We brought you news of the Tory Burch and Leanna Shapton Valentine’s Day Collaboration. And after sharing the items with you, we thought it would only be fitting to feature an exclusive interview with famed fashion designer Tory Burch. Not only do we find out more about the collaboration, but we have the pleasure of getting a peek into the personal life of Tory Burch.

Tory Burch was able to find a few minutes in her hectic schedule and answer some questions exclusively for PurseBlog. Along with that, Tory Burch will be giving away two items from the line below. Remember to shop the Tory Burch Valentine’s Day Collaboration via Tory Burch online!

Tory On The Collaboration

1) Tell us about your Valentine’s Day Collaboration with renowned artist Leanne Shapton.

Leanne’s work is so provocative and smart, and I’ve long been a fan of hers. We wanted to work with her and asked her to create an exclusive print for us for our first Artists’ Collaboration series. She designed a charming lip print and a beautiful version of our logo. They’re featured on pajamas, a great tote and two makeup bags.

2) What would be the perfect gift from the Tory Burch line to give for Valentine’s Day?

Leanne’s pieces are definitely great ideas, especially the red lipstick print. I also love our colorful heart sandals and wristlets—they’re chic and charming. I also think jewelry and accessories, like one of our statement necklaces or a luxurious tote is a great way to get into the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

3) What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day?

I loved Valentine’s Day with my father. He used to write poems for all of us.

4) How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day this year?

With the same young men I spend every Valentine’s—my three boys.

Tory On Tory Burch

1) What is your go-to handbag?

My go-to bag right now is our McLane tote. It’s done in a rich, slouchy leather with a gold chain, which is a cool combination. It’s one of our bigger styles, so I can carry my notebook and Kindle.

2) What can we expect in the near future from the Tory Burch handbag line?

Accessories is so important for us and we’ve had a great response from our customers. We’re definitely going to continue to grow the collection.

3) What are the three must-have bags from your own line? And why?

Our Bijou tote—navy is such a chic, versatile color. Our Carson Mini Bag is a great, modern shape and the perfect bag for day. Some of the women in our office wear it across their body like a messenger. Our Tevin mini bag is the quintessential day bag. It goes with everything, whether you’re wearing a boucle suit or jeans and a T-shirt.

The Giveaway

Tory Burch wants to share a treat with you for Valentine’s Day! We are giving away the Tory watercolor logo tote and the lips prints cosmetic case (pictured above) from the Valentine’s Day collaboration line.

To Enter: Visit www.ToryBurch.com. Post below in the comment section, telling us your favorite item and why.

Contest ends on Sunday, February 21st, at 11:59 PM EST. One entry per person.

When I got an email from Megs a few weeks ago inviting me to an event with Tory Burch (yes, THE Tory Burch) I immediately accepted. Now, I had no idea what to expect, as I’ve never been to such an intimate event, let alone a “Blogger Breakfast,” as fellow bloggers affectionately referred to the genre of event. But I was nevertheless excited, especially since I had just purchased a pair of Tory Burch Wedges and I now had the perfect place to wear them.

When I got to the event at the TB boutique in the Meatpacking District, it was awesome to chat with other bloggers, and I also bonded with the TB Marketing intern over how much we adored the Nashe Messenger Bag. We’re both really into versatility at the moment, and you can wear this as a large clutch, a folded-over minimessenger, or an unfolded large messenger. If you’re as much a fan as we are, you can pick it up via ShopBop$395.

The highlight of the event came when Tory Burch arrived (wearing the Nashe Messenger bag, can you believe it!?) and hobnobbed with all of us bloggers. She pointed out her favorite pieces from the Summer and Pre-Fall collections, and shared her inspirations and plans for the future. Luckily for us, she has plans to focus on her handbag line next! She also mentioned a handbag that was in the works that sounded quite intriguing: a faux lizard skin clutch block-printed with a batik pattern. She said that her biggest challenge was how to incorporate prints, which are such a large part of the line, into handbags, but this lizard bag just goes to show how much innovation is possible. I’m excited to see where this develops…

As for Tory’s fave pieces from the collection, which I’m sure you are curious about, she pinpointed three bags that she loved. The first was the navy-trimmed canvas Initial Tote (we’ll update you once it becomes available online), which is embossed with her father’s family emblem, which has been remodeled as a new emblem for her line.

The next was this nautical-inspired Bright Stitched Tote and matching Stitched Clutch, which she said she loves using for travel- the clutch carrying essentials like wallet and passport. Finally, she likes the Scarab Resin Clutch (it’s not available yet, but it’s similar to the Hadley Resin Clutch). The downside to this clutch is that it’s pretty heavy for a clutch, but in its defense, it’s not an unexpected heft because it does look heavy with all those beetles on the front (which I mistook for golden eggs… no comment).

Lastly, Tory talked about her inspirations and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she draws inspiration from her travels. Usually, each collection is inspired by a particular trip- for example, her Summer collection draws from her trip to Dubai, and her Pre-Fall collection from a visit to Venice. I love to travel, so this in particular hit home for me- but it was, admittedly, pretty cool (okay, super exciting) when Tory complimented my charm bracelet, where I add different charms for different places I travel. So if you travel or not, Tory Burch is a great way to add some worldliness to your wardrobe. And I can’t wait to see how she incorporates some of that global worldview into her handbag line.

Psssst! More exclusive Tory Burch images to come… stay tuned!

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to the lovely and gracious Jackie Cawthra of Belen Echandia. Commonly referred to as BE, this brand has a huge following over at the Purse Forum. It comes as no surprise since Jackie is as involved in her line and her supporters as just about any designer I’ve met. Jackie’s constant attention to detail, dedication to her brand, and most admirable, dedication and attention to her supporters has made the brand what it is today. As you read through the interview, I am sure you will see what I mean.

Before you get started, one amazing teaser: starting tomorrow, you can help us design a one-of-a-kind Belen Echandia handbag. That’s right we’re teaming up with Belen Echandia to bring you an exclusive Purse Blog/Purse Forum handbag! AMAZING!!!

Click here to read the interview!

I found myself a little envious of Andrew’s style. He had great jeans, a great button down and of course a fabulous Linea Pelle belt. My favorite part of his look – it seemed effortless. But you know, it is the perfect kind of effortless – everything comes together for a relaxed, approachable and fashionable look. The more I thought about it, I started to realize I shouldn’t have been surprised. I can see that a similar approach is used when crafting all those gorgeous Linea Pelle bags! As the interview began to wrap up I felt like we had more than just a love for Linea Pelle handbags in common. Next time I’m in LA, I’m definitely going to have to stick around longer and hit up a happy hour with the LP crew!
Shop Linea Pelle

What comes to your mind when you think of LA? Celebs? Hot clubs? Posh restaurants? Fashion? Beach? No matter what you think of, what you should add to your list of LA-isms is emerging designers. As I already mentioned, toward the end of last year I had a chance to meet with some amazing LA based designers. And you know what, each one has their own sense of LA, their own sense of fashion yet all seem very LA to me. I was really looking forward to the interview I had scheduled with CC Skye.

I had been following her designs for quite some time and couldn’t wait to meet the designer behind the amazing and cutting edge accessory and handbag brand. I knew the interview would go well because the office was just a 5 minute drive from my hotel in Santa Monica (GORGEOUS!!!). Although navigating through the LA traffic was becoming no big deal, the short drive put my mind at ease.

Any worry I previously had was instantly forgotten about when Jalda opened the door, reached out her hand and welcomed me into her office. As we introduced ourselves and began chatting, I could help but find my eyes wondering around her office/showroom. The space was just like Jalda – fabulous and fresh. Light beamed through the windows and caused the handbags to sparkle. Jalda poured both of us a cappuccino and we got started.

Shop Jalda Handbags

Do you have a Valentine this year, if so, who? Yes, my husband of just over a year, Ben McMills.

What did you get your Valentine? Every year I get myself some fun lingerie but its for him too.

What’s your favorite Valentine’s day memory from childhood? In 6th grade a had an enormous crush on this boy in my class, and was suuuuper excited when he gave me a valentine’s day card and asked me to ‘go steady’!

What non-object gift would be the best Valentine’s Day gift? A romantic weekend away to somewhere WARM w/ my hubby.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year? Dunno! hope to be surprised!

The best Bryna Nicole bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why? The fuschia or red patent Rosemont clutches from my holiday 08 and fall 08 collections.

Valentine’s Day: Hallmark Holiday or Real deal? In my opinion, any time that makes us stop and take a moment to thank and appreciate those who bring us love and joy in our lives is a worthy event. Therefore whether Valentine’s Day has it’s origins from a saint or from a retailer is meaningless to me. What matters is that it reminds me take one day a year to shower with appreciation and love those who give me their love the other 364 days of the year.

What gift would you love for Valentine’s Day this year? If I could have a Valentine’s wish, I would ask for a little cash windfall to take my husband and kids on a fun family vacation.

Your most memorable Valentine’s Day? I was a really nerdy kid in junior and senior high school and never dated. Beginning in seventh grade, my Dad always had flowers delivered to school for me on Valentine’s Day. It always made me feel so loved and special. My husband, Joe, now does that for our daughters. I love that family tradition.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year? Micah (13), Reilly (11) and I will accompany our hot date, Daddy Joe, out to dinner here in Charleston to our favorite pizza place, Monza. This year it will be a simple night as I leave early the next day for LA for Oscars week!

The best Mary Norton bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why? The Mollie Orchid Clutch—the flower that will last a lifetime

Is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Colombia, if so how is it similar/different from the US? Valentine’s Day in Colombia is on September 16 and it is actually called the day of Love and Friendship (Dia de Amor y Amistad).

What would be the most romantic Valentine’s Day, from start to finish, for you? Most romantic would definitely be in Marrakesh at the Amanjena Hotel, spending the day getting lost through the streets of the souk and ending with dinner at Le Yacout restaurant.

What is the best Valentine’s Day gift you have received? Best Valentine’s gift I ever received is definitely a Buccellati diamond cuff.

Are you a romantic? I am a romantic…

Your favorite romantic meal? Favorite romantic meal depends with who?

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year: I like to be surprised for Valentines day plans.

The best Nancy Gonzalez bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why?: Best Nancy Gonzalez bag for a Valentine’s day gift is a small, soft, pouch clutch in colorful crocodile skin. It’s like candy but much better

In – what I believe to be – the final episode of this year’s Spreading The Love segment, the two gentlemen from Lambertson Truex, namely Richard and John, took a minute to share their thoughts on this year’s V-Day. Enjoy!

Your best Valentine’s Day memory: In grade school, the entire class would exchange cards…I think it is so sweet.

Your worst Valentine’s Day memory: Receiving a box a chocolate that was the shape of a heart. If I see a heart shaped box coming my way….I run!

Do you buy Valentine’s Day cards or hand-make them? As a kid, I always made. To this day, I hand-make. It is so much more personal.

What is the craziest thing you have seen happen on Valentine’s Day: An entire restaurant of people just staring into each other’s eyes….it was a little surreal.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year: This year, we are going to Palm Beach for a little sun and relaxation!

The best Lambertson Truex bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why?: Any gift is special….as long as it is not chocolate!

The pictured Lambertson Truex Nikki Clutch in Coral Snakeskin ($1895) is available through Lambertson Truex boutiques – call 1.888.800.0970 for store info.