<![CDATA[BE Magazine]]>

<![CDATA[BE Magazine]]> http://www.belenechandia.com/bemagazine/ http://www.belenechandia.com/images/logo_Belen_Echandia.jpg <![CDATA[BE Magazine]]> http://www.belenechandia.com/bemagazine/ Fri, 18 May 2012 03:09:36 GMT Fri, 18 May 2012 03:09:36 GMT <![CDATA[News: Who What Wear]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I’m normally not a fan of daily e-newsletters, but I have recently signed up for just that from WHOWHATWEAR.COM and am loving the content and concept. Fashionistas, here is something you don't want to miss!

The ‘WWW,’ as it’s commonly referred to, is a website that sends members free daily e-newsletters about fashion and everything that goes along with it – labels, celebrities, DIY projects, shows, trends, products and beauty.

It’s inspirational, educational and also features fab short videos such as ‘Ask a Stylist.’ Followers of the site can submit their questions to the WWW team (which is headed up by two American fashion journalists). They answer selected questions with video demonstrations of how to solve your style blunders while avoiding a fashion faux-pas.

My favourite section is called
‘What Was She Wearing,’ where readers can submit an image of a celebrity and ask about the items she was seen wearing. For instance, if you loved the jewellery Angelina Jolie wore to a movie premiere last week and want to know where you can snag the same, just ask the WWW team!

You can also expect lots of tips and tricks on how to maximize your wardrobe and mimic trends on a budget. I love this concept … come to think of it, I simply love the whole site!

Check out www.whowhatwear.com to get your daily fashion fix!

Photo credit: www.whowhatwear.com]]> <![CDATA[Create Your Own Handbag: Red Chevre Milan Satchel]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The color red has been a reoccurring trend these past seasons, and one lucky customer was able to create this must-have color in one of Belen Ehandia’s popular SS12 styles- the Milan Satchel in Red Chevre.

Our team begins by selecting the leather skin that the pieces will be cut from. We only select the best skin, as the quality has to be perfect. This leather is so soft we could use it as a blanket! Here we’re grouping the Milan Satchel patterns.

You can see that only one large skin is used for the bag. We have to find the best area where to cut each part of the bag, taking into consideration leather faults, scars, small holes, etc. We also have to try not to waste much leather; we are always trying to find the best compromise.

And we begin to cut…. We are cutting one of the rectangular pieces that we will use to produce the BEC tag.

Pieces that create the flap “frame” are placed over the flap by hand. Then they are stitched to the flap.

Here is the final result.

This picture has been taken after the piping has been stitched all around the front and back panel. In this case, the back panel and flap are made from just one leather piece.

Here is the back of the flap before the final part of the trips are put inside the two leather button holes. The lining has been partially stitched on the bag.

This photo shows the magnets that have been added as a new feature for this style. The previous version had a closure system based on a sam brown but it was a bit difficult to close the bag. Taking advice from our customers, it was vital for us to make this important alteration.

Here you can see the new strap “attaco” we have created following Jackie’s request for a more elegant version.

This customer chose a beige lining, which you can see peeking through underneath the tissue paper. It perfectly complements the red leather and gold hardware combination.

A signature Belen Echandia tag before the leather strings have been woven through. Even the tag looks fabulous in this leather. The top part of the tag has just been embossed.

And we have a gorgeous finished product, complete with a detachable gold chain for a little extra detail. The Milan Satchel is a comfortable, lightweight, vintage-style satchel bag which works as a day-to-night bag, it is surprisingly roomy for a compact bag.

Get yours today!

]]> <![CDATA[Inspirational Women: Lesley- hand-bag aficionado and bag-maker]]> Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT At BE, we have a natural passion for bags and a love for building relationships with our customers – one of whom has us particularly intrigued at the moment. When we discovered that Lesley is a hand-bag aficionado and bag-maker herself, we had to ask her about her interest in the craft, and why she loves BE.

Lesley, a 54-year-old mother of two, lives in London, England, where she works as an IT manager at a hospital. Her interests include holidays, cycling, reading, knitting and, most recently, bag-making. “I took a bag making course as a weekly evening course a few years ago,” Lesley recalls. “I have always enjoyed bags since I was a little girl and played dress-up with my mother’s clothes and bags. But I never seem to be able to buy the one dream bag that would do me for life, there is always something wrong with them – too many tassels, the strap not long enough, or a fussy buckle.”

She says she registered for the bag-making course with the hope to learn to alter bags she already owned – but it wasn’t as easy as she’d originally anticipated. “I soon found out how difficult bag making is, and I have learned to appreciate the creativity in bag design, the skills of cutting out patterns, choosing fabric for linings, choosing the leather, and of course the sewing,” Foote says. “There is so much involved that I now understand why good bags are expensive items. I have gained an appreciation of a craft that I think most people take for granted, because they don’t know what is involved.”

Lesley says she is drawn to soft leathers, roomy bags big enough to carry all her necessary objects, and a durable shoulder strap so her hands are left free. She says it’s the simplicity of the bags at BE that first attracted her a few years ago, and since then she’s purchased a Hold Me and, most recently, an Orange Hug Me.

“I was bowled over by the bag when it arrived last week,” Lesley says. “What I have learned from my course is that simple design does not mean that the bag is simple to design or to make. This bag is exquisitely put together, a work of art, a design that will last me forever, a classic.”

She says she plans to use the bag as an all-purpose carrier for cycling, daytime, and to take on holidays. However, she still hasn’t found the perfect opportunity to debut the Hold Me.

“I didn’t even open the parcel for a day when it arrived,” recalls Lesley. “I then left it in its box for a few days, peeking in now and again to confirm the beautiful orangey colour. Then I took it out … but I still haven’t used it. I am saving it for an occasion!”

To purchase your own Hold Me, click here. Or if you perfer the Hug Me, click here.

]]> <![CDATA[Natural Beauty: Protect Your Hair Color with Ojon's Color Sustain Collection]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you spend money to have your hair dyed, it’s worth investing in quality products to extend your colour treatment. Using normal shampoo on dyed hair doesn’t preserve or enhance the colour, plus can lead to fading, discolouration and dryness.

Luckily, haircare gurus at Ojon have designed a solution to combat these risks while helping your colour last. The Colour Sustain collection is complete with a shampoo, conditioner, protecting cream and finishing hair spray that will hydrate and add shine to hair while boosting colour tones. Using these products will seal in colour for 40 washes!

The shampoo and conditioner lock-in dye while giving hair a richer texture (thanks to added sunflower seed oil and coconut extracts). Meanwhile, Tahitian Monoi Oil shields colour from fading while protecting from sun and environmental factors. Plus Ojon’s best-kept secret formula, Ojon Oil, is rich in essential lipids that penetrate deep into hair shafts to repair and seal cuticles.

Once you’ve cleaned your locks, style using Ojon’s Colour Protect Cream. This glossy, nourishing cream will prevent fading while detangling and smoothing. It smells lovely (think sweet Neroli, monoi oil and violet leaf) and protects again damages of styling with blow-dryers and flat-irons.

Alternatively, apply a few pumps of the Gloss Finishing Hairspray to damp hair after washing. The spray will weightlessly hold hair in place while enhancing vibrancy and extending colour.

Click here to visit Ojon's website!

]]> <![CDATA[Mommy Mentor's Reviews: A Closer Look at Mommy Mentor's BEC Charm Me ]]> Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Belen Echandia recently celebrated the anniversary of BE Couture where you can build your own bag and select the features just as you like it. I was fortunate enough to win one of the codes they gave out during their month long celebration.

Just what bag did I build?

A Charm Me in medium purple matte leather. The Charm Me is a new bag for me so I am excited to share it with you!

I added silver studs along the front and back...this is my favorite add on of this bag. It gives it an edge and makes it pop.

I also added the Belen Echandia logo on the front. In my opinion, it is understated, classy, and adds some dimension to the front of the bag. Plus, I get SO many compliments on my Belen Echandia handbags so I love providing a visual for people so they remember the name.

An additional feature I added was making the rounded handles with a bit more "puff". I carry my iPad a lot so the extra padding in the straps makes carrying it extremely comfortable. The strap drop was also extended by two inches.

And who doesn't love a little flare? The tassels click together in a subtle way that...well...I love it.

I chose a light blue lining for my Charm Me which I adore with the purple matte leather. I added an extra internal pocket so I have three together along the front of my bag-great for those small items that can get lost.

Here is a shot from the side; the depth is perfect for carrying my daily essentials with room reaming for my iPad, stuff for my children, a sweatshirt, or a water bottle for a longer day out.

The Charm Me is in my top 3 BE ranking along with the Make Me Smile and Tote Me. The zipper closure is so useful and the square shape accommodates many things I pack. The dimensions allow me to carry what I want and push it behind my elbow when worn without it being so long that it knocks into things when carried. It is incredibly comfortable to carry and the color is a perfect neutral that matches a lot of my wardrobe.

Read more of Mommy Mentor's BE reviews on her blog www.mommy-mentor.com

]]> <![CDATA[Bag Review of the Week: Join the London Tote Me Family ]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT The London Tote is a great shape, with lots of pockets to help you to multitask and a comfortable shoulder handle so you can sling your bag on your shoulder and go. Our London Tote is super versatile and works great as an everyday bag, work bag, study bag, gym bag, plane carry-on or stylish mommy bag. Here are a few things our lovely customers had to say about this bag...

Tan Bubble Chevre
I just received my London Tote Midi in tan bubble chevre today and it is stunning! This is my favorite style. I love how easy it is to carry and how roomy it is. It's so easy to stay organized yet this style manages to stay light weight no matter how much is packed into it.

This leather is incredibly beautiful! I was surprised at how thick it is. The surface is bubbly but so incredibly silky and it's a great neutral tone too. I own several LTMs in different leathers because of how much I adore this style. Pictured is the LTM in tan bubble chevre. In the group shot is warm grey snake print, whiskey matte, anthracite and black velvet matte.

Warm Grey Snakeprint
I just received this bag and immediately fell in love with it! I'm not a fan of snakes but this leather feels nothing like a snake! It's velvety smooth to the touch and the texture is so beautiful and interesting! The warm tone makes the bag very versatile so it can be worn with any number of colors. The style is by far my favorite!

It's the perfect size for me as an every day bag since now I'm no longer toting baby items! If you're still a mommy carrying children's items, I suggest the full size which is equally gorgeous without being too large! I love how it fits comfortably on my shoulder but sits on the crook of my arm just as easily. I hope BE continues to provide us with the London Tote in many colors and leathers! It's sure to be a classic for many years to come! Thanks to the BE team for all their help in assisting me in choosing this incredible bag! xo!

Cafe Latte Pebbled
The London tote Midi is the perfect bag to just throw everything you need in it and go. The midi is a generous everyday size bag that fits all my daily items in addition to my work junk as well (day planner, sandwich, water bottle etc) The opening is wide enough to accommodate just about anything I can throw in there and the outside pockets are large and do not take away from the interior space of the bag even with a water bottle in there. I can even fit my Kindle in the outside front or back pocket :)

The Cafe Latte leather is very lightweight and durable and it is a very neutral color. It fits comfortably over the shoulder and is soft and conforming under your arm. This is a great practical bag for the weekends or everyday - whether you carry a little or a lot. Great job on this bag BE!

Get your own London Tote here! ]]> <![CDATA[Features: Why do our customers buy Belen Echandia?]]> Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The handbag market looks a little crowded at first glance. We asked some of our customers to tell us why, despite all the options out there, they still choose Belen Echandia. Here's what they said, with a few notes from us (in no particular order of importance):

1. Made in Italy

The first thing Laura said when we asked her this question back in 2010 was "I love the fact that your bags are still made in Italy when so many other brands have "imported" stamped in small print next to their website descriptions these days". Laura is still a customer and great friend and she thinks this applies today more than ever, when more and more companies are producing in cheap-labour countries.

It's true, our bags are still made by a few very proud Italians who have worked hard over the last few years to make your bags. Every bag you buy contributes to keeping the Italian leather industry alive. Not only that, it contributes to the families of all those leather workers who have struggled to keep their atelier machines humming in the face of stiff price competition from developing countries. European manufacture is an art form and we would all be sad to see it disappear. Thank you for helping us to keep it alive.

2. Customization

This is a new one on the list and we're very glad it was mentioned because it's one of the qualities our whole team is most proud of. All our bags can be made to order by our Italian artisans, just the way you like them. You can select your favourite style and then have it made in your favourite combination of leather, lining, hardware and even make changes if you want. Our favourite comment came from our lovely customer Beckie, who said "Belen Echandia makes my dreams come true".

3. Quality

"Your bags are such great quality, they really stand out from other designer bags I have owned" (Amy). "Your leather smells delicious and the bags hold up very well with repeated use and travel."

"Your price point is so reasonable for the quality compared to other brands". "I've had my pebbled leather bag for several years and it still looks brand new, albeit a little more collapsed, which I love, as does my original mottled gold clutch" (Claire).

"These days most good quality bags cost upwards of £900 ($1,400)"(Pam). "I saw a computer case yesterday on sale for $1,900. I like the fact that your bags almost feel like they should be more expensive than they are. That makes me feel really good about my decision to purchase from you (and appeases the husband somewhat)".

"Under-promise and over-deliver" is our motto, so these comments made us very happy.

4. Customer Experience

"I love the way you all chime in with your opinions, I almost feel like I know you" said Rachel when we asked her back in 2010 and we're still working the same way now in 2012. "It really helps me to have various opinions so I can decide what's best for me. And I almost can't believe how quickly you get back to me, sometimes what seems like in the middle of your night. You all work too hard, but as a customer it definitely reassures me that I'm important and prioritized."

We made our Customer Service approach a priority from the outset, so we're happy that this one made the list.

5. Bags that work

Many people comment on this and we're glad you notice, because when we design, we don't just think about what it will look like, we think about how it will be used and enjoyed. We're an all-woman team of varying ages and with quite different lifestyles, so we're able to really think about what women need from their bags and integrate that into our product offering.

6. Your leather smells divine

We've heard this before! Lots of you love the smell of BE leathers. That's because we use real leather for our bags and we only buy leathers, which are not treated with toxic chemicals. The list of toxic chemicals and colourings our tanneries don't use is much longer than the list of approved colours they do.

7. Your bags are on-trend but still classic

"I love that when I buy a BE bag I don't worry that it will be out of season in 3 months" (Sadie). "I love that I can wear your bags, and so can my daughter and my mom" (Audrey).

We like to be on-trend, of course and we definitely check out the "latest looks". But our muse is you, because you're the one who'll wear your bag. If it doesn't work for your lifestyle and you don't look and feel great walking down the street, then we haven't succeeded.

* A version of this article was first posted in 2010. We have updated it with more recent customer comments.*
]]> <![CDATA[Delicious Desserts: Easy Poached Pairs]]> Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Here's a great recipe that looks much more complicated than it really is! I thought it would be a great challenge to make poached pears, in attempt to impress company. Instead, I found them surprisingly easy to cook ... and the result is delicious! Be sure to use ripe pears that are ready to eat; too crispy won't taste as delightful. Serve with cinnamon ice cream for ultimate wow factor.

Ingredients:
8 stewing pears
1 bottle of red wine
3 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
grated zest of one orange
grated zest of one lemon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Directions:
Carefully peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Cut a straight slice off the bottom of the pears so that they can stand upright easily. Tightly pack them into a large pot; they should fit snugly.

Pour the wine to the tops of the pears. Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, sugar, zest and nutmeg. You can increase the sugar as you like. Bring to the boil and then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 1 hour, or until soft but not mushy. Remove the poached pears carefully using a large ladle or spoon; be careful not lift by the stalks.

Serves 4 with leftovers, or 8.

]]> <![CDATA[Features: How To Wear It: The Paris Crossbody]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Does your wardrobe need a pick-me-up this spring? Look no further than our Paris Crossbody. This versatile bag can work as a hand-held clutch, a shoulder bag with a short strap or crossbody bag with a long strap.

Our inspiration for the style was – of course – Paris, where ladies seem to be the epitome of chic. The bag style can work from day to night, paired with everything from denim and sundresses to a more chic LBD or pantsuit in the evening. Don’t fret about organization – the interior section is divided into two surprisingly large compartments with a mobile phone pocket and leather keyring holder. The removable and adjustable shoulder strap allows you to wear the bag in four different ways.

For this daytime outfit, we’ve paired the Paris Crossbody with a colourful cotton dress and simple flats. The look works for everything from sight-seeing at the Eiffel Tower to browsing galleries at Louvre, sipping coffee in Saint-Germain or a stroll along the Siene. Though of course the bag isn’t restricted to use in the City of Lights – no matter where you are, the Paris Crossbody is a stylish yet handy accessory that's sure to add flare to your look.

Click here to order your Leopard Print Paris Crossbody.

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