Last week I had the opportunity to attend the West Coast Launch Party for Zara Terez Handbags. In fact, this was my first official event since I myself have moved to the West Coast. As I pulled up to the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Blvd I was beyond excited. Representing Purse Blog, I was invited up to the Penthouse for a private pre-party where I got to meet the talented and gorgeous Zara.

We receive countless emails everyday about new and emerging designers that want us to take a look at their line. I wish we had enough time in the day to be able to cover all of them, but we do not. What helps a designer stand out to us is their bags possessing a unique quality. Uniqueness catches my eye first, one of those ‘Ah, haven’t seen anything like that before‘ moments.

Though we love our bags and our style-mindedness, it’s always good to give back to the community. And what’s better than finding brands to support that seek to do just that? Enter Tagbag, a company that makes bags from recycled license plates and inner tubes from South Africa. And if you know your way around a car, you know that that means a pretty durable bag.

It is a small world. I have been in all ends of the world and run into people that somehow know someone I know. It happened again recently and tied one of my best friend’s family friend’s daughter to an internship with a handbag designer in New York. That was a long line of knowing, but it is closer than it seems.

Gustto handbags are not new to us here at Purse Blog. In fact, we like these handbags so much that they are without a doubt one of our favorite Savvy Brands over at Purse Blog Savvy.

Recently I had a chance to speak with Founder and Creative Director of Gustto, Agathe Planchon. As she splits her time between San Diego and NYC it was no shock that I picked up on her easy going and approachable San Diego vibe.

Shoes and handbags seem to go hand in hand. Just as this is the case, there is no way we can leave out other essential accessories, like jewelery! Whether you love rings, bracelets, necklaces, ear-rings, most girls can’t shy away from jewelery of some sort. So just as I love to check out Jimmy Choo handbags and shoes, I love that there is a designer out there who designs two of my favorite things – handbags and jewelery.

Breaking into the designer handbag market is not easy. It takes skill, longevity, the right look, the right name, the right people. Two weeks ago we met the designers behind Hunting Season, a relatively fledgling handbag company which burst into the handbag market and is already sitting comfortably on the main floor at Barneys New York. Danielle Corona, previously with Valentino, and Jason Salstein, formerly with VBH, may be young, but their drive, knowledge, and passion shines through both their personalities and work.

Where does inspiration come from? When it comes to fashion, when it comes to designers, we all know that inspiration can be drawn from just about anywhere. I am always intrigued by where inspiration comes from; it seems so unique and provides such a profound insight into the designer. A little while back I spoke with Rebecca Robinson, the designer and founder of psnob.

Proenza Schouler has been in the industry since 2002 and was founded by Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. The brand, which designs a high-end line of women’s apparel, recently delved into the world of handbags and shoes. Their handbag line is so extraordinary that we know you will love it. The reason I am raving is because these styles cater to my exact style, want, and need, when I am looking for a handbag.

I have to say, I feel so lucky sometimes. An example of this would be the opportunities I have to interview new designers. But, more than that, when I speak with an amazing designer who makes gorgeous handbags, I can’t wait to share everything with all of you! Not that long ago, I had the chance to talk with Erin Voorhies, the founder and creative designer of KEMPT handbags.