- Tuesday, January 25, 2011
- 0 Comments
I recently met Ana Milevskaja, Founder of Fashion Vortex, exclusive Italian leather handbags.
Being a lover of high quality leather bags, I was curious as to what makes her line of bags unique.
So I asked Ana a few questions about Fashion Vortex and here is what she had to say...
Susan: Why buy an Italian-made bag?
Ana: Because it's the highest quality leather - an Italian artisan will tell you that the main ingredient in the natural tanning of the leather is time. It produces the most beautiful and durable leather that ages with the perfection no other material can match. The second reason is superior craftsmanship - Italian artisans take immense pride in their trade and pass their skills from father to son. All of the handbag designers we work with are family businesses that make unique bags. The last reason is that the styles are one-of-a-kind – Italian handbags are timeless and elegant. While the new styles lead the fashion industry, the old ones never go out of style. This is the beauty of the Italian bag – it’s a great investment that will last for a long time.
Susan: How do you compete with Coach?
Ana: Exclusivity-- you can go into the store and buy Coach all over the U.S., but you can’t walk into the store and buy the bags I carry. I don’t bring more than 2-3, so the chance of a woman carrying the same bags as mine is next to nothing, while every other woman is carrying a Coach bag. The craftsmanship is also a reason. Coach doesn’t have the soft and fragrant leather that Italian bags have. Their bags are mass produced and sold in large department stores, while I work with small artisan businesses that have traditional approach to making bags that has been passed for generations, such as tanning leather for 42 days before using it for a bag
Italian bags are known in the world for their stylish designs, high quality materials and craftsmanship. Coach bags are only know in the U.S.
Having seen and felt these bags in person, I can tell you that I'm sold. From the glove soft feel of the leather to the timeless styles, these bags are fabulous and well worth the investment. Check out some of my favorite styles and visit Fashion Vortex for more information.
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| Bruno Rossi Deerskin Hobo/Shoulder Bag - Camel BR-CS94-Br $260.00 |
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| Avorio Scrunchy Italian Leather Handbag - Red AV-5170-R $229.00 |
- Monday, January 10, 2011
- 1 Comments
Tonight's radio show The Clothes Line featured special guest Boston Globe style contributor Ami Albernaz. Ami has a weekly column in the Globe's G section called Bargain Bin Listen to the archived segment at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susan--kanoff and check out some of these great tips for bargain hunting!
- Get on the stores' e-mail lists for early sale notifications
- Check out local consignment shops for some fabulous deals
- Google coupons to your favorite stores before you go out shopping
- Don't be afraid to ask the salesperson if she has any extra coupons
- January is a big sale month--watch for some amazing deals
- There are some bargains at the outlets, but know your prices!
- Find out if the stores offer a price adjustment period and check back during that time to see if your purchases have been further reduced
- Check out my Facebook fan page A Great New Look for some fabulous deals!
- Monday, January 03, 2011
- 0 Comments
I talk a lot about how jackets are a wardrobe staple. Not only can a jacket pull an outfit together, but it's a versatile piece that can be worn a million different ways. My very dear friend designer Dayanne Danier has recently created one of the most fabulous black jackets that I've seen in a long time. This jacket fits to perfection (believe me--I tried it on and didn't want to take it off!!) and is truly comfortable (it's surprisingly lightweight). The styling although classic and tailored, has a bit of an edge with faux zipper trim. Find this gorgeous jacket along with the rest of her collection at www.dayannedanier.com
- Sunday, January 02, 2011
- 0 Comments
Here's my article on business attire that just got published in the Worcester Business Journal
10. First Impressions
It’s said that 80 percent of first impressions are visual. Whether you’re going to a networking event, meeting a client or hosting a presentation, your look sends a message to others about who you are.
9. Look The Part
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you strive to be a CEO, dress like one! A pulled-together and polished look can give you an edge in this competitive job market and can actually play a part in getting a promotion.
8. Confidence Builder
Sometimes we ignore the fact that there’s a huge connection between how we look and how we feel about ourselves. Take notice of how much more self-confident you feel when you love what you’re wearing, and use it as a strategy for confidence boosting.
7. Body Shape
Learn the styles that work (and those that don’t) for your unique body shape. All clothes are not cut the same. Finding figure-flattering styles is key to putting together a great work wardrobe.
6. Casual Fridays
Casual Friday dress is becoming more and more popular, but don’t let it cross the line into just plain sloppy. If your office allows jeans on Fridays, go with a dark-wash trouser-style jean paired with a fitted blazer and shirt.
5. Watch The Accessories
Over- accessorizing can create a very unprofessional look. Less is more.
4. Call A Tailor
I’ve seen executives with their pants dragging on the ground or their sleeves hanging over their hands — it doesn’t inspire confidence. Tailor your clothes for an impeccable fit.
3. Too Much Thigh?
Watch that skirt length. Too long can make you look older and too short is inappropriate for work. Keep skirts just above or below the knee for the most professional look.
2. Kids' Play
Backpacks are for students. Instead, carry a leather tote.
1. Suit Up
My one secret to dressing for success? Classic fitted suits in neutrals. Pass it on!
10. First Impressions
It’s said that 80 percent of first impressions are visual. Whether you’re going to a networking event, meeting a client or hosting a presentation, your look sends a message to others about who you are.
9. Look The Part
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you strive to be a CEO, dress like one! A pulled-together and polished look can give you an edge in this competitive job market and can actually play a part in getting a promotion.
8. Confidence Builder
Sometimes we ignore the fact that there’s a huge connection between how we look and how we feel about ourselves. Take notice of how much more self-confident you feel when you love what you’re wearing, and use it as a strategy for confidence boosting.
7. Body Shape
Learn the styles that work (and those that don’t) for your unique body shape. All clothes are not cut the same. Finding figure-flattering styles is key to putting together a great work wardrobe.
6. Casual Fridays
Casual Friday dress is becoming more and more popular, but don’t let it cross the line into just plain sloppy. If your office allows jeans on Fridays, go with a dark-wash trouser-style jean paired with a fitted blazer and shirt.
5. Watch The Accessories
Over- accessorizing can create a very unprofessional look. Less is more.
4. Call A Tailor
I’ve seen executives with their pants dragging on the ground or their sleeves hanging over their hands — it doesn’t inspire confidence. Tailor your clothes for an impeccable fit.
3. Too Much Thigh?
Watch that skirt length. Too long can make you look older and too short is inappropriate for work. Keep skirts just above or below the knee for the most professional look.
2. Kids' Play
Backpacks are for students. Instead, carry a leather tote.
1. Suit Up
My one secret to dressing for success? Classic fitted suits in neutrals. Pass it on!
- Wednesday, December 22, 2010
- 1 Comments
