I love Onna Ehrlich handbags and greatly admire the designer herself because she, along with her hubby, have managed to create handbags with new silhouettes with unexpected vibrant colors and exotic materials which make each a modern classic.  I was really excited to come across this E!Online behind the scenes video of Onna Ehrlich in her design space because my dream job is work for a handbag company, and eventually design my own collection.  I studied apparel manufacturing so I totally enjoyed the glimpse that the video offered – Onna’s concept of a certain bag from the sketches to prototype to the finished product.  Congratulations on yet another fabulous collection!

Women In Philanthropy’s 9th Annual Power of the Purse is this Thursday, May 17th!  We have an amazing mix of bags including Tory Burch, Coach (several styles!), Louis Vuitton, Felix Rey, Ellen Allen Annapolis, Eric Javits, Nana by Sally, Ivanka Trump, Miche, Beijo, Onna Ehrlich, Haute Latitude, Amykathryn Handbags, d’andrea handbags, Mia Cotone gift set, original designs from up and coming designers and much, much more!

Power of the Purse is an official Columbia Style Week Pre-event with Wink Magazine as the digital media sponsor!  What does that mean exactly?  Power of the Purse is going to be bigger and better than before, so come out and shop for a cause! Buy your tickets now by registering online at www.womeninphilanthropy.com.

Check out Columbia Style Week on Facebook for daily announcements and follow Columbia Style Week on Twitter too!

Jill’s Consignment has a gorgeous neon pink Judith Leiber Karung Snakeskin Clutch that is so on trend!  It’s not often that I find a Judith Leiber bag that I would actually carry since most of the ones I see are on the red carpet.  It’s made of Karung snakeskin with gold-tone hardware.  Features include an interior flap closure with magnetic snap, removable shoulder strap and swivel top handles.  It has pink fabric lining with main compartment flanked by a zippered pocket and a long open pocket.  It also comes with a change purse.  This bag is in pristine condition with dust cover.  Price: $575.00.

I had the rare pleasure of seeing a bag in person from one of my favorite designers!  Onna Ehrlich donated a navy Sylvia Messenger Bag to this year’s Power of the Purse.  It’s beautiful yet simple, and the quality and construction is impeccable.  My favorite part is the fringe on the flap of the bag!  The Sylvia is a thoughtfully designed messenger bag that is perfect for carrying documents or a 15″ laptop.  A leather flap secured by magnetic latches conceals a zipper opening to the Sylvia’s main document pouch, which is the perfect size for a manilla folder.  There is also a small pouch for a keys and wallet, and a convenient cell phone holder.  It’s definitely a more stylish alternative to carrying a briefcase.  It’s also available in black, brown, gray and red. Price: $650.00 at OnnaEhrlich.com.

I don’t know how I have managed to get through the past year without buying an iPad or some kind of tablet.  There were a few times where I was almost on the edge of getting one but something always seems to get in the way.  For now, I will continue finding cute accessories so  know what to buy when my time finally comes.  The MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Werdie’ Tablet Messenger Bag is my latest pick primarily for the design and function of this particular style.  It has all the features one needs to be on the go with a tablet.  I love the contrasting leather in neutral tones combined with the bold red trim.  Its clean lines and structure makes it easy to carry crossbody style.  It has two outer flap pockets for easy access to small items, logo print lining and magnetic snap-flap closure.  Price: $378.00 at Nordstrom.

We’re getting ready for First Thursday at Tapp’s Art Center!  Stop by our blogtique and shop our new selection of handbags and accessories.  We are always searching for fabulous bags at affordable prices so our customers have a wonderful shopping experience.  We are currently featuring Nana by Sally accessories, Urbanknit pouches, Melie Bianco handbags, My Other Bag totes and Haute Latitude clutches.  Stop by anytime between 5:00 to 9:00 pm.  After the party, we will add new items to our online boutique.

Style Exhibition is almost here!  April 26-28, 2012 will mark the fifth year of Style Exhibition, an annual event highlighting the business of fashion, beauty and entertainment in our community.  The event is organized by 3Jay Productions and began in 2007.  This year’s theme is “Favore” a Latin term for favor.  Opening night begins with the trendsetter’s showcase at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, which consists of novice clothing designers and retail boutiques.  Listed below is the talent that will be featured:

 - Songbird Designs, Kim Singleton – Charleston, SC

- Azure Swimwear, Leslie Davis – Lexington, SC

- Sir Lingerie, Kristen Alyse – Detroit, MI

- Anthony Lawrence Collection, De’Fron Fobb – Irving, TX

- Scripted Designs, Shalanda Sutton – Atlanta, GA

- Vitesse eXchange, Retail – Atlanta, GA

- Yeni’s Creations, Omoyeni Makinde – Nanuet, NY

- Stiletto Soule, Tedra Mars – Columbia, SC

** Red-carpet Entry begins at 6:00pm, show will begin promptly at 7:00pm.  You can purchase tickets {here}.

The second night is a networking social that is sponsored by The Solomon Law Group and also includes a silent auction, proceeds to benefit Footsteps 2 Success, Inc, a mentoring program for young men and women.  The event is scheduled during happy hour – 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Blue Marlin Vista Room.

The finale showcase will consist of multi-talented clothing designers, including one of favorite designers from season six of Project Runway®, Ra’Mon Lawrence!  The roster includes:

- Nepenthe, John Byrd-Olivieri – Raleigh, NC

- Lauren DeVaughn, Shirley Daley – Charleston, SC

- DesignsBYou, Fatima Samad – New York, NY

- Michi Knitwear LLC, Michele Walden – Queens, NY

- ATIV Custom Couture, LaJuana Crawford – Atlanta, GA

- Ra’Mon-Lawrence, Ra’Mon Lawrence Coleman, New York, NY

**Red-carpet entry begins at 6:00pm, show will begin promptly at 7:00pm.  You can purchase tickets {here}.

My all time favorite Diane von Furstenberg bag is the Harper.  I love the different styles of the Harper, and the thoughtfulness behind the design of the bag.  I was excited to discover a more casual version – the Harper Anna Burlap Tote.  It’s the perfect summer bag!  I can see myself wearing it everyday to work, and also traveling with it.  I am planning a weekend trip soon, and this bag would be perfect!  It is made of natural burlap with black leather trim, golden hardware and leather bottom.  It has the DvF signature metal pocket that all Harpers have, and a chain and red leather shoulder straps.  Additional features include open top, interior zip and open pockets, and tonal burlap lining.  Price: $525.00 at Neiman Marcus.

It’s that time of year again!  Women In Philanthropy and HandbagReport.com are gearing up for Power of the Purse, an annual fundraiser in its 9th year that includes a silent and live auction of purses to benefit local women and children charities.

Women In Philanthropy is a diverse group of professional women dedicated to investing in helping disadvantaged women and children in the Midlands.  They have awarded over a half a million dollars in grants since 2002.  Power of the Purse is a fun event with fabulous bags, fantastic women and fundraising for a wonderful cause.  Proceeds from Power of the Purse are invested in Women in Philanthropy’s grants that benefit women and children in the Midlands.

Admission is $40.00.  Click {here} to register.  This event is expected to sell out so purchase your tickets early!  For more information, visit www.womeninphilanthropy.com