I love the power of blogging and the wonderful, some times unexpected, direction my life seems to take me these days. Before my trip to the States last month I received an email from the fabulous Heather McLeskey, Executive Vice President for Elaine Turner, asking me to be in touch the next time I was scheduled to be in Houston. It just so happened that I was packing my bags for Texas and leaving the next day—talk about timing! Elaine, the name and visionary behind the Elaine Turner label, recently opened a stunning flagship store in Houston. Heather was eager for me to see the new store as well as their upcoming collection. Moreover, she felt that Elaine and I had ‘a lot in common’ and wanted for us to meet. After seeing the collection, I was blown away by Elaine’s handbags, shoes and her incredible sense of style.
A former apparel designer and merchandiser, Elaine used her industry experience to fill a void in the market for luxurious accessories at an accessible price point. Inspired by great design, travel and her mother’s impeccable fashion sense, Elaine Turner handbags debuted in 2000 with much praise and acclaim. “My ultimate goal is for women to carry one of my bags and feel as if she has bought a piece of a dream. I want my bags to conjure up images of travel, fantasy and escapism. Perhaps it’s lying on a beach in the Caribbean, visiting a historic hotel in Europe or walking through a charming garden in Provence.”
After touring the store Heather, Elaine and I headed over to Prego for a glass of wine and dinner. Over drinks we learned that Heather was indeed right, I did have much in common with Elaine. We love many of the same books and we both draw inspiration from David Hicks, Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, Narcisco Rodriguez and the fabulous Mickey Drexler. And, as it turns out, we briefly attended school together as young girls. What a small (virtual) world!
Elaine Turner is currently sold at Nordstrom stores nationwide, Tootsies, Elaine Turner online and over 200 specialty stores throughout the U.S. As I mentioned, you never know what direction life will take you. Very soon and I am going to start working with Elaine Turner to place their fabulous handbags and shoes here in the UK. Stay tuned, more to come.
What items are a must for air travel?
My Elaine Turner 'Suzanna' bag. It has a pocket for a water bottle, computer case and many outside pockets for all my magazines.
What accessories can you not live without?
My red lipstick, my Elaine Turner 'Alice' clutch and lots and lots of jewelry!
Which pair of shoes do you wear most?
Chic ballet flats all from my collection.
What are your must have beauty products?
Chanel Dragon lipstick, Dr. Sebagh essential glow cream, Jo Malone Amber Lavender cologne and I drink lots of water!!
How would you describe your own personal style?
Fun, feminine and classic but with an updated twist!
What is your all time favorite handbag?
A classic Kelly bag.
What handbag do you carry most frequently?
My everyday work tote is our Kate bag. It’s our version of the classic Birkin bag.
What are your favorite indulgences?
Mexican food, wine, shopping and jewelry!!
What is your most prized possession?
Nothing. At the end of the day it’s all just STUFF and my family is the only thing that truly matters.
Who are your style icons?
Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn
What books are currently on your bedside table?
Business Stripped Bare by Richard Branson
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Traveling with my family!
Style File by Ronda Carman
