview that the company is a meat-free zone. “This is very much a vegan company, and we just felt it would be odd if we had meat and fish floating around the premises,” he said in an interview. “So meat and fish are banned. But no, we do not police it; we do not go around checking people’s lunches and people do make mistakes.” Most of the company’s 18 employees are not vegetarians, but none has complained about not being able to eat meat at lunch, or at restaurants while representing the company, Mr. Bedi said. Employees are free to lunch at the dozens of non-vegetarian restaurants in the area, or eat their meat on street benches in front of the company’s head office, he said. Otherwise they can participate in the company’s meat-free potlucks and scour through the in-house library of vegetarian cookbooks. Mr. Bedi said he was surprised by the sudden attention the company’s vegetarian policy has been getting and that anyone could consider it a human rights issue. “I’m not going to lie, it’s become a little bit of a humorous topic in the office,” he said. While the Quebec Human Rights Commission said the employee’s complaint is an “interesting” issue, it has no plans to investigate it as a human rights complaint. Spokeswoman Patricia Poirier said the commission has not yet received a complaint, and it’s unlikely the right to eat meat qualifies as one of the 13 grounds of discrimination under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Those grounds include race, religion, sexual orientation, age and physical disability. “We’ve never studied the question and it’s a new issue,” Ms. Poirier said, adding that “it’s not even clear if it’s a human rights issue.” Companies have a right to protect the safety of their workplace and the integrity of their product, but the issue becomes murkier when a business requires an employee’s commitment to the philosophy of the brand, said Cara Zwibel, director of the fundamental freedoms project at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.