British designers crimped by lack of factories

Burberry Designer Handbag

By Rachel Sanderson

LONDON, (Reuters) - As the fashion show cycle heads to a climax in Milan and Paris, in London industry executives are debating if Britain's efforts to grow its own Gucci or Louis Vuitton will require a new industrial revolution. A decades-long decline in British manufacturing is back in the limelight with the launch of government-funded research to find out if, despite acclaim, young designers like Marios Schwab are at a terminal disadvantage to French and Italian rivals because they don't have a factory on their doorstep.

So far one problem is clear: however hot the designer talent, it is impossible to get ahead if you can't get your clothes made. "British designers are not progressing season-on-season because of the manufacturing," said Wendy Malem, director for not-for-profit Centre for Fashion Enterprise, who is leading the 100,000 pound government-sponsored project. "They cannot overcome the manufacturing glass ceiling."

In the past 40 years, British factories owned by some of the oldest brand names from Burberry to Barbour have closed down and shifted some of their manufacturing to cheaper places such as China and Eastern Europe. Burberry has kept two factories in Britain, in Yorkshire, but shut one in Wales last year because it was too expensive.

In Manchester -- once the locus of global coat making -- one of Britain's last surviving premium outerwear manufacturers offers a snapshot of British manufacturing's decline. Cooper & Stollbrand employs 60 workers today, stitching and cutting trench coats, overcoats and bomber jackets often in signature hunting-and-shooting fabrics such as tweed and gabardine.

Their number has fallen from 200 in 1995 and 450 in 1971, a year sterling strengthened sharply against the dollar, increasing costs for British exporters and marking the start of retailers' exit to cheaper sites. Now, with a renaissance of British luxury underway -- thanks to a crop of new talents and booming new demand for high-end goods from Chinese and Russian consumers -- this manufacturing gap is gaining attention.

"SELLING YOUR SOUL"
Pierre Mallevays, a former LVMH executive and now managing partner of Savigny Partners LLP, a corporate finance and M&A boutique specialising in luxury goods, said British luxury's renaissance may have come just in time. "British brands simply cannot emulate the French and Italians -- they need to reach back and find their history, but in many cases that history in no longer there," he said in an interview. "Where the British were very good traditionally was in their own production and their own manufacturing. Once you start dismantling that by selling factories you sell your soul." Of course, Britain is not alone in shifting manufacturing offshore.

The best-known French and Italian brands can start making a handbag or shoe in China or Turkey and bring it back home to be finished and gain the "Made in France" or "Made in Italy" tag. But designers in Paris and Milan have the benefit of commercial networks in the luxury goods trade developed over centuries and still thriving local artisanship, that is often protected by the biggest conglomerates. PPR's Gucci Group, for example, trains the artisans making its Bottega Veneta signature woven leather bags.

By contrast, designers and luxury industry executives say Britain is jeopardising the growth of its talent by taking the move to offshore too far.Among Britain's most acclaimed young designers, Christopher Kane is one who is suffering from the lack of nearby manufacturing capacity.

Even with his credentials -- he was partially sponsored by Donatella Versace through his master's degree -- Kane said he has difficulty finding anyone willing to make his clothes. "Especially being a young designer, it's actually quite hard to source outside Britain because people really don't want to touch you, you don't have a brand as such, like Gucci, or huge amount of money behind you," he told Reuters. At home, the few factories left find it inefficient to turn out the small runs Kane requires, or they do not have the skill.

NOT JUST NEWCOMERS
Complaints about lack of skill, in a country where a century ago artisans were rated more highly than those in Italy, are not just restricted to fashion's newcomers. Geoffroy de La Bourdonnaye, the new French chief executive of luxury store Liberty founded in 1875, told a recent industry meeting how difficult it is to find someone in Britain who can still operate the traditional block printers used for its signature fabrics. Cooper & Stollbrand owner Michael Stoll said the British had been too short-sighted: "In Britain, loyalty has been to short- term profit, rather than long-term gain," he told Reuters. At the Centre for Fashion Enterprise Malem, working jointly with British-government sponsored endowment Nestor, plans interviews with 30 designers to provide a snapshot of the 800 million pound UK design industry.

Her aim is to lobby the European Union for assistance in providing British designers with equal access to manufacturers as that available to their Italian and French rivals. But not all Britain's upcoming luxury designers believe a lack of factories should curb their international ambitions.

Anya Hindmarch, creator of the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" tote whose high-end handbags have been photographed in the clutches of Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon, will have 55 shops by May after openings in Las Vegas, Moscow, Beijing and Japan. Having started her business aged 19 after selling bags in Britain that she spotted in Italy, Hindmarch says being British is in her products' "DNA" but she will manufacture "all over, wherever we think it is the right thing for that particular bag". "It is about being tenacious and getting on with these problems," she told Reuters in an interview. "You have to wake up and smell the coffee and get through the tough times." (Editing by Sara Ledwith)

7 Style Secrets from the Red Carpet

We can never get enough feedback and tips for style & fashion!

by Cynthia Nellis from About.com

1. Play Up Your Coloring
2. Elaborate Dress or Major Bling (But Not Both)
3. Don't Dress Your Age
4. Steer Clear of Style Ruts
5. If You Can't Hide It, Flaunt It
6. Show Off Your Best Feature
7. It's All About the Hair


Play Up Your Coloring . Julianne Moore in emerald green Yves Saint Laurent designed by Tom Ford at the '03 Academy Awards. You don't need Julianne Moore's or Marcia's Cross' red hair and fair skin to look striking in color. But you do need to know which hues work best with your skin and hair. Don't buy into the belief that there are a limited number of colors that work for you; instead, be your own best stylist and hold up hues to your face to see which ones bring out your skintones, eyes and hair the best. In general, warm hues like fire engine red and coral look best on brunettes with darker coloring; cool pastels work for blondes. But there are a myriad of colors -- metallic gold and silver included -- that work for all colorings. If you're not sure, drag a friend to a store and get a second opinon while trying on lots of colors to see which ones compliment your look best.

Elaborate Dress or Major Bling (But Not Both) . Cate Blanchett, 77th Academy Awards, Cate Blanchett's cornflower blue dress with fabric flower and flowing scarf was stunning enough by itself. The addition of button diamond earrings added a bit of sparkle, but didn't overwhelm. The idea here is to make either the dress or the accessories the focus, not both. For example, a black strapless gown with no adornment could carry a chunky diamond bracelet and necklace or a pair of chandelier earrings. Solid color dresses and neutrals are a great backdrop for colorful jewels.

On the other hand, the more ruffles, tiers and beading a garment has, the simpler the accessories should be. It doesn't mean you have to go bare (although if you are young and gorgeous, that's a big statement in itself), but you need to use restraint and choose smaller pieces.

Don't Dress Your Age. Jane Fonda in Vera Wang at 72nd Academy Awards in 2000. The pitfall to dressing for special occasions is that women on either end of the age spectrum look wrong if they dress their age: in froufrou dress, young women look ready for prom. More mature women look mother-of-the-bridish in outfits that are deemed "appropriate" for their age group. Younger women like Scarlett Johansson can carry off classic Hollywood glamour girl looks like platinum hair, lush red lips and form-fitting gowns. In a grown-up dress, a younger woman looks sexy. Over 40-women can take a cue from Jane Fonda and stick with soft, modern hair (stiff updos look frumpy on mature women) and updated dresses. That doesn't mean they have to dress too young by flaunting ridiculous oversized tattoos like Melanie Griffith or wear microminis. It does mean that the dress should show some skin, even it's only a peek of a shoulder or an arm. Long sleeves, long dresses and high necklines age every woman.

Steer Clear of Style Ruts. Nicole Kidman in gold Dior with then-husband Tom Cruise, in '00. Nicole Kidman experiments with fashion. She's worn a metallic dress that matched her hair, a flapper girl dress and a peacock feather on the red carpet. None of it was so out there or strange that it wasn't understandable, but her look is constantly evolving. Nicole may turn up in pastel ruffles one event, and a black dress with straps that smack of bondage at another. Sarah Jessica Parker is another fashionista that forges her own style trail. Whether she's experimenting with placement of priceless brooches or trying out an elaborate new updo, Sarah Jessica always looks like she's having fun. The best way for you to have fun with fashion is to try something new: venture into a store that you've never shopped in, wear straight-leg jeans if you're a bootleg girl, try a mini and tights instead of a full, knee-length skirt. The idea is to push the limits of your wardrobe and experience innovative looks.

If You Can't Hide It, Flaunt It. Queen Latifah, left, in Carmen Marc Valvo at the '06 Golden Globes with Scarlett Johansson. Designer fashion is made for the skinny. It's sad, but true. But that doesn't stop bodacious broads like Queen Latifah from strutting down the red carpet looking gorgeous in a made-for-her Carmen Marc Valvo gown. She would never cover up her assets with a high-neck gown or wear a sack-like dress to disguise curves. Likewise, usually tiny celebs who are pregnant at awards shows have learned to play up their newly ripe figures. The most memorable was a ready-to-deliver-any-day Catherine Zeta-Jones in a low-cut black Versace, the most recent was a glowing Gwyneth Paltrow in a not-meant-to-be-slimming ethereal cream Balenciaga gown at the Golden Globes in '06. Learn to embrace your body, too. If you aren't comfortable in curve-hugging dresses because of too much jiggle, then try a body slimmer underneath for more control.

Show Off Your Best Feature. Hilary Swank at the '05 Oscars in a backless Guy Laroche. Susan Sarandon shows off her cleavage, Hilary Swank displays a toned back, Angelina Jolie makes sure nothing overpowers her full lips. Everyone has at least one great asset, even if it's something as simple as thick hair, white teeth or nice legs. You don't have to do anything too extravagent to show off your best feature, just make sure that your look enhances it. If your best feature is great skin, the last thing you'd want to do is cover up every inch of it with clothing.Dressing for your best feature is less about dressing for size or age and more about making the best of what you have to work with.

It's All About the Hair . Natalie Portman in Lanvin and headband at '05 Oscars. Nothing kills a red carpet look quicker than bad hair. Whether it's too casual or too contrived for the dress, the wrong hairdo can make or break a star's look. For more casual special events -- say the Grammys vs. the Academy Awards -- celebrities often go with slicked-back ponytails or messy buns for a more laid-back look even when paired with a formal gown. One of the worst mistakes you can make for a special event is to go with your everyday hair, unless your hair is fabulous everyday (Halle Berry comes to mind). Even if you only add a sparkly barrette or a pull back part of your hair, it's enough to set off the look as being special. In fact, just going with a fancier version of your everyday look is much easier to carry off than going with a complicated beehive or some other look that's hard to pull off.

Is Moscow the new Big Apple?

from the Telegraph.co.uk

Moscow is being hailed by some as the new New York. Celia Walden samples its excesses. If you've ever worn tight shoes, you'll know that the relief you feel when you take them off is so akin to euphoria it leaves you dizzy. Imagine a whole capital city, hobbled for 72 years of communism, united in that sense of deliverance. Ceilia Walden finds Muscovites are suicidally serious about fun. Then try to imagine waking up after a night out in that city - or don't: it's a painful business. Inky nightclub stamps in Cyrillic script brand the back of my hands; my hair and, by proxy, bedclothes reek of cigarette smoke: and my head reminds me why, even in binge Britain, we choose not to chase each glass of wine with a thimbleful of vodka.

"This city is a sick place," shrugs Elena, the biggest party girl I know and the perfect companion as I set about uncovering whether Moscow lives up to its claims as the new New York. She means sick in the LA sense of the word: when a place, style or person is so outlandishly hip, cutting-edge or viciously innovative that it prompts only that most contrary of adjectives. Others may prefer to use the same word in its original meaning. Not for nothing, I am about to discover, has Moscow been named the capital of excess.

My first night was gentle enough: dinner at Turandot (a new £30 million restaurant built in the style of an Italian palazzo, complete with waiters in 18th-century dress), followed by two bars and three nightclubs. advertisement"We'll ease you in," laughed Elena as we arrived at a rave in an old factory where pornographic pop-art lined the walls and strobes bounced off eyeballs avid and dry from drugs. Two £25 drinks later and we were off again in search of transport. Nobody takes taxis in Moscow. So far, so very un-Manhattan. Instead, they hail down any car that will take them: a Skoda, a Lada or, occasionally, something fancier, courtesy of a dignitary's chauffeur doing a spot of moonlighting.

We were in luck: a black Merc with leather seats and a siren on the roof pulled up. MPs in Russia are allowed them "for emergencies". "Can we have the siren on?" I joked, as we sped, at 120 miles an hour, past endless construction sites, towards Solyanka, Moscow's answer to Soho House. "Nyet," came the gruff reply. Two minutes and a 500 rouble note (£10) later, we were wailing past grey, gridlocked streets.

On arrival we were ushered through the VIP zone, into the VVIP zone, up a fire escape and through a kitchen into the VVVIP zone. You're nobody in this town unless you're forced to walk through a kitchen to get your shot of Stoly. There, a gaggle of women with machete-like cheekbones were dancing on the bar-top, below them a troika of men, looking skywards in awe as they guzzled champagne.

Muscovites have waited so long for their time to come that they act as though it will all be taken from them come morning. "See those trapdoors?" grinned one clubber. "People climb on to the roof to have sex - even in December, when it's minus 10." Dimitri, my taciturn photographer, shook his head. "Is any of it really making these people happy?" Looking at the knicker-gazing businessmen by the bar, I'm fairly certain the answer is yes. "You guys seem to think our women are all prostitutes," said Artemy Troitsky, an outspoken music critic and writer, often described as the Russian John Peel. "And you're sort of right. They will establish early on what you can offer them and tell you what their previous boyfriends gave them. Russian men have grown quite wary, but foreigners are easy prey."

The women are clearly high?maintenance: in clubs and bars, miniature chairs ensure that designer handbags - often worth as much as £2,000 - never touch the floor. Culturally the capital is a frenzy of amorphous creativity, with one art form bleeding into another: bars are selling books, nightclubs sell clothes. All-night contemporary art museums (with their own DJs) are springing up across the city. Norman Foster has been commissioned to build 20 new buildings, and Philippe Starck is designing a whole village just outside Moscow. "People forget that what Communism left behind was a skilled workforce," explains Tony Brenton, the British ambassador to Moscow. "Add money to that and it's an extremely productive combination."

And one that is attracting Brits with dollar signs in their eyes, such as Tony Blair, who is rumoured to have secured a £125,000 speaking engagement in the capital this summer, and Damien Hirst, who is to take his diamond-studded skull to Russia in June. One detail says it all: Moscow is the only place in the world where movie billboards have the film's budget in the same-sized type as the title, as though the fact the new George Clooney epic cost £65 million makes it worth seeing. Contemporary art is also big business. "Over the past seven years we have had this new class of people who want to buy and collect art," says Igor Markin, owner of Moscow's Art4 museum. "Some chose to buy football clubs instead, of course… I just heard that Roman Abramovich's girlfriend, Dasha Zhukova, has bought a space to open her own museum."

Abramovich's name is on everybody's lips: he is the ultimate success story, and a great supporter of the Russian contemporary art scene. The following night, at the launch of the Moscow Photography Biennale, I met John Mann, Abramovich's PR director at his company Millhouse: "New York isn't as 24-hour as Moscow. I have two bookshops near my flat that are open all night, two supermarkets with everything you could possibly need, and I can have a drink at seven in the morning. In a few years' time, New York will be claiming it's the new Moscow, trust me."

Even fashion has caught up. Tsum, the gigantic Moscow department store modelled on Selfridges, has a greater collection of Balenciaga, Miu Miu and Lanvin than Harrods or Harvey Nichols, as well as exclusive ranges designed by Daria Werbowy and Naomi Campbell. The clothes cost 40 per cent more than elsewhere, but people still buy them. "Don't forget that Russians lost everything three times, in 1990, 1993 and 1998," said Natasha, a Russian model shopping for the latest designer gear in perilous stilettos. "Now they are happy with their lot and happy with Putin. Everything is not affordable but it's available, and that's enough."

Russians are filling the capital's restaurants: at Sky Lounge, a huge New York-style eatery, businessmen tuck into millefeuille with sorbet of foie gras and fruit jelly. Vostok, another celebrity haunt, offers its cheapest starter at £30. Sushi is the latest craze. Luxury has bred a new physicality. Men and women now work out, cut carbs and get mani-pedis in their lunch hours. But the real beauty staple is their weekly steam bath. "The winters are harsh on our skin," said Sandra Vermuyten of marka:ff, a Moscow-based arts PR company, as she led me into a room heated to 120 degrees and full of naked beauties. It looked like a slaughterhouse: 40 women, like me wrapped in sheets, were draped across benches or lying on the floor, trying to escape the crushing temperature.

"You can't be the first to leave - it's a matter of honour," whispered Sandra. Minutes later she started beating me with a birch branch - "to get the circulation going". I looked at her in disbelief. "Oh, I'm sorry - would you prefer me to use pine?" she replied. When I finally escaped I felt two kilos lighter. "Vodka cocktail sound good?" chirped Elena and we hitched a ride to Krisha Mira - a club filled with giant Buddhas, where, at 6am from a roof terrace, we watched the sun come up over the Moscow river. I've spent all-nighters in New York and LA and been disappointed to discover only a forced, self-conscious attempt at hedonism. Muscovites are suicidally serious about fun.

But if this is New York, then it's the New York of Brett Easton Ellis and Jay MacInerney, or the Chicago of the Twenties, where corruption and decadence, though spectacular to witness, can be a heartbeat away from despair. "The thing I have come to love about Moscow," says Ambassador Brenton, "is that it is a highly urban, highly unpredictable place with a slight undertone of danger." "As long as the oil prices stay the way they are," sighs Troitsky, "the lifestyle will continue. Politically we are in limbo, but for you guys, for visitors? It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a capital that burns money."

Forget the flowers! Mom wants a new designer handbag for Mother’s Day

What mom really wants for Mother’s Day is a new designer handbag so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom easy with free shipping.

Sky Valley, CA (PRWEB), April 24, 2008: Gone are the days where shopping for mom meant a pretty floral arrangement or a box of her favorite chocolate. Today’s moms are more interested in trendy or classic designer handbags, so eFashionHouse.com is making shopping for mom a little easier with free shipping for Mother’s Day (May 11).

Named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch for below retail priced designer handbags and recognized by About.com as the top of three online retailers of off-priced Chanel, eFashionHouse.com has all the designers and styles moms want. From handbag darling Elaine Turner, to couture legend Chanel, to American staple Coach, eFashionHouse.com offers the latest in designer handbags for all budgets.

"It’s not only fashionistas that want the latest designer handbag all the time, today’s mom is very hip and wants to carry a nice leather handbag as well" said Anna Miller, eFashionHouse Owner. "To meet the needs of our clients, we now carry handbags that are age-friendly…meaning most of the designers we carry cater to women of all ages who simply love fashion."

Not only does eFashionHouse.com, and its five fashion ecommerce stores (BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet and ValueBags), offer a wide variety of authentic designer handbags but they guarantee the lowest prices online for Tano, Melie Bianco, Murval, Elaine Turner and Pietro Alessandro. Plus the site offers a layaway plan that allows its clients to pay over time and still get the bag of their dreams.

If you still don’t know what to get mom, here’s a couple of hot selling bags that are sure to make her smile (and maybe even giggle with glee):

• COACH Hamptons Cream Large Tote – 26% off
• ELAINE TURNER Andie Platinum Distressed Leather Satchel – 24% off
• Tano Bauhaus Leather Tote – 21% off
• Gucci Brit Medium Tote in Brown – 26% off
• Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote in Cream – 21% off
• Vintage Chanel Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag – only $499

In addition to huge savings on brand new, 100% authentic designer handbags, shoppers will receive free ground shipping from April 24th thru May 2nd on purchase over $100 with coupon code MD08. Plus there is no sales tax on all purchases worldwide.

About eFashionHouse.com
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She operates the website http://www.efashionhouse.com/ and sells high-end authentic designer handbags and accessories at off-retail prices. EFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People Magazine StyleWatch for Discount Designer Handbags and Purses. eFashionHouse.com should not be confused with any other website selling a similar product or using a similar name. EfashionHouse.com is the home of five fashion ecommerce stores: BrandsBoutique, LuxuryVintage, DesignersLA, ItalysOutlet, and ValueBags. Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer & Ecommerce Entrepreneur. She’s been reselling Designer Merchandise online since the early 90s. eFashionHouse.com has an extensive Press Page and a Fashion Blog Network. Visit the site for more details.

Designer gear key to pleasing peers

by Caroline Marcus

GIRLS are feeling the pressure to buy designer handbags worth hundreds of dollars, with some enduring teasing for not having the right look. Tiarna Element, a 15-year-old from the Hunter Valley, said her friends were desperate to own designer fashion and cheaper fakes wouldn't do. Teenagers really want to be able to say. 'This is real' instead of saying, 'This is a knock-off'," she said. "People feel better if they have the real thing, although most people can't tell whether it's fake."

Tiarna said despite living in a rural area, removed from the glitzy designer boutiques in the city, her peers still hankered after bags by Guess and Paris Hilton. Already, four of the girls in her circle of friends own Guess handbags, worth up to $200. She said that not having the right bag was something girls could be bullied about. Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said this generation of teenage girls was "the most tribal" he had come across.

"To belong to that sort of tribe, you have to have the correct accoutrements: not only having the right hair or listening to the right music, but having the right clothes and accessories," he said. "There is no question that there is rampant affluenza in these girls and in these schools. Can you be excluded and taunted and teased for not having the right stuff? Absolutely. It happens every day." He said the bullying could lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and mood disorders, and even agoraphobia.

The editor of Girlfriend magazine, Sarah Cornish, said teenage girls today were more aware of fashion brands because the internet gave them easy access to information. The internet, along with mobile phones, had also made bullying more prevalent. "That pressure [to fit in] has always been there, but I think the level of bullying has taken on a new level with the advent of cyber-bullying," Cornish said. "It's not just in the playground. Now, it's 24/7."

Source: The Sun-Herald

Tommy Hilfiger to link fashion with contemporary music

Tommy Hilfiger monogram hobo designer purse

Adam Sherwin, Media Correspondent


A firm believer in reinvention, the US designer and entrepreneur is teaming up with SonyBMG to present a series of online concerts to lure younger shoppers

Tommy Hilfiger is convinced that reinvention through new media and music is the way forward in the fashion industry. Launching an online music channel in London, in partnership with SonyBMG, the street-fashion entrepreneur has promised to transform the brand he founded, which has lost sales to fashion labels such as Abercrombie & Fitch. Mr Hilfiger told The Times: “Luxury brands with very high price points are starting to feel the pressure. People are not buying $2,000 (£1,013) handbags, but they are certainly buying affordable, wearable clothes.”

He gave warning that the credit crunch was hitting high-end brands but said that a £2 billion flotation of his empire, shelved during recent market uncertainty, would be revived. Apax bought the Tommy Hilfiger brand, famous for its “preppie” look, for £1.6 billion in 2005. A planned flotation in January was postponed when equity markets dried up. Mr Hilfiger said that interest in the initial public offering (IPO) remained strong, but that the company would concentrate on expansion plans, opening 50 more outlets, before returning to the market.

Mr Hilfiger, 57, remains the principal designer and a shareholder in the business, which is seeking to regain its cutting edge. Europe is the new focus after the brand had become overexposed in the United States. Tommy TV, an online music channel, will offer exclusive concerts, called The Hilfiger Sessions, featuring stars such as Wyclef Jean and Beyoncé. Jean will appear at the first Hilfiger concert in London next month. Young musicians, who upload their tracks to the site, will be chosen to join the stars. SonyBMG hopes that the initiative will uncover new talent that it can sign.

Mr Hilfiger said: “Fashion brands have to reinvent themselves, just like Madonna does. We felt it would be most appropriate to connect Hilfiger to new media and to the brand’s heritage with music.” Hilfiger has clothed stars including Beyoncé, the Rolling Stones and Britney Spears, since the New York designer founded the company in 1984. Mr Hilfiger has no plans to quit. He said: “I plan to be there for ever. I look at Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld and those guys are ten to 15 years older but still going strong.”

Maarten Steinkamp, the chief executive of SonyBMG Europe, said that the Hilfiger partnership would help to offset the decline of CD sales. He said: “File-sharing is here to stay and the fall in physical sales will continue. Branded entertainment, like X Factor and Tommy TV, allows us to uncover new talent and bring to it the marketing and distribution power where we remain strong.” The Hilfiger empire stretches from its famous menswear that features baggy jeans and sweatshirts to fragrances and home furnishings. The IPO was shelved in January after Apax, the London private equity group, blamed “recent volatile market conditions”. Mr Hilfiger said: “There was lots of interest and the IPO is still on the table but there is no hurry.”

The credit crunch is having a marked effect on fashion brands. Coach, the largest US maker of luxury handbags, reported its weakest profits growth for eight years. Richemont, home to the Cartier and Montblanc brands, said that demand was slowing, and Burberry, the British label, said that it might miss profit targets after poor sales in Spain. However, Mr Hilfiger said: “Our business has not been negatively affected by what is going on in the economy. We keep on growing. We have just signed a lease on a new Fifth Avenue store in New York.” He acknowledged that the brand had room to improve in Britain. He said: “Our business is smaller in the UK than other European countries. We are strong in Spain and Germany.” European sales stood at about £400 million last year.

Ambassadors for the Hilfiger brand, which opened its first UK store in London in 1999, have included Lauren Bush, a model and niece of the American President. The range appeals to “middle youth” purchasers aged 40 and older, so Mr Hilfiger is talking up its rebellious roots to attract younger shoppers. He said: “I wanted to dress like Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend or Jimmy Page but where I grew up it was impossible to find those outfits. That’s why I started designing clothing inspired by these musicians. “The best artists have changed their music and image to keep on top. It’s important to know how to constantly reinvent yourself.” Tommy TV will not link directly to purchase opportunities. Rather, it has been designed to create an “emotional engagement” with the brand among music fans.

Tommy Hilfiger CV

— Born March 24, 1951, in Elmira, New York

— Aged 18, buys jeans in New York and resells them in a local store

— Founds Tommy Hilfiger Corporation in 1984

— Takes company public in 1992

— Apax buys Hilfiger in 2005 for $1.6 billion

Fashion on a Budget - Designer handbags, clothing and shoes

By Woody Lee

There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately and the forecast isn't looking too good which means it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. Though the thought about going without might seem grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to shopping. Just because you have less to spend on fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous.

Clothing
I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe item was a good way to kick off the list especially since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the economy, one positive result is retailers know that consumers are holding onto their money tighter than before, so they are more willing to hold sales and make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping prices but still come out with the stuff you want:

Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how you might notice more sales and promotions from retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), end-of-season sales (household names like Banana Republic and Macys hold seasonal sales where items are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off type of coupon sales because you can buy the non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item half off.

Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at their favorite stores which is why shopping online has become so popular. Gone were the days where you weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better to know the types of clothes you look good so you won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best part about shopping online is that often times you can find the same brands at cheaper prices because an online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at 50% off at DesignersLA.com or check out ShopBop and click on the 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email list, you'll get even more savings with sale announcements and coupon codes sent right to your inbox. What's easier than that?

Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy something you won't end up wearing just because it is on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted money that could have been used toward something you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but invest in a couple of classics that can take you through an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring staples.

Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares you than you haven't been shopping at the right vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be surprised to see what you find in the right vintage store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good condition and reasonable prices (some are actually expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome condition.

Handbags and Accessories
It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good designer handbag has a much longer run than designer clothing because if you invest in the right designer purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many months as opposed to changing up your clothes due to trends and weather conditions. And even though designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my homework and found ways to score a hot designer bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself:

Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping online for designer accessories can really pay off. Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an item will fit because most reputable sites will list the exact measurements and provides photos from all angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for 50% off retail at eFashionHouse.com and the selection is endless. Based on my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, Gucci and others at more than 60% off.

Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major department stores mark designer handbags off toward the end of the season an although it's nice to carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the first to know because inventory goes fast and is usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round).

Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a couple of designer handbags lying around that you haven't used in a while which means you can afford to get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have some extra money to spend on the designer handbag you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you think.

Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a bag you can wear for years to come.

Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. Often made from the same high end materials as couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label.

Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made handbags but if you want the look of the moment handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit DesignersLA.com and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such unbelievable prices.

Shoes
There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are women at least) have this category covered but we'll include a couple of pointers just in case you need a refresher:

Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) can take us a long way.

Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them all but the one good thing about so many choices is that there is more competition which means that price points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would never purchase a designer handbag from eBay because there is no way to guarantee that you are actually getting an authentic designer handbag but shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be prepared to search often because the selection is limited however you can find some amazing deals (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder than actually walking in them.

Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the best and easiest way to save money is to know when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if there is one thing women have in common its shoes.

So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't have to suffer a recession as well. Become an experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out tough times with the shirt on your back.

Woody Lee is a free lance writer, blogger and fashion addict living in New York City. She loves fashion, she loves high quality designer handbags, and she absolutely dislikes paying full price.

Myth Buster Designer Handbags in the News

Myth Buster Designer Handbags in the News

It was a fleeting thought, but nonetheless, we were thinking about renting a purse the other day. Poof! The thought was gone.

We did some Google browsing and stumbled across all the news media quotes listed below. So, we decided to consult some handbag experts to bust some of the myths floating around. We also did our own research and came up with some surprising data. Bottom line, it's not cheaper to rent a designer handbag. In the long term, you are better off owning the purse of your dreams. The media has taken hold as usual, it is all hype and drama. The proof is in the numbers. Rental fees can be as high as $300 per month or more for a famous high-end designer handbag (12 x $300 = $3600).

No wonder all the advertising is being pushed like none other. People are being blind-sighted by one of the worst investments a woman can make with her hard earned cash! Too bad there aren't laws to protect financial rape. Women, wise up. If you can't afford to buy yourself a new purse a few times a year, you certainly shouldn't be worried about impressing people with designer fashion accessories.

Here are a list of quotes made by prominent publications. They are myths, and we just busted them!

MYTH #1 -
“Because hot handbags have such a short shelf life, why not rent one instead of buying? That’s the logic behind…” — The Washington Times

Not true. A classic designer handbags does NOT have a short shelf life. Let's take the Fendi Baguette as an example. It started the entire "it" bag movement about twelve years ago and it's still going strong. As a matter of fact, Fendi introduced a "rebirth" of the detailed ornate baguette this past season. It's still alive and doing well. And, for all you Fendi baguette lovers out there, those designer handbags you purchased over the years are now becoming collector's items are reselling for a ton of cash. So, don't cash in yet. Hang onto, or still hang it over your shoulder and look fabulously current carrying a Fendit baguette. The Fendi Baguette is available in a small version about 9 x 6 inches in size or the larger MaMa Baguette style. Whichever, you picked a winner.

Not only has the Fendi Baguette survived over a decade of shelf life, it has been copied by all the major handbag brands. The word "baguette" is not synonomous to any small shoulder bag that fits neatly tucked under the arm when carried over the shoulder. Coach has one, so does Prada, Gucci and all the big handbag designers.

MYTH #2 -
“Fashion handbags are now a $5 billion industry, and a growing number of women are renting bags instead of buying them. For the price of a single designer bag, women can rent a year’s worth.” — NPR

Not true. Wait. Maybe true if you are willing to settle for less than the high end designer handbag style. You can rent at a low rate, but the designer bag is a low-rate, too. You get what you pay for in rentals and in retail.

A year's worth of high-end designer rentals like Chanel would cost much more than the price you'd pay for owning a classic Chanel handbag of your own. Chanel maintains its value, too. So, look at a Chanel purchase as an investment. The classic black quilted lamb leather chain shoulder bag rents for more than $300 per month. HUH! You can purchase one for about $1500. That's 5 months of rental fees, not including insurance and other hidden fees for renting Chanel.

Classic Chanel bags last a lifetime and are passed down through generations. Rentals are like booze, here today and gone tomorrow.

MYTH #3 -
“Do you want to look like Uma Thurman, the new face for Louis Vuitton, but just can’t afford those accessories? No problem. Now the middle class is scrambling for brand-name luxuries, borrowing has become the next-best way to look rich.” — Time

Think Keith Richards. Can't resist the Time Magazine quote we stumbled upon online. The new face of Louis Vuitton is Keith Richards! LOL. Now, re-read the quote above. Replace Uma Thurman with the name Keith Richards. Think Twice about what you wish for!


MYTH #4v-
“Ten years ago in the US the trend was towards cappuccinos and lattes – the sort of small luxury indulgence that was affordable to everyone. It’s the same idea with handbags you can rent.” — The Times

What? handbags have been around since the beginning of time. Check out Wikipedia. There's some great information online about the history of the handbag. Man-bags transformed into women's purses, and they've continually evolved throughout the ages. As a matter of fact, the best thing about a fabulous handbag is it can be carried to make your raggiest pair of jeans, a pair of flip-flops and cotton T-shirt look like Vogue. All you need is a fabulous bag and your entire ensemble is pulled together to make a fashion statement.

Yet, renting a designer purse is not a good comparison to the cost of a cup of coffee, even if it's $5 from Starbucks. Let's see, McDonald's just introduced the "designer" flavored ice coffee drink on tap for $1.89. Hmmmm....am I dreaming? The Times is a bit off in their price comparisons here. To rent a high-end designer handbag you'll be putting out more than $300 per month. Let's see. Big decision here. Should I rent a purse or make my car payment?


MYTH #5 -
“In the age of new luxury where some people would forgo a month’s rent for a the new Chloe Paddington bag, retail analysts say there is a burgeoning group of middle-class Americans who are indulging a yen for high-end fashion. Companies ...are catering to fashionistas who lack the disposable income to satisfy their cravings for Coach satchels and Chanel clutches, but for whom carrying a cheaper knockoff is blasphemy.” — The Boston Globe

Sorry, Boston Globe, the Coach handbag is so very moderately priced that renting one is not a very good investment of a person's money at all. To encourage people to rent Coach is not a good financial strategy. Buy Coach. Actually, renting Chanel is not a good investment either. The rental fees for Chanel begin at about $270, and that's not including membership fees, insurance fees, and other hidden fees none of the news media discloses in all the free advertising they do to promote designer rental companies.

Rent a luxury car? Rent a luxury airplane? Rent a luxury suite? These make financial sense for the occassion at hand. Renting a purse? Well, think twice about your cost and pay-off. Do your homework first before jumping into something you can't get out of later.

Nobody should ever carry a fake counterfeit handbag. However, designers like Melie Bianco and Murval make fabulous similar looking eco friendly handbags for a fraction of what you'd pay for a good counterfeit. And, if we are working toward a youthful "new earth" movement, then doesn't the inauthenticity of "renting" a purse to look good actually make a person look bad? Renting a designer handbag in order to "look good" is like living a lie. Authenticity rocks!

MYTH #6 -
“Cash-strapped fashionistas rejoice. The authentic $850 Gucci pink clutch you’ve been eyeing … can be yours for $72.90.” — National Post

You'll have to show us this to prove it. All the handbag rental stores we scoured had much higher prices than $73. Maybe $73 per day, with a minimum rental membership fee, plus other fees like shipping, insurance and etc., etc. Do you really think paying $73 to carry a Gucci bag for one day is going to transform your life? your appearance? your stature? Hello?

MYTH #7 -
“You can pretty much look like a million bucks, without breaking the bank.” — KCNC-TV CBS, Denver

I wonder what Susie Ormand would say about that! Let's ask her. Susie, if you are reading this post, please send us an email with your comments. Is renting a designer handbag a good use of a person's budget? Email KarrBernadette at hotmail.com. Thanks Susie!

Now, refer to the comments made about Myth #4 and living your life authentically. Thank you.

MYTH #8 -
“If you’re a handbag junkie, there is hope online – a service that rents out designer handbags and prevents you from breaking the bank.” — CBS Market Watch Weekend

See Myth #6.


MYTH #9 -
loan[s] out ‘it’ bags that cost more than your rent – and that are guaranteed to be out of style in three months – plus a host of classic styles from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Donney & Bourke.” — Time Out New York

See Myths #1, #6 and #7.


MYTH #10 -
“Wake up and smell the Chloe. The Chloe Paddington bag, that is…it’s now possible for you (or that hard-to-please fashionista on your holiday gift list) to carry the $500 or $2000 bag of your dreams – and to swap it out for a brand spanking new model every month – for a fraction of what it would cost to buy all the latest must-have bags outright.” — FWD

Swapping bags out can only be achieved if the bag is available! But your monthly dues is automatically charged to your credit card. Just like that gym membership. It's not any good to your budget unless your are using it and getting the results you want.

But, if you save your money and make a personal invnestment in a designer handbag, it's yours for a lifetime. When the bag is yours all it takes is a walk to your closet when you are in the mood to change handbags . And, you never have to worry about who carried the bag before you. Can you imagine using a purse someone you don't know used for possibly carrying their puppy?

MYTH #11 -
‘I love it. I would never – and could never – afford to buy one of the bags, but I can rent one for three weeks for about $50.’ — SLTtoday.com

Not true. A three week designer handbag rental is about $210 at one of the lowest membership fee schedules for a really nice bag. Anything less than that, you may as well not even consider.

MYTH #12 -
“It says that you’ve arrived. That you’re part of an exclusive club. That you are a fashion insider.. And an affluent one. Your purse packs a punch.” — The Denver Post

Do you see the humor in this quote? Who are you trying to fool? The people around you know whether you can afford the purse you are carrying. What do you think people would really be saying if they see you carrying a designer handbag they know you can't afford to own?

MYTH #13 -
"…thousands of women have signed up to lease the latest luxury brand bags on market, many of them coming back for more week after week, month after month, or every time a new event or outfit calls for the perfect handbag.” — Baltimore Sun

Pure media hype. There's no proof in the quote by the Baltimore Sun. As a matter of fact, there's so much hype in the media it makes the regular person ask, "What's all this hype about?" Think about it. Paying rent sucks. We do it for a place to live or a car to drive. When it comes to a purse, let's get real. Now, we have to worry about making enough money to pay our purse fees?

MYTH #14 -
“A key feature of the business is that women can rent several different handbags over a year for the same price or less than it would take to buy a new purse.” — Pioneer Press

Agreed, a person can rent several purses over the course of one year. But, the cost would be much higher than making an investment in the purchase of one classic high end designer handbag. See Myth #2.

MYTH #15 -
“Business is booming…and retail experts say consumers don’t attach a stigma anymore to leasing large sticker items like cars, even furniture, so it makes sense that pricey purses would fall in line.” —WXYZ-TV, Detroit

Once again comparing a handbag to a $60K Lexus is not a good comparison. Same holds true for furniture. Pricey purses carry very high rental fees.

MYTH #16 -
“Fashion conscientious women will pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars for handbags , everything from Gucci to Kate Spade, but now there is a local company that offers the exact, and we mean the exact, purses for as little as $20….” — KSTP-TV, Minneapolis

Not true, period.

MYTH #17 -
“It can cost a pretty penny…to carry a stylish handbag, and if you want a new bag each season, you’re talking some big bucks, but we’ve found away around it.” — Action News – WXYZ-TV, Detroit

For the rental price you pay, you can easily purchase a gorgeous new handbag every season.

Click here.

'Designer' Condoms: What, No Louis Vuitton?

Marc Jacobs Designer Monogram Condoms

ftom Trendinista


I never thought I would be saying this, but the "it" condom is replacing the "it" bag this season. Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating, but you get where I'm going with this. Planned Parenthood has come to the realization that tapping into the modern young woman's fashion-obsessed psyche might just get her to carry condoms in her purse. (Hey, designer birth control pill cases worked. Why not designer condoms?) For $6, you can nab a 3-pack of fashionable love gloves cute enough to show off to friends. An interesting idea, but a little heavy on the cheese:

"Old stereotypes about who should buy condoms are so last season! Proper Attire condoms are the "must-have" accessory this season and were designed with sexually active, stylish women in mind."

So last season? Must have accessory? (Are women supposed to feel comfortable carrying them in their handbags, or are they supposed to sling them over their shoulders?) If I had my way, they would be FREE, handed out at stores where sexually active, stylish women shop, and have designer-inspired names like "Lube-y Vuitton," Dolce & Banana," and "Christian La-crotch." Now THAT would be a designer condom!

Recession proof online shopping designer handbags

by Anna Miller

With all the talk about recession issues there’s one thing you can depend upon no matter what shape the economy. Online shopping saves you time, money and stress. At close to $4 a gallon, gasoline is not worth buying to drive around town. It is easier to sit at your computer and get everything you need. Save that gas money and use it to buy yourself something.

One of the great things about shopping online is 24 hour 7 days a week availability. And, with the help of search engines like Google, a person can get anything they want at prices much lower than what they would pay at the store.

Considering fuel charges alone, one trip to the local shopping mall could be as much as you would pay for a new designer handbag by Melie Bianco or MURVAL. These designers create the high end look without the high end price tag. They also provide roomy versatile purses made of eco friendly materials. If there is one thing a woman can not live without it is an occasional new purse.

If leather is your choice of handbag, Elaine Turner makes a complete line of affordable, moderately priced women’s bags and accessories. Elaine is fairly new to the designer handbag scene. She started her handbag business in Dallas, Texas around 2000. Her designs are made exceptionally well, and the handbags have classic appeal among women.

All-in-all, to recession proof shopping habits, you must start thinking smart about using your budget wisely. An average trip to the mall or department store costs about $12 in gasoline, plus lunch about $16 (minimum), and parking in major cities anywhere from $6 - $15. That’s a hefty price to spend an afternoon browsing stores. The irony of the situation is most of the stores you browse are available online, too.

You may feel the day out is deserved after a long work week -- agreed. Treating yourself with a reward is motivating. That’s not the point, here. If the economy dictates our spending, then maybe we need to re-examine how we spend and where our money goes.

McDonalds just announced the introduction of a new flavored ice-coffee on tap in their fast food restaurants. I bet many of the Starbuck addicts at $5 a pop will try switching to the $1.89 McDonald coffee. It is a smart choice and an alternative without depriving yourself of something you enjoy. And, the savings is huge if you drive through or stop for coffee once per day.

Same is true with designer fashion accessories like handbags, purses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and tote bags. Why deprive yourself of something you want if there is a way to obtain the items at affordable prices. A fashion keepsake is something you will have forever. So, it only makes sense to find something affordable and adorable. Online shopping provides resources to get these special things at great discount prices.

It appears as though the designer industry is out of control. From handbags to watches to foot wear, shoes, boots, and just about anything with a designer label has gotten to an unreachable, unattainable price level. Some people advocate the rental of these high end designer items to give the appearance of affluence. It is somewhat discouraging to know people feel the need to put on a fake front by renting fashion. And, it doesn’t fit into the smart shopper attitude. Why rent and pay high fees when you can buy something of your own.

Actually, with all the transmitted diseases and germs spreading like viruses, who would want to use a purse an unknown person carried previously. Scary thought seeing as an average trip to the doctor is about $150, and if medication or a shot is needed, add another couple hundred dollars. Not worth the risk nowadays. Designer rental companies are a lot of hype and advertising without ROI (return of investment) for the customer – very high cost, extremely low value.

Well, it is time to go surfing -- nope, not to the ocean, directly to Google. You want a new designer handbag -- easily, type into the search box, Designer Handbag. A list of resources appears before your eyes. Browse the online stores, compare prices and choose wisely. Contact the website with questions. A good online store will respond to your questions promptly. Find those special places online to get the things you want without any overhead expenses. You can shop anytime day or night, save time, save money and do it all in the privacy of your own home.

Happy bargain hunting online is a great way to shop smart using your budget wisely.

About the Author
Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. She owns and operates a website called eFashionHouse.com. Selling online for over twelve years, Anna is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. eFashionHouse.com was named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine for Discount Designer Handbags & Accessories. About.com named eFashionHouse.com the top online retailer of discount Chanel. For more information, visit http://www.efashionhouse/

Last-A-Lifetime Accessories

For more information about the above Hermes Kelly Bag
write to
"CustomerCare at eFashionHouse.com"

Lauren Sherman, Forbes

Drop $25,000 on Hermès' Cape Cod 1928 Watch, and you're likely to get more than jealous stares. In 25 years, the limited-edition timepiece with a rose gold face and Havana crocodile strap should still be ticking--and still be in style.

It's one of a crop of new accessories that are expected to remain wardrobe staples over a lifetime.

What makes them classic? Like an Hermès Kelly bag or a pair of Tiffany (nyse: TIF - news - people ) knot cuff links, the new pieces--including Marc Jacobs' envelope clutch and Ferragamo's leather penny loafers--have distinctive, but understated, designs. Construction of such future classics is key. Buyers should note whether a piece was made by a machine or sewn by hand--like the Jacobs clutch--and how much time was put into crafting the piece (the Ferragamo loafers require about 25 hours of labor.)

"If you want a piece you're investing in to last, you need to think about the innate quality of the item," says fashion writer Kathleen Beckett, founder of Beckett's Black Book, a personal-shopping service. "These pieces have a refreshing edge that's not going to be lost."

Bochic's chocolate-pearl necklace also fits the bill. Colored strings now top bright whites as many women's pearls of choice and have earned classic status within the last decade. This set of Tahitian high-luster multicolor pearls are rare, and the price proves it: $36,000 for a string.

"Pearls are a great investment, as they're becoming harder and harder to harvest," says Beckett. "However, nobody wants the little safe white-pearl choker anymore."

Though a steep $975, Ralph Lauren's (nyse: RL - news - people ) 1.25-inch-wide black American alligator dress belt is the ultimate in versatility, and alligator skin is always in style. It may be worn during the day with a smart suit and in the evening with an elegant jacket. The classic square buckle comes in polished sterling silver.

Cool but classic sunglasses are a staple as well. Persol makes timeless plastic and rimless styles in a range of colors. The new rectangular 2834 S is available in tones ranging from sunny yellow to traditional tortoise. Color is fine in such small doses, but Beckett says that the pop-art inspired, rainbow-colored shoes, handbags and ties seen on the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 runways won't stand the test of the time.

"Unless you're someone who loves the retro-chic look," she says, "stay away from bold colors when buying investment pieces."

"It's also wise to invest in well-known brands." Stephanie Phair, vice president of merchandising and business development at Portero, an Internet luxury-auction site, says that when scouting modern accessories, she pays attention to the maker in addition to quality and craftsmanship.

"Certain brands will always hold their value," says Phair, who adds that pieces from Hermès, Marc Jacobs and Cartier are sure bets.

These lines don't come cheap. But pay up now, and you'll almost certainly benefit later.

An eye Turner this season - Elaine does it again

Use coupon code OFF10 for an additional 10% off Elaine Turner handbags for a savings of up to 50% off full retail. Guaranteed the BEST price online for Elaine Turner Handbags.

About Elaine Turner
from ElianeTurner.com

In 2000, former apparel designer and merchandiser Elaine Turner put her industry experience, love of accessories and passion for all things stylish to work on her first-ever handbag collection. Elaine’s impressive fashion pedigree, coupled with a keen interest in textiles and timeless style, led to the creation of a unique, conceptually-driven debut collection that instantly stood apart from the rest. Fans of the Elaine Turner collection have come to anticipate her rare yet elegant combinations of the unexpected. "We are recognized for our use of embossed exotic leathers such as ostrich, croc, and python. Seasonally, our uniquely designed and painted grass cloth bags have also become a well known signature look for the line," says Turner. Striking custom hardware bearing Elaine Turner's signature crown logo is also iconic to the brand.

Although Elaine Turner incorporates elements that make her bags conversation pieces she's never a slave to fly by night trends. "I stay true to my customer's desire for something decidedly sophisticated and classic, but with a twist."

As Elaine Turner collection continues to evolve and expand, so does her company. 2007 brought many exciting company developments including the launch of small leather goods, beach and travel collections.

Also, the opening of Elaine Turner retail boutique at Dallas NorthPark Center and the launch of in-store boutiques at all Tootsies locations.

The Elaine Turner collection ranges in retail price from $195-$695. It is available at the Elaine Turner flagship in Dallas as well as fine retailers nationwide including 150 specialty stores.