Four Great Kates

I'm thrilled to be attending the LA launch party for Kate Spade's new 2 Park Avenue Beau bag.  To celebrate, here are four of my favorite Kate Spade bags:






























Catherine Street Pippa
Named after the second-most-famous Middleton, the Pippa is a beautifully textured bowler bag with impeccable bow tie lining.  There are three pockets inside for phones, keys, pens, and lip gloss.  The main compartment is a big empty space with a flat bottom, perfect to keep a notepad in shape.  I'd grab this in Dark Chino, throw in a water bottle and a pair of flats, and take it to The Grove ($398).

Far from the Tree NYC Map Clutch
This isn't a bag I'd normally go for, but there's something whimsical that sparks my interest.  The striped lining is a perfect match (never a surprise with Kate).  When I saw the map detail on the inner fold I literally said "ooooh!" out loud.  Wear this with a slouchy tee and stacked jewelry ($248).

Cobble Hill Little Curtis
Simplicity is the name of the game with Curtis.  This bag comes in two sizes, I prefer the Little Curtis but if you need more room (say for an iPad) the Curtis gives you 4-5 extra inches.  The outer zip pocket is an easy place to keep go-to items like phones and metro passes.  The Moody Plum is a perfect pop of fall color.  Throw this over your shoulder or on your arm to add some style to your daily errands.  (Little Curtis $278, larger Curtis $348)

Cobble Hill Little Minka
If you've been looking for one perfect everyday bag, this is it.  The Little Minka is easy to carry, holds everything, and will get you noticed.  New college grads should buy this as an investment, moms as a gorgeous carryall, professional women as a work to life-outside-work, and everyone else as the bag you'll keep reaching for.  It's big enough to carry what you need but not so big as to be overpowering, with a zip top pocket that absolutely makes the bag.  I prefer the Little Minka (not so little really, check it out on a model here) but there's a larger version that gives you a few extra inches.  My favorite is the Oyster, which is hard to find (Modnique has it for $319) but the Affogato is a great light neutral.  (Little Minka in black $378 at Nordstrom, select colors $170 at Kate Spade, larger Minka $458)

Any favorite Kates you'd like to add?

Bags for a cause: The Kiondo Bag

On this weekend day, I'm thinking about all the people in the world who are not able to take a day of rest.  I am acutely aware that having this unquenchable love of handbags falls squarely in the "first world problems" category.  So today, let's start a new tradition.  Every weekend I'll feature a bag with a cause.  We'll start with a personal favorite.

The Kiondo Bag: Made in the Streets

Are you ready to stand out from the crowd?  I have the bag for you.

The Kiondo is an eye catching bucket bag in stunning colors.  Handmade by former street kids and local artisans in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kiondo is made sustainably from dried sisal plants.  With all the work that goes this handmade bag, I can't believe its low $50 price tag.  I love this for the farmers market, the airport, school, really it could go anywhere.  Here in LA the Kiondo is perfect for nights at the Hollywood Bowl or Cinespia cemetary screenings; throw in some finger foods and a bottle of wine and you're set.  Pair with a maxi dress and some global jewelry for a beautiful overall look.  I'm thinking the Red Rafiki bracelet would do just the trick.

The Kiondo holds a special place in my heart.  In 2012 I had the privilege of spending two weeks in Nairobi, Kenya with a wonderful organization called Made in the Streets.  MITS helps children who've been living on the streets in the slums of Nairobi.  They provide education, vocational training, room and board, and so much more.  I was lucky to spend some time with Olive, a teacher (and former street kid herself) who made this beauty for me.

Want to do more for Made in the Streets?  There are so many ways to get involved, from writing a letter to sponsoring a student.  The best option, of course, would be to visit in person.  Trust me, it will change your life.  Learn how to get involved, or contact me directly and I'd be happy to make a personal introduction.

Best bag: Renegade Craft Fair

Update: This is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Natasha Flap Crossbody.  I should have known it was a Marc!  Many thanks to Ashley of Dearest Darling for the info.

It was a treat to attend the Renegade Craft Fair today in Los Angeles.  So many great bags!  Hands down, the best was worn by this fashionable lady.

Of course, the gold birds make this bag pop.  The birds were a perfect compliment to her beautiful dress, and added a bit of flair to an otherwise simple bag.  A slouchy crossbody was perfect for a few hours of walking the craft fair.  It was just large enough to carry some small purchases, but not so large as to be unruly.  A great choice!

Bad news: This bag was an old favorite of its owner, and I can't find it online.

Good news: You can recreate this look using a favorite bag of your own by adding a brooch.  Find some great ones with this Etsy list... my pick would be the Vintage Coro Rhinestone and Pearl Bird by Mimi's Vintage Shop.

Remember, when in doubt, put a bird on it!