PLIA Designs: Cornering the Market on Designer Handbags and Designer iPhone Cases

Every now and then a fashion brand comes along that knocks your socks off. The sort of brand that makes you take not one, three or four more glances. Consumers are inundated with so many brands, it’s often difficult to navigate the fashion waters of which designers are creating quality products and who is not. Over saturation is currently a massive problem in the world of fashion and designs. There are so many established and up-and-coming brands competing for the consumers pocket book. Nearly every brand wants shoppers to be mesmerized by their wares and hope you will purchase, sometimes regardless of quality or craftsmanship. Consumers are savvy and many make educated purchases- they aren’t always influenced by brands’ advertising or media campaigns.

The Internet, especially social media, gives consumers a chance to explore brands on their own terms. Shoppers like the act of discovery. When you discover a brand, it seems more authentic than when it’s forced upon you through ads, etc. Smaller brands are thriving because they are using social media as a platform to not only promote their designs, but also give shoppers a glimpse behind the scenes. These brands aren’t using bold tactics to try and lure shoppers to purchase items. Instead, they are using social media platforms such as Instagram to present their image in an authentic means. Instead of being a hard sell, brands utilize social media for soft sells. Smart designers know shoppers want to discover brands, learn the inspiration behind products, and to generally educate themselves without outside noise. It’s this outside noise of marketers and advertisers that has turned off many shoppers in recent years. No one wants to feel forced or talked into purchasing products; especially not in the designer fashion category.

A brand gaining legions of fans without overselling themselves is PLIA Designs. They have carved a niche for themselves in accessories; specifically designer handbags and designer iPhone cases. PLIA Designs excels by creating incredibly distinct accessories that women are instantly drawn to. There handbags are not covered in logos nor are they made in large quantities. Each of the brands designer handbags is crafted by hand by a highly skilled artisan. Leathers are imported from Italy and every illustration on the back of their iPhone cases is created first on a traditional artists canvas. PLIA Designs is a modern brand with old-world traditions as the backbone to its products. They do not try to sell a product, rather they let the product sell itself. There is no annoying advertising or overly promoted posts on social media. It’s a transparent brand centered around craftsmanship while at times allowing consumers to see behind the scenes.

In the category of designer handbags, PLIA Designs’ Reid satchel is a true classic. Even though the bag has been in the marketplace just a few years, it’s a design that feels timeless. The Reid satchel is a do-it-all handbag. Whether you use it for a work bag or for a weekend away, it’s a handbag designed for a busy life. What I love most about PLIA’s iconic satchel is that it’s not an intimidating designer bag. As of now there is a wait list for the larger size and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Style stars of social media are also fans of PLIA Designs and their Reid satchels. Instagram updates show fashion mavens carrying the brands handbags and they are endorsed by all of the top editors. In the crowded fashion market, PLIA Designs has created a niche all of their own by designing and producing clean and concise collections of designer handbags and designer iPhone cases.

Style Shakeup

Every now and then we need a style shakeup.  Seasons change and fashion is always progressing.  It doesn't feel good to be in a rut; especially a fashion rut.  The thought seems daunting to have to revamp your wardrobe, but it doesn't have to be complicated.  Truly.  When I hear that someone wants a style shakeup, I tell them to take it slowly and make only a few changes at a time.  A style shakeup is a long distance run, not a sprint.  And it doesn't mean you have to rush out and purchase all new clothes, shoes, and accessories.  Often even a small change will result in a whole different look in the way you put together outfits.  Style is based on what what and how we perceive it and what we think we need.  Style has many different layers.  Personal style varies greatly from person to person and it should.  Wouldn't it be boring if we all work the same outfits?  For some personal style is fast and one knows exactly what she likes and wants to wear.  There are others, like myself, who had to experiment with different looks in order to arrive at a personal style.

Once I began experimenting with different looks, I easily knew what sort of style I favored.  My style is minimal and then when I want to shake it up, I add little pops of color.  Once you have a base style established, that's when I say you can experiment more.  Is most of your closet filled with monochromatic colors?  If so, then you can always add a bright accent color into the mix.  On a snowy winter day if you are dressed in head to toe grey and black, think about an accent color in winter white.  The light accent color will really make your look stand out.  In the summer, I tend to favor a bit more color for my personal style.  On a hot July day at home, you can find me in a pair of cutoff shorts and a colorful cotton blouse.  I find blouses the perfect way to add color to your wardrobe.  I'm very particular about my tops in the summer.  Just because a design is short sleeved doesn't mean it is cool.  I'm also choosy about the sort of cotton I like.  It's so cheap when you can see through a cotton blouse.  You shouldn't have to wear a camisole under a shirt.

For a good style shakeup, I recommend adding a new handbag to your arsenal.  With just one new purchase you can add a lot of spice to your wardrobe.  Handbags I consider a neutral territory.  You may choose a new handbag made of colorful leather and it's the perfect accent color, but it's not overbearing the way maybe a bright pink blazer would be.  There are so many different options when shopping designer luxury bags.  And now designers are creating bags in various sizes.  From micro to large, there is a handbag size for everyone. Don't ignore famous designer handbags during a style shakeup, they are invaluable because they are smaller than clothing, but they provide just enough change to make a difference.

PLIA Designs French Toast

Put a Spring in Your Step with the PLIA Designs French Toast Tote Collection

Spring is a time for renewal and new beginnings. Every year in preparation for the arrival of Spring I treat myself to two new designer bags. Top of my list this year will be a tote from the PLIA designs French Toast Tote collection. I have seen it on the shoulders of some of my fellow fashion editors, and there is no doubt that I have had a ‘coup de foudre.’

All of the totes in the collection are hand stitched and handcrafted. I have already purchased several designer handbags in the past from this bespoke designer and I know that all of the bags are of superior quality. What’s great about these designer bags is that as with the best wines they only get better with age! All of the totes have leather handles and leather trim pockets. Of course in my line of work its essential that I stay connected to the cat walk and that I have a tech friendly carryall with me. The French Toast Collection fits the bill perfectly!

All of the totes have an interior smart phone pocket as well as a sleek iPad pocket which means that I can whip out my iPad whenever I need to. I often have to fit a million things into one day and can be seen hopping in and out of cabs, as well as running to meetings. This means that whatever is in my bag gets subjected to a lot of bumps and mishaps, as running in heels is a recipe for disaster! However, one thing that is great about these totes is that the quilted interior of high performance nylon keeps the contents of the tote, reassuringly safe.

There are five totes to choose from in the French Toast Tote Collection. There is no doubt however that my choice for this Spring will be the Capri Tote as I have fallen in love with its simple elegance. The black and white stripes on linen jute on this designer bag tote epitomizes the freshness that Spring is all about. PLIA designs always knows how to get the balance just right, and the Capri Tote is no exception. It is wonderfully practical yet at the same time has that luxurious feel to it, which is of course a ‘must have,’ for the most sought after, best designer handbags.

Just to show how we all have different tastes, my delightful friend Beatrice who works in fashion, fell in love with the Cadiz French Toast Tote. She loves the fact that as with all of the totes in the collection it fits her 15 “MacBook Pro. She says that the vibrant colors on the custom print linen/ jute canvas, remind her of fiesta time in Seville where she is from, In fact she says  that just carrying it puts a smile on her face. We saw each other over the holidays and she ‘confessed,’ that she has added another PLIA designs tote to her collection, the Pewter Tote, which is ideal for the evening. It seems she is getting addicted to them!

So my fashion tip for this month is that if you want some renewed energy for this Spring, forget the carrot, ginger and beetroot juice, a PLIA designs tote is just as effective! These totes are destined to be one of the 2014 designer handbags successes.

Want it: PLIA Designs New Small Handbag

I’ve been on a PLIA Designs kick for quite some time, and just as I thought my obsession begins to subside, I found a bag that makes it flare back up. I’ve gone back and forth trying to decide if I like the PLIA Designs small Reid satchel in Jester, which is the most recent hit from the brand, and I have finally decided I want it.

With the shape of the bag matching the original Reid Satchel that we all know, the small Reid is just like its name.  It’s a smaller design of the original silhouette that is now beloved by many.  It’s the sort of design and shape that becomes a classic over time much like Hermes famous Birkin.  Even though less in size, it has the same roomy interior with the bottom sewn down and lots of pockets that we have come to expect.  When you close the bag up, the shape remains the same.  The front straps are snugger than the original size and I really like that.

This exact version of the bag is the one I find myself wanting this Monday. The supple calf hot pink leather is offset with black leather on the front flap, handles, and piping.  We all know PLIA Designs bags have their trim take center stage. The black keeps this bag fashionable and wearable while the bright pink body helps this bag jump out and grab attention. I am all for attention-grabbing accessories, and this bag will do just that. Price is around $310. I shop for my PLIA Designs bags with the lovely folks at PLIA Designs (ask for Sophie and tell her Lauren

sent you!)

And now that I have introduced the colors of the bag, let’s specifically talk about the PINK body.  It’s bold.  It’s audacious.  And it possibly may be an annoying shade of pink to many.  But I do know there are many fashionistas who would take the risk with this bag and I can see why.  Though it may be incredibly bright, it has a fun and whimsical energy to it.  It’s not everyday a designer goes outside the confines of muted colors to craft a designer handbag like this.  If you are still a little scared of the brightness yet find yourself loving it at the same time, remember you can pair it with a very laid back color palette so that the bag is the main show.  It’s not the sort of handbag that needs to compete with many colors.  If you wear this designer handbag with too many colors, it will come across like a crazy carnival exploded.

I adore the sleekness and glazed finish of the leather, and while the bag is a smaller update of the first Reid satchel, it remains close to the original. I continue to lean towards satchels new go-to.  Both of the Reid satchels have detachable cross body straps.

This bag speaks to me on many levels and I want nothing more than to add it to my collection and make a special place for PLIA Designs in my closet.  Between the structure, the different combinations of materials and the shape, I really think this PLIA Designs handbag is a great staple for fall and winter.http://www.pliadesigns.com