Events and Sales: Steals on Elaine Turner Handbags

EVENTS
• Meet John Kressaty, 3LAB chemist and skin-care authority, at his first appearance at Barneys. Call to set up your private skin consultation. Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., at 61st St. (212-833-2010); Wed. (11–2).

• Get a free makeover today and tomorrow, as John Frieda Salon sets up shop downtown with a mobile hair salon. Frieda himself will make an appearance both days, and celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh (to Sarah Jessica Parker and Fergie) will offer tips. Through 6/26. South Street Seaport, 10–6.

SALES
STARTING TODAY
• Alexander Wang is having a spring sample sale, with loads of cool black dresses and loose denim. Through 6/26. 628 Broadway, at Walker St.; Wed. (3–7); Thurs.(10–7).

• Bring out your inner girly-girl on Betsey Johnson’s sample sale. Dresses are down to $87 (orig. $345), and tops are $55 (orig.$220). Through 6/26. Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W, 44th St., nr. Broadway, Seventh fl.; Wed.–Thurs. (10–7:30).

• The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Thrift Shop got in a special shipment of Chanel blouses, dresses, jackets, skirts, and pants for you to scoop up today only. 1440 Third Ave., nr. 81st St. (212-535-1250); Wed. (10–5).

• Sandals, heels, and more, from Hollywould’s cruise collection are up to 80 percent off. Through 6/30. 198 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St. (212-219-1905); Thurs.–Sat. (11:30–7); Sun. (noon–5).

• Society for Rational Dress, Diabless, Vivienne Westwood, and Morphine Generation are all 20 to 75 percent off at the Woodley & Bunny sale. 490 Driggs Ave., nr. N. 9th St. (718-218-6449); Daily (noon–8).

• With this three-day sale, you’ll only have to pay $5 to $60 for clothes from Soundgirl, or pay $40 to $60 for Shoes for Lovely People. Through 6/27. 1385 Broadway, nr. 37th St., Fifth fl. (212-730-0377); Daily (10–6:30).

• The Brian Reyes and Tashkent by Cheyenne sale starts today. Through 6/26. Tashkent Studios, 939 Eighth Ave., nr. 56th St., Ste. 501; Wed.–Thurs. (11–7).

• Elaine Turner handbags are up to 75 percent—off. The Eva Sand Dollar beach bag that was $150 now is $50, and python clutches that were $650 are only $195. Through 6/26. 320 Fifth Ave., at 32nd St., Ste. 1102. (212-239-8966).

• Score 30 percent off Vix swimwear by typing VIXDC30 at checkout. The Perry black suit with gold detailing that was $170 is now $119.

STARTING TOMORROW
• United Bamboo’s spring/summer 2008 collections, as well as previous collections, are up to 90 percent off retail. Through 6/28. 217 Centre St., nr. Grand St., Sixth fl. (212-925-3311); Thurs.–Fri. (10–7), Sat. (12–7).

ENDING TOMORROW
• The Akris trunk show ends tomorrow at Bergdorf Goodman. Through 6/26. Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave., at 57th St., Fourth fl. (212-753-7300); 10–8.

All about Elaine Turner Handbags

from Elaine Turner

Elaine Turner, a former apparel designer and merchandiser, put her industry experience, love of accessories and passion for all things stylish to work on her first-ever handbag collection. Elaine’s impressive fashion pedigree, coupled with a keen interest in textiles and timeless style, led to the creation of a unique, conceptually-driven debut collection that instantly stood apart from the rest. Her collection is inspired by a destination aesthetic that integrates bold color and prints. This combination creates a fun, yet glamorous style that appeals to women of all ages. Elaine also perceived a void in the market for luxurious accessories at an accessible price point. Ultimately, this discovery encouraged her to launch her own business in 2000.

Elaine Turner states, “When I created my company, my main inspiration was to convey “my dreams” through my product. My ultimate goal is for the woman carrying one of my bags to feel like she has bought a piece of my dreams. I want the bag to conjure up images of travel, fantasy and escapism, i.e., lying on a private beach in the Caribbean, visiting a historic hotel in Europe, walking through a charming Provence garden, buying artwork along the harbor in St. Tropez. At the same time, I want the bag to evoke deep pleasure while she carries it in her tangible everyday life.”

Elaine Turner draws inspiration from a multitude of sources. She is passionate about her family, art, fashion, travel and interior design. These influences are reflected through Elaine’s personal style and are key ingredients in the Elaine Turner collection season after season.

Elaine’s mother remains a constant source of inspiration. “She epitomized elegance and beauty to me when I was growing up In Texas. She took pride in putting herself together and expressed herself through the fun and creativity of fashion,” says Turner. Primary sources of inspiration in interior design are, David Hick's for his unexpected mix of texture and print, Kelly Wearstler for her boldness, and Jonathan Adler for his sense of whimsy and fun. As far as fashion designers, Elaine is inspired by Lilly Pulitzer. “I completely respect what she did with a simple shift dress. Her bold print design turned into a fashion statement that still resonates today and her Palm Beach style is a constant source of inspiration for me”, says Turner. The simplicity of Narcisco Rodriguez and femininity of Carolina Herrera are also key influences and the world of Ralph Lauren continues to inspire her daily.

With regards to travel, Elaine Turner recalls her memories of traveling to the Caribbean as a child. “I have wonderful memories of these times with family- innocent, care free days reading my favorite books ocean side, snorkeling in crystal clear waters and casually walking the white sandy beaches. The Caribbean stole my heart. It was the only experience I have ever had where I truly felt like I had escaped reality, and in today’s times of stress, fear and over indulgence, I truly cherish those times of simple memories. The accessories I create today have strong influences from those days”, says Turner.

Elaine Turner was born and raised in Houston, Texas and currently resides there with her husband and two children. Turner met her husband while living and working in New York City. For five years, Turner worked in the fashion industry primarily working for private label companies. This experience allowed her to fully understand the commercial aspect of this business and how to design something that is truly marketable. Today, her husband, Jim Turner, is CEO of the business. He has played a major role in the growth and strategy of the business. “We never predicted we would one day own a handbag /accessory business together, but it organically worked out that way. We have two different skill sets that seem to complement one another”, states Turner.

Elaine Turner also knew at a young age that starting her own business would be her dream come true. “My family is entrepreneurial and it is second nature for all of us to want to start and run our own businesses”, says Turner.

The spirit of the collection is a reflection of Elaine Turner herself. “Our goal has always been to create a lifestyle brand that focused primarily on accessories and reflected my spirit”, states Turner “I design accessories that I would want to own and wear. I want my customers to walk away feeling good about themselves with a huge smile on their face. It’s really that simple” says Turner.

The Allie Bag

Elaine Turner: Designer, Smart, and a woman with her act together!

from Mama on a Play Date

It's not everyday that I get to hang out with cool up and coming handbag designers. I was never the cool kid or the one in the popular crowd. And yet, here I am in this cool job where I get to meet amazing people who not only donate their money or project, but their time, talent and energy.

I'm in Houston until Wednesday for business (yes, it's going to be one of those weeks). We had four different meetings today, including drinks with Elaine Turner and her amazing group. Tomorrow, we head to Texas Children's Hospital for a photo shoot with a cool photographer, cancer children, and some pretty beautiful handbags. Magic in the making!

And the coolest part? Elaine's collection will be getting two new additions in the Fall 2008. Specially design with the colors of HFC in mind (one red and one straw)--the Taylor and Allie bags!!

Now really, how cool is that? The Allie bag!!