An Interview is an Interview is an Interview with Carla Mancini

A while back we had a fantastic opportunity. Carla Mancini sent us a wide selection of her line for an online trunk show at ridiculously reduced prices. We took the opportunity to send her in return a list of questions on her collection, her inspiration, what's next. What we got back was an entirely different interview, questions and all. Seeing how an interview is an interview is an interview (and we ain't no journalists), we're posting it anyway. Herewith, the impostor interview:

Do you have any style/trend predictions for the season?
I think this fall season is about exotics, animal prints, python prints, and color. Add purple, cobalt, green, red to your outfit. It just works, bringing some excitement to the black and brown that we have seen for so many years. I see also a lot of studs and embellishments. We need a mood enhancer, especially in these times.

You’ve said you are inspired by the vintage look and Italian culture. What else?
My friends – the special women in my life – have been the greatest source of inspiration. Their needs and also the excitement on their face when I come up with a new style is priceless. We live in a world that is so demanding. Our bags become heavier by the day – the iPods, cell phones, wallets, you name it. How can we still look stylish and sexy while we carry all this weight and responsibility? This is where I get challenged and inspired.

When you got started in design, did you know it was handbags that would ultimately be your passion?
The bags I had seen in movies always attracted me. Sophia Lauren had a great bag in one of her movies that I must have replayed a dozen times. The clutches that were in the Dallas episodes were among my favorite. As a teenager I was intrigued by this strange desire to know what was in my mother's friend’s purses, so sometimes I would ask if I could look … whatever it is that we carry says so much about who we are.

Why do you choose to have everything hand-made in Los Angeles?
There is a certain character about the bags made here. For some reason when we produce something overseas and the workmanship is perfect – sometimes even better – it is still not appealing to me. It loses its character.

I know the work and effort behind every bag. The fact that we can create jobs for people that live in the US, and especially in my city, makes me feel good. They put their energy, their heart and passion in what they are doing and that is reflected in the product.

See Available Carla Mancini Bags

Fall Preview: Jeffrey Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell for fall has just started to eek into the stores, so here is a sneak preview of some of the styles we are excited for this fall. Expect improvisation with the short boot – combat, sport/hunter, cowboy – and equal attention to the ultralong (the perforated thigh-high above at left is coming). Studs of varying sizes and shapes co-exist in a riot of tough chic. This picks up the metal trends developing in jewelry, making styling a snap this coming season.

We'll also stock feminine detailing like bows, braids and ruffles on flats in romantic berry tones, animal prints and the season's newest black: black. Check in regularly to see the latest arrivals from JC and more.

Fall Preview: Irregular Choice

We're hoping that Irregular Choice – a new line for us at Lori's this fall – will make a regular appearance in the store and online. We've seen a lot of the full-foldover look (above) across lines. We carried it last fall in Vic Matie and were a touch ahead of the curve. We're glad the curve caught up; this is a great take on the above-the-knee foldover. Irregular Choice injects personality with a slightly Jules Verne, steam-punk, buttoned spat look augmented with classic wingtip punching. A padded stack heel completes the genteely retro-future look.

It's not all costume drama: the sweep of the wingtip detailing accentuates the curve of your calf and layers up the toe to make your foot look small and cute. The casual break of the spat creates exciting lines that break the traditional boot silhouette (we love how it covers the heel and pokes forward of the upper in front).

The boot above should walk into the stores in August(-ish). Keep an eye on the site and our Fall 2009 Preview page for new updates.

Luck of the Drawl

We're excited to be carrying Lucky Brand shoes this fall. This Cali-casual/Western bohemian collection of slippers, mules, short boots and loafers is a great addition to our fall lineup. Lucky Brand bills itself as representative of small-town America and a time of innocence, courage and fun. Our faves above have a confident and youthful feel that can energize your look.

Stand-outs include the short cowboy boots with stud detailing, which works back to the peace symbol styling of the slipper mocs on a crepe sole. This in turn ties in the suede mule with burgundy trim and leather appliques. We think the unconstructed driver mocs are a perfect transition from fall to summer.

The Lucky collection is smartly casual and engaging. Any of these pieces will look fantastic with jeans and the boots will add prairie chic to any skirty ensemble. Look for them beginning in early August!

Congratulations to our Giveaway Winner

Bambi M. from Clarksville, Tennessee is the winner of our Summer Casual Hobo Bag Giveaway. Congratulations! Please stay tuned for new giveaways and shopping sprees all summer long.