What's up with the weather lately - the insane amounts of rain that make it difficult to run to showrooms, take meetings and to get a cab without getting soaked is so not fair! Yesterday, I ran some styling errands, did some personal must do's and was asked to come over to Von Vonni to check out the line of Transformer dresses (as well as some other fab ones that have ben worn by Cynthia Bailey). Being a girl that obsesses over maxis, being able to rock it in a number of ways due to their extra long straps AND in a variety of hues - how could I say no? I can't wait to share where I will be wearing this as it's such a fab color - until then, if you have this kind of a dress - here are a few of the ways that you can rock it whether you're running errands, attending a wedding (thinking of your bridesmaids who should be rocking something) or for date night! This dress begs for fun heels, gorgeous sandals and of course is a great way to create a blank canvas for a number of accessories that are begging to get a little body time to wherever you are heading out to!

Michael Kors presented their Resort 2014 collection - here are a few of my faves!

Michael Kors presented their Resort 2014 collection - here are a few of my faves!

This week NYC is making up for the fact that we had some random cool temperatures - thus we'll be in the 80's and 90's this week! Roll over the above images to see how I do city chic! This is the perfect look that allows me to work from styling my clients, prepping for my segments and so much more. I need a look that works with me as I am always running around and generally I don't have time to change to go out for fun later on! Check out this maxi by Von Vonni and the following accessories to complete the look - Lagos, Foley and Corinna, Swarovski, Lagos, Bottega Veneta and Giuseppe Zanotti.

This week NYC is making up for the fact that we had some random cool temperatures - thus we'll be in the 80's and 90's this week! Roll over the above images to see how I do city chic! This is the perfect look that allows me to work from styling my clients, prepping for my segments and so much more. I need a look that works with me as I am always running around and generally I don't have time to change to go out for fun later on! Check out this maxi by Von Vonni and the following accessories to complete the look - Lagos, Foley and Corinna, Swarovski, Lagos, Bottega Veneta and Giuseppe Zanotti.

The first weekend of summer (and half day Fridays for many of my Kittens) starts this weekend - hello Memorial Weekend and all the plans that that entails! This is when you have to have your go to swimwear at the ready as you never know what the summer will entail whether it's boarding the Jitney, getting pumped for Hamptons weekends, swinging down to Miami or rocking it on your terrace right here in the city! Roll over the above images to see what's on my style radar which is filled with bathing suits full of color (you can't say swim and not think Norma Kamali, snake print wedges by Alice + Olivia, a fun tote from Rachel Roy x FEED, Ten Thousand Things, Lagos and Roberto Coin. Find out why I'm loving these pieces and how they can be included within a number of looks.

The first weekend of summer (and half day Fridays for many of my Kittens) starts this weekend - hello Memorial Weekend and all the plans that that entails! This is when you have to have your go to swimwear at the ready as you never know what the summer will entail whether it's boarding the Jitney, getting pumped for Hamptons weekends, swinging down to Miami or rocking it on your terrace right here in the city! Roll over the above images to see what's on my style radar which is filled with bathing suits full of color (you can't say swim and not think Norma Kamali, snake print wedges by Alice + Olivia, a fun tote from Rachel Roy x FEED, Ten Thousand Things, Lagos and Roberto Coin. Find out why I'm loving these pieces and how they can be included within a number of looks.

With all the travel that I do, sometimes it means I am literally in a city for 24 hours and a portion of that time may involve work and the rest of it is about me being there early enough that I can take in the sites. I am fortunate that many of the cities I go to are those that I see a lot. When that happens, I feel like I want it to be like another home for me. Our new series "24 Hours In" looks at these cities (much like our city editions tend to be for cities that I spend a lot more time in whether on vacation of a press trip). This week, I was in Georgetown, a quaint and preppy section of DC as I wanted to get to know my favorite parts, boutiques that were accessible to my hotel (I stayed at the Fairmont Hotel of Georgetown which was fabulous, old world and grand in a very zen way), great restaurants and places to get a drink! In 24 hours you can take in a lot especially when you know you will be back as you're moving on to a segment in Baltimore (for those that caught me live this morning on Fox 45 talking about 10 Must Have Accessories - thanks for watching) and then coming back to the city to finish up! As I just got back to NYC, I will loop you in on the newest series to be included on Kitten Lounge as this will be an ongoing one! Georgetown's inclusion will be a post for tomorrow as well as within our Kick Off to Summer Guide which will be out on Friday of this week!

With all the travel that I do, sometimes it means I am literally in a city for 24 hours and a portion of that time may involve work and the rest of it is about me being there early enough that I can take in the sites. I am fortunate that many of the cities I go to are those that I see a lot. When that happens, I feel like I want it to be like another home for me. Our new series "24 Hours In" looks at these cities (much like our city editions tend to be for cities that I spend a lot more time in whether on vacation of a press trip). This week, I was in Georgetown, a quaint and preppy section of DC as I wanted to get to know my favorite parts, boutiques that were accessible to my hotel (I stayed at the Fairmont Hotel of Georgetown which was fabulous, old world and grand in a very zen way), great restaurants and places to get a drink! In 24 hours you can take in a lot especially when you know you will be back as you're moving on to a segment in Baltimore (for those that caught me live this morning on Fox 45 talking about 10 Must Have Accessories - thanks for watching) and then coming back to the city to finish up! As I just got back to NYC, I will loop you in on the newest series to be included on Kitten Lounge as this will be an ongoing one! Georgetown's inclusion will be a post for tomorrow as well as within our Kick Off to Summer Guide which will be out on Friday of this week!

This afternoon, I was off to Hundred Acres to have a fun brunch, see the unveiling of the Cadillac collaboration with Vogue productions and to hear stylist, Erin Walsh (who styled Kerry Washington and Greta Gerwig) who is not only in the video but shared her tips. This video follows how she works (this video when it ends will instantly start into the next video as it's 5 videos total), how she integrates Cadillac within her day to day and how it is to style the Met Ball which I posted on earlier today in terms of the red carpet arrivals! Enjoy seeing the video which is a great partnership within these three partners. In addition, I love that Erin's tips in terms of styling mirror my own - be comfortable this means that you should be able to walk in your shoes without an issue or to wear articles without pulling at them constantly, make sure to have the right under garments as this is an essential as lines are not pretty to look at and finally, don't underestimate good tailoring which will make you look your best! These are great rules to follow and it's understandable how Erin came across this career path during her days at Vogue to assist the Fashion Editor and then to branch off to create great looks for her clients!

As someone who grew up in the automotive industry, my parents were execs at General Motors, I truly loved seeing a new way to integrate their brand heritage and technology within a new vertical via the video, event and with Erin Walsh. Just last week I was running around Baltimore and DC doing segments for a number of local affiliates and it was great to be driven (it was not a Cadillac but a competitor's luxury car) in a luxury car in order to get everything done, to run errands and to tote a number of items that I had curated for each segment. Doing the mini road trip from NYC to Baltimore/DC reminded me of how important it is to enjoy modern luxuries and what it means to me.

This afternoon, I was off to Hundred Acres to have a fun brunch, see the unveiling of the Cadillac collaboration with Vogue productions and to hear stylist, Erin Walsh (who styled Kerry Washington and Greta Gerwig) who is not only in the video but shared her tips. This video follows how she works (this video when it ends will instantly start into the next video as it's 5 videos total), how she integrates Cadillac within her day to day and how it is to style the Met Ball which I posted on earlier today in terms of the red carpet arrivals! Enjoy seeing the video which is a great partnership within these three partners. In addition, I love that Erin's tips in terms of styling mirror my own - be comfortable this means that you should be able to walk in your shoes without an issue or to wear articles without pulling at them constantly, make sure to have the right under garments as this is an essential as lines are not pretty to look at and finally, don't underestimate good tailoring which will make you look your best! These are great rules to follow and it's understandable how Erin came across this career path during her days at Vogue to assist the Fashion Editor and then to branch off to create great looks for her clients!

As someone who grew up in the automotive industry, my parents were execs at General Motors, I truly loved seeing a new way to integrate their brand heritage and technology within a new vertical via the video, event and with Erin Walsh. Just last week I was running around Baltimore and DC doing segments for a number of local affiliates and it was great to be driven (it was not a Cadillac but a competitor's luxury car) in a luxury car in order to get everything done, to run errands and to tote a number of items that I had curated for each segment. Doing the mini road trip from NYC to Baltimore/DC reminded me of how important it is to enjoy modern luxuries and what it means to me.

Fashion has many nights of note but when Vogue creates a party, everyone definitely comes dressed to the max! I'm loving that this year's Met theme - Punk: Chaos to Couture which launches the MOMA exxhibit within the same theme. Although many rocked it, there were some who definitely embraced it. My two faves of the night, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anne Hathaway. Roll over the images to see video of the arrivals last night as well as images! Whatever look you loved from the red carpet that hit NYC last night, you can purchase these items from Moda Operandi.

GET SARAH JESSICA PARKER'S LOOK

STYLE

Sarah is known for sticking to a theme and last night was not a disappointment by any stretch of the imagination. She rocked a headdress by Philip Treacy. Her stunning gown was by none other than Giles Deacon and paired it with knee high tartan plaid boots. She even came in with Vogue's, Hamish Bowles.

BEAUTY

Leslie Lopez for NARS Cosmetics had a simple beauty inspiration: “I had to make the punk look glamorous,” said Lopez about the look she created for Sarah Jessica Parker. To create strong eyes, we used a plum pencil that is both intense but beautiful. No matter what the theme, I always want Sarah Jessica to look beautiful, so we softened the intensity of the eyes with a light mouth – Tender Night Velvet Matte Lip Pencil was the perfect, modern, approach!"

GET ANNE HATHAWAY'S LOOK

STYLE

Anne Hathaway looked stunning and edgy in this vintage sheer Valentino which showed the perfect balance of skin, feathers and more! In addition, she had great styling elements in this all black ensemble with eclectic rings which added subtle pops as her hair was such a noticeable look between the cut and the hue a la Debbie Harry.

BEAUTY

Celebrity Stylist Sascha Breuer gave Anne Hathaway a strong punk yet glam hair look for the 2013 MET Ball. “Drawing inspiration from unforgettable punk icons like Poly Styrene from X-ray Spex and Joan Jett, I decided to go for a look that's glam, edgy and yet very youthful and fun. We kept the style much shorter for Anne and had a lot of fun playing around with it. To enhance her punk look further we decided to take her hair to the next level: A new cool Platinum blonde color and the sharp slightly boyish finish with loads of texture were the perfect match,” says Sascha Breuer. She used Wekka Professionals Extra Volume Mousse, Wella Professionals Bold Move and Wella Professionals Stay Firm Finishing Spray.

Laura Mercier's makeup artist, Breuchaud gave a subtle nod to the event’s punk theme by creating a bold, “electric blue” smoky eye to complement Anne Hathaway’s flawless, porcelain skin.

FLAWLESS FACE: A flawless, “clean” face was the perfect canvas for the look

• Make up Artist, Adam Breuchaud first applied Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ($32), to give Hathaway’s skin an “even, lasting finish.”

• Then, he used a damp sponge to apply Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Porcelain ($43) to even out her skin tone and give the skin an “amazingly sheer veil of color.”

• Lastly, he lightly dusted on Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22) to set the Tinted Moisturizer and ensure the skin kept its “dewy finish” throughout the night.

EYES: Breuchaud went with a “bold smoky” eye to pay homage to the “punk” theme

•First, Breuchaud mixed Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Orchid ($24) with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Deep Night ($23).

•In order to deepen the look, he applied Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir ($22) to her lash line and blended the eye liner throughout the corner of her eye using the Laura Mercier Corner Eye Colour Brush ($25).

•Breuchaud added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Black ($24) to the top and bottom lashes.

LIPS: Fresh, natural lips complemented the dramatic eye

• Breuchaud applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pink Blush ($26), which he described as a “beautiful soft pink” to Hathaway’s lips

Fashion has many nights of note but when Vogue creates a party, everyone definitely comes dressed to the max! I'm loving that this year's Met theme - Punk: Chaos to Couture which launches the MOMA exxhibit within the same theme. Although many rocked it, there were some who definitely embraced it. My two faves of the night, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anne Hathaway. Roll over the images to see video of the arrivals last night as well as images! Whatever look you loved from the red carpet that hit NYC last night, you can purchase these items from Moda Operandi.

GET SARAH JESSICA PARKER'S LOOK

STYLE

Sarah is known for sticking to a theme and last night was not a disappointment by any stretch of the imagination. She rocked a headdress by Philip Treacy. Her stunning gown was by none other than Giles Deacon and paired it with knee high tartan plaid boots. She even came in with Vogue's, Hamish Bowles.

BEAUTY

Leslie Lopez for NARS Cosmetics had a simple beauty inspiration: “I had to make the punk look glamorous,” said Lopez about the look she created for Sarah Jessica Parker. To create strong eyes, we used a plum pencil that is both intense but beautiful. No matter what the theme, I always want Sarah Jessica to look beautiful, so we softened the intensity of the eyes with a light mouth – Tender Night Velvet Matte Lip Pencil was the perfect, modern, approach!"

GET ANNE HATHAWAY'S LOOK

STYLE

Anne Hathaway looked stunning and edgy in this vintage sheer Valentino which showed the perfect balance of skin, feathers and more! In addition, she had great styling elements in this all black ensemble with eclectic rings which added subtle pops as her hair was such a noticeable look between the cut and the hue a la Debbie Harry.

BEAUTY

Celebrity Stylist Sascha Breuer gave Anne Hathaway a strong punk yet glam hair look for the 2013 MET Ball. “Drawing inspiration from unforgettable punk icons like Poly Styrene from X-ray Spex and Joan Jett, I decided to go for a look that's glam, edgy and yet very youthful and fun. We kept the style much shorter for Anne and had a lot of fun playing around with it. To enhance her punk look further we decided to take her hair to the next level: A new cool Platinum blonde color and the sharp slightly boyish finish with loads of texture were the perfect match,” says Sascha Breuer. She used Wekka Professionals Extra Volume Mousse, Wella Professionals Bold Move and Wella Professionals Stay Firm Finishing Spray.

Laura Mercier's makeup artist, Breuchaud gave a subtle nod to the event’s punk theme by creating a bold, “electric blue” smoky eye to complement Anne Hathaway’s flawless, porcelain skin.

FLAWLESS FACE: A flawless, “clean” face was the perfect canvas for the look

• Make up Artist, Adam Breuchaud first applied Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ($32), to give Hathaway’s skin an “even, lasting finish.”

• Then, he used a damp sponge to apply Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Porcelain ($43) to even out her skin tone and give the skin an “amazingly sheer veil of color.”

• Lastly, he lightly dusted on Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22) to set the Tinted Moisturizer and ensure the skin kept its “dewy finish” throughout the night.

EYES: Breuchaud went with a “bold smoky” eye to pay homage to the “punk” theme

•First, Breuchaud mixed Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Orchid ($24) with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Deep Night ($23).

•In order to deepen the look, he applied Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir ($22) to her lash line and blended the eye liner throughout the corner of her eye using the Laura Mercier Corner Eye Colour Brush ($25).

•Breuchaud added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Black ($24) to the top and bottom lashes.

LIPS: Fresh, natural lips complemented the dramatic eye

• Breuchaud applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pink Blush ($26), which he described as a “beautiful soft pink” to Hathaway’s lips

It's all about rocking fun hues and I love playing with a neutral palette and popping in a vibrant hue. Grey/white and grey/cream is a fave of mine without a doubt! In today's look, this is definitely a fun look to wear when I'm running errands, meeting with brands and need something fun to put on for an unexpected date night. Roll over the images to see how this Iro biker jacket, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen top and J Brand leather leggings are accessorized by this fabulous Carnelian ring at Macy's, Annette Ferdinandsen's Botswana Agate, McQ by Alexander McQueen and handbag by Alexander Wang.

It's all about rocking fun hues and I love playing with a neutral palette and popping in a vibrant hue. Grey/white and grey/cream is a fave of mine without a doubt! In today's look, this is definitely a fun look to wear when I'm running errands, meeting with brands and need something fun to put on for an unexpected date night. Roll over the images to see how this Iro biker jacket, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen top and J Brand leather leggings are accessorized by this fabulous Carnelian ring at Macy's, Annette Ferdinandsen's Botswana Agate, McQ by Alexander McQueen and handbag by Alexander Wang.

This past weekend, I was invited via the Philly Tourism Board as last weekend was all about focusing on fashion, culture and just living it up when this city is only an hour and a half via train from NYC! Paul and I hit Amtrak and once we got into the city, we checked in at Kimpton's Hotel Palomar which is always a favorite of ours. Since it was pretty warm for a Spring day, Paul and I walked around the city to check out fun stores, historic buildings and of course good food! Roll over the above images to check out what Paul and I were up to on our first day in the city. Over the next few days, you'll see more of what we were up to as we had quite the itinerary!

This past weekend, I was invited via the Philly Tourism Board as last weekend was all about focusing on fashion, culture and just living it up when this city is only an hour and a half via train from NYC! Paul and I hit Amtrak and once we got into the city, we checked in at Kimpton's Hotel Palomar which is always a favorite of ours. Since it was pretty warm for a Spring day, Paul and I walked around the city to check out fun stores, historic buildings and of course good food! Roll over the above images to check out what Paul and I were up to on our first day in the city. Over the next few days, you'll see more of what we were up to as we had quite the itinerary!

You know that I love creating and hosting Style Tweetup which is a way for me to create intimate events with digital influencers within a theme and to introduce them to brands that fit within it! Last week, it was all about Spring Into Fresh which allowed me to share how we can enjoy the Spring from what we eat/drink and then within our overall lifestyle! My co-hosts for this amazing event included Chobani Soho as well as Palais Des Thes as they are a few doors down from one another in Soho! What a great night that was filled with sampling sweet and savory items which is a different way to look at this Greek Yogurt treat! In addition, we moved onto Palais Des Thes to learn about tea! Sponsors of this event included Cuddly Monkey, Crest, Scope Mouthwash, O'Neill, Dove, The Body Shop, Go Smart Stylus and Sol Republic.

Roll over the above images to find out more about the participating brands and the fabulous ladies who accepted my invite to see what my faves are for this Spring (as well as into this summer).

You know that I love creating and hosting Style Tweetup which is a way for me to create intimate events with digital influencers within a theme and to introduce them to brands that fit within it! Last week, it was all about Spring Into Fresh which allowed me to share how we can enjoy the Spring from what we eat/drink and then within our overall lifestyle! My co-hosts for this amazing event included Chobani Soho as well as Palais Des Thes as they are a few doors down from one another in Soho! What a great night that was filled with sampling sweet and savory items which is a different way to look at this Greek Yogurt treat! In addition, we moved onto Palais Des Thes to learn about tea! Sponsors of this event included Cuddly Monkey, Crest, Scope Mouthwash, O'Neill, Dove, The Body Shop, Go Smart Stylus and Sol Republic.

Roll over the above images to find out more about the participating brands and the fabulous ladies who accepted my invite to see what my faves are for this Spring (as well as into this summer).

I became a pink girl a few years ago and slowly but surely, it finds its way into a number of my outfit selections! When I have an event or do certain appearances, this color of my brand is one that you'll see me wearing more and more to a number of events! It's also fun after a long day of being out and about - to be able to go straight to a night out with friends and family! With that said, my signature color is always ready even when I just completed something for business.

MY SIGNATURE COLOR

I've been a huge fan of Versace for a number of years. Although they are known for their iconic prints, there are a number of other swoonworthy pieces that are of note including this laced dress in a vibrant hue! I love a classic sheath dress as it's a style that's always on trend and compliments so many shapes. For me, this style compliments and showcases my curves well.

ACCESSORIZE THE LOOK

This look needs a few pops of pink, yellow and gold as a great way to enhance this color without adding a number of dynamic hues. Roll over the images above to find out how Judith Leiber, Deborah Pagani, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Robert Clergerie, Larkspur & Hawk.

I became a pink girl a few years ago and slowly but surely, it finds its way into a number of my outfit selections! When I have an event or do certain appearances, this color of my brand is one that you'll see me wearing more and more to a number of events! It's also fun after a long day of being out and about - to be able to go straight to a night out with friends and family! With that said, my signature color is always ready even when I just completed something for business.

MY SIGNATURE COLOR

I've been a huge fan of Versace for a number of years. Although they are known for their iconic prints, there are a number of other swoonworthy pieces that are of note including this laced dress in a vibrant hue! I love a classic sheath dress as it's a style that's always on trend and compliments so many shapes. For me, this style compliments and showcases my curves well.

ACCESSORIZE THE LOOK

This look needs a few pops of pink, yellow and gold as a great way to enhance this color without adding a number of dynamic hues. Roll over the images above to find out how Judith Leiber, Deborah Pagani, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Robert Clergerie, Larkspur & Hawk.

A few days ago, I shared the Spring collection of an amazing luxury line called Love, Alex! I loved everything about the bags, learning about its design and more and had to find out more. You can read my initial thoughts and introduction to this line by checking out my previous post (also check out items from the current Spring/Summer 13 collection); however, today, I am including an interview I did with Alex Clancy the designer and founder of this fabulous line! Find out about how she creates the line, the focus on charity and what we can expect for Spring 14! You can also check out some of the pieces that I'm loving for Fall 13 which will hit shelves a few months from now!

How did you come about creating Love, Alex?

Love, Alex was born out of my belief that there’s room in the luxury landscape for a company with altruism at its heart. By building on the theme of love, we’ve created a brand that enables luxury consumers to share their good fortune with the world. Since inception, Love, Alex has made significant contributions to DonorsChoose.org – a philanthropic organization that supports children’s education nationally, and we plan to continue to donate proceeds of sales to DonorsChoose.org as we grow.

How do you begin designing your line?

Art and sculpture are always starting points for design inspiration. Travel is also important as it opens the mind.

Philanthropy is a huge element within your line. Share with our readers how you give back and your charities’ focus.

The transformative power of love is at the heart of our charitable mission. We’ve partnered with DonorsChoose.org because we believe education is the greatest accessory of all.

Where is Love, Alex currently selling?

* LoveAlex.com

Current stores selling the spring 2013 collection:

* B. Barnett, Little Rock, AK

* Frances Heffernan, Winnetka, IL

* Elements, Chicago, IL

* Rafaels, San Francisco, CA

* Lulu Brandt, Pasadena, CA

What fashion icons are wearing your bags and who would you like to see wearing them?

I would love to see Tilda Swinton carry a Love, Alex bag. She is the epitome of understated elegance and classic modernity. Iman and Sandra Bullock are two other beautiful women who I think would appreciate the designs and mission of Love, Alex.

Beyond fashion icons, there is something for everyone at Love, Alex. The highly functional bags come in many shapes, sizes and colors… each one is timeless.

Your line is luxury at its best, beside python, do you see integrating other premium materials within your line for future seasons?

In addition to Python, we use Alligator, Ostrich and Lizard. All leathers are premium quality and produced in Italy.

Will Love, Alex take on additional categories such as accessories, shoes, handbags etc.?

Yes, we plan to expand into other accessory categories including wraps, hats, small leather goods, and jewelry… anything that has the power to transform a look.

How has your family played a role in the creation of this line and the focus on philanthropy?

I am blessed to have a loving and supportive family. My sister, Lisa Llewellyn is a creative genius and a wonderful sounding board. She celebrates all creative endeavors and always finds something of value, even in a bad idea.

Each of your bags have unique names, how did you come about naming them?

Love, Alex bags are named after trees around the world as trees have so many positive meanings and images…the tree of life, children climbing trees, books are made from trees (education is our key charitable focus), trees create the air we breathe. Each bag name is carefully chosen out of love.

I've seen your Spring collection and just viewed you fall collection, what can we expect for Spring 14 - any hints?

For Spring we are continuing to explore volume and layering of materials and color. Hardware is inspired by modern monumental sculpture by the likes of Richard Serra.

What can we expect from Spring 14 from you and as your line focuses on destinations, what area will you transport us to next?

Our spring 2014 collection will continue to feature refined mixing of materials and colors while layering bold colors such as chartreuse and cobalt into our classic palette of white and pale nudes.

What else should we know about Love, Alex?

I’ve spent every summer of my life collecting beautiful shells on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard. The creamy mother of pearl patinas and pale iridescent shades are the inspiration for the core color palette of the Love, Alex line.

A few days ago, I shared the Spring collection of an amazing luxury line called Love, Alex! I loved everything about the bags, learning about its design and more and had to find out more. You can read my initial thoughts and introduction to this line by checking out my previous post (also check out items from the current Spring/Summer 13 collection); however, today, I am including an interview I did with Alex Clancy the designer and founder of this fabulous line! Find out about how she creates the line, the focus on charity and what we can expect for Spring 14! You can also check out some of the pieces that I'm loving for Fall 13 which will hit shelves a few months from now!

How did you come about creating Love, Alex?

Love, Alex was born out of my belief that there’s room in the luxury landscape for a company with altruism at its heart. By building on the theme of love, we’ve created a brand that enables luxury consumers to share their good fortune with the world. Since inception, Love, Alex has made significant contributions to DonorsChoose.org – a philanthropic organization that supports children’s education nationally, and we plan to continue to donate proceeds of sales to DonorsChoose.org as we grow.

How do you begin designing your line?

Art and sculpture are always starting points for design inspiration. Travel is also important as it opens the mind.

Philanthropy is a huge element within your line. Share with our readers how you give back and your charities’ focus.

The transformative power of love is at the heart of our charitable mission. We’ve partnered with DonorsChoose.org because we believe education is the greatest accessory of all.

Where is Love, Alex currently selling?

* LoveAlex.com

Current stores selling the spring 2013 collection:

* B. Barnett, Little Rock, AK

* Frances Heffernan, Winnetka, IL

* Elements, Chicago, IL

* Rafaels, San Francisco, CA

* Lulu Brandt, Pasadena, CA

What fashion icons are wearing your bags and who would you like to see wearing them?

I would love to see Tilda Swinton carry a Love, Alex bag. She is the epitome of understated elegance and classic modernity. Iman and Sandra Bullock are two other beautiful women who I think would appreciate the designs and mission of Love, Alex.

Beyond fashion icons, there is something for everyone at Love, Alex. The highly functional bags come in many shapes, sizes and colors… each one is timeless.

Your line is luxury at its best, beside python, do you see integrating other premium materials within your line for future seasons?

In addition to Python, we use Alligator, Ostrich and Lizard. All leathers are premium quality and produced in Italy.

Will Love, Alex take on additional categories such as accessories, shoes, handbags etc.?

Yes, we plan to expand into other accessory categories including wraps, hats, small leather goods, and jewelry… anything that has the power to transform a look.

How has your family played a role in the creation of this line and the focus on philanthropy?

I am blessed to have a loving and supportive family. My sister, Lisa Llewellyn is a creative genius and a wonderful sounding board. She celebrates all creative endeavors and always finds something of value, even in a bad idea.

Each of your bags have unique names, how did you come about naming them?

Love, Alex bags are named after trees around the world as trees have so many positive meanings and images…the tree of life, children climbing trees, books are made from trees (education is our key charitable focus), trees create the air we breathe. Each bag name is carefully chosen out of love.

I've seen your Spring collection and just viewed you fall collection, what can we expect for Spring 14 - any hints?

For Spring we are continuing to explore volume and layering of materials and color. Hardware is inspired by modern monumental sculpture by the likes of Richard Serra.

What can we expect from Spring 14 from you and as your line focuses on destinations, what area will you transport us to next?

Our spring 2014 collection will continue to feature refined mixing of materials and colors while layering bold colors such as chartreuse and cobalt into our classic palette of white and pale nudes.

What else should we know about Love, Alex?

I’ve spent every summer of my life collecting beautiful shells on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard. The creamy mother of pearl patinas and pale iridescent shades are the inspiration for the core color palette of the Love, Alex line.

Each month, I like to highlight what accessories I'm super excited about including within my wardrobe. With the weather moving into warmer temperatures, that means we'll lighten up the outerwear as well as shortening our sleeves. This means that there's no reason to spare a little love towards more arm candy, rocking fabulous heels, wearing super cute bags and more. When you roll over the above images, you'll find why I'm loving a number of accessories to rock with a number of styles including: Monika Chiang, Plukka, Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga and Indochine.