Chic Galleria » bags

Anna Dello Russo to Design an Over-the-Top Accessories Collection for H&M

Rithanie Gonzales — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:19:13 +0000

H&M is proud to announce a special collaboration with fashion icon and legendary fashion director, Anna Dello Russo. An idol of the blogosphere, whose flamboyant outfits are endlessly documented by style photographers and broadcasted globally on the internet, Anna Dello Russo has once again demonstrated her unique sense of style by creating a special collection of accessories exclusively for H&M. Unabashedly glamorous, precious and playful, the range is an expression of Dello Russo’s taste for ornamentation. The collection will be available starting October 4^th –the peak of the global Fashion Week tour – in approximately 140 stores worldwide and online. Dello Russo’s line will feature jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags and trolley- all designed so H&M customers can acquire unique style at an affordable price.

“I am excited by this collaboration. For the first time H&M is working with a Fashion Director on a special project. This is the sign of an important evolution in fashion, and I am both thrilled and humbled to be the one chosen to lead this project. I wanted to create precious accessories that are impossible to find. As a stylist, I know accessorization is essential; it is the personal touch in any outfit. With these pieces, everybody can have fun, and turn an ordinary day into a fantastic fashion day”, says Anna Dello Russo.

“It’s been extremely exciting to involve Anna Dello Russo in this project, something completely different from what we have done before. Anna has a fantastic eye and bold taste, apart from being a veritable fashion icon. She has produced an extravagant range of accessories that will thrill H&M customers and fashion enthusiasts everywhere. The collection is a celebration of excess, fantasy and decoration,” says Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor at H&M.

Famously described by photographer Helmut Newton as a “fashion maniac”, Anna Dello Russo is one of contemporary fashion’s driving forces. With an unparalleled eye, she has shaped the way we view fashion today – through her groundbreaking work at Vogue Italia, where she served as a fashion editor for over twelve years and worked with photographers such as Helmut Newton, Michel Comte, and Walter Chin, and later as Editor-in-Chief of L’Uomo Vogue. Currently performing the roles of Fashion Director at Large and Creative Consultant at Vogue Japan, Dello Russo is a darling of the fashion bloggers, whom she likes to delight with her extravagant ensembles and countless changes of outfits during the world’s Fashion Week events.

Pack Light with Bungalow Co!

Kaitlin Fontenot — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:41:25 +0000

Whether you’re planning the perfect weekend getaway with that special someone or just planning ahead for your summer vacation, we’ve rounded up the perfect bags that you’ll need to get you there. There really is no point in checking baggage. If there is one thing I’ve learned from my pilot fiancé, it’s that I overpack extremely too often. We visited Hawaii in 2009 and I checked two bags which ended up costing me approximately $50 a piece. I (obviously) did not need everything that I packed.

In all reality, you only truly need a few things for a small getaway: swimwear, shorts, one to two tops per day depending on whether you wear one while on the beach, a few dresses for your evening happy hour, one pair of your favorite heels that match all of your outfits for the trip, minimal jewelry, and minimal makeup. Leave your blow dryer behind and opt for your bare necessities instead! Most hotels offer you a blow dryer as well as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion.

For our honeymoon next month, we are traveling back to Hawaii. This time around, I’m listening to my fiancé. I’ve learned the hard way that overpacking gives you a headache like no other. We’ve decided to each have one carry-on bag and check one bag together. That way, we can forget the extra cost of checked baggage and stop stressing!

The Duffle, $77: The duffle is for the lady on the go. A perfect go-to, this bag is essential for any getaway whether it’s overseas or down the road. With enough compartments for your makeup, your toiletries, and your clothing, you’ll be fit for a vacation like no other with this duffle.

Toiletries Bag, $20: This bag is absolutely perfect for your toiletries, makeup, and unmentionables for the big getaway. Store away and worry no more about what you’ve packed, this bag has a water-proof coating!

Travel Accessory, $20: With enough room to hold your cell phone, keys, and credit card, this wristlet is perfect for the girls’ weekend. Also, it’s water-resistant. I’d love to use one of these when we are in Hawaii hiking to the waterfalls. That way, I can attach it to my wrist and take off without a care.

Tote Bag, $43: If you’re like me and hate carrying a purse, a carry-on, and having to worry about stashing away a beach bag, then this bag is perfect. Take your purse and empty everything out. Leave all of the unnecessary items such as bulky wallets, large makeup bags, and receipts. Take your keys and other important items like your license, money, and passport and stash it in this tote. That way, when you get ready to hit the beach you can simply toss in your sunscreen, towel, and your favorite read. When you’re ready to hit up the tiki bar, you won’t have to run back to your room for your purse. You’ll already have it with you!

Cross-Body Satchel, $23: A cross-body satchel is always the most effortless bag, especially when traveling. Like the travel accessory bag, it’s perfect for the small items such as your keys, cell phone, and credit card. Unlike a larger tote or purse, it won’t hurt your back and shoulders. You’ll pretty much forget it’s there. I always use mine when I go out places that make me a little nervous with a purse (Bourbon Street, New Orleans for example). It’s a little harder for someone to snatch your cross-body than it is a purse.

These gorgeous bags come in so many colors. Plus, they’re the most inexpensive bags out there that are still absolutely gorgeous. Be sure to pack lightly and go check out www.BungalowCo.com for your travel essentials.

Interview with Leah & Bliss

Nadia Murdock — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:10:57 +0000

Leah & Bliss are two fashion-forward friends that have created their own distinctive eye- catching bags. These New York savvy girls have brought together their Upper East Side and Gramercy girl styles together to create Leah & Bliss.

Leah & Bliss has not been around that long. Why do you think the public especially celebrities have gravitated to your handbags?

Our ‘Glamazon’ bag packs some serious style punch with its classic shape and boastful bedazzling. It is a feminine take on a classic bag and it adds a playful edge to any outfit. The Leah & Bliss collection is a unique design: high fashion translated into an affordable, easy-to-wear handbag for the style-conscious girl. It’s the perfect complement to any outfit, and it comes in a variety of chic styles and vivacious color combos for work or play.

The public and especially celebs have been loving the bag because it is just so eye catching and fabulous! When Kristin Chenoweth came in this fashion week, she was gasping for air from the sheer sight of the blinged out bags. “SHUT UP! These are RETAAARRTED,” she exclaimed as she ended up changing her entire outfit to include the Black Glamazon bag for the US Weekly Magazine party. She could not stop saying how perfect the bag was for her and everyday life.

How long have Mona Leah & Tara Bliss been friends?

Mona and Tara met in their first year of college through mutual friends, they just clicked instantly. Their sense of style and excitement for fashion couldn’t keep them away from each other.

What do each of you bring to the table to make such a dynamic brand?

Mona is a sweet Gramercy girl with a passion for glamorous purses and shoes. She grew up coveting the latest designer bags, but she always dreamed of creating her own collection. Tara is a trend-setting Upper East Side girl with a keen eye for quality. She always knows what she wants, and most of the time wanted it sparkly with jewelry.

Just this past Fashion Week you debuted the Holiday & Cruise collection. What inspired these designs?

People always consider our bag jewelry, so we wanted to do something dressier and what girl doesn’t appreciate pearls? This collection makes classic pearls that you usually see around ones neck, more playful and fun. The handbags easily go from day to night.

Where can your handbags be found?

Sold online at leahandbliss.com and they can also be found at Henry Bendel’s, Jimmy’s, Chez Moi, Singer 22, Steven Dann, Realm, Private Collection Chelsea.

Follow Leah & Bliss on Twitter @leahandbliss

Find Leah & Bliss on Facebook

Being the offspring of a fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion. She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com. Nadia is the Public Relations Director for Chic Galleria magazine and works in New York City.

Bag Envy

Christie Ressel — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:54:59 +0000

Purses are my weakness. It’s pretty serious. There isn’t a time when I stroll through Holt Renfrew, or any other boutique where my eyes don’t plant themselves on another purse that I “must have”.

So whilst browsing online, naturally I gasped when feasting my eyes on this gem – the Rocco mini Duffle Bag by Alexander Wang. In my opinion, Alexander can do no wrong. This bag is one that will go the extra mile in your wardrobe as the grey (a fabulous neutral colour) will carry you through multiple seasons.

Loving that this is a duffle bag, you can surely use this for multiple purposes and stuff just about anything in it – loves!

It has a studded bottom, giving it some extra edge while also protecting the bottom.

In short – I love it. What do you think?

Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant and Style Coach
Personal Power Image Consulting

*Christie is an image consultant and style coach that is regularly featured in the media and press across Canada and the USA. She runs, “Personal Power Image Consulting” where she helps women feel more chic, stylish, and confident through her stylish personal and online style services.

Fashion Does Double Time Part 2

Dawn Del Russo — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:34:00 +0000

Did you catch Fashion Double Time Part 1?

Handbag Chain turned Jewelry – So we all have clutches that come with the super long silver or gold chain, that we never use, well, these turn into super stylish necklace’s and bracelets, some even have closures clips!

Shopping Bag Wrapping Paper- Tons of your favorite shops are handing out delicious shopping bags that are too pretty to throw away, why not wrap gifts in them.

Dawn Del Russo is a Fashion & Lifestyle Stylist, Featured in InStyle, US Weekly, Life & Style, TV Fox 5, Author “101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle”.