<![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/ Thu, 23 May 2013 06:55:50 GMT Thu, 23 May 2013 06:55:50 GMT <![CDATA[BE News: Staff Picks Autumn 2012 - Jackie]]> Sun, 16 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Selecting a bag or even two bags from our selection of beautiful bags every season is almost impossible for me. This season it was harder than ever before. I have finally settled on two bags, one for weekday/work and another for the weekend. My choices, if I absolutely have to choose, are the [B]New York Tote and the Rio Satchel.

The New York Tote is one of the most beautiful bags
we have ever designed. The shape and construction are amazing. It appears structured but is lightweight and soft against the body, plus the arm-carry handle can also fit over my shoulder. It looks great worn across the body. The vegetable-tanned leather is a match made in heaven for this bag as it adds a supple structure, plus it's one of Italy’s finest: it has a real leather smell, a thick yet supple body, the slightest hint of a sheen and it ages beautifully. The marine blue is one of the most wearable dark blue leathers I've ever seen and I can’t wait for autumn to arrive so I can wear it with my winter wardrobe! The brown-grey snakeprint is another fantastic colour that really complements this style and can be worn all year round. I love Belen Echandia’s New York Tote because it’s the kind of bag that will make any outfit look well put together and I will really enjoy wearing it. I could stare at this bag all day.



The Rio Satchel is my weekend bag because I love bags that can be worn comfortably across the body but also on the shoulder. I find it so easy to get in and out of and the front pocket is great when I need quick access to something like my phone. I like the look of the Rio more than anything: it is a classic shape but so modern and I like bags that don’t date. Best of all it works in any and every colour and most leathers. The vegetable tanned red is such a beautiful, wearable colour and will add a pop of colour to your winter wardrobe without being over the top.


If you have any questions about why I love these bags so much or any other question at all, do feel free to email me and I will be happy to chat. jackie@belenechandia.com


]]> <![CDATA[Features: Independent Women]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT
All the women at the table bar two admitted that when selecting a perfume, the attraction of the brands' advertising campaign was more important than its smell. One of them, a marketing executive for L'Oreal, told us the story of how Chanel No.5 was blind-tested. Despite being the clear market leader with a bottle sold every 30 seconds, when it was blind-tested Chanel No. 5 was bottom of the pile. In other words, people were buying into the lifestyle advertising campaign surrounding the perfume. THEY DIDN'T ACTUALLY LIKE THE SMELL.

As someone who prides herself on her independence and sense of self and assumes all self-respecting modern women do the same, I find this very difficult to understand. A few years ago, when trying to book an expensive transatlantic flight to Bali I came across a site that offered to undercut any company's web price. Being me, I wondered aloud how the company made its money if they guaranteed to undercut any price. "Simple", the salesperson said - "we make our money on insurance and added extras, which are charged at a premium". "But I never buy insurance or extras from you", I said, "because you charge such high prices for them". "Ahhh"... came the reply. "Then you are what we call a Guerilla Consumer". "We actually lose money on someone like you".

So, many companies have dubious policies and some are more obvious than others. Many of us manage to dodge the obvious ones quite well - like travel companies trying to sell insurance policies we don't want or need. But more often than not the seriously sophisticated tactics reign us in with ease, convincing even the most intelligent of women to buy a perfume we don't like the smell of, or a badly-cut coat which does nothing for our hips, or a handbag produced in China with that oh-so exclusive label stamped all over it. Hence the classic strapline "why would I buy from a little-known handbag designer when I can have one from...".

Don't get me wrong, being Libran I am more susceptible than usual to seduction by beautiful things, but there has to be some substance behind the promise. There are some beautiful things which are worth spending my money on. Jo Malone fragrance, Pauric Sweeney satchels, Jimmy Choo sandals made by the man himself, not the conglomerate which bought his name under which to mass-produce shoes and bags in China. This perfectly illustrates my point - how many people actually realise that Jimmy Choo has long had nothing to do with the company which built its name on his reputation for hand-made shoes?

Some other aspects of the "industry" are closer to home. Journalists are bound by codes of ethics and laws which prevent them from selling editorial, but we all know first option goes to the advertiser who spends most money with the magazine. Have you noticed that your favourite blog seems to write about one particular company again and again? Chances are they are in business together.

What I am still not sure about is whether women are really seduced by this, if like me they wish that it would change, or if they are simply naively unaware of it. But I do know that we're all being done a disservice, particularly by the magazines and stores.

Because just as I trust my dentist with my teeth, I trust my favourite editors and buyers to make me aware of the best content and products, not the ones who pay the most to advertise them...





]]> <![CDATA[Handbag Diaries: Conversations with my Clutch Me]]> Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT In her Handbag Diary, Kristina chooses to share excerpts from different days, events, thoughts & conversations she has when she is out with her Clutch Me.


FRIENDS WHO DON'T WEAR HANDBAGS


In the US, we work on average 8 hours a day, leaving barely half of that sum for time with family and friends outside of work. Having said that, I truly believe that getting along with your co-workers, spending a few moments to chat, to get to know them a bit helps not only with productivity, but promotes a healthy mental lifestyle. A ritual I truly appreciate and look forward to on Mondays (and any other days where mornings are just a bit challenging) is a quick coffee run to Starbucks with one of my co-workers.

Let me tell you about her - she is super athletic, wonderfully intelligent, and most importantly, pleasant and relaxed.I have to say it is truly a pleasure spending time and learning from her. She thought it was awesome that I was doing a handbag diary for a very special designer in England!



I admire that she does not carry a handbag. Wait, let me finish, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. She knows what she needs to bring in order to get the job done. Cards and cash (strapped by a rubber band) and cell phone are her essentials whether she is going to get coffee, going to lunch, or well, doing anything else! I am by no means streamlined such as she, so that setup doesn't work for me. The lesson I am taking away from her is that I really don't need to bring the kitchen sink to go buy coffee. I just need my cell phone, card wallet, keys, sunglasses, and lip gloss for a short 15 minute outing such as grabbing coffee from Starbucks.

The Clutch Me is a perfect bag for the occasion. Unlike my other clutches, the Clutch Me has a strap, which makes it easier for me to balance my handbag while placing sugar in my coffee, or opening the door with my hand and not my hip. I don't look like a wannabe acrobat at the brink of disaster!

Mondays just seem so much better with a nice coffee in hand, a great co-worker with a wonderful soul, and a fashionable handbag that literally glows in the Starbucks lighting!

Look! My Choco Crash Clutch Me decided to have a nice, cold Latte today!


A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON A FABULOUS BLACK CRASH NUMBER

I work around a lot of men. As you probably can guess, they don't normally notice what I'm wearing day to day. Perhaps they may notice I'm wearing a little more makeup, or that I straightened my hair that day, but almost never what bag or shoes I'm wearing, unless the bag or shoes are so bright that they can't miss it. If you don't believe me, wear a patent red shoulder bag and I guarantee you will be turning men's heads on the street. Yes, I have performed this experiment with positive results.

There is one man at work - an engineer in a sea of engineers - who seems to appreciate fine leather - he lived in Italy for a few years and therefore was exposed to a lot of leather - so much in fact, he alleges his wife has a whole box full of Italian leather handbags at their house. So one day, I took the Black Crash Clutch Me with me to lunch and shoved the bag into his hands and told him, tell me about this bag.

After the expected muttering to the tune of "why are you making me hold a handbag in public", and the rolling of eyes on both our parts, he proceeded to tell me that he liked the striking contrast of the black crash leather to the fuschia lining, that the leather looked truly like Italian leather (read: good leather), and the construction was sturdy. Then, in typical engineer fashion, he proceeded to tell me how it would be so nice to have more organization pockets, and it could look like this and that, and how it would be so beneficial to an eternally-prepared-for-anything gal like me to have such utilitarian designs in this clutch he is holding.

Summoning the politesse I normally exhibit to my clients and to my management, I thanked him for his positive comments and suggested design modifications, instead of saying what I really wanted to say - can't you just admire the design and not overthink everything?? But, looking back, there are two things I took away from the event:

1) Even the manliest of men can appreciate the beauty and fine
construction of a black crash BE Clutch Me

2) Maybe my friend has a future career as a handbag designer at BEbecause I have to admit, designing organization compartments in such a limited space would be a difficult feat, and a brilliant engineer such as he can discover the solution and bring it to life.

That's if, of course, he can once again hold a handbag in public!

TEA AND SCONES WITH THE CLUTCH ME - TIME JUST FOR ME


There are just times that I want to be alone, to gather my thoughts, to give myself a fighting chance to think clearly without distractions. I have a favorite place I like to go to alone to have a pot of tea and a dessert. It is a special place for me - I have vowed never to eat there with people I don't like, nor have a discussion there with anyone there that could turn controversial.

There are only three places in the world I consider a haven.sitting on an old tree that overlooks the city near my parents' house; in a place of refuge on the Big Island of Hawaii; and here in this beautiful, quite known dessert boutique. Today I had a special mission with a painful reality. Someone who worked with me on contract is dying of cancer.

Her office is devastated, and she will eventually leave behind a teenage daughter and a husband with a disability. I wanted to buy her tea leaves from this place, as these leaves, when brewed, have the most gorgeous aromas steaming from the pot. I wanted her to have something luxurious as she lives out her last days on this earth.

That day, I brought my Clutch Me with some other work stuff I hoped to get done while having tea. As I arranged and re-arranged the Clutch Me amidst the tea, scone, and table decorations, I started to think about my life and what was important to me. While it remains important that I continue to make and achieve personal and professional life goals, it is equally important to remember that life is fragile and non-permanent. Living life to the fullest, surrounding ourselves with people we love, and keeping only those things that are beautiful, useful, and bring joy to our lives are paramount.

It was a very thoughtful day amidst beautiful ambiance, beautiful desserts, and a beautiful handbag.

CLUTCH ME AND INTERVIEWS

I am not lying to you. I brought my new pewter crash Clutch Me to my promotion interview. Faux pas or brilliant move? Well, I'm not quite sure, really, and we'll just have to see, but people have known me to be quite brave, and this move wasn't anything out of the ordinary. I didn't want to come to the interview with a big bag full of stuff I wouldn't use, and risk spilling its contents across the floor or something embarrassing like that. I knew I was going to be a pile of nerves just driving to the interview, let alone performing the interview itself! I decided I wanted to streamline. And I wanted to bring only what I needed.

I wanted to bring my simple folder with a pad of paper, pen, and a Shambhala Sun magazine to read in the attempt to calm myself in the moments beforehand, and my pewter clutch with my keys, card wallet,
work ID, and sunglasses. With the wrist strap, the clutch was so
simple to manage.I glided into the room with grace, did my business, and exited in the same fashion. No problem!

I learned and now truly believe that the less stuff you have with you and around you, the less mental baggage you have in that moment that may possibly slow you down. I thought my interview went well
considering it was a stressful one. I felt very unhampered, very free. The kind of feeling you need to show your very best.

Perhaps the Clutch Me choice wasn't such a bad idea after all!


]]> <![CDATA[Trends: How to Wear It: Leopard Print]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Think prints are faddy, or too trendy to stay in fashion? Think again. Leopard print seems to come back again and again every winter season. You could almost call it a neutral. Try a new colour combination, which is just as classic as black and white. This season, leopard print is making yet another wild comeback.


Autumn 2012 runways were filled with the wild print. Designers are encouraging us to skip the subtle pop of animal print, and instead go all out.

However, if you are new to the animal print trend, start out small and try a leopard print clutch.

Belen Echandia is introducing a handful of styles in this season's must-have print. Try our trusty Clutch Me in new Baby Leopard Printed Pony Skin. If you want a compact, comfortable clutch that fits more than just a lipstick, you might have just met your new best friend.


Last season, we introduced the Milan Satchel, and we were excited by how well the bag was received! This season try this with black matte accents and a chain detailed strap. With this bag, you will be touching on two trends- animal print and chain straps.


Remember to keep the rest of your look simple, wearing dark sleek accessories and keeping your hair out of your face.

View all of our gorgeous leopard print bags, by clicking here.

]]> <![CDATA[BE News: Finding the Perfect Autumn Handbag]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT
Runways have forecast that Autumn 2012 will be filled with lots of blacks but not just any old boring shade. We will see snakeprint leather, metallic leather and shimmer - and of course a traditional luxe matte black leather.


As per must-have styles of bags, we will see a continuation from spring with the satchel and messenger bags more popular than ever. Instead of bright, summery hues, we will see dark blacks and browns, metallics, oxbood red, olive and deep purples, richer than Merlot.

A personal favourite is the classic satchel, which has come back with a bang. We had a taste of the style this past spring and summer, but now we're excited to wear it in autumn and winter colours. Opt for a satchel in an edgy metallic leather to stand out from the crowd without being too garish. Easy to pair with any outfit, a satchel is a must-have for the upcoming autumn season.

Look out for chained clutches- straps are out and chains are in! From nights out on the town and holiday parties, a easy-to-carry cross-body clutch will be the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. But be prepared for envious glares: a sleek clutch with detachable chains will really have heads turning.

Finally, for ladies who love larger bags, this season's winner will be an oversized tote. This style is ideal for those who like to carry around their whole lives with them. Easy to wear and mix-and-match with various outfits, every woman should have one in her collection! Big enough to fit in a folder of paperwork - or a pair of flats for when you can’t bear wearing your heels for a minute more - the style is beyond versatile.

Belen Echandia's fall collection is right on trend this season; be sure to view the entire collection and pick a piece or two to boost your autumn winter wardrobe!



Ashley Turowsky is an editor of BE Magazine, the online fashion magazine from Belen Echandia, luxury handbag company.]]> <![CDATA[Features: Finding the Perfect Autumn Handbag]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT
Runways have forecast that Autumn 2012 will be filled with lots of blacks but not just any old boring shade. We will see snakeprint leather, metallic leather and shimmer - and of course a traditional luxe matte black leather.


As per must-have styles of bags, we will see a continuation from spring with the satchel and messenger bags more popular than ever. Instead of bright, summery hues, we will see dark blacks and browns, metallics, oxbood red, olive and deep purples, richer than Merlot.

A personal favourite is the classic satchel, which has come back with a bang. We had a taste of the style this past spring and summer, but now we're excited to wear it in autumn and winter colours. Opt for a satchel in an edgy metallic leather to stand out from the crowd without being too garish. Easy to pair with any outfit, a satchel is a must-have for the upcoming autumn season.

Look out for chained clutches- straps are out and chains are in! From nights out on the town and holiday parties, a easy-to-carry cross-body clutch will be the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. But be prepared for envious glares: a sleek clutch with detachable chains will really have heads turning.

Finally, for ladies who love larger bags, this season's winner will be an oversized tote. This style is ideal for those who like to carry around their whole lives with them. Easy to wear and mix-and-match with various outfits, every woman should have one in her collection! Big enough to fit in a folder of paperwork - or a pair of flats for when you can’t bear wearing your heels for a minute more - the style is beyond versatile.

Belen Echandia's fall collection is right on trend this season; be sure to view the entire collection and pick a piece or two to boost your autumn winter wardrobe!



Ashley Turowsky is an editor of BE Magazine, the online fashion magazine from Belen Echandia, luxury handbag company.]]> <![CDATA[Trends: How To Wear It: Coloured Clutches]]> Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT While jewel tones are always a staple fall look, this season designers have been adding neon-hot colours to the palette - and BE has, too! Our fall collection of bags feature lust-worthy hues like cherry red, vermillion orange and spotted leopard print.

Wondering how to wear the look? Bright shades are surprisingly easy to mix-and-match into your daily look. Pair with simple black trousers and a feminine blouse for work, topped with a eye-catching bright clutch as the focal point. The bag will transition to the evening without hesitation; change into a form-fitting neutral dress, chunky gold jewellery and lightly embellished shoes for a dinner date or night on the town. ]]> <![CDATA[Things We Love: Bold & Beautiful ]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ever wonder how to mix and match your BE bags with your everyday work wear? Here's an outfit I've designed with the help of Polyvore that demonstrates how versatile our bags are. In this set, you'll find our I'm Beautiful Midi in Black Crash and Pewter Wallet. Paired with YSL black high-waisted trousers, an embellished Karen Millen cardigan and peachy blouse, this glossy computer bag and silvery wallet will be the perfect accessories! Finishing your look with ultra feminine jewels will ensure your office wardrobe is anything but boring.


See my Polyvore.com page for outfit details and where you can buy these items!]]> <![CDATA[Trends: Bold & Beautiful ]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ever wonder how to mix and match your BE bags with your everyday work wear? Here's an outfit I've designed with the help of Polyvore that demonstrates how versatile our bags are. In this set, you'll find our I'm Beautiful Midi in Black Crash and Pewter Wallet. Paired with YSL black high-waisted trousers, an embellished Karen Millen cardigan and peachy blouse, this glossy computer bag and silvery wallet will be the perfect accessories! Finishing your look with ultra feminine jewels will ensure your office wardrobe is anything but boring.


See my Polyvore.com page for outfit details and where you can buy these items!]]> <![CDATA[BE News: Staff Picks Autumn 2012 - Lydia]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Oak Copenhagen Backpack

Gone are the days of frumpy plastic backpacks! This style has been making a major comeback in the fashion scene over the past year and for good reason: it’s versatile, easy to wear and super practical. Whether you’re running errands, hopping on a bike, doing groceries or commuting to work, the Copenhagen backpack is a model for practicality.

Throw it over your shoulder or wear it on your back, and either way both your hands are free to do what you like (juggling papers, children, car keys and the like). Plus, the oak leather is beyond versatile – it wears well with weekend jeans and sweatshirts, plus slacks and skirts for casual offices. The creamy soft leather will age well, as small scratches can be buffed out or left to add a beautiful vintage aesthetic to the bag. Plus, who can resist that fun punch of pink in the interior? The super durable fabric will hold up no matter what you carry ... and (I know from experience), in case of spills it wipes clean in a heartbeat. For fall 2012, pair the backpack with the season’s best trends: oxblood red, chunky accessories, patterned suits and quirky hats. I'll be wearing mine with leggings, ankle boots and comfy sweaters.


Click here to order the beautiful Oak Copenhagen backpack.

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