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.

Last week I had to share one of the favorite looks that was created by Johana from NBC's Fashion Star. This week she was paired with Daniel again as they had to create separate pieces that are meant to be worn together in order to create a cohesive look! Yet again, I was all about Johana's look as her pencil skirt was perfection and I love Daniel's tops! During the show, there were three distinct variations that made it on the runway; however, when it came to production (as Saks actually bought both), you can see that they have a blush/black ensemble as well as a black/white combo. The beauty of this look is that they look fabulous separately but when placed together, it's as if you have a dress!

Roll over the images to see how I would accessorize the above in terms of shoes and handbags! In addition, see how these items are a universal for your accessories and how you can include it within other looks that you plan on wearing during this season and the next! You'll find these accessories consist of Reed Krakoff, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta and Stephanie Cesaire.

The 9th episode of last week's Project Runway took place at the 5th Avenue Lord and Taylor department store with the inspiration coming from the retailer's signature, "American Beauty Rose", as well as the customer in mind as well and finally finishing the look with selections from L&T's Accessory Wall. The winner, Michelle Franklin, had their piece produced and is sold exclusively at the store's select locations, their website and included within the windows of the 5th Avenue location. Michelle's chartreuse satin colorblock shift dress with chiffon and microsuede trim is the perfect item to include within your spring wardrobes without a doubt.

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of Lord and Taylor as I love purchasing my outerwear as well as shoes from the 5th Avenue location. I can always find what I'm looking for without having to worry about not finding a sales team to assist me! Above you can see how this dress began in sketch form and how it is available for purchase and how it is styled. Of course, you know when it comes to accessories, I always have a few twists and I love playing with yellow as it's a great neutral to build on top of!

ACCESSORIZE THE LOOK

Here's how I would style this look for myself or for a few of my clients who love playing with neutrals! All of these items are available at Lord and Taylor and are perfect to wear with a number of other looks that you'll wear throughout the Spring and Summer! Roll over the images above to find out more information about getting the above.

It's that time of your Spring cocktail functions, wedding related activities, awards dinners, luncheons and more. It's a great time period to put your best looks together in order to impress and look amazing in pictures. With it being Spring, try thinking of other items outside of the Little Black Dress box and since we're still in the midst of the battle between winter weather and Spring (in name only as the weather has been a bit chilly), make sure that even your outerwear is a stunner as well!

ACCESSORIES INSPIRATION

Today's look was inspired by a piece whose designer I have recently communicated with! During Awards Season this year, I became aware of Kimberly McDonald Jewelry whose design incorporates natural stones with diamonds. I love natural decadence and from the pieces I've seen I've become hooked and can't wait to meet her in person. I was flipping through some sites and fell in love with her Gold, Geode and Diamond necklace (growing up in Indiana originally, I remember being on my college campus at Indiana University and finding geodes). This inspired the blush infused outfit that I believe is perfect for these occasions.

GET THE LOOK

This look merges caramel and blush together! Roll over the images to see how you can get these pieces as many are great classics that can be worn with other items or are staples to have in your closet. Blush is one of those new neutrals that look so well on a number of skin tones!

Nina Skarra brought to her collection as I attended the presentation of her collection. Once again fall doesn't mean you can't rock white and cream and there was plenty of it in the collection as well as a number of poppy reds that came into the look as well! From the hair to the clothing, the line was perfection and sustainable (silk, wool, bamboo, soya, eco leather, and organic cotton) which is yet another win for this look. Shoes were presented by Helene Westbye and I love that a number of the black pairs should be considered staples within our wardrobes this fall. If you follow me on Twitter, you can see a number of the items that I fell in love with but I just wanted to tease you with a few of my key faves as I love the way she presents her clothing such as accordion detailing!

At any given time, I'm always waiting for packages whether it's a beauty set that I have been thinking of working into a piece, accessories that I am looking to wear for a number of events and various clothing options for upcoming events. I couldn't tell you how much time is spent logging in items whether it's samples that stay, those that will be here for a set time or "options". All of it gets placed in a spreadsheet so that we can organize when everything will make its way to the site depending on the Editorial Calendar. Our new segment, "What We've Logged In" gives you a peek into what we will be sharing on the site later and what we brought in. Although every item will not be included within this post, I'll select our fave within the past week or a fab piece I've been excited to get!

A few weeks ago I was introduced to Bonfaire and as an Accessories Expert, I can say that if you're looking for a site where your favorite luxe brands or those that you are not familiar with but will grow to be your fave, then this is the site to do it. More importantly, when you order items, you will get to do so in advance and get it at the designated season. In November, I selected a number of items and was eager to get this fabulous Pave Gunmetal bracelet ($495) that has a chunky links which are so trend from Shay Accessories!

As a side note, every so many weeks a number of designers are offered within a window of time. Each designer has a different delivery. A number of designers in November were offering items with a Spring/Summer delivery and yet there are times when something if offered that has a much closer window! After selecting the item you like, you have to pay a deposit of 50% and when the item is available and ready to ship, you pay the other half of the deposit.

I knew this would be a signature piece and you will see it in action later on this week as I will attend a private performance of a play. It's a lot of will power to purchase in November and not to get it until Jan but the day arrived (now I will be anticipating a super cute bag I purchased in Nov with a delivery of March)! As many of us are familiar with subscription boxes and other flash sale sites, I wanted to know what to expect from Bonfaire as this company has only been available since summer/fall of 2012.

As I opened the box, I love that there was a envelope with my name attached to the box with brown tissue paper. In addition, this note was handwritten and also acknowledged that this was the first item that I had received from them. Now many times I receive handwritten notes and there is something personal about me in it; however, these are typically because they are coming from a PR firm. Regardless of whether you're media or not, each person will receive a personal note on their first purchase and I will let you know about the second item and how that is!

My fab bracelet came in a branded brown box with a cream flat bow wrapped around it.

Sitting on its little jewelry pillow (not the technical name but that's what I call it) is my new gunmetal bracelet that I am sure you'll see me wearing!

Such a fabulous piece and I couldn't wait to snap a few pics. This bracelet has a nice wait and although I was taking quick images with my camera phone, when it's directly in the light, it sparkles and definitely has a luxe look.

If you have yet to sign up for this service, you definitely need to check it out and see which designers are there. Visit Bonfaire to set up your account and thanks to the fashionable team there, they will give you $100 credit which you can use towards the purchase of your next treasure! Note that there are a number of items that are always changing as well as brands have various price points so you never know what you will find and at the time of purchase, you are only playing a 50% deposit down. It's a great way to build your accessories wardrobe right in time for the season that you're most likely to wear it in! Since I have another item coming in a few weeks, I will keep you updated - but it's always nice getting something in the mail that you can't wait to wear!

Feb 10th, the Chinese New Year will have arrived and it will be the "Year of the Water Snake". Now I am not personally a fan of snakes; however, anyone who knows me knows I LOVE python. There's something about the texture, hues and how luxe it looks whether it's on a handbag, a pair of heels or around your wrist. It's a must have material to have in your closet without a doubt; moreover, I love all the colors that it comes in as well! here are a few must have items that will allow you to play up the most casual of looks as well as to enhance something that is truly stunning!

Marie France Van Damme is known for her apparel, swimwear and of course fab accessories. I love her fold over totes ($550) as well as black and gold clutch ($550) as these are great and perfect whether you're rocking a shirt dress, wrap dress or a simple maxi! Ruthie Davis takes python from its classic hues to watercolor in her Sanibel creation with these vibrant heels in sherbert resort tones.

I'm all about wrist bling and it doesn't always mean stones, this Yosef H Antique Trunk Collection ($180) in rich red with closure hardware is a conversation stunner.

As always, I do look at an alternative as sometimes you see the texture you want, but it may not be the skin of interest. When it comes to that, I am known to swap python for crocodile as it still has a great look and is still fabulous to add a pop of nuvo glam within the overall look. Of course, it's also important to have the ultimate statement bag that can carry a number of things without looking like you're lugging your world (people are always stunned by how heavy my purse is) and how can you not do this in fabulous grey from Nancy Gonzalez ($2750). Together, all of these items ensure that winter, spring and seasons beyond will be perfectly accessories forward no matter where you're off to.

During New York Fashion Week FW 2012/13, I was able to attend Gen Art's Fashion Show that was sponsored by Crest 3D White (which we all know that I have been a long time fan of this and also enjoy that as a brand ambassador, it's always fun to be invited to their events). Whitney Port emceed the runway show which had a number of designers showcasing their work. Designers competed in the "Little White Wardrobe" and Win Shi was the winner of this event. Enjoy the video that features this fabulous designer and see why she definitely won!