FASHION BY THE RULES – Gretchen

Ann–Christin Hoffman grew up with the smell of fresh leather as this was the family business in Germany. This was not about design, this was about the ”skin business.” Ann-Christin had other plans for herself as she had been born with a talent – drawing. Following her God given talents, she pursued her education in England and as luck would have it, her final project was to design as pair of gloves. The award winning design was then taken and applied to the family business and was to be the precursor of the Gretchen business of today. (www.mygretchen.com)

The gloves were only the beginning of the burgeoning business, as with time, she expanded her product selection to include handbags and belts. Her products are a stunning testament to good taste and fine workmanship that is rarely found at these prices. The company, which was formed with Michael Georg Schmitt in 2004, has now become an international business spanning many of the international markets.

Ms. Hoffman has reached almost every age bracket with her diverse designs as well as with her diverse product categories. She makes sure that everyone can afford to own a wonderfully handcrafted piece of leather that will last many years and beyond just a trend.

Gretchen is literally an old German name meaning “little pearl.” The name clearly is demonstrative of the design philosophy of the company. In her own words, “To create precious and sensual accessories for ladies, each of them individual, unique and beautiful by nature, like a pearl.”

Don’t forget to look for me on Facebook, www.examiner.com ,or http://datingsymbol.com/category/beauty-and-fashion/.

Ten Minutes with Rebecca Allen

Function meets fabulous in Rebecca Handbags, a newish line by award-winning designer Rebecca Allen. With their sculpted shapes, Rebecca’s bags are fashionable without being fussy. Luxe lambskin exteriors are lined in surprising shades of plum and bright green. Low-key hardware and invisible magnetic closures keep the look sleek yet stylish. Read on to learn more about Rebecca’s mission to add a little whimsy into every woman’s everyday.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Rebecca is . . .

Rebecca: Whimsical beauty.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Rebecca: I’d like to think that my designs don’t have an ideal customer. I try to design pieces that every woman would love to wear, whether she’s 90 or 13. I do, however, envision her to be an independent woman who loves to have a statement piece that is functional, practical, and can live up to her everyday life.

Oligoville: How’d you end up a designer?

Rebecca: I started out attending college right out of high school. While there I stumbled upon a costume history class and fell in love. I was in my second year at college and needed to decide whether or not I wanted to continue on a general course or branch off, leave school, and start from scratch doing something I love. So I took a year off and did a little soul searching. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion, but just needed to take the steps to get there. A year later I attended Miami International University of Art and Design. I spent two straight years piling on the classes and studying accessories design, and received my degree. While in my second quarter I won a contest where I was given a chance to work as an intern at a shoe company in Miami, Sergio Zelcer. I was quickly hired on and maintained my position as assistant accessory designer for two years. After graduation I decided to branch off on my own, and, a year and a half later, here I am.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Rebecca: I launched my brand officially after becoming a finalist in the Independent Handbag Awards. I was one of the student handbag finalists, and, soon after, was contacted by companies and individuals wishing to carry my line.

Oligoville: Why handbags?

Rebecca: I’ve always been in love with fashion, and I enjoyed creating my own accessories. So when it was time to make a decision about where to go next in my life I felt designing handbags to be the way to go.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Rebecca: Right now I have on a dark pair of skinny jeans and a white blouse from H&M, a vintage scarf, and a pair of flats from Urban Outfitters. In my closet I’m a big “staples” kind of girl. I love to purchase items that I know will be perfect for any occasion. I have a ton of dark jeans (the dark color works great when you want to dress up your look a little), basic color tops, and dresses .

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Rebecca: Right now I’m carrying my Katie tote in the Embossed Lizard Dune, and in it I have: my wallet, sunglasses, Buxom lip gloss from Bare Escentuals, my Blackberry, a small journal to jot down quick inspirations and notes, and business cards. This is a clean purse; usually I have fabric swatches, zippers, crumpled notes, dog treats, and a camera.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Rebecca: Well luckily I attended a university that prepared me well enough to expect anything, but there are definitely setbacks that have arisen since I started. First off, starting a business in this economy is extremely difficult, but I find that if I can stick through it the rewards will pay off in the end. Finding the right factories and suppliers is tough, especially when you are counting all the pennies to determine the right wholesale prices. Of course there is always the usual setback that any business has, such as packages arriving late, etc.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Rebecca: The most rewarding part of my career is seeing others appreciate my designs as much as I do.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Rebecca: I see myself still creating for my line, eventually expanding into other accessories—belts, maybe shoes and jewelry.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Rebecca: My one piece of advice is to love what you do. I know everyone says this, but when you have your own business you literally eat, sleep, and breathe it.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Rebecca: Right now I’m listening to MGMT, and the sound track to Twilight. I know that’s a little corny, but I’m one of the many fans.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Rebecca: Clothing sizes may change but accessories always fit!

Trendy Travelers

It can be a bit tricky finding luggage that is not only functional but stylish as well. Casauri creates designer laptop bags and travel accessories that are perfect for trendy travelers this summer season. These versatile bags are sold all over the world and have been featured in Vogue, Women’s Health and Travel + Leisure.

One great feature about some Casauri’s bags is how light weight they can be. For example, the Envelope Laptop Case is fun and chic and at the same time simple and efficient. In a world where laptop cases and luggage pieces are hunkered down with thick material and bulky pockets that add unnecessary weight, these travel bags are practical, well designed and welcomed by travelers everywhere.

All of Casauri’s products are made with water resistant nylon, polyester or cotton canvas and offer a variety of colors and designs for clients to choose from. No matter if you’re male or female, 15 or 72, or traveling for business or for pleasure; there is a Casauri’s bag for every traveler.

Photos courtesy of Casauri

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