Kate Spade 2 Park Avenue Beau Launch

This week I got to attend the Kate Spade 2 Park Avenue Beau Bag launch in Los Angeles, cohosted by Los Angeles Magazine.  It was a blast.

The best part of the event was, by far, the staff.  What a lovely group of people!  I ask a lot of questions, and these ladies knew their stuff.  They were fun and gracious and helpful.

When I walked in there were a few people looking at the 2 Park Ave Beau, so I asked to see a Pippa.  A wonderfully friendly salesperson (wearing a gorgeous printed apple Domino Dress)  walked me right to them.  She showed me multiple colors and talked through the pros and cons.  Another team member showed me the Grove Court Lainey and explained the importance of structure in a bag with side pockets (a problem I've come across with the J.Crew Biennial Hobo).  I met bags I'd never seen and got to know old favorites better, and the whole experience was curated by this talented team.

My favorite new find was this iPhone wristlet.  I'm a stripes girl (obviously) so I was immediately drawn to this one, but there were gorgeous purple and green color options as well.  Big thanks to Carmen, the associate who helped me find this gem!  If you're looking online, Nordstrom has a cute one in black and white polka dots ($70).

I have to be honest, I didn't love the 2 Park Ave Beau.  The structure is too boxy, the bow is too much, and I rarely like bags with wings.  The lining, though, is fabulous, and the pocket behind the bow was a fun surprise.  Of all the colors I like the Leopard Beau best, but with a $998 price tag it's out of my league.

This event was about more than the Beau though, it was about the Kate Community.  The event drew in people from all areas of LA who might never have connected.  We ooohed and aaahed together over bags and jewelry.  I laughed, I played, and I learned about the brand.  I fell in love with Kate Spade just a little bit more.

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?

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!