New Carmen Website!

Our new website has just been launched with the new colours for Spring/Summer 2011 and our new CW diffusion range! Have a look at www.carmenwoods.com

Designer of the Day

Look at the link below! Carmen Woods is designer of the day at 'Artists Springboard'!

http://artistspringboard.blogspot.com/2010/12/designer-of-day-carmen-woods.html

'Made In Clerkenwell', the Ultimate Shopping Treat!

We're taking part in the fantastic winter shopping event 'Made In Clerkenwell' at the Craft Central in London over the last weekend of November.
There will be huge discounts on our gorgeous leather handbags!
Also our brand new diffusion range which will be launched!
Have a look at the details below and hope to see you there!

'Avoid the high street crowds and meet over 90 designer makers across Craft Central’s two fascinating buildings. Prepare to be tempted by exceptional craft and design; from fashion, jewellery and accessories, to contemporary ceramics products for the home, and bespoke commissions. Whether you’ve got an hour to pop in or a whole day to explore, mingle with the makers in the studios where they work their magic. There’s lots to see and one ticket allows unlimited access over the 4 days, including the launch event on Thursday and Friday’s late night shopping!

For details of the designers exhibiting see www.craftcentral.org.uk/madeinclerkenwell

Admission £2.50 per person, under 16’s free
(this fee helps support our charitable aims and includes entry all weekend)
Thurs 25th November, 5–8pm
Fri 26th November, 12noon–8pm
Sat 27th and Sun 28th, 12noon–6pm

Made in Clerkenwell is spread across Craft Central’s two buildings:
21 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DX
33–35 St. John’s Square, EC1M 4DS
Can't fit it all in one day? Your admission fee includes free re-entry to both buildings throughout the weekend.
Nearest tube station: Farringdon on the Circle/District Line

For more information or access details call 020 7251 0276 or visit our website at www.craftcentral.org.uk

Carmen Handbags on Show at Soho Hotel!

Look at our lovely bags at the Push PR press day at the glamorous Soho Hotel in London! See the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=249739&l=284773d08d&id=340296360377#!/photo.php?pid=5910359&id=340296360377

Our gorgeous handbags featured on 'Fashion Foie Gras' Webiste!

Look at our gorgeous handbags shown in 'Soho Hotel' in London! American fashion blogger Emily from the brilliant website 'Fashion Foie Gras' has written all about them on the link below!

http://www.fashionfoiegras.com/2010/10/push-pr-spring-summer-2011-press-day.html

Win yourself one of our beautiful 'Carmen' handbags!

Win yourself one of our beautiful 'Carmen' handbags!

Our burgundy patent leather 'Small Trapezium' worth £309 is up for grabs!

Go to the Telegraph website link below for details!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/promotions/7991392/Fashion-Competition-500-of-British-boutique-items-to-be-won.html

Gorgeous Maxi Dress Look for Summer!

Katie Robinson has put together another great look for summer! This time she has focused on this seasons key fashion purchase, the maxi dress! See the links on 'Carmen Woods Fashion Trends' page for more details!

“The maxi dress is a perfect representation of daytime glamour, with its floor length style and bold prints. Here Cavalli has used deep purple and black to create optical illusions with a mystical feel.”
Roberto Cavalli, £1,938
http://store.robertocavalli.com/navigation.asp?tskay=CF589586#/searchresult/item/cod10/34150084AC/gender/D/season/main/c/cat_483/ENE_COLOR/4294957355

“The black patent bag by Carmen Woods beautifully highlights the black silk straps of the dress, and with its shopper style adds a laid back element.”
Carmen Woods, Large Shopper Patent Black
Was £475, Now £275
http://www.carmenwoods.com/

“To finish the ensemble team with studded black leather gladiator sandals for a slightly edgy feel on an otherwise decadent garment.”
Maje Studded Leather Sandals, £268
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/76745

Look of the Moment!

The newest addition to our team Katie Robinson, has created a fantastic look to see you through the rest of the summer!

“In this look the cut out trend is key, taking the little black dress to a whole new level of glamour. Hervé Léger’s iconic bandage style is given a twist with asymmetric detailing creating an entirely new silhouette. The dress is teamed with Gianvito Rossi sandals that compliment the look perfectly, matching the cut out element with sheer panels. For an edgier image finish with Alexander McQueen’s clutch bag that rocks his trademark skull clasp and union jack design. Or if you’re after a splash of colour pair Carmen Woods fuchsia medium clutch with the outfit to spice it up.”

Designer Look 1:

Hervé Léger
Vivien Cutout Bandage Dress £760
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/99954


Gianvito Rossi
Organza Ankle Strap Sandal
£340
http://www.brownsfashion.com/product/fashion/shoes/shoes/014M52500003.htm

Carmen Woods
Fuschia Medium Clutch £275
http://www.carmenwoods.com/

Alexander McQueen
Studded Clutch Bag £850.00
http://www.brownsfashion.com/product/fashion/shoes/bags/010U35520002.htm

Come and see our fantastic discounts at the 'Carmen' boutique in Leigh-on-Sea! You will find up to 60% off on selected ranges all throughout July! Now is the time to indulge in a stunning 'Carmen' leather handbag! We look forward to seeing you!

'Carmen' Boutique,
121 Broadway West,
Leigh-on-Sea,
Essex SS9 2BU.

Ethical Fashion Edition

There are many fashion trends that come and go each season. However ethical fashion has demonstrated real staying power and has now proved to be more than a trend. There are numerous fashion brands that use fair trade practices and work with recycled or organically produced materials, which span from high street retailers to luxury labels. This season there are some fantastic choices if you decide to shop ethically. See below for some links to our favourites!

http://www.adazanditon.com/ss10_lookbook.html - Ada Zanditon is an innovative ethical fashion brand creating elegant sculptural women's ready to wear. Look at the gorgeous collection online!

http://anatomyfashion.co.uk/ - Ethical womenswear label Anatomy was started by designer Claire Macauley. After leaving Art college in London Claire joined a band as vocalist and bassist, so giving her the chance to wear her collection of customized charity shop and flea market finds - fantastic vintage pieces perfect for the stage. We love her fanpocket skirt and fitted waistcoat!

http://www.ninadolcetti.com/ - Aware of waste within the fashion industry and the environmentally unfriendly effects of leather tanning, Nina Dolcetti shoes are designed and constructed to reuse off-cuts and unwanted pre-consumer waste to create daring, architectural and design led pieces.

http://www.minna.co.uk/collections.html - It all started in the Dorset countryside where Finnish designer Minna Hepburn started collecting lace, brooches, buttons and other beautiful finds from strolling around local antique markets. Not really knowing what to do with them, she started making tops and dresses from Scottish lace and embellishing them with her beloved findings. Her lace tops and dresses are absolutely beautiful and perfect for summertime!

'Made In Clerkenwell' Shopping Event in London!

We're taking part in the exciting designer shopping event 'Made In Clerkenwell' in central London from Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd May! Come and see our gorgeous leather handbags alongside other talented designers. We are giving our best discounts yet across the entire range! We will be showing our collection in the 21 Clerkenwell Green building. Here's the link with all the info below. Hope to see you all there!

http://www.craftcentral.org.uk/summer-2009

Our Floral Trend Favourites!

As we’re definitely on our way to summer, it seemed the perfect time to look at the massive floral trend for this season. View our favourite floral designer pieces on the links below; they range from tea-rose printed dresses to silver statement rings and kimono silk shoes!

Chanel showed a stunning chiffon dress, intricately printed with red and blue flowers for Spring/Summer 2010. High heeled platforms with silk flowers completed the outfit.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,8434/Page,4#/imageno/51

Liberty is currently stocking this beautiful pale pink and silver flower statement ring!
http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/Jewellery/Pale-Pink-Honour-Ring,--Liberty-Of-London/46557

At Dolce & Gabbana for Spring/Summer 2010 they showed a striking silk satin dress with a large tea-rose print in terracotta, white and pale pink.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,8168/Page,4#/imageno/47

Hetty Rose, the bespoke ethical shoe brand, offers some gorgeous ballet pumps made from Japanese kimono silk with a floral print!http://www.hettyrose.co.uk/shoes/display3/?s=Haruka

Abigail Percy a really talented Scottish jeweller has just produced some beautiful ‘Summer Rose’ necklaces made from sterling silver and jade beads.
http://abigailpercy.bigcartel.com/product/summer-rose-necklace

The ethical footwear brand Beyond Skin, offers these stunning faux leather peep toes with a floral print wedge. Perfect for summer in fuchsia, red or orange!
http://www.beyondskin.co.uk/product_info.php?info=p206_Sunny.html

Perfect Handbags to Complement the New Denim Trend

Look at our selection of gorgeous leather handbags shown in our new photo album at our 'Carmen Woods Fashion Trends' Facebook Fanpage. Chosen from our collection to accessorize with the massive denim trend for Spring/Summer 2010!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=162787&id=228687421727&saved#!/album.php?aid=162787&id=228687421727&ref=mf

Massive Denim Trend

You all probably know by now that denim is back in a big way for Spring/Summer 2010. Although designers have been steering away from the staple jeans for the last few seasons and bringing in alternatives such as leggings, beggings (boot/legging hybrid) and jeggings (jean/legging combo), jeans and denim garments were seen everywhere for the new season. The catwalks saw denim either in a really full-on, head-to-toe look, such as at Jeremy Scott, where matching denim shirts and skirts were shown in a bright, light blue or as an accent to a contrasting outfit, giving an eclectic feel, shown at Kenzo, where they mixed an elegant flowing floor-length dress with a wide statement beaded belt and a faded denim jacket, rolled up to the elbows.

The denim was really varied in colour and texture. At Mulberry, although the look was dressier than some of their counterparts in the fact that their jean/jacket combo was teamed with classic tan leather heels and a bowling bag, the denim was faded and quite a dirty shade of blue. At D&G they showed ripped faded jeans and denim fitted shirts with rolled up sleeves, mixed with leather belts and boots for a sexy, cool attitude. In contrast, Stella McCartney showed some light blue soft stone-washed denim in button-down dresses and A-line skirts giving a relaxed 1970’s feel.

Have a look at our favourite denim looks for Spring/Summer 2010 at the links on our Facebook Fanpage ‘Carmen Woods Fashion Trends’ wall.

Tan Leather Accessories are Everywhere in Spring/Summer 2010!

My next trend tip showcases a great classic look, which is very versatile and will easily work in your existing wardrobe. Tan leather accessories have been seen across the Spring/Summer 2010 catwalks in different forms. At D&G tan leather belts, boots and bags were shown mixed with faded denim and cowboy shirts, creating a cool low key attitude. At By Marlene Birger and Bottega Veneta the tan accessories were teamed with white outfits making an elegant fresh look.

The tan leather belt in particular was seen in many collections. It was shown with simple elegant outfits, such as at Burberry Prorsum, where a wide tan belt beautifully completed a metallic mini trench and at Hermes, where the classic tan leather belt finished off an off-white blouse and long shorts. At Diane Von Furstenberg the tan leather belt was seen in a more excessive tribal look with a metal plate buckle mixing with the striking printed dresses.

There was another interesting trend where designers matched their tan leather accessories to the rest of the outfit. For example at Hermes, one outfit showed the leather belts and cuffs matching the jacket and another showed the light tan cuffs and wider belt matching the leather mini-dress and another matching a flowing floor length dress of the same colour tan. At Loewe this trend continued with a bag that exactly matched a knee-length leather trench coat and sun-visor. See my favourite examples of this trend on the links I have posted from Vogue.com at my Facebook Fanpage ‘Carmen Woods Fashion Trends’.

We Still Have Some Great Sale Handbags Left!!!

Our January Sale is over and we've now moved into our stunning black and white boutique in Leigh-on-Sea! However we still have some gorgeous leather handbags left from our sale! Have a look at these sale prices!!!

Go to our 'Carmen Woods Luxury Leather Handbags' Facebook Fanpage link to see the sale bags!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=385302&id=385263380653&l=9de8c8a453#!/pages/Carmen-Woods-Luxury-Leather-Handbags/385263380653

Stunning Black Leather Handbags for Spring/Summer 2010!

Have a look at our stunning handbags for the black leather trend of Spring/Summer 2010! See the link to our 'Carmen Woods Fashion Trends' Facebook Fanpage!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=150220&id=228687421727&l=5fae779dda#!/pages/Carmen-Woods-Fashion-Trends/228687421727

Black is Back Again for Spring/Summer 2010

My next fashion tip is that although there are a lot of bright and pastel colours arriving for Spring/Summer 2010, black continues to make a big appearance in the collections in varying fabrics and combinations. Androgynous designs were shown at Ann Demeulemeester, mixing black leather jackets, mini skirts and leggings with black and white prints to give a lyrical urban feel. There was an edgy feminine look at Prada, who featured some interesting mini dresses and smocks layered over large 1950’s style knickers. Gucci created a sharp slick look, as they showed a lean body-conscious silhouette, with leggings, mini-dresses and leather jackets, alongside some digitally printed dresses in a black and white combination. The black and white mix was also seen in some striking dresses at Eley Kishimoto and Proenza Schouler. I have posted some links to show the different looks shown at the Spring/Summer 2010 shows at my Facebook Fanpage 'Carmen Woods Fashion Trends'.

Move Into New Boutique!

We are moving to our new boutique next week! It's next door to our existing boutique at 121 Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, using the same double doors for entrance. We've used striking black and white decor and we will have all our new Spring/Summer 2010 collection available! Have a look from Friday 5th February at our opening.

Move Into New Boutique!

We are moving to our new boutique next week! It's next door to our existing boutique at 121 Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, using the same double doors for entrance. We've used striking black and white decor and we will have all our new Spring/Summer 2010 collection available! Have a look from Friday 5th February at our opening.

Last week of sale!

As it's our last week of sale, we have made some further reductions! Have a look at these beautiful Medium Satchels in Faded Black and Brown Italian Leather! They have been reduced from £345 to £120, which is over 60% off!

Look at our FaceBook fanpage 'Carmen Woods Luxury Handbags' or visit our 'Carmen' boutique in Leigh-on-Sea Broadway West, Essex.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Carmen-Woods-Luxury-Leather-Handbags/385263380653?ref=share

Carmen Woods Luxury Leather Handbags: Bright Colour Trend

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,8458#/imageno/13

Carmen Woods Luxury Leather Handbags: Bright Colour Trend

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,8039#/imageno/9

Carmen Woods Luxury Leather Handbags: Bright Colour Trend

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,8425/Page,3#/imageno/29

Bright Colour Trend

My new fashion tip for Spring/Summer 2010 is that bright colours are back with us again. The trend includes a gorgeous kaleidoscope of colours such as orange, red, coral, cobalt blue, various sugary and strong pinks, yellow and turquoise. However this season these brights were seen on the catwalks in some really striking combinations. Such as with an array of vintage-inspired nudes or tans; with another massive trend of metalics; and with black, white, and the combination of black and white, which gave a harder, edgier feel to the designs.

The combinations of colours were shown through some fantastically graphical prints, hard-edged paneling and layering. The fabrics showing these bright colours were predominantly glossy and fitted, such as PVC and jersey or ruffled and draped such as chiffon and silk. In some collections there was a stunning combination of bright colours, showcased mainly in body-conscious digitally-printed dresses.

See my Facebook fanpage 'Carmen Woods Fashion Trends' to see the links I have selected to show this colour trend, which was particularly interesting at Basso & Brooke, Gucci, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Furstenberg and Stella McCartney. I have also posted a small selection here.

Have a look at our favourite sale items of the moment! They are all available at our beautiful 'Carmen' boutique at 119 Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

See our 'Carmen Woods Luxury Leather Handbag' Facebook fanpage for more info!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Woods-Luxury-Leather-Handbags/385263380653

Carmen Woods Luxury Leather Handbags

Carmen Woods Luxury Leather Handbags

Hi, I own 'Carmen Woods', the luxury leather handbag label and boutique based in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

For my business it is essential that I am aware of all the fashion trends for over a year in advance. I know which colours, shapes and fabrics you'll probably be wearing by this time next year.

So I thought I'd start a blog where anyone who loves fashion can discuss trends, what they like wearing and what they might be wearing in the up coming seasons.

There'll be photos and links showing my favourite current trends and you'll all be very welcome to post photos or links of either youselves or your friends in your favourite designs, whether designer, vintage or high street.

Also I'll give some insider fashion tips each week about designers and upcoming trends to watch out for. I have a Facebook fanpage (the links are shown at the bottom of this page) and Twitter page which will follow my blogs too.