Back in 2003, when Monica Botkier’s now infamous Trigger bag hit stores, you couldn’t walk a single block in certain New York City neighborhoods without passing a few dozen of these cool carryalls. And to think, it all started when the native New Yorker (a former photographer) decided to create a bag with edge, function and a not-too-scary price tag—seems like someone could have thought of that sooner! These days, the high ratio of Botkier bags on the streets hasn’t changed, only you’re likely to see a medley of her cult-status designs: the crossbody Aiden, the Maddie satchel or our new favorite, the chain strap Ava hobo. We caught up with the busy accessories designer and chatted about her new Nolita boutique, the vintage jewelry collection she started when she was a kid and how as a notorious straight shooter, she managed to channel her inner bad girl when designing the Fall 2010 collection. read more

Originating in Spain, espadrilles have been around for quite awhile—a pair owned by the Archaeological museum of Granada is thought to be around 4,000 years old. While this style of shoe was worn and handcrafted in Spain and France through the 19th century, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that the shoe became truly fashionable. read more

These two handbag companies prove that great design and green design can peacefully coexist. read more

We're kicking off a series featuring designers in a variety of categories who make it easy to be at once eco-friendly and fashionable. read more

Adoringly dubbed “Kathryn the Great" by Daily Candy, jewelry designer Kathryn Bentley has been quietly wowing fashion editors and insiders since she launched her line four years ago. Bentley’s namesake collection is a rare combination of high-end luxury and homespun integrity. “I want to create timeless pieces that can be passed down as heirlooms to the next generation,” she says. read more

Lauren Merkin, who we lovingly refer to as the Clutch Queen, hit it big with the Louise, a now-signature style that's part of the Saturday night uniform of every stylish girl out on the town. Her collection now includes dozens of handbag styles and is sold at over 300 boutiques around the world. read more

It wasn’t so long ago that wearing denim in any form other than jeans earned you skeptical second glances from passersby. But like so many other former fashion faux pas—mixing silver and gold jewelry, for instance, or wearing white after Labor Day—this “don’t” has become a “do” with major staying power. read more

“I hate to admit how much time I spend on eBay,” says Cinda Boomershine, founder of the Atlanta-based design company cinda b. and a frequent co-host of television decorating shows including TBS’s Movie and a Makeover and HGTV’s Deserving Design. “It is like going to the best estate sale—but you can do it at any time of the day, any day of the week and you don’t have to get in line at 7:30 on Friday mornings! Where else can you buy everything from a seventies Airstream motor home (guilty!) to a single yard of vintage fabric?” read more

New, old-school-style camera bags as well as vintage versions are the new arm candy of cool girls and fashion editors. read more

Superstar handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff turns to eBay when imagining her collections. "The vintage selection is unparalleled, and even if I lose the bid, then I still have images to inspire me. What inspires me are vintage clothes, old hardware, and details that I find sometimes in jewelry, like a stud or stone," says Minkoff, who shared her eBay shopping list with us. read more