Celebutante Sisters

1, 2...Cha, Cha, Cha

Kerri — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0500

When we laid eyes on Cha Cha bags, we danced around in delight by our closet…and imagined the fashion-forward possibilities. This clutch with that skirt. That hobo with this dress.

Simple, yet stunning, a Cha-Cha bag is bound to be your new best friend. Each design is hand crafted from luxurious leather and lined with organic canvas. A select portion is even made from salvaged leather. How eco-chic!

This line was created three years ago by Lori Chalmers, who admits she has a bag fetish herself! Lori’s styles have been celebrity arm candy…seen on starlets like Lady Gaga, Fergie, Denise Richards and Audrina Patridge. Bags range from $85 to $500.

Before you check out the collection, check this out: The Celebutante Sisters have an exclusive coupon code. Log on to ChaChaLifestyle.com and enter “celebutantesisters” at checkout for 15% off. Let us know what you get!

Pieces That Pop

Kerri — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0400

Neon colors, sequins and sparkle may be all the rage, but trendy threads aren’t the only way to spice up an ensemble. Accessories can transform even the most drab outfit into a paparazzi-worthy winner. We all have our “clutch” black or brown handbag, but this season, have some fun, express yourself, and purchase a piece that pops! Check out some of our favorite, fashionable carryalls:

Trend: The Oversized Clutch

Metallic Oversized Heather Clutch by Brynn Capella: With this bag, you’ll be bagging two trends: the oversized clutch and metallics. Not only will the snazzy color punch up your outfit, you’ll be able to fit more than just your phone, ID and credit card inside. What a knock out!

Price: $269 on BrynnHandbags.com

Trend: Studs

Supernova Devote Studded Hobo by Rebecca Minkoff: We all know studs are in, but if biker chic clothing isn’t your thing, try taking the trend to your shoulder. This hobo is hot, hot, hot! It has just the right amount of metal without going overboard.

Price: $695.00 on Bloomingdales.com

Trend: Snakeskin

Alice Snake Bag By Lauren Merkin: Not everyone is wild about animal print, but a chic pop of it can pull your whole look together in a snap. Snakeskin is exotic and edgy, but neutral enough to go with most outfits.

Price: $395 on ShopBop.com

Trend: Chain Straps

No Love Lost Leather Bag By Urban Originals/Santogold Zipper Shoulder Bag by Matt & Nat: Toughen up your look with some links. Whether you go with thick handles or one, thin strap, these bags can easily go from day to night. Classic, with just the right amount of detail.

Price: The Urban Originals bag is on sale for $95 (marked down from $295) on UO.com. The Matt & Nat bag is $185 on Bloomingdales.com.

Trend: Girly Chic

Sweet & Tarte Leather Hobo By Betsey Johnson: This season, add some texture to your outfit with ruffles and bows. No one does it better than the Queen B herself, Miss Betsey Johnson. The bow detail on this leather hobo is sweet and sassy without being over-the-top and in-your-face! We guarantee you’ll be the only gal on the block with this bag…and you’ll bag loads of compliments. How chic!

Price: $395 on BetseyJohnson.com

Bag It

Kerri — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0400

We all know its earth friendly to bag it with a re-usable bag. So why not be fashionable while you’re standing in the checkout line? Check out The Y.E.K Market Tote from GlobalGoodsPartners.com. Not only is it made from Cambodian rice bags, you can easily adjust the handle to transform the bag into a completely different style. And in fun colors like watermelon pink and lime green, you really can’t go wrong. This bag runs $32 and the proceeds benefit landmine and polio victims in Cambodia with a living wage. Unfortunately, it’s out of stock right now, but we’re going to keep checking back, because this bag is just too cute to pass up.

Fear not, CS readers! There are other purchases to be made on the site that will have you both feeling and looking good. We’re jonesing for these Make Change Purses made from a durable Amazonian palm fiber called damagua. Each purse is painted with geometrical block prints and has a zipper pocket. The sale of these bags directly supports local development initiatives and a living wage for women in Choco, one of Colombia’s poorest and most underdeveloped regions. Each one costs $22. These little babies are perfect to run around town with! Shop for change!

Bag This Bag

Kerri — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:00:00 -0400

You….you fabulous CS Reader…are one-of-a-kind. So why not bag a one-of-a-kind bag that totally suits your style?

Check out the BRIANNA. It’s one of the newest designs available at 1154 LILL Studio, a custom-handbag company that’s been featured on The Today Show and magazines like O Magazine, People Magazine and Brides Magazine.

This bag is trendy. It’s slouchy. It has black wooden handles. It’s perfect for a day at the beach and a night on the boardwalk. It’s also reversible, making it easy to create a different look as the summer sun sets and you get ready to paint the town red.

Design your bag by visiting the 1154 LILL Studio Boutique. Simply start off with the silhouette and then choose the fabrics you’d like your bag to sport. With loads of designer fabrics, the possibilities are endless. Here’s just one design to feast your eyes on:

Price: $110. Currently on sale for $99 until June 1st

About 1154 LILL Studio

In 1999, Jen Velarde founded 1154 LILL Studio as a concept that allows customers to interact creatively, express their individuality and create lasting memories of shared experiences – all around the collaborative design of handbags and accessories. Customers can shop online, at home parties and in LILL stores to mix and match from over 35 styles and between 150-250 ever-changing fabrics to create beautiful, personal products. LILL Bags are individually tailored to your exact specifications in their Chicago-based production and administrative headquarters. In addition to local coverage, 1154 LILL Studio has been showcased nationally on The Today Show and in numerous magazines including O Magazine, People Magazine, Redbook and Brides Magazine. For more information visit www.1154LILL.com.

"Hit the Road" in Style

Kerri — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:00:00 -0400

Looking for a bag that will set you apart from the crowd this summer?

Check out the eco-friendly clutches, hobos and messenger bags by Passchal. The company’s unique and stylish line is made from recycled tractor tire inner tubes! Designers Ken Kobrick and Angela Greene create the collection in their Virginia studio. And they’re passionate about the environment.

To date, over 26 tons of inner tubes have been recycled using a rigorous, multi-day cleaning process. (Don’t worry! It’s planet friendly!) And the leather incorporated into their designs is vegetable-dyed and chrome-free.

Passchal bags have been spotted on celebs like Blair Underwood, Melina Kanakaredes (CSI: NY) and AnnaLynne McCord (90210 and Nip/Tuck.)

They have also been featured at the Billboard Music Awards and at Olympus Fashion Week.

Want to snag a bag? Log on to Passchal’s Web site or hit up Shane and Shawn Boutique in NYC.

(Image courtesy of Passchal)