From an early age, Danielle had a great passion for designing. At first her focus was designing custom neckties, then later went on to handbag design.

She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and later went on to study in Europe, amongst design houses like Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi and Prada. Danielle eventually went on to apprentice at companies such as Bergdorf Goodman, BE&D and Gucci.

Then in 2006, the young designer launched Danielle Nicole Handbags. Today, you can find the full collection of beautiful pieces, crafted in the finest materials such as Italian lambskin, crushed patent leather, and French embroidery fabric, by the 22-year old designer at danielle-nicole.com

And I recently got the opportunity to exchange a Q + A with this fabulous designer…

Jennifer: What was your very first handbag that you created?
Danielle Nicole: The Samantha Bag was the first bag I ever created. I made it while I was still a student at FIT. It took me over 20 hrs to make it by hand!

Jennifer: What’s your design philosophy?
Danielle Nicole: Function is key! Whenever my team or I are designing a bag we always think, “How is the customer going wear and use this bag”. All of my bags are lined with washable ultra-suede in anticipation of make-up spills. The make-up stains on the interior of the bag will come out with soap and water! Also, I love designing bags with adjustable straps. Many of our bags have straps that convert from a shoulder bag into a messenger. I try to incorporate outside pockets as much as I can so customers can have easy access to their keys, cell phones, and wallets. Another important decision I made a long time ago was to use light weight leather. Lambskin is soft and lightweight. With all of the things women throw into their bags, the bag itself shouldn’t weigh the customer down.

Jennifer: Tell us about your current Spring 2009 collection. And what was your inspiration behind this season?
Danielle Nicole: Spring is about waking up from winter. I used bright, bold colors so that my customers could stand out and feel good! It’s always fun to add a bright, fun handbag to your everyday wardrobe!

Jennifer: Any hints as what to expect for next season?
Danielle Nicole: Next season is a berry inspired collection; red and purple are going to be popular! I wanted to incorporate the signature earth tones of fall. The Lindsay Clutch is one of the new styles that I am introducing for fall. It was featured on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily this past April. I’m very excited to see the collection in stores!

Jennifer: If you were to pick one bag out of all the collections that you’ve created, which is your number one favorite bag of all time?
Danielle Nicole: I would have to say the Kristi Mini. It’s the perfect size. It’s not too big where you can’t find your things, but big enough to fit everything I need, and it is so light weight that it matches my lifestyle perfectly.

Jennifer: Who are some other designers that you admire?
Danielle Nicole: I love Bottega Veneta! Their quality is impeccable and their craftsmanship is beautiful.

Jennifer: If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you be doing instead?
Danielle Nicole: I would be working at my father’s company, Boardwalk Fries. They’re delicious!

Jennifer: Which handbag are you carrying at this moment?
Danielle Nicole: The Melanie. It’s ideal for New York women! It has the adjustable strap so I can wear the bag over my shoulder or as a messenger. The Melanie has a large extior pocket so I have easy access to my Metro pass, cell phone, and keys. The interior pockets help me find my wallet and other essentials, and the large main compartment allows me to throw in my extra shoes, book, and umbrella.

Jennifer: And what are some items that you can’t leave the house without?
Danielle Nicole: I always have antibacterial and tissues in my bag. I’m a bit of a germaphobe!

Jennifer: What’s next for the Danielle Nicole brand?
Danielle Nicole: We’re currently working on a vegan line called Elle Nicole. The collection will be made out of leather alternative.

Danielle Nicole’s Random Fav
Movies: Annie Hall, The Hangover
Animals: Dogs
TV shows: The Tudors, The Real Housewives of New York, True Blood
Vacation Destination: Amalfi Coast in Italy

If you’re a little sad by this news, look on the bright side, CoutureCandy is running a sweet promotion where if you spend $150 or more, save $50! Simply enter the code WELCOME at checkout. This promotion excludes a couple designers, which you can see listed above.

If you wanna be there on the opening day to check out the latest buttery soft bags and purses, stop off at 214 west 39th Street Suite 1000A NY on Wednesday July 15th.

Hours: open weekdays 10: am until 7: pm and Thursday from 11: am until 8: pm
Telephone: 212.334.9119

The store will offer a range of merchandise from small leather goods to special bags, that will be sold exclusively at the company store. All gift purchases will be wrapped and shipped at Bulga’s expense and dropped off same day (if purchased in New York, of course).

If you’re not in the NY area, as always shop for Bulga online at these locations: Shopbop, LunaBoston, RevolveClothing, Bloomingdales and on sale over at Bluefly and here on eBay.

While on a recent trip to Russia, First Lady Michelle Obama was photographed sporting a stunning little arm candy piece by luxury brand VBH.

From the picture above, it appears to be the initially reported by VBH, $6,000 alligator manila clutch by the designer, but the White House said that’s incorrect. In fact it’s the exotics cheaper little sister, the croc-embossed patent leather version, which fetches a more reasonable $875.

VBH is timelessly beautiful, and made using the finest materials, a VBH bag is an essential addition to every stylish wardrobe. Launched in 2000 this exclusive modern accessories line was created by, and named after, the ex-president of Valentino, Mr V. Bruce Hoeksema.

Shop for VBH at these locations: couple styles available @ eBay , coming soon to Net-a-Porter and on sale over at TheOutNet.

Although this shoulder bag would add a nice rock star touch to your outfit, I have to say, I prefer elegant and fun Pucci prints to this denim shoulder bag. For the fans of this bag, I can see how those link straps fit nicely with the jean theme, and we all know how versatile denim can be. It’s something oddly different and new for the Pucci Fall collection.

You can preview the collection or preorder your very own denim shoulder bag for $1,295 through: Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: Pucci Denim!

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Gansevoort Clutch is the perfect clutch to add to any collection. For one thing, the buckle accent really makes the clutch look different as well as unique. It literally looks as if the buckle was taken from a belt and put onto the clutch. Another great feature about the clutch, is that it may be small but it will carry your essentials. It’s got you covered if you want to carry around: cash; credit cards; lip stick; and a cell phone. Face it, what more do you really need to carry when your out for the evening?

I would personally only carry a clutch in the evening, during the day I carry around way too much that a clutch would just be useless. If you love carrying around clutches all the time, I would totally pick this one up to add to your collection.

The best part about the MICHAEL Michael Kors Gansevoort Clutch is that both colors are currently on sale over at Zappos: Vanilla White for $145.44 and Black for $130. The sale price is different for each color, but both are equally stunning!

The Chat: Kors Gansevoort!

It’s the Faithful Leather Bucket Tote and it arrives bigger and badder than all the other bucket bags out in the market right now. Rich leather forms the round classic silhouette of the tote while a hardcore belt keeps your essentials in place and tightly out of reach from everyone.

Although I must admit the belted detail is strangely cool, I’m not sure if it’s cool enough to give in to. Besides the dangling belt detail, other features on this tote bring out the beauty and inimitable design of this piece. Silver chain links serve as the totes drawstrings rather than the typical leather strings found on most bucket bags. Another cool feature can be found at the base of this bag where an all-around zipper allows you to expand the height of your bucket for extra storage. I love the scarlet red lining and of course the chain straps rock. Ladies, what’s your input on this McQueen?

You can preview Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2009 Collection at: Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: McQueen Faithful!

The Gucci Large Jockey Python Hobo Bag is nothing less than amazing. It’s black, beautiful, and made of genuine python skin. I love how the golden stud accents compliment the handbag making it look even more stunning.

If I owned this handbag, I would probably only take it out of it’s dust bag for special occasions. Since the handbag is made of python skin, it most likely is very fragile. Usually when a handbag is made of any type of genuine snakeskin, it tends to flake after so much usage. You really have to take care of a snakeskin bag when you have one, because once it flakes they just never seem to look the same again.

The Gucci Large Jockey Python Hobo Bag can be purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,295. Being that the handbag is pretty much dressed in python skin, a high price was expected.

High price or not, when a handbag is this stunning who can resist? If you have the cash to purchase this handbag, you can’t go wrong. This handbag would be the “queen” in any handbag collection.

See the Gucci Large jockey Python Hobo Bag: Here @ Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: Exotic Gucci Python!

I really think color plays out a huge part in this handbag. The color, brick, is so rich that it really blends well with the gold hardware featured on the handbag. Together the color and hardware make this handbag look stunning and unique.

Personally, I would love it if this handbag came in black. I wear a lot of black, and it’s so much easier to match a handbag with my outfit if it’s either black or has a lot of colors featured on it.

In my opinion, this handbag can be worn day or night. The color is so vibrant, that whatever you choose to wear it with, is going to be hidden by the bag. In other words, all eyes will be on the bag when you walk in a room not your outfit.

If you live in a state that has Summer-like weather all year round, this would be the perfect handbag to add to any collection.

The Chloé Heloise Large Tote can be purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,670. High price, but oh so gorgeous.

See the Chloé Heloise Large Tote Here: Chloe Room @ Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: Chloé Heloise!

I can’t think of any better way to sail into the new week, than with treating myself to 60-70% off designer clothing at some of my favorite sample sale sites.. all while drinking my a.m. coffee.

Monday July 6th

Over at HauteLook, where the sales begin at 8: am PST / 11: am EST we have:

• T BAGS
• Invicta
• VIVRE designer shoes
• Kalorik
• Nina Nguyen

Also starting at 8: am PST / 11: am EST over at RueLaLa we have:

• Citizens of Humanity
• Francesco Biasia
• Laura Gibson

Then finally, at 9: am PST / noon if you’re EST, the Gilt Groupe sales kick off:

• John Varvatos Shoes
• Just Cavalli
• Furla Lagos
• John Varvatos Accessories
• Trina Turk

Also, over at ideeli checkout these sales:

• five fifty 5
• josie natori
• rampage
• kelsi dagger