The right handbag is like Mr. Right. It’s always by your side when you need it, and it offers the perfect amount of arm candy. This season, structured duffel bags are quite the catch. Their classic, refined form mixes with 2010′s hottest trends (à la bold hues, patterns and embellishments) to create a fresh look that’s on mark with what fashionistas look for in a new bag. While this satchel’s shape may be reminiscent of a your grandpa’s bowling bag, its wide-set shape and top-zip closure translates into a spacious carry-all that’s easy to tote–and impossibly chic.

And the best part? All the bags below can be worn with just about any outfit imaginable.

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Alexander Wang “Rocco” satchel ($875)
2. Chloe “Aurore” leather duffle bag ($1,800; net-a-porter.com)
3. Bric’s micro-suede satchel ($242; forzieri.com)
4. Furla “D Light” bag ($180)
5. Zara oversized bowling bag ($169)
6. Rebecca Minkoff “Navajo Stud Flame” bag ($425)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Alexander Wang, net-a-porter.com, forzieri.com, Rebecca Minkoff, Zara and Furla

If you’re an accessory aficionado, Alexis Bittar is on your radar. Each of his designs is a statement piece of individual splendor, and last week, we had the extraordinary honor of chatting with him at an exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue event. We walked in and amongst the runway seats and audience stood two tables–and later models–adorned with lavish bounty: Alexis Bittar’s Spring 2011 collections. We saw ocean-inspired necklaces, colorful leopard prints and bejeweled masterpieces, all designed to wow.

There were three collections for spring, each with their own personality: “Lucite,” “Elements” and “Miss Havisham.” The three all had their own texture, material preference and vibrancy that appeal to three style aesthetics. However, they all hold one thing in common: personality. These pieces are not for the feeble-minded. They’re for the fashionably brave who wish to use the industry for what it’s intended to do: impress and stand out.

Here’s what the jewelry master had to say:

SA: How is the Spring 2011 collection different from your others?

AB: Well, I designed three collections, so its is a medley. Each one of them has a distinct personality. I think in general there’s this kind of [motivation] to try new textures and metals, and overall, there was a fantasy.

SA: Do you have a favorite piece or set within the collections?

AB: Sophie’s choice! There’s a bunch in there. I love the pearl collar necklace. I love the woven turquoise collar, which is all hand-done. There’s a ‘80s graffiti print that’s also really amazing.

SA: Do you have a muse?

AB: It’s tricky because again I have three collections, so each one has a muse. I try to mix it up in terms of personality. I’m good friends with Iris Apfel. She’s more mature…almost 90, and they did a whole exhibit about her at the MET. She’s got such a great personality, and she’s a fashion icon. She has great individual taste. Also…Debbie Harry. I like people who have personality, who aren’t wallflowers. I feel like if you’re going to do fashion, then at least have fun.

SA: Why did you choose Lauren Hutton for the spring ad campaign?

AB: It’s funny because when I first started to design, I was selling jewelry on the streets of New York. I remember Lauren actually coming to my table when I was 19 years old. I feel like today Lauren resembles a mother of where fashion is going this season in terms of what Chloe and Celine are doing: This very clean, very ‘70s aesthetic. When you find a face that’s iconic and of substance, sometimes that comes with age. To have an iconic face, you have to be around for a while. There’s something in the maturity of her face. She’s a strong woman. She’s my date to the MET Ball!

SA: How do you feel like your designs have evolved since setting up a table on the streets of New York? Do you feel your work still holds the same personality it did then?

AB: Definitely! I’m fortunate I’ve got a team of 12 people on the design team, and 300 total. So, I’m able to design more and more frequently. I have the privilege that I can design what I’m inspired by. For example, for fall, I’m designing this pendent that says, “Reality TV Makes Me Sad.” It’s been 20 years, but I’m much more detail oriented now. I understand the consumer better. I feel like with the older I get, the better I understand what women want.

SA: Do you have any jewelry trends you are particularly excited about for spring?

AB: I like the clean metal pieces. Also, the trend toward this multi-ethnic, eclectic feeling. I feel like mixing that up is a strong look.

SA: Can you give us fall sneak peak?

AB: For fall, I worked again with Jason Wu to design his collection. We went into this baroque, Gothic, Tim Burton look, while still being very chic. We just showed it in Paris!

SA: You were really big into the New York party scene. What of that do you see in your work today?

AB: A lot. I was going to clubs when I was 13. I feel like the whole energy of it is to have fun, and a little bit of shock. You want to keep people on their feet. Fashion shouldn’t be boring.

We couldn’t agree more.

By Meghan Turner
Interview conducted by Meghan Turner and Maia McGinley

Images: Gold ring ($325); Turquoise and varasite collar ($495); Leopard bracelet ($375) courtesy of Alexis Bittar

There may be many bold colors to choose from, but there’s even more ways to incorporate them into your look. Instead of the predictable graphic prints of seasons past, try one of spring’s biggest trends: colorblocking. Mix high-impact separates in different hues to wow on the street. If that sounds too loud for your taste,  just incorporate color with small accents like a skinny belt, cross-body bag and nail polish. Minimal classics and monochromatic whites are an immaculate backdrop for pops of color. Or, for the disco queens out there, embrace the 70’s revival with glittery, silky fabrics paired with gold accessories.

Whichever style resonates with you, don’t be intimated by vibrant hues. They have the innate power to bring excitement, life and playfulness into your look. To do just that, check out some of our favorite fashion pick-me-ups below (clockwise from left):

1. Lavin Summer 2011 satin gown in poppy
2. American Apparel “Manilla” nail polish ($6; American Apparel)
3. Nixon “Marmalade Marble Vega” watch ($60; Nixon)
4. Jil Sander long pleated skirt ($895; Neiman Marcus)
5. Rebecca Minkoff “Grape Studded Rockette” bag ($150; Gavin; 1939 Central Street, Evanston)
6. Issa halter gown ($714; shopbop.com)
7. Rag & Bone cobalt denim legging ($185; Intermix)
8. Logan blue metallic platform sandals ($160; Topshop)
9. Petit Bateau yellow raincoat ($144; Penelope’s, 1913 W Division Street)
10. Asos lime belt ($14, asos.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Lavin, American Apparel, Nixon, Neiman Marcus, Gavin, shopbop.com, Intermix, Topshop, Penelope’s and asos.com

Each year, the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) welcomes six emerging fashion designers who are lucky enough to reap its benefits. The fourth class of this “Designers in Residence” program was officially announced, and they will all get expert, hands-on training for all that encompasses a successful career in fashion. This includes production space in Macy’s on State Street and rack space in CFI’s pop-up shop in The 900 Shops, which opens this month.

Taking the place of last year’s chosen few, including Christina Fan, Miriam Cecilia Carlson and Stephanie Kuhr–these talented, young designers are:

Concetta Cipriano: Cettina, a collection of ready-to-wear garments embodies the designer’s clientele, a balance of femininity, strength, and beauty, with intricacy, structure, and simplicity.

Shavonne Dorsey: The Shavonne Dorsey Apparel line specializes in fashion and fit for the plus size market featuring simple sheath dresses and powerfully feminine separates.

Eric Kipp: Eric Kipp Custom Clothiers is a custom clothing company that focuses on sharply tailored suits and separates for men that easily transition from office to evening.

Kahindo Mateene: Modahnik is a socially conscious womenswear line of modern and feminine pieces that fuse the designer’s vibrant African heritage with western design sensibilities.

Taneasha Prunty: Gidi is a womenswear line of evening dresses and gowns that exude subtle allure and blend vintage sophistication with modern flair.

Crystal Simms: Crystal B. Designs is an avant garde label that is filled with architectural garments that enhance the features of the female figure.

The new class will be formally announced at LAUNCH/CFI, a reception and fundraiser, on Tuesday, March 15 at 6pm It will be held at the pop-up shop on the 5th floor of The 900 Shops (900 N Michigan Avenue), and tickets are $25. Purchase tickets by clicking here.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of CFI

The time has once again come for the Chicago Fashion Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Benefit. This Thursday, March 3, “Project Runway” contestant and Chicago native Peach Carr will host the organization’s fashion show and contest. Each of the eight designers will design an ensemble inspired by Chicago’s music scene, and three finalists will win a scholarship, with the winner receiving $5,000 to put toward a career in fashion.

This is CFF’s fourth benefit, and this one promises to be bigger than the last. Held at the Chicago History Museum from 6-8pm, guests will sip cocktails by Absolute, mingle with Chicago’s stylistas and view a fashion show of the contestants. Ticket prices range, starting at $25 for students, $35 for members and $45 for non-members. However, you’ll save $5 if you purchase online rather than at the door. To buy tickets, click here.

By Meghan Turner

Shopping online via Gilt Groupe comes naturally nowadays, but the experience lacks the tangibility so many shoppers crave. For one day here in Chicago, though, that’ll change. On Saturday, March 5, the local edition of Gilt City is having a warehouse sale at The Ivy Room at Tree Studios (12 E Ohio Street) in the Gold Coast. From 10am to 6pm, swing by and shop the likes of Zac Posen, Chloe, Vera Wang, Tory Burch, Kate Spade and many more for up to 75% off. The luxury discounter will be selling tickets to the event starting today, February 24, at 12pm. The price is just $5 to attend–well worth the cost considering what you’ll save on designer duds.

To purchase tickets, click here.

By Meghan Turner

What aspiring fashion designer doesn’t love a little extra cash? Well, here’s a chance to get some: Kenmore Live Studio (678 N. Wells Street), an interactive event venue, is looking to cast the first season of its local reality show. “So You Wanna Be a Designer” will expose six contestants to top designers, stylists and photographers, teaching each one the ins and outs of the fashion business while they compete for a grand prize of $20,000 and a Kenmore Elite laundry pair. The venture will be hosted by Debbie Jagel, the designer behind the locally produced ootra, and broadcasted via Facebook.

To apply, visit facebook.com/kenmore and click “Be a Designer” on the left hand side of the page. The casting call goes until March 4. Invitations for contestants, which will take place in Chicago, will be issued in March.

By Meghan Turner

Belly-button grazing trousers have been a favorite for seasons now, but the nostalgic bell cut is one that’s finally catching up. Its slimming, leg-lengthening fit not only flatters many a body types, it adds a fresh approach to American’s love affair with all things denim. A welcomed contrast to the omnipresent skinny jeans and jeggings, this revival embraces voluminous, angular fits that accent a woman’s curves in a way that’s sexy, relevant and hip.

This spring, bring the fashion institution back into your wardrobe. Check out our favorite high-waisted bell-bottom jeans below (from left to right):

1. 7 For All Mankind bell-bottoms ($198; piperlime.com)
2. Blank Denim bell bottoms ($75; singer22.com)
3. Gap wide-leg trouser jeans ($80; Gap)
4. J Brand 1277 “Bette in Wonderama” jeans ($218; J Brand)
5. Current/Elliott high rise flare jeans ($210; net-a-porter.com)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of piperlime.com, singer22.com, Gap, J Brand and net-a-porter.com

Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale (810 W Armitage Avenue)
The Cynthia Rowley Sample Sale is back for another year! Stop by anytime between now and Sunday for a sale featuring one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories samples. Plus, fall merchandise will be up to 80% off.

Robin Richman’s Valentine Sale (2108 N Damen Avenue)
This weekend, Robin Richman will have a special Valentine’s Day Sale. All jewelry will be 15% off – a perfect gift for that special someone!

Veruca Salt Promotion (521 N Kingsbury Street; 1921 N Damen Avenue)
Now through Monday, stop by either of Veruca Salt’s locations for an amazing promotion! Customers will get a free $25 gift card to Veruca Salt with the purchase of a gift card of $100 or more.

Nika’s Annual Valentine’s Day Sale (143 N Northwest Highway, Park Ridge)
Stop by Nika’s in Park Ridge this weekend for a great Valentine’s Day sale & shopping experience! Customers can save up to 85% the entire store and receive a gift with purchase. Plus enjoy sweets, drinks, and a chocolate bar all while receiving complimentary hand massages.

Luxury Garage Sale at Galleria Unico (1936 W Division Street, 2nd Floor)
Stop by the Luxury Garage Sale this Saturday and Sunday between 10:30am to 5:30pm to shop their inventory of new and gently used designer, contemporary & vintage clothing, accessories and shoes. 10% of proceeds will be donated to Dress for Success.

Chicago Looks Photo Collection at Heaven Gallery (1550 N Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor)
Now through 3/7, street-style documenter Isa Giallorenzo, who runs the fashion blog Chicago Looks, shows a selection of her best Windy City shots portraying some of the city’s most stylish inhabitants.

Image courtesy of Veruca Salt

Chicago’s Rush Street is poised to get another boutique amid its array of luxury shopping destinations. Isaac Mizrahi is the latest designer rumored set up shop in the Gold Coast, according to the Chicago Tribune. This would be the first store outside Manhattan for the celeb designer commonly known for his namesake fashion line, status as Creative Director of Liz Claiborne, affordable line at Target and his eccentric personality displayed on Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” He’s said to be in negotiations to convert Gap’s high-end denim store, 1969 (939 N Rush Street), which didn’t renew its lease last month.

This is a move other labels, including Vince and Marc Jacobs, have recently made, so could this spot be the new home for Isaac’s work? With a 25-year-old career on the upswing after fashion triumphs and tribulations, there’s no question he has the wherewithal to excel in here in the Windy City. And we’ll welcome him with open arms.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Isaac Mizrahi