'Bag Lady'

Rebecca Minkoff

Everyone in fashion has seen the “It” bag: the sleek leather handbag spotted in a spectrum of colors perfect for the morning after a night of unspoken fun. “The Morning After Bag” has in fact been caught on the arm of various celebutantes, from Jessica Szohr to Rachel Bilson and Lindsay Lohan.

Yet little is known about Rebecca Minkoff and her eponymous line of handbags and apparel. Daily Candy takes a closer look at the life of Minkoff in an exclusive video interview.

Why we love her:

Playful, girly and with a slight edge, Rebecca Minkoff’s flair for style resonates with many women looking for quality apparel and accessories that are cool, yet not over-the-top. Even five years after the birth of “The Morning After Bag,” the iconic bag is still sold out in stores, now available in new fabrics and with interesting hardware.

How she started:

The California native has long been sewing and designing, eventually moving to New York after graduation. But Minkoff, who specialized in apparel, didn’t branch out into handbags until close friend and celebrity Jenna Elfman (“Darma and Greg”) asked her to design a handbag for her next film. Another good friend did a write-up on the bag, generating interest in the line.

"The Morning After Bag" version

What you will find:

A day-to-night handbag collection in colors from eye-popping to classic, in addition to a ready-to-wear collection launched back in 2009.

The coolest bag lady in town

Who’s got the bag:

Find a Rebecca Minkoff handbag worn by model Agyness Deyn, actresses Lauren Conrad, Keira Knightly, Reese Witherspoon. The enterprising designer has appeared on “Good Morning American” and “Fox Business News.” She was honored in 2009 by New York Moves Power Women for her entrepreneurial spirit and success in fashion.

What’s next:

Although not officially announced, Minkoff has openly said that in the future she would like to launch a shoe line. In addition to a shoe line, expanding her business overseas and opening her own store locations in international global markets are all eventual goals for the designer.

Where to find:

Shop Rebecca Minkoff bags and apparel at Bloomingdale’s, Shopbop, Searle, and Anthropologie among others.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of rebeccaminkoff.com; bagbliss.com; the dailyobsession.net

'Let's Get this Party Started'

It is perhaps the one rare occasion throughout the year when our hearts and minds are focus on the past, present and future all at once.

The New Year.

This year, I will be saying goodbye to 2009 and New York City’s iconic Tavern on the Green at the restaurant’s farewell party. The Central Park landmark since 1939, known for its blowout parties and the annual marathoners’ pasta fest, will close its doors January 1 – a victim of the financial crisis and high-priced operating expenses.

It will be my first time at the famed restaurant, with its wonderland décor that includes 45 chandeliers of glass and stained-glass, 600,000 tree lights and topiary animals in its gardens, etched mirrors, and copper and gold-leaf weathervanes.

It once was a place frequented by celebrities like Grace Kelly and John Lennon and where former owner Warner LeRoy would open champagne bottles with the swing of a sword.

Kicking the New Year with the best that my city has to offer is the precedent I’d like to set for the coming year. And if that precedent is to be made in style, my New Year’s outfit better be a show-stopper.

Dramatic textures, shimmering embellishments and sumptuous fabrics guarantee that my New Year’s ensemble will deserve nothing less than the spotlight. Here’s my ultimate party wardrobe:

Fancy Feet

I like to party with the best – that includes my shoes too. Nothing comes close to the quality and craftsmanship of a Prada shoe. This suede bootie in (sold out) has a slightly pointed toe, but with its black suede straps and heel adds a cool contemporary spin to a classic silhouette.

Bare It All

This black BCBG (on sale now) with an overlay of tulle and asymmetric shoulder shows the right amount of skin. No need to wear a statement necklace because this neckline says it all. The zip closure on the side ensures a snug fit and the strap is adjustable. I plan to pair this top with a banded mini skirt, but on another occasion can be worn with leggings or even jeans. And I do admire the ruching of tulle along the bottom, which accentuates the waistline.

Rock N’ Roller

I don’t need arm candy; I need an accessory that will pack a punch. This Rebecca Minkoff 3-zip clutch (sold out in yellow) with its exotic leather print and leather fringe is sure to infuse a bit of rocker glam to a rather simple, yet stylish party outfit. Its bright yellow shade will break up the black and gray, bringing some much-needed color and attention to my New Year’s look.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of annaginzburg.com; yoox.com; BCBG and handbagsdir.com