Corso Como Handbag- $198.00

Several weeks ago, I caught wind of new news in Corso Como. If you’re already familiar with this brand for their fabulous shoes, well you’ll be excited to learn that these famous kicks now have handbags to pair with! Here’s a pic of my new bag and I absolutely LOVE it. It is made of genuine leather and is so soft. But what we think gives it real personality is the fun liner to spice up this black classic look.

Karen Rutkowski, President of Corso Como Handbags chatted with us about her venture into this new line and the exciting path she has begun with the brand. I so enjoyed our conversation and we probably could have chatted all day. But here is a little bit of what she had to tell us:

LDB: So Karen, tell us about the beginning of your company. When/how did you get started and tell us how you have seen the brand grow so far.

KR: I have worked on the corporate side of the fashion industry for over 20 years and in September 2009 I found myself at a crossroads. While considering the possibility of going out on my own, I ran into Max Herrell the President of Corso Como Footwear at a trade show and a new opportunity presented itself. So I traveled with them to learn more of what they were about. I was impressed by the way they grew their brand. So, we came to an agreement about creating a corporation for Corso Como Handbags.

LDB: At what point did you decide that this was the right career for you?

KR: In college, I majored in Marketing and minored in Textiles. I moved into a career in fashion pretty much right away. I began as an intern for Esprit and eventually moved into retail and sales. I worked for the Esprit brand for 17 years, right up until their U.S. operations closed. During my time there, I moved to Dallas to work for Esprit accessories which is where much of my experience with handbags came from. Eventually, we could see that careers in retail and sales were decreasing. Where there used to be a need for twelve sales people, there was now only four.

LDB: What has been the most exciting experience for you since your launch?

KR: There have been so many! I can’t choose just one. I love supporting small boutiques. They have some fun finds and handcrafted pieces worth spending a little more for. I love to mix more expensive pieces with less expensive ones in my wardrobe. I might wear a T-shirt from Target with a great piece of jewelry that I paid much more for. And I believe that most women today who love fashion do that too.

LDB: What makes your bags unique?

KR: Max is already known for making shoes that are very comfortable, so handbags are also functional and practical while keeping a great sense of style. Women today are multi-faceted, involved in their career but also a mom of kids and involved in their community. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the handbag is, if it doesn’t have pockets or your wallet doesn’t fit then it sits in the closet. We think about these things.

The type of leather we use is also unique. We use material like metallic snake overlay, sparkle leather (which is a lamb leather with a sparkle overlay), metallic croc and even embroidery on leather. The natural material we use keep the bags from having a lot of structure.

LDB: Where do you look for inspiration?

We have a small team and it is very much a collaborative effort. We find our inspiration from trade shows, leather shows and we shop a LOT at all kinds of places including vintage and flea markets. We travel and pick up pieces throughout the year that we love. We are careful to watch the trends and consider how they relate to our brands’ “fashion with functionality” message. The most important piece we decide on first is the leather or fabric, then we consider color and finally the silhouette. We try to stay within the shoe color themes and fabric to keep a cohesive look throughout the brand.

LDB: What can we look forward to seeing more of from Corso Como Handbags?

Well, we have enough going on now with the recent launch, but you can look forward to seeing a lower-tiered handbag brand in the next couple of years…Ciao Bella!

LDB: Where would LDB readers find you when you aren’t working to launch a brand?

Well, I’m a mom of three kids: 14 and 10 year old twins! They are my #1 priority and more than anything else, I am a mom first. A couple of years ago, I participated in my first triathlon which was also a lot of fun and definitely something I would do again.

Click here for more on Corso Como’s new line of handbags. We certainly found our favorites and I will bring you new updates on Karen’s line as we hear about them. Best of luck, Karen and thanks for sharing your story with LDB.

LDB: I love the fresh look you give each design. How were you inspired to start your collection of jewelry? And tell us about the materials you use.

LLD: Thanks for your sweet words! I made jewelry in high school, but it wasn’t until a trip to San Diego, California after my first son was born that I got really inspired to make my own jewelry. I bought a few bracelets and then had an I-could-make-these moment. So I did!

My jewelry has changed over the years as I’ve learned new techniques and have grown into my own style. We use mainly sterling silver and cream freshwater pearls to create our signature look!

LDB: What part of the design process do you enjoy the most?

LLD: The design process is so much fun! My favorite part is seeing an idea go from a sketch to a real-life necklace hung around someone’s neck. And the first time I see a new completed design, I always think it’s the best one we’ve ever done.

LDB: What has been the most exciting for you since launching your jewelry line?

LLD: It’s been so exciting to watch the business grow. Being featured in magazines like Parenting and Glamour is thrilling. We did a local morning show in Birmingham, Alabama and it was my first experience with anything like that. Also, seeing celebrities wearing my jewelry is completely surreal.

LDB: What methods  do you use to market and sell your items? Are you currently sold in boutique stores?

LLD: Certainly our best advertising comes from word-of-mouth. Blogging has also been incredible for my business because people really want to know the artist behind the creations. We sell mostly through our online store at lisaleonardonline.com. We have a few boutiques that carry our designs, but we really focus on retail. If you are in California, check out Hands Gallery in San Luis Obispo- love them!

LDB: What’s next for Lisa Leonard Designs?

LLD: Hmmm, good question! Our plan is to keep making jewelry and we hope people continue to love it. We’ve got a couple new designs we’ll introduce in the next few weeks- so stay tuned!

Click here to browse Lisa’s full collection. Such a great gift idea for mom or grandma. Get Mother’s Day done early this year!

We love Lisa Leonard Designs!

Laura uses Swarovski crystals and Semi-Precious stones on most of her designs, which makes $5.00 an AMAZING DEAL.

Click here to shop online. Pick up a few gifts for others…and maybe one or two for yourself, too.

Happy Shopping!

Talk about a Stocking Stuffer!

Erica is one of the most interesting, self-motivated designers I’ve met in a long time. Her concept for fun, witty socks is so fun and a little bit nuts. We first met Erica at Unique L.A. about a month ago and even thought I’m not much of a sock girl, I couldn’t help but get drawn over to her booth. Even I had to admit…these socks are hot! Sit back and enjoy…ROCK SOCKS!

LDB: So what first got you started in designing socks?

RS: For years I’ve worn shorts and knee socks as my everyday “uniform” the way some people wear jeans and flip flops. I had been toying with the idea of designing socks for a while, because there are very few companies making interesting, stylish socks, but didn’t actually take the plunge until last year. Seeing the amazing variety of hip Obama gear and products I thought ‘Somebody needs to make Obama socks!’ Then I realized that there was no reason I shouldn’t be the person to make Obama socks and voila! The world had its first-ever presidential knee socks and I had a sock company.

Actually, it’s great because I’ve worked in fashion most of my adult life and I finally feel as though I’m putting my English BA to good use! Putting the power of words on socks.

LDB: What has been the response so far?

RS: The response to Obama socks was huge and immediate - they were featured in everything from Marie Claire to LA Weekly and I couldn’t keep up with the sales. That success allowed me to introduce a full line which is also doing really, really well. Quirky socks are a niche but these socks are very unique and fun; the people that like them REALLY like them. A lot of people buy them as gifts because they are playful, useful, unique and affordable.

We’re doing especially well in hip, indie cities like Portland. And there’s been an awesome response in Japan.

LDB: Can you tell us what new socks we can look forward to seeing soon?

RS: I can’t give away my secrets, but by late October there will be a whole new group of word socks (check www.rocksocks.net or our Fan Page on Facebook for updates). They won’t be styled like retro tube socks; they are dress socks. I describe the new collection as the kind of socks Oscar Wilde would wear if he were alive today and listening to the Ramones and hanging out with Rodney Bingenheimer.

LDB: Where can we find you when you’re not designing and promoting your business?

RS: When I’m not working on Rock Socks, I’m buying vintage clothes - I’m a huge collector (I co-authored and photographed Rock Tease (Abrams Image, 2006), the first book about vintage rock T-shirts), urban hiking (aka walking in LA), shopping at Amoeba or traveling. I am also a partner in Portland’s Red Light Clothing Exchange, a huge vintage clothing emporium. The Red Light keeps me pretty busy - it’s a rock star clothing junkie’s Candyland.

Erica is smart, hip and quick-witted…all of which is reflected in her sock collection. I’m looking forward to more. I’m not sure what to make of Oscar Wilde/Ramones/Rodney Bingenheimer dress socks. (?) We’ll wait and see. For more information on Rock Socks or to inquire about a wholesale order for your store, click here to contact Erica directly.

Thanks, Erica for taking time out with LDB. We wish you the very best with Rock Socks!

Reddoll- $495.00

by Elizabeth Oswald

I’ll admit I’ve never really put to much effort into thinking about Winter Coats. Never really needed them in Arizona.

Thankfully (because I actually love coats) I just relocated to cold climates (actually still in the process of getting settled), so now I definitely need a Winter Coat. Here’s what I have found:
Military Style Jackets/Coats

I’ll be honest; this style isn’t really first on my list. I want a coat that feels feminine, not so masculine. But much to my delight and surprise – you can now have both in a military jacket. I went searching expecting to write something quick and skim over the style, but found this beautiful one by reddoll that so perfectly mixes the masculine look of the military coat with the feminine side that a lot of us women desire.

Expect to see in the military style coats large buttons, embellishments, and usually they are jackets (short at or above hips). But be sure to be on the look out for truly unique ones.

Bright and Fun Coats + Quilted

This style caught my eye and took my heart. I have always felt accessories are the little ways you can be bold without seeming like you are overdoing it. So when I saw the bright colored coats this fall I was so happy.

Soi Kyo- On SALE $129.00

What a great way to show off. These colors just scream “Confidence”.

I’ve always liked the style of quilted coats. A great everyday street look works well with jeans.

Look for bright color, right above knee or a couple of inches below for a pleasing look. The belts on them are great additions. I’ve seen the quilted in long and short – but the short is less bulky and a bit more movable.

Classic Winter White and Oversized

I threw these two styles in together, but you can easily do them apart. Classic white in a winter coat is a sure thing. You really can’t go wrong. It adds such a nice level of sophistication.

The over-sized collars or sleeves send a nice retro look this fall. Look for white as well as over-sized collars or large sleeves.

Double Breasted in Classic Black

Can’t do classic white without classic black.

I’ve always had some form of a black coat in my closet no matter where I have lived. You can’t go wrong with black and a lot of styles work great. Add to it the double breasted look and it is sure to work with just about anything. Look for black, belted, long or short.

Life is Only Illusion- $126.00

There are just so many styles out there to choose from. This is just a tasty lil’ sampling. Be sure to look for fur-trimmed and ruffled styles as well.

For more on my style, check out: www.alizabetho.com

Mackage- On SALE $299.99

Square Metals Bracelet- $65.00

If delicate, feminine jewelry is your style, you’re going to love this new designer! Elizabeth is the design mind behind Alizabeth O Designs, a fun and flirty line of jewelry made from high quality materials including semi-precious and precious gemstones. What struck me about Elizabeth was that her personality comes through so clearly in her designs. She describes herself as liking to “stand out without really standing out”. ..which is exactly what I think her designs do. They have a splash of color that draws your attention, but still maintains an impression of class and quality.

Here’s what Elizabeth says about her line:

“My lines have been described as playful, fun, bright, girly, fresh, feminine and youthful. I really like those descriptions as they describe how I feel when I am designing and creating each piece. It’s also the way I want people to feel wearing them…[w]ho hasn’t put on a piece of killer jewelry and instantly felt a bit brighter. All of my lines feature flirty, fun, hip colors in obvious and not so obvious combinations. They tend to have a modern, yet simple feel to them with a touch of

Grapes and Apples- $83.00

bohemian style…Making them so they are not overpowering, all are subtly bold- just enough to show your flavorful fun side.”

And I love her company’s “greener side”, too. Elizabeth sends her silver scraps to be refine and reused. She also tries to use all broken pieces and stones in some form or another to keep waste down! Nice job, Elizabeth!

Tell us what you think of Alizabeth O. And for more information on how you can purchase any of these designs for yourself or your store, click here. Thanks, Elizabeth!

Bolero in Mustard- ON SALE $158.00

Leather handbags are a huge weakness of mine! I smell the soft skin from across the room and I can’t help myself. If I touch it…it’s usually over! Fortunately (or unfortunately) my budget won’t allow me to get too out of control. I can’t afford a closet full of genuine leather handbags.

But I recently found a label that might have changed my mind. Zhen-U.N. Leathers is a small etsy shop with some gorgeous handbag finds! For about two years, Jennifer Yuan has been  designing and developing new looks for her line and because she lives and works in Thailand, she has access to leather fresh from tanneries, unlike most domestic and European brands. Jennifer told me, “I am fortunate enough to be able to select styles of leathers that have not even hit western markets yet!  I try to produce designs that use unique colors and textures of leather and are rather simple in style but bold to the eye.”

What I love about Jennifer’s collection is that she has a little something for everyone. If you’re

Y Knot Bronze- ON SALE $99.00

leather taste is simple and unassuming, she has classic styles that you might like. If you want a little more personality on your arm, she can deliver there too.

Although Zheun-U.N. Leathers is available in select retail stores, they are actively looking for new boutiques to carry their line. I would imagine that the wholesale price is pretty reasonable, too! If you’d like more information on Zheun-U.N. Leathers for your boutique store, click here to contact Jennifer directly.

And don’t leave without browsing her full collection. Now is a great time to pick up a holiday gift or two. She is clearing away some of her designs…you’ll find amazing deals right now!!

Happy shopping!

Check out this video from her in-person sale today to get an idea for your favorite pieces. Rachel is offering this opportunity to LDB readers and friends, only. So pass the word and…get shopping! Sale ends tonight (Monday, October 19) at midnight PST!

Have you ever brought your clothes back from the dry cleaners and just hung them up in the plastic they came home in? Well, I don’t want to make you feel bad…but don’t do that anymore! Some cleaning chemicals are still trapped under the non-breathable plastic and can damage your clothing. I have even heard reports that it can be harmful to your health!

So, when I first saw that the Jendarling line was made from reusable material, I thought “she gets points for that!” And then I learned that the material was specifically designed to be safe for your clothing, I thought “more points!” And to see the super chic designs…”well, sign me up!”

Let’s face it! We all care way too much about fashion to tote around plastic, right?

I love this line and just can’t believe I didn’t think of it!

Best of luck, Jen! We love Jendarling. Click here to browse the full Jendarling Collection. And for more information about placing a wholesale order, click here to contact Jen directly.

Beso Hanbags "Eve"- $42.00

Johanna recently started Beso Handbags and just introduced her fall line, which is amazing! Her fabric choices are fun and casual…and also very chic. Here is what she had to share with us about her start, her current collection and what’s to come with Beso Handbags.

LDB: Tell me about your interest in designing handbags. When did it start?

JP: I’ve always loved making things, from the time I was a little girl. My very favorite thing to make was paper dolls and their clothes, and purses and wallets using paper and tape. I went to college and graduate school and became a school psychologist. I loved working with the kids, but something was missing. When I made the decision to leave my job and stay at home with my two children, I had the perfect opportunity to begin building a business. My mom gave me her old sewing machine and the basics of sewing, and I just began by sewing every chance I could get. I’ve always loved handbags and so I taught myself how to make patterns and sew in zippers. I love the process of having an idea in my head and seeing it come to life. It makes me feel great when I know that someone appreciates and enjoys my work.

LDB: What were you inspired by when you sat down to design your latest fall collection?

JP: I guess I can say that I was inspired by busy moms, just like myself. I wanted to incorporate fun and function into my collection. I love the way that my fall collection came together. I decided to take a couple of my best selling styles and add in a few new ones. I wanted to offer bags that each served a purpose, for both the working woman and the busy mom. Every woman needs a great clutch, an everyday purse and something bigger for when you need to carry around more stuff. For example, jane, my backpack, works great as a diaper bag, and grace and mae, my large purses work great as work tote/purse. I also love my fabrics this season. No matter what the industry says about animal print…they will always be classic to me. I love my velvet cheetah and my linen zebra. I love fun bold prints and I love playing with linings.

LDB: How is this collection different from your past collections?

Beso Handbags "Mae"- $70.00

JP: This time around, the client has more control over her bag. I’m now working from more of a “design your own bag approach”. In this collection, I have more of a structured concept. The customer is able to choose from six styles of bags and then customize her bag by choosing from 20 brand new fabrics. Her bag is then custom-made for her and ready to carry within 2 to 3 weeks.

LDB: In the next 5-10 years, where would you like to see your company go?

JP: I have been so pleased with the positive response I have gotten from my customers right off the bat, and I love how my company has grown thus far, primarily by word of mouth. I’m now expanding that concept and I currently have two representatives in different parts of the country. We are in the beginning stages of getting them set up to begin selling beso handbags. I still sew all of the bags myself, so I am also looking into getting some help in that area. Within 5-10 years, I see this concept expanding even more, with reps in every state. I also envision a brick & mortar store/studio. A place full of inspiration, where my bags can be sewn, where I can design as well as oversee the daily operations of my company, and where local and visiting customers can come in to shop.

LDB: Where would we find you when you’re not sitting at your sewing machine?

JP: First and foremost, I am a mom and a wife, so you would find me with my family. I am the fieldtrip coordinator for my daughter’s third grade class, so you may find me volunteering at her school or chaperoning a group of third graders on a fieldtrip. Or you may find me in the park with my three-year-old son or at home, painting or reading with him or watching one of his favorite t.v. shows. You may find me on a date night with my husband, enjoying dinner out and a movie, or curled up on my sofa watching “so you think you can dance”, “project runway” or something along those lines.

LDB: Do you have a favorite online or boutique shop?

JP: I absolutely love all of the unique things that you can find on etsy. I think I have over a hundred favorite sellers now. I’m a big fan of an extremely talented woman named Lisa Leonard, who creates customizable sterling silver jewelry. You can find her at www.lisaleonardonline.com. Also, I recently was introduced to www.modcloth.com, vintage-inspired, really cute!

I’ve had the opportunity to see Johanna’s collections grow and adapt over the last few seasons and I know that her talent is becoming a testament to the quality of Beso Handbags. This is a name we’ll see more of in the future.

And I have great news for LDB readers! Johanna is offering an exclusive 10% discount to each of you! Just indicate “LDB reader” in the special instructions section upon checkout. And she’ll honor the discount. Click here to make a custom order or click here to browse her shop.

Thanks, Johanna!