What’s also unique about Fontem is that the handbags are created by hand at Maayan Hotam’s studio right here in Southern California. And each style is named after a female writer. After carrying her clutches inscribed with my own quotes (something I made up which makes me smile every time I see it now) I wanted to tell everyone about a brand with a soul; that’s so much more than just another handbag line.

“Yours could be inscribed with a stanza from a favorite poem, an inspiring quote, a passage from a book or a note you’d like to give a loved one—think of it as a modern keepsake.”

SABI SAYS

Rarely does a designer have the ability to personally create what they imagine; but Maayan Hotam the founder, designer and artisan of Fontem, does it all. Trained in Florence, Italy, she meticulously crafts each handbag with her own hands using the finest Italian leathers and exquisite findings all encased around a heartfelt message.

Your own personal message, inside your handbag. What would yours say? Perhaps a favorite quote?

“Since I’ve started carrying Fontem I feel like I need less, because her bags make me feel like I own so much more—as each one was made just for me. “

SABI SAYS

The fold-over Fontem ‘Isabel’ clutch is named after the writer Isabel Allende.
Without bells, whistles or a big logo,
it’s the epitome of timeless chic. (Available at fontemhandbags $320).

Q & A with the Founder of Fontem

I had a chance to sit down with Maayan at Moulin (her favorite coffee shop in OC) and we chatted about love, life, letters and leather.

Sabi Says: You have an interesting background tell me more about it:

Maayan Hotam: I was born in Israel, raised in Kenya and studied in Italy. I couldn’t be more grateful for these diverse life experiences. They granted me with a very wide perspective, an enormous appreciation for life, and shaped me to who I am today.

SS: What’s the difference between a regular handbag and a custom handmade handbag like Fontem?

MH: Fontem was born from my desire to create exquisite, tailor-made bags, each one unique and precious to its owner. In the world of disposable goods, my desire was to create meaningful and timeless products, that are meant to last.

We are used to a very different way of consuming these days—quick and instant gratification, and while it might make life easier sometimes, we can also end up losing our appreciation for things. I am proud to slow down the clock with each creation, grant it my undivided attention and create it from start to finish.

I believe this reflects in the handbags when people receive them− it grants them a sense of a personal experience and a different kind of appreciation for something that was made especially for them. A handbag that is hand-crafted as Fontem handbags are, is meticulous in a way that is harder for mass-produced handbags to be, and it allows the customer to be a part of the process.

With Fontem handbags nothing is rushed.
Each piece of the finest Italian leather is cut by hand. Here Maayan is in the process of making what would become my “must have” Isabel clutch, with my personal quote inside.

SS: What does Fontem mean?

MH: Fontem = “Fonte” + “M”. “Fonte” in Latin means water spring, which is the meaning of my name “Maayan” in Hebrew. “M” from “Maayan”.

SS: Why is the medium of leather important to you?

MH: I have always been drawn to working with natural, raw materials. Leather has played a crucial part in the development of civilization from early man, and to this day remains relevant. Being a durable and timeless material, it integrates so naturally with my approach for classical beauty that is timeless.

As long as the sourcing is done responsibly, meaning that fashion brands will limit themselves to work with certified tanneries only that are bound by harsh regulations in regards to the tanning process, and the sourcing of the skins, leather is actually one of the most sustainable materials you can use, because it exploits ‘waste’ from the food industry and being a material that is durable, lasts much longer (sometimes for generations) which allows us to consume less.

Handbag designer Maayan holding her latest creation. A peek inside the Isabel clutch
reveals a personal note inscribed in the lining.

SS: What’s your favorite piece?

MH: My current favorite piece is the new Isabel bag (named after Isabel Allende). I love that it can be used both in day or night, and that it maintains its elegance even though it is constructed with soft lines and folds. I also love how feminine it looks and makes me feel when I carry it.

SS: What’s your first handbag memory?

MH: My first handbag memory is actually from my grandmother. We were extremely close and she was a huge part of my life. My grandparents were not wealthy in any way and lived a very humble life, but nevertheless my grandmother always looked beautiful.

She was a true lady. She used to match her outfits to her accessories and I remember her teaching me how to match colors and styles of the jewelry and handbags to the outfits. She had a few beautiful pieces, which my grandfather had bought her in Italy, which she loved the most, especially one handbag in particular which I later received when she passed away. It hangs in front of me in my studio every day.

The Isabel clutch crafted from the softest leather, perfect for night or day.

SS: Describe your sense of style:

MH: Classic, timeless…

SS: One person you’d love to see carrying one of your designs:

MH: Oprah. I think she would really appreciate the essence of the brand and what we are about.

SS: Favorite place to visit (locally and beyond)?

MH: Here: Crystal Cove State Park. Beyond: Italy, of course.

SS: What do you always carry in your handbag?

MH: I always carry the latest year’s birthday letters from my husband and from my parents with me. I am very sentimental in that way and I feel that all we really need in life is to be loved and cherished by our loved ones. That’s what actually sparked my idea for the brand.

“I thought it would be incredible to create pieces that would actually make a difference to the women wearing them, reminding them that they are celebrated and appreciated dearly.

It can also be an empowering quote or note with which you celebrate yourself.”

MAAYAN HOTAM FOUNDER OF FONTEM

SS: Where do you get your design inspiration from?

MH: I love the wilderness. It is a holy place for me and my biggest trigger of inspiration. I love the stillness, I feel when I’m out there and the feeling that everything is as it should be, something that can be a struggle in our daily lives. This ‘stillness’ triggers the most authentic creation that comes from within me and ironically, results in a huge flow of inspiration and movement of creation. It’s the best place for any artist or designer to be in and to create from.

Raised in Africa, nature has always been a source of inspiration for founder & designer of Fontem handbags. Seen here in Colorado.

SS: Is there anywhere local that carries your collection?

MH: No, but there’s a good reason for that. Because of the personalization process, e-commerce allows a direct correspondence with the customer, which is very important to ensure that the handbag will be perfect. Moreover, direct-to-consumer means that there is only one markup, which makes the product accessible to more, meaning that more women can be celebrated and gifted, something that is extremely important to me.

Subtle details make all the difference. Here the Fontem logo is hand stamped in gold ink.

SS: You make everything by hand yourself which is rarely done in this industry. Where did you learn your craft? Tell me a little about the process of designing and creating a handbag from a piece of leather:

MH: I design directly in three dimension. I almost hate to sketch since I feel it ruins something in the translation between the idea in my head and the outcome. I translate my vision directly to the piece and allow the leather to guide my hands as well as the idea in my head. I believe this results in a very soulful creation that is connected to the material I am working with, in this case, leather.

“I spent two years studying and learning from the greatest masters in Florence, Italy.”

MAAYAN HOTAM FOUNDER OF FONTEM

For this reason I was so passionate about learning the craftsmanship in Italy (Florence) —the source of this craft in the world. I spent two years studying and learning from the greatest masters, the most traditional Italian, artisan practices, immersing myself in the many details that comprise this world.

Today this allows me to design and create freely from idea to finished product, because when you know the craft, you are able to solve your design desires without limitations.

SS: What is special about your fabrics, hardware and leather and where are they sourced from?

MH: All of the handbag’s components are made in Italy. From the stitching thread, the brass ornaments, the enforcement materials to the leather. I am extremely passionate about only using premium-materials and knowing exactly where and how each material is sourced. This is a value at the heart of our brand and something we are not willing to compromise on.

Just ‘Made-in-Italy’ is not enough for me. I know my entire supply chain. Meaning that it is not only the suppliers, but the origin of the raw materials they use are sourced from. This makes a huge difference and this is what it truly means to be a sustainable brand.

SS: What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

MH: I began my career as a professional dancer, and later as a dance photographer.

Thank you Maayan!

My signature Isabel clutch. In the world of fast fashion carrying something unique with a secret message inside feels special—and meant to last a lifetime.

fontemhandbags

Complimentary 15% discount off your first purchase.

Scent of Summer

May 2, 2019 Leave a Comment

Change things up with these new summer scents that will make you twirl and sparkle.

I have a ritual of opening a new fragrance bottle, every summer. There’s nothing like a new scent to celebrate the season of sun and sand. The air in my hometown of Newport Beach is fragrant with blooming flowers, the sunshine is delicate and the possibilities for new beginnings are endless.

Wearing my moody fragrances of the cooler months is the equivalent of walking around in a heavy winter coat when I should be wearing a pretty dress. Intrinsically I feel it’s time for a change and I embrace this with full gusto as I venture out of my hibernation in search of my new scent.

Finding a new fragrance is often like making new friends; it’s daunting at first but one can never have enough.
SabiSays

Finding a new fragrance is often like making new friends; it’s daunting at first but one can never have enough. Relying on some intuition to navigate the countless options is key. Often my new favorites overshadow my loyal bottles of my past—but it feels exhilarating to experiment with the unfamiliar.

The thought of wearing the same fragrance season after season without any interlude is like using the same shampoo—you’re going to get build up. And in the world of fragrances that usually means you’re likely to become desensitized. I get stifled and find the need to create new memories. Have you ever noticed how many compliments you get when you shake things up?

My new summer scent restores my faith in myself and allows me to see myself not as I was but how I’d like to be. And when I finally return to my signature scent after all my diversions, it’s with a new perspective wondering how I’d ever managed without it—just like our best friends.

My top three summer scents:

Venetian Delight

**Paris-Venise** by **Chanel** inspired by the romantic city of Venice

I can’t tell you how giddy I felt when I stood at the perfume counter and tried on the trio of new fragrances titled Les Eaux De Chanel. Each light scent is inspired by a different destination. The Paris-Venise inspired by the romantic city of Venice perfectly captures the essence of intrigue with the mystery of Byzantine and opulence of the Baroque period with an amber accord that unfolds with notes of vanilla and tonka bean for a soft, enveloping trail. It’s delightfully refreshing yet sensual and creates a mood of high drama that makes me want to pair it with sequins and pearls. Paris-Venise by Chanel 4.2 oz. Eau de Toilette $130. www.chanel.com.

A Melody of Flowers

**Floralie** by the **House of Creed** is exactly what its name implies.

At the heart of any great fragrance is a unique blend of flowers and the latest creation aptly named Floralie by the House of Creed is a floral fragrance like no other. As a Creed devotee I’ve been wearing my signature scent of Royal Water for longer than I’d care to share—so my new found fascination with Floralie felt like infidelity but one that I hope my good friend will pardon. The fragrance is feminine without being sickly and sophisticated without being a snob. It has a sparkling quality that makes it perfect as a spring scent with Bulgarian rose, lily of the valley and cedar wood—yet it’s not so light that a little spritz will leave you feeling underwhelmed after a few hours. It will accompany you through the brightness of the day when you’re wearing your flowy dress and waltz with you into the evening. Floralie by the House of Creed, 2.5 oz. $415, Creed Boutique.

From Sicily With Love

**Mandarino di Sicilia** by **Perris Monte Carlo i**s the perfect scent for those of you that long for the scent of the orange groves of Sicily

When I was first introduced to Mandarino di Sicilia by Perris Monte Carlo I immediately felt that was there’s a new contender in town. It’s a love letter to Sicily wrapped up and concentrated into a bottle. It feels like you’ve been transported to the orange groves of the Mediterranean but one that’s not too far from a coastal breeze. But with all its zesty might, it’s not your typical simple citrus fragrance. It’s this complexity that makes it unique. It’s neither masculine or feminine with green mandarin, orange blossom, cedar and jasmine, makes you feel like you’re in the remote region of Sicily but it could easily be the quintessential scent of Orange County with an Italian twist. Mandarino di Sicilia by Perris Monte Carlo, 3.4 oz. $190. Available at Neiman Marcus.

Always in AllSaints

September 24, 2018 2 Comments

AllSaints Opens at South Coast Plaza and It Feels Like Home

AllSaints South Coast Plaza Store Opening on September 20, 2018 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AllSaints )

Jamie Commons performs at AllSaints South Coast Plaza Store Opening (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AllSaints ).

AllSaints signature moto- leather jacket. (Custom engraving of leather was available and guests were able to have their leather clothing or accessories engraved during the opening party at AllSaints).

AllSaints and I go back a while. I’ve been wearing it before it arrived in OC via Bloomingdales but with the opening of its stand-alone store in the heart of South Coast Plaza last week—this East Ender and I have finally reunited.

A British brand known for its attitude—it’s key pieces are buttery soft leather jackets, premium denim, cozy over-sized sweaters, easy to wear dresses and my favorite style of leggings—it’s everyone’s idea of wardrobe staples. And even-though I’ve been using the hashtag #AlwaysinAllSaints for some time, I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot more of each other.

Although we’re both Londoners, we couldn’t be more different. AllSaints hails from East London and I’m a West London girl that wouldn’t venture further than Victoria just in case I got lost. But this clothing label (for men and women) has the bad boy appeal of Jason Statham, David Beckham’s sense of style along with the old-school charm of Michael Caine all rolled into one. No wonder it has such a big place in my heart. It’s also a testament that opposites really do attract.

“AllSaints hails from East London and I’m a West London girl that wouldn’t venture further than Victoria just in case I got lost.”

I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I told you that AllSaints is my uniform of choice. I own more pairs of their Raffi leggings than I care to admit—some of them identical. But it’s not all about laziness or comfort, although the latter plays a big role in my fashion choices. With AllSaints I don’t feel I’m faking it—in fact I never feel more myself that when I’m wearing anything by the label. And whether you’re from London or not, it has an unpretentious ability to grow on you.

And now that AllSaints has officially arrived at South Coast Plaza, with its signature vintage sewing machine filled store front and his cockney accent nudging you to come in and take a look; I’m warning you—you’ll be hooked. And if you don’t believe me “Just You Wait, Henry Higgins Just You Wait…”

(AllSaints, Level 1 Bloomindales wing, between Guess and Hugo Boss opposite Weekend Max Mara, 714-955.4448, www.AllSaints.com)

I’m with Kara Jensen PR director at the opening of AllSaints South Coast Plaza. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AllSaints).

Ariane Gold Knows What Women Want

July 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

Handbags that Go from Work to Play

Handbag designer Ariane Gold of goldno.8 carrying the Trapezoid Clutch.

Ariane Gold with her two boys Robbie and Noah. Napa Valley (www.napavalley.com). The Le Pouf drawstring nylon bag. NYC’s Upper West Side (www.domain-properties.com). The Bag in Bag by goldno.8.

It’s nice to come across a handbag designer that has your best interest in mind. Who wants another clunky handbag that’s uncomfortable to hold and feels like you’re carrying a ton of bricks? Not me. Apparently, I’m not alone.

When Ariane Gold launched her handbag collection goldno.8, in early 2017, she wanted to create a handbag line that was versatile and lightweight—something that suited her busy NYC lifestyle. A veteran of the fashion industry (she was a senior designer at Ralph Lauren for 15 years) as well as a mom, she knew what she wanted in a handbag—and she set out to create it.

I recently got to chat with Ariane about her background, the inspiration for her business and her unique collection of handbags that allows the customer to get involved.

Tell me about yourself and your background: I’ve been living in NYC for 23 years now, but I’m from Toronto, Canada. I’m 45. My forties have been my favorite decade so far and I say that with pride. I live in the Upper West Side with my two boys and my dog Buddy. I’m currently engaged.

Congratulations! I hear NYC is a tough place to find love: I’ve had to kiss a few frogs but, yes. I can’t believe he exists.

Gold is your last name, but where does the number 8 come from? It’s is my favorite number. It’s symmetrical anyway you turn it. And this is probably the 8^th business that I’ve started.

Where did the inspiration for the collection come from? The inspiration for the entire collection is that I want the bag to really work for you. And I don’t want you to have one bag that you wear just one way. I want one bag that’s going to transform as you go through your day. And I want my customer to have the ability and power to create her own bag.

Apart from being direct to consumer through your easy to use website, what is unique to your brand? Well, thank you. Coming up with a website design that was easy to use, wasn’t that easy. We wanted you to be able to easily customize your bag and have the ability to build the bag the way you want it. Some of our bags are reversible so they’re meant to be carried in multiple ways.

How do you get your bags to be so lightweight and why don’t more handbag designers create lighter bags? A lot of handbag designers think that more is better. There’s a lot more hardware on them and part of that is that more hardware makes it look more expensive and they can charge more money. Also some of the skins they use are heavier. I prefer a more simplistic design and shape. You can be a minimalist or you can max the bags out according to your taste. The reason why they’re so light is that I start with a really light fabrication. That’s my personal aesthetic— good clean design. All our leather is Italian and we make everything in the United States.

What was the motivation for your bags to be made in the United States? It would have been easy for me to make our handbags overseas, but I really believe in making my product in the United States. It was something that I really feel strongly about. I have an amazing factory that I work with, I go there often. We produce the bags in Connecticut. It’s such an important feature of our brand. I can drive out there for the day. I work with the owner and the sample makers, we build the patterns together and they’ve been incredibly supportable. And the reason why I’m able to offer the bags at an accessible price point is that it’s direct to consumer. If we had gone through third party retailers, the price would have been probably almost double what they are. I truly believe in that business model and we are able to keep the price to what it is. It’s not an inexpensive product, but it’s accessible and the quality you’re getting is really amazing.

Who’s the quintessential goldno.8 customer? It’s a woman who likes style, a woman who likes function, a woman who has a voice and wants to be heard. She wants to be able to express herself and she’s a little bit of a trailblazer. She’s excited to be part of the design process. It’s a collaboration between us and our customer because she has a hand in the process.

“She wants to be able to express herself and she’s a little bit of a trailblazer.”

What’s next for you? We’re only available online for now but we’re looking to open our first retail store in NYC in September 2018. Right now we do a lot of pop-up events. We are going to be in the Hamptons, for several events this summer and we are always looking to do fun events.

Was goldno.8 inspired by the NYC woman? They were differently inspired by my lifestyle. We walk a lot—I’m constantly juggling my work, kids and laptop. The line was inspired also by my experience in fashion. Women want to be included in the process and want to be part of the design process.

Your handbags are great for travel. Where do you like to travel to (somewhere you’ve been and somewhere you’d like to go to)? I have to say my happy place is Napa Valley. Everything about it: the energy, aesthetic, architecture is just so perfect. I went to South Africa on safari years ago, and so, I’d really like to go to Tanzania and Kenya.

What’s your first handbag memory? I remember when I was younger, my mom had such beautiful evening bags that I would play with. I still have them. I just love the intricately of the hardware on them. The beauty of the design and style that you couldn’t find today. I remember sneaking into her closet and now as an adult, I carry her vintage bags when I go to events.

Do you have any advice for handbag designers? Yes, but this goes for anyone who wants to start a business: you have to believe in what you do 100%. There are going to be a lot of times when you question if you’ve made the right choice but you have to believe in it, don’t give up and keep going. That’s the ethos I live by and I love what I’m doing.

Thank you Ariane!

To create your own handbag visit: goldno.8.

Basket Case

July 18, 2018 1 Comment

This basket bag by Guadalupe Design isn’t just a great conversation starter but a gorgeous piece of woven art, handmade with Iraca palm straw in the Usiacuri region of Colombia.

A Straw Bag to Take to the Beach, Bar and Beyond

Nothing says summer like a straw bag. In fact, I’m a little obsessed with them, and always have been— even beyond the desired season to carry them. So, when I first laid my eyes on this round Galapagos bag by Guadalupe Design, I was a total basket case.

I wasn’t surprised that this unique brand hails from the magical city of Miami, my former home. And I was thrilled when I got a chance to chat with Guadalupe Design’s founder and owner Daniela Garces.

Not only did we chat about this artisanal brand (named after The Virgin of Guadalupe) but I got an updated insider’s guide to Miami. So, take notes if you’re planning to visit—and don’t forget your straw bag.

Daniela Garces wearing the embroidered Noemi dress and Galapagos basket bag by Guadalupe Design. Daniela works with artisans all over the world to source her collections.

How would you describe your collection of handbags? Our handbags are artisanal yet functional and trendy. They’re light-weight, very easy to wear and you can carry them from the beach to the city. They’re hand-made by the local artisans of the Caribbean region of Colombia close to Cartagena. We love to support these women and we respect their culture and their traditions.

Where did you go to school? I grew up in Cali, Colombia and I graduated from Florida International University and I did my MBA at the University of Miami.

How has your native Colombia influenced your sense of style? In Colombia people are creative, they live colorfully. We are surrounded by the exuberant vegetation and nature. We love music, dancing and the arts. I try to bring that same joy into my designs.

Who has had the biggest influence on your sense of style? My mother-in-law Maria Ines Escobar and my sister Moira Garces. They’re elegant and as well as being great artists and designers.

Who is the woman that likes to carry your handbags? I’d say women with an eco-conscious mindset and an interest in cultural backgrounds. Women that appreciate artisanal work, embrace diversity and value traditions.

What’s your first handbag memory? Since I was a child I remember wearing Wayuu mochila bags. They’re handmade mochilas from the Wayuu Indians in la Guajira in Colombia.

What’s the best boutique in Miami? Capretto, Nouba Boutique, Frankie Miami and Boho Hunter.

Where is the best place to be seen in Miami? Sugar on Brickell, 900 Key Biscayne and Segafredo on Lincoln road.

Where’s the best place to grab a cortado? Calle Ocho in Little Havana (8^th Street).

Where’s your favorite place to eat in Miami? I love Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach.

What’s the one place you’d love to visit and haven’t yet? I would love to go to the Fiji Islands.

What are you reading right now? “Mi Pecado” (My Sin) by Javier Moro.

What’s the biggest challenge of running your business? Managing people and improving communication.

Why did you want to create a line of handbags? We love to support artisans from different regions of the world. We want our clients to get to know the magnificent works of art that these hard working women produce. We want to celebrate their talent.

What do you like to do for fun? I love to play tennis and to spend time with my husband and my two boys; Matías (7) and Luca (17). On weekends we have barbecues on the beach. I also enjoy reading novels.

Tell me about where you live in Miami: I live in Coconut Grove, on a small island called Grove Isle where I enjoy looking at the ocean and the beautiful palm trees every day.

What do you wish you’d known 10 years ago? I wish I had known more about preserving the culture and traditions of artisans around the world.

Thank you Daniela!

You wouldn’t believe all the things I packed into my pink Galapagos basket, $168 by Guadalupe Design. (It’s also available in other colors and in a mini version, both feature a top closure). Dress from Zara.

This Bag is Gold

July 16, 2018 Leave a Comment

I’ve struck gold with this bag but thankfully it’s a lot lighter.

At goldno.8 you help create the bag that you want. They’re trendy, light & travel friendly. Need I say more?

The bag’s straps can be attached to the satin drawstring pouch, Le Pouf, which means you get 2 bags in 1. The satin pouch is washable, durable and cute. Genius?

You can customize your bag by choosing the style, the color leather, the pouch and then add pins, key tags and tassels. They’re all made in USA with Italian leather.

Do you “weigh” handbags before you buy them? If you walk around stores picking up handbags to see how heavy they are, looking for the lightest one—you’re not alone.

Gone are the days that I’d dish out thousands for a bag with somebody else’s name—that would cause me to spend just as much on a chiropractor. Most designer handbags as coveted and gorgeous as they may be, are in reality; a pain in the neck.

When I came across goldno.8, a new handbag line that promised that I would get to build my own stylish handbag AND that it would be light AND made right here in the U.S., I was intrigued. The magic word for me is light, but I’m a sucker for customization.

My husband will tell you, that much to his annoyance, I custom order almost everything at restaurants. I will often ask servers to “take the cheese off, add avocado and place the sauce on the side,” I could go on. It’s only natural I would do the same if I got a chance with a handbag. And that’s exactly, what I did with my goldno.8. bag.

After just a few painless clicks, I felt like Louisa Vuitton. With an easy to use website, I choose the style of the handbag I wanted, the color of the leather (they’re all Italian leather) and then my favorite part, the pièce de résistance; I got to pick my own Le Pouf, (a quilted satin drawstring pouch that doubles as an evening bag when worn solo). I choose it in a bright fuchsia, because you all know that’s my favorite color. The strap between my bag and my Le Pouf is interchangeable which means I bagged two bags in one! For the optional key tag, I choose a smiley face, because that’s how I felt being a part of the design process rather than just a side-kick.

Designers often forget about the women they’re designing for. We’re opinionated, we know what we like and just because we’re busy it doesn’t mean we’re going to compromise on style. Comfortable and utilitarian can be trendy too. And we understand the value of a deal. goldno.8 is direct to consumer which makes it also affordable (less than $400) for The Bag in Bag style that I choose. Price matters, but so does good design and quality.

I get the appeal of designer handbags because I’ve been there and done that. I’ve saved up for, stalked and eventually owned every designer handbag you can imagine. A few years ago if you gave me a choice between the “it” handbag and food, I would ask if cereal counts and tell you that for the right bag, I could survive on a few drops of water.

But I now prefer to carry handbags that are less recognizable. What appeals to me is carrying something unique that not everyone else has. I prefer to get asked “who’s you’re bag by?” rather than to hear “I love your ….” insert designer’s name. I enjoy feeling like I own my style and I’m not just carrying someone else’s initials.

And when I find something I’m crazy about I’m not greedy—I share. So I hope you drop me a line and tell me how much you love your new goldno.8 bag when it arrives in the mail. And I’d really like to see your face the first time you lift it—to see how much it weighs.

Sabrina x

P.S. I can’t wait to introduce you to Ariane Gold, the designer and mom that created goldno.8! Look out for my interview with her coming soon!

The Bag in Bag with camo leather & fuschsia satin Le Pouf, $395 available at goldno8.com.

Here’s what I’m wearing (with links):

Dress: Zadig & Voltaire

Bag: goldno.8

Shoes: Bimba & Lola

Earrings & rings: Lele Sadoughi

Sunglasses: Chanel

Honestly Good Style at Amēnah Laguna Beach

June 12, 2018 1 Comment

My favorite combo: shopping and the beach. (I can see the ocean from where I’m standing).

Store owners, Amelia Shales and Hannah Levy, whose names together spell Amēnah are offering authentic style with a dash of honesty.

Can’t wait to show you the dress I picked off this rack.

With a little of bit everything from affordable, fashion forward private label clothing to basics, perfumes, accessories, ceramics and plants. Yes plants!

Creative owners designed everything in their store from the hand-dyed dressing room curtains to their gold splattered shopping bags.

The combination of beach and shopping is intoxicating to this “mermaidista” (I love making words up). So when the owners of Amēnah reached out to me about their new store in Laguna Beach, right on Pacific Coast Highway, I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

Not only is it situated across from the beach, but you can see the ocean from inside the store. But the Asian influenced architecture is what made me obsessed with this storefront (when it was Fong Imports) many years ago.

I got a chance to chat with the owners Amelia Shales and Hannah Levy. Combine their names and you get, Amēnah— and when a friend told them that it also means honest in Arabic; they knew it was the right name for their store, and their new business venture.

It’s evident they’ve placed their hearts and souls into this space by showcasing an authentic (and affordable) array of clothing and products that mean something to them.

But what really sets Amēnah apart is that almost all of their clothing is size inclusive, which means the same clothing is carried from size 1 to a size 6. Because let’s be honest, one-size really doesn’t fit all.

I got a chance to ask these first time shop owners some questions:

Sabrina: Amēnah has such a unique location, what did you think when you first saw this space and have you changed it in anyway?

Amelia: Being able to see the ocean from our store is one of our favorite aspects of the location; we felt like it just brought the peace of the California Coast right into our store. The space has very unique architecture, so we built our store around enhancing its beauty, and the idea of bringing the outdoors to the interior design.

Hannah: We were very lucky to have discovered this beautiful historic site. The light wood flooring, and exposed beams with white-washed painting were perfectly tuned to the vision we had for our beachside boutique. All we had to do was add some fixtures and a pop of color.

S: Both of you have fashion backgrounds (buying and designing) which is how you met. Tell me a little about how you came to open this store?

A: Hannah and I had worked together as buyers for some time and always talked about our dream of having our own company. We both have different tastes and backgrounds and found that when we combine our unique styles we could create something more beautiful and unique than we could on our own.

H: Amelia and I have an appreciation for textiles, details, and styling that seemed lost to those we worked around previously. One day I casually asked Amelia if she had ever thought about owning a boutique. Eight months later we opened the doors to Amēnah.

S: Everything that you have in your store is sold under your own private label Amēnah, how did this come about?

A: We felt strongly about have our own unique size breakdowns and starting from that position we built on all our previous relationships to put together our line.

H: From our experience working as buyers, we were able to develop strong relationships with design houses in Southern California. Once we started our business, we decided to partner with different designers to curate the Amēnah private label collection.

S: Many of styles you carry are size inclusive and range from 1 to 6 (instead of just small, medium and large). Why is this important to you?

A: The fashion industry puts so much pressure on women to look a certain way, and be a certain size in order to be considered fashionable. I have felt this my whole life as a tall curvy woman; I wanted to wear the same dresses I saw on the runway, but they were not made in my size. The clothes I could find made me feel like I should be ashamed of my shape when that was not I felt. This was a major influence in us having a size inclusive line that did not focus on traditional sizes.

H: Our brand’s focus is on fit, quality construction, and high quality fabrics. Just as Amelia and I focus on these elements, we want our customer to do the same, while thinking less about the size the clothes (and fashion industry) say you are.

S: Tell me about some unique items you have, that I can’t buy anywhere else?

A: Working in artistic fields for many years has led to friendships with lots of creative people. We now have the opportunity to partner with them to create items that can only be found in our store, such as sustainably sourced furniture, home goods, jewelry, ceramics, a natural skincare line, and candle collection that were all created in partnership with local artists solely for Amēnah.

H: We have worked with a variety of artisans and companies to create exclusive items for the Amēnah brand. We designed different necklace styles, which were then hand-made in 14 karat gold fill by a local jeweler, as well as the Amēnah signature perfume, which was created by us, and mixed by a local perfumer.

S: What’s been your biggest challenge in opening this store?

A: We feel very fortunate to have been able to make our dream a reality, but it has come with challenges that we have had to overcome. Luckily, we have had each other to get over the hurdles we have faced. We are young business owners, so we have really had to fight and work hard to create our vision.

H: As first time business owners, we received criticism from those who had no knowledge in the retail industry, or had an outdated knowledge of the business world in general. Despite this, we pursued our dream and learned to trust our vision.

S: What’s the one item in the store that you’re obsessed with right now?

A: I am currently obsessed with our furniture and wood items. We have a one-of-a-kind Walnut slab dining table we designed with a local woodworker that focuses on sustainability and I think all those pieces are stunning and so unique.

H: As a die-hard fan of the movie Clueless, I have been loving the Set trend that’s been happening. My current favorite item we carry is our coral red crop top and skirt set. The fabric is light, airy, and perfect for the summer.

Thank you Amelia & Hannah!

Amēnah, 470 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA

Watch It!

June 10, 2018 Leave a Comment

Yours truly with James Malcolmson, Robb Report’s horology editor at the MOMENTS suite, South Coast Plaza.

The stars were aligned when Pierre Colesse of Van Cleef & Arpels introduced me to the Lady Arpels Planétarium, chosen as the women’s timepiece of the year in Robb Report’s *best of the best*.

This celestial watch is a mini planetarium right on your wrist and features a pink gold sun in the middle of the dial, with the three closest planets (and moon) rotating around it, in actual planet time. Van Cleef & Arpels, diamond band, $330,000.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra-Thin holds the world’s record for the thinnest automatic watch. It has the wafer-thin look of the old-school watches but its feather light (titanium bracelet) and sandblasted surface makes it incredibly modern. They’re only 50 of these rough and ready beauties going to be made, so if you want one, pick a number. Really; you can. Chosen as the *best of the best* men’s timepiece of the year by Robb Report. Bulgari, $130,000.

Best of the Best Watch Trends

I got a chance to chat with the ultimate watch guy, James Malcolmson, Robb Report’s horology editor who was at the MOMENTS Timepiece Suite at South Coast Plaza where limited edition timepieces and one-of-a-kind watches were being celebrated.

Every year Robb Report releases the best of the best issue, and they’re celebrating their 30th Anniversary of showcasing the crème de la crème of cars, planes, travel, real estate and luxury timepieces.

We got to talk about the latest watch trends, smartwatches, what millennials are currently crazy about and my love of leather strap watches. But first things first;

SA: Tell me about the watch you’re wearing:

JM: It’s a Zenith Pilot, it’s no longer made, but the designer is a guy named Marcus Ellinger who runs a design firm just outside of Zurich.

SA: Do you prefer to wear a watch that no-one else is wearing?

JM:I wouldn’t say that. It’s happens to be a watch that I have, that I like to travel with. It’s understated. It’s a nice chronograph with a great movement and has a great history.

SA: Is a proper watch still a leather strap watch?

JM: Absolutely. Most watches have a tradition of being on leather straps. Wrist watches came into popularity during WW1, during the war people didn’t want to fumble for their pocket watch. They soldered it on the lugs, which is why military watches today have the lugs coming right out of the case, called the “officer style”.

SA: What’s the story with chunky watches?

JM: Chunky watches came into prominence about 10 to 12 years ago. I think it was part of the pendulum of fashion. They had been small for a long time. Since the 1980s watches are really a luxury. And it’s a way for men to show their style and if you think about it, a larger size enables you to do that more easily so it caught and stayed on. However, we are seeing a return in the other direction. A lot of people want a thinner watch. Millennials are choosing smaller diameters. Vintage watches are incredibility hot right now and smaller diameters mimic the look of vintage watches. They also want something that’s different from the older guys, that have the big watches.

SA: Are we going to be see a trend of smaller watches?

JM: Yes, they’re shrinking and within the next few years we will be seeing a spectrum, we will be seeing some smaller watches and some large diameter watches that are thinner which have a contemporary shape. With Piaget for example, that’s really their look, they’ve retained their ultra-thin look which comes from their history. French watches particularly watches made by Abraham Louis Breguet had that look, a thin watch with a wide diameter.

SA: Do you think men use watches as a way to show their personalities, just like clothing?

JM: Watches are a lot different than clothes. There are men who are clotheshorses, dandies that love their clothes, but I think it’s an entirely different personality that likes a watch. In our digital world watches are very understandable, they are analog, you can imagine and understand how the mechanism works. That’s not the case with a lot of our devices, like the phone you’re holding. Another thing is there’s a traditional with a lot of guys that their father’s showed them how the watch works, so there’s an emotional connection.

SA: What’s your first watch memory?

JM: It was of course my father’s watch. It was a Hamilton leather strap watch, he’d purchased in 1936, for the princely sum of $100, which was a lot of money back then. I still have it and it still works.

SA: Are smartwatches catching on?

JM: Yes, I think they are. The dream has always been the Dick Tracy watch. It’s the watch with the video phone. I looked at the Apple watch in its first couple of generations and because it was tethered to the phone, it wasn’t there at all. I happen to have the third generation Apple watch which you can call independently and that’s a game changer for me, because you can go out with shorts on the weekend with just your wallet and your keys and you don’t have to worry about your heavy phone and that’s liberating. My son has a Doki watch, it’s the first watch I have seen that has the video capability. It’s made for a little kid!

SA: Do you think the future of watches is going to be smart?

JM: No, I think mechanical watches connect you to history, it’s something that’s high fashion, with a level of craftsmanship that you’ll never find in a piece of technology. As much as I love that Apple watch, in a year or two it’s gone but for now it’s great. Any of the mechanical watches I have, I can keep for a lifetime.

SA: Do you think many of the traditional watch companies are going to keep their mechanical watch and introduce a smart watch too?

JM: There are some fine watch companies that are experimenting with that, and the trouble is that they’re going to get technology that’s a little older. I think they will stick to their competency. They are holders of tradition and anybody who is in love with technological devices eventually (a certain percentage) are going to gravitate toward fine watches. Once you get to a certain age, to be able to appreciate these things, you want show your wealth a little, it’s a natural thing. You just need a little grey hair.

Thank you James!

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