Style File: Elaine Turner
by allthebest • 4 Nov ’08 • Elaine Turner, handbags, profile, shoes • 12 Comments
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
Oh my her bags are stunning! How exciting Ronda, you just never know where life will take you.
Love the Ballet flats, and I must try the Chanel Dragon Lipstick! Great interview Ronda!
I have two of her bags and I love them. I’ve been carrying them for a few years now!
Why you two lovely ladies could have been separated at birth? You both exude elegance, grace and the pursuit of adding beauty to everyday life, be it a book, an accessory, a scent. Thanks for inspiring each of us.
Hi I’m a Los Angeleno – just stumbled upon your blog via Heather McLeskey — I helped them out when they did the celebrity gift lounge for the Emmy Awards- Helen Mirren, Debra Messing and many more love her bags. I’m just waiting for their men’s line!
Love your blog!
Check mine out too
http://MuchBetterThanWorking.blogspot.com
thanks for the introduction to Elaine! Her pieces are fabulous, especially the Allie Clutch….which will promptly be put on the wishlist for the holidays!!
julie
Julie I LOVE the Allie clutch, especially in the yellow embossed croc leather!!
Thanks so much for the introduction to Elaine who not only has great bags but great hair! I'm showing her glossy locks to my stylist next time I'm in the Salon!
Back to the bags – I'm a purse collector and love displaying great bags. I'm off this weekend for a Special Purse Sale at Sotheby's Amsterdam! Speaking of Amsterdam, one of my favorite museums in the city is the HandTassen Museum – A Museum of Bags & Purses!
http://www.tassenmuseum.nl/
Best,
The Antiques Diva
Purse Sale at Sotheby’s Amsterdam! How fabulous!!
Patrica you are most kind, but like The Antiques Diva…I want Elaine’s hair!!
Hi Rhonda
What good timing. Just read this and I am off for two days shopping at Nordstroms in Seattle with a girlfriend. I will check out her shoes and bags there!!!
Patricia do be sure to check out her bags!