Bay Area Fashionista

Olivia + Joy handbag designer Blanca Lesser

Olivia + Joy is a hot handbag design brand created by Blanca Lesser. The line of handbags is animal-friendly and incorporates on-trend designs without the logo and the high price. I had the honor of interviewing Blanca Lesser on Monday April 18, 2011 and I instantly found her passion for bringing high style and quality to the consumer at an affordable price to be inspirational.

Blanca Lesser strives to create on-trend designs that will withstand the test of time in both style and quality. The best part? All of her handbag designs are under $100! Her amazing designs such as the Perfection Satchel for $88 and the Bella Zip Cross Body for $68 incorporate all of the handbag runway trends while making the styles practical for everyday use.

To learn more about Olivia + Joy, please visit Blanca Lesser’s website at oliviaandjoy.com.

To read my full interview published on Examiner.com, please click here.

*Special Thank You to Blanca Lesser for taking the time out of her busy schedule to speak with me. Her designs are amazing and her passion for creating “The Look for Less” is inspirational.

Naya Shoes are eco-chic and on-trend for summer!

Eco-conscious footwear that is both green and fashionable is difficult to find. One of the biggest problems with many eco-conscious shoe companies is that the footwear does not provide style and comfort. Naya Shoes has solved this problem by creating a shoe collection that is on-trend, comfortable AND green; fabulous!

The spring and summer 2011 shoe styles that have made it from the runway to reality include platforms, ankle straps, wedges and clogs. Naya Shoes has created styles that fit into these hot trends for spring and summer while being both eco-conscious and comfortable.

Naya Shoes are made from vegetable-tanned leathers, natural and recycled fabrics, natural cork (which happens to be a renewable resource) and water-based cements and glues. The packaging is equally eco-conscious and high quality; which makes for long-lasting and easy shoe storage. The Naya Shoes boxes are made from 80% recycled pulp, soy based inks, water-based glues, shoes forms made from recycled PET and reusable dust bags.

Wondering which Naya Shoes style to pick? We here are at Bay Area Fashionista are partial to the hot and on-trend Samara Sandal which features an ankle strap and ultra soft leather. The Alpine is the perfect high heel sandal with perforated leather and the t-strap; another hot trend from the runway. Naya Shoes has also created the perfect wedge sandal for spring and summer; the Maize. This fabulous wedge features a straw and leather sole with a strappy and casual look; love it!

Why do we love Naya Shoes so much? They are eco-chic, ultra comfortable and fashionable! Fabulous! Naya Shoes can be found online at nayashoes.com and at Nordstrom Stores and Nordstrom.com. Happy shopping and stay fabulous

LHC Couture is San Francisco’s fashion treasure

The San Francisco Bay Area has a fashion secret that will not stay quiet for long-LHC Couture. Created by Bay Area native Lauren Hyde Crafford, the line is unique and perfect for the West Coast climate. Lauren Hyde Crafford uses only the highest quality modal jersey and matte jersey for her designs. The high quality jersey fabrications allow LHC Couture designs to be elegant, slim and drape well while being comfortable enough for everyday wear; fabulous!

Designer Lauren Hyde Crafford grew up in the Bay Area, in Los Gatos, Ca. After high school, she ventured south to Loyola Marymount to earn her undergraduate degree. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Crafford enrolled in FIDM in order to earn a degree in merchandise product development. Crafford’s keen eye for design landed her a prized position at Bebe where she worked in textile design. After Bebe, Crafford worked for Levi Strauss in the Dockers Division. While working for the legendary inventor of denim jeans, Lauren Hyde Crafford began working on her own line. Eventually, she left her full time position in order to concentrate on the launch of LHC Couture.

LHC Couture launched its’ first line in fall of 2010 with a second collection in spring 2011. The incredible line offers prêt-a-porter as well as full-fledged couture. LHC Couture is all hand-made by either Lauren herself or by highly skilled seamstresses who work in her studio. The designs by LHC Couture take inspiration from Grecian fashion as well as taking avant-garde looks from the European runways and bringing them into reality. Love it!

The fabrications used by LHC Couture are the highest quality jerseys on the market. LHC Couture uses modal jersey and matte jersey; the new line for fall will include silk modal. LHC Couture also creates incredible bridal attire for both the bride and bridesmaids. The bridal gowns are couture and the bridesmaid dresses can be customized to suit the taste of the bridal party.

LHC Couture is priced between $75-$120 for tops, $120-$200 for gowns and couture gowns vary by design. To learn more about LHC Couture, please visit LHCCouture.com. Click on “Contact” to request a couture consultation.

*Special Thank You to Lauren Hyde Crafford for taking the time to speak with me. She is truely an inspiration!

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