Portero on Luxury

How to tie a turban headband with a Hermès scarf

May 16, 2013

Today, Elizabeth Bernstein, our all-knowing handbag authenticator, shows us how to tie a turban headband with a Hermès scarf. ”Great for spring – riding bikes, at the beach – and a quick bad hair day fix! ” she said. She suggests pairing it with a braid, fishtail or just with your hair down naturally.

Read on for step-by-step details.

In this specific hairdo, we extreme side-parted the hair (big on runways), and made a basic low pony tail braid, with only one elastic securing the bottom.

1. Fold the scarf in half into a triangle. Then roll the scarf up to the tip to make it about 3-inches thick. Tip: you can make it thicker or thinner depending on what look you are going for. We used a 70cm square from Hermès, a 90cm would work as well.

2. Pull the scarf gently (without unfolding) under your braid and secure it at the top with a tight first tie of a knot.

3. Take the two ends and criss-cross them (do not knot them) and pull one end to either side tightly. Up to you how tight. Looser will create a bigger knot, but make sure it is tight enough to stay secure.

4. Tuck each end of the scarf into the headband, one to the front and one to the back. For a more secure hold you can use hair pins to hold the tips of the scarf down after you tuck them. Try not to use spray after you secure this look or you will ruin your scarf!

5. Et Voila!

Check out Portero’s scarves here.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Portero Categories: All posts, Elizabeth's Picks, Hermes, How To

Surprise! One of our Pinners never saw this coming…

May 14, 2013

There’s nothing like a good surprise. At Portero, we were extremely touched by Emma B.’s pin about a Louis Vuitton mini-Speedy bag she had as a child. She pinned it from Portero.com with the story:

“My mom bought me one of these before I was born in Italy with my father..I lost it when I was little after filling it with nosense a 3 year old plays with, would love to have one again to give my daughter!”

In fact, we were so touched by this sweet tale of classic luxury that was lost, we sent her another mini monogram bag (pictured above). We think it makes a small, but iconic fashion statement. Plus, it’s impossible not to coo over how cute it is.

While Emma doesn’t have a daughter of her own yet, she did recently get engaged. Her mom bought the original bag for her in Italy when she was 1 1/2 years old. “I used to carry everything in it..coins..dolls..whatever I could stuff into it,obviously oblivious what a great bag it was,” recalls Emma.

Somewhere along the line it got lost, but now we’ve found for it. When Emma showed her mom the new bag, she cried.

So happy to have been part of this heartfelt reunion – and we’re very certain this one won’t get lost in the shuffle.

Shop Louis Vuitton mini Speedy bags. Follow Portero on Pinterest.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Sara G Categories: All posts

A Vision in White

May 9, 2013

With warmer weather, it’s time to swap out dark winter colors with the ultimate summer hue – white.

You may not want to orchestrate a complete wardrobe white-out, but adding a handbag is easier to manage (and way less intrusive on your dry cleaning bill). Take some time to think about what sort of white you want to hang on your shoulder. Will it be a quilted classic Chanel or a boho Chloe or a rebellious Balenciaga? Whatever your vision, this is your blank canvas to run with.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Sara G Categories: All posts, Handbags, Inspiration, Style advice

The story behind Coco Chanel’s favorite flower: The Camellia

May 1, 2013

One of the most amazing things about Chanel – vintage and new – is how Coco Chanel’s personal story is reflected over and over again in the details.

That goes right down to the camellia flowers, featured on bags and jewelry. We read about the rich history in Elle magazine. “Talk about love at first sight: Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel fell head over heels for the camellia after one was given to her by her polo-playing lover, Boy Capel. She started pinning silk versions to her lapels, her hair and the blossoms found a home on the black-and-gold-laquered Coromandel screens in her apartment at 31, rue Cambon.”

In Southeast Asia, where the bloom originated, the camellia represents longevity. Truly apropos.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Sara G Categories: All posts, Chanel, Inspiration

Elizabeth’s Picks: Valentino studded crossbody convertible clutch

April 24, 2013

This week, our handbag authenticator Elizabeth Bernstein is hanging out with one of her fabulous friends, Sarah.

The duo prove that you can mix textures and patterns and create a chic 2013 look.

Per Elizabeth: “This is one of my favorite combos. Sarah is wearing tapestry print pants with a black, camel and metallic tweed blazer, paired with a phenomenal studded crossbody convertible clutch by the ever fabulous Valentino. Might I add, I just cannot get enough of tapestry prints on clothing – squeal!”

“I love the eclectic mix of a timeless tweed blazer, matched with an unexpected pastel lady-like print, and finally perfectly executed with a rocking yet delicate bag.”

Also note: “The leopard couch in the background: fabulous but not included!”

Guess we’ll just have to settle for the bag … for now.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Sara G Categories: All posts, Elizabeth's Picks, Handbags, Inspiration

Your Guide to Hermès Watches

April 17, 2013

When somebody asks you for the time, do you reach for your cell phone? Stop. Just stop. It’s way more stylish, especially now, to look to your wrist.

We’re trying to make it easy for your to do the chic time check with an exclusive Hermès Watch Event for the next few weeks with 0ver 40% off like-new offerings.

We saw first hand last fall how these timepieces are meticulously assembled by hand at the Festival des Métiers in New York.

Each style translates the striking design that Hermès is known for and adds the technology of precision watchmaking. You’ll find the same leathers and luxurious details you’d expect from the French design huse.

Here’s a guide to some of Hermès watches styles:

H Hour: It’s hard to miss that emblematic “H” for Hermès. Since 1996, this minimalist graphic approach is balanced with a simple sundial-like dial.

Cape Cod: A solitary anchor chain inspired this homage to the peninsula of Cape Cod. Henri d’Origny created this watch in 1991 with the coastline on his mind.

Clipper: The elegant, speedy 19th-century sailing ship inspired this sports watch with its six rivet-bezel taking cues from the ship’s portholes.

Shop the event here and read on for information about some other classic Hermès watches.

Elizabeth’s Pick: Hermès Bi-Color Eclat Jypsiere Bag

April 11, 2013

Join us on our never-ending (but enjoyable quest) for a day bag with a strap long enough to be worn as a cross-body and the timeless style of Hermès – meet the Jypsiere, specifically, this very rare bi-color Etain and Etoupe Clemence Eclat Jypsiere bag. It’s a favorite of our handbag director Elizabeth Bernstein (and her cell phone case friend Cliff).

“The Jypsiere is one of Hermès’s most amazing everyday bag creations thus far,” says Elizabeth. “This bag is perfect for work, shopping, weekend, travel, etc.”

“This specific bag is Etain grey with contrast Etoupe interior – an “Eclat” bag. You will indeed not see many of these in two-tone as they are very rare. Can be worn by a woman – or yes, even a man!”

Comments: 0 Posted by: Sara G Categories: Elizabeth's Picks, Handbags, Hermes

Guess who travels with this much Louis Vuitton Luggage

April 10, 2013

Name the celebrity with the impressive fully stuffed Louis Vuitton luggage. Read more…

Comments: 0 Posted by: Sara G Categories: Celebrity Style, Louis Vuitton

Unlock the Secrets of Tiffany & Co. Key Pendents

April 8, 2013

“Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

In addition to opening doors and jewelry boxes, keys have had many meanings through history and literature. The ancient Greeks felt a key represented knowledge and life and a set of three keys together are said to unlock the doors of wealth, health and love.

Tiffany & Co. key pendants can represent that and much more personal sentiments. Introduced in 2009, they are are based on keys from the Tiffany & Co. Archives. Handcrafted in everything from 14K gold to platinum encrusted in diamonds, the designs include hearts and petals.

The key pendants have been spotted on Jessica Biel and Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl for a reason – they add a personal and special feel to just about anything you’re wearing, plus they hit your neckline in a very flattering way.

You’ll be glad you’ll unlocked this look.

Comments: 0 Posted by: Sara G Categories: All posts, Jewelry

Elizabeth’s Picks: Handbag advice from Portero’s expert

April 1, 2013

As a Portero shopper, you might wonder how we guarantee the pre-owned and vintage handbags listed are authentic. The key – we have experts on staff. When it comes to handbags, Elizabeth Bernstein knows everything. And for a good reason, she loves and treasures them. Case in point: She’s pictured here with a vintage bright pink ostrich Hermès envelope clutch.

We’ve been featuring Elizabeth’s favorite picks, so here’s the scoop about her personal approach to handbags and collecting.

Q What is your handbag right now?

A For everyday right now, I am in love with a large Fendi peekaboo that is the perfect size for my MacBook, and has the perfect strap for carrying on my shoulder. Often when you think about having to put a computer into a bag, they can look sloppy. This seems to be my current answer to a heavy yet chic load. Same goes for my brown suede Celine phantom tote. For evening I prefer a 28cm or 32cm Kelly or something crocodile in a good color. Oh, and cross-body bags on weekend days, no matter what.

Q How did you become an authenticator?

A Over the years I have always been an extremely passionate handbag collector and a lover of vintage pieces. If you like vintage as much as I do, you better learn a thing or two about authentication because department stores do not sell these kinds of treasures. I am an investigative person by nature, and I became fascinated with the construction of bags, furs, clothing and accessories at a very young age. I have been gathering tidbits of knowledge through many years of working, traveling, studying, meeting artisans, visiting factories and finding great mentors. It is truly a labor of love to continue acquiring more knowledge about luxury craftsmanship . The “learning” process of authenticating is never over, as long as our beloved luxury brands continue to provide innovation and creations that we all adore – there is always more to be learned!

Q Why handbags?

A A handbag says so much about a person. I can often tell where they might be from, age, interests, if they have children, if they are a romantic or conservative, type of clothing they might buy, where they vacation, etc. Yes, it sounds crazy, but very true. It is a type of language in fashion that is one of my favorites to speak.

I have always been in love with luxury craftsmanship, leathers, exotic skins, details, handwork, etc. A great bag and accessories can make make outfit sublime, rather than just a little bit better. Especially over the last 20 years, women have taken so much pride in their bag collections – they really say a lot about who they are. I often meet people who have little interest in the traditional adornment of jewelry, yet have bag collections could that bring a tear to your eye.

I myself have always been a busy person on the go with a lot to carry. It has always been important to me to look very chic whilst toting my essentials all over the city and the world!