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.
All posts in Elizabeth’s Picks
Elizabeth’s Picks: Valentino studded crossbody convertible clutch
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.
Elizabeth’s Pick: Hermès Bi-Color Eclat Jypsiere Bag
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!”
Elizabeth’s Picks: Handbag advice from Portero’s expert
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!
Elizabeth’s Pick: Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots
The ankle boot has become a year-round fashion essential, so this week our bags expert is putting her best foot first with these Christian Louboutin black suede and leather studded ankle boots.
“Chic Loub booties in black suede, with the perfect touch of rock n’ roll, as Christian does best,” said Elizabeth Bernstein. Indeed.
They’re also a good investment (at more than 50 percent off at that) for those planning a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of New York’s Costume Institute spring exhibition, this year showcasing punk.
Elizabeth’s Pick: The perfect weekend bag from Hermès
Portero’s own authentication expert Elizabeth Bernstein is thinking about the weekend…already. Her pick is a 40cm gold Togo leather Hermès Kelly with palladium hardware. (Cliff the bear – her iPhone case – not included.)
Shop all Hermès here.
Elizabeth’s picks: Meet our expert
Around the office, Portero’s own authenticator has a reputation – always carrying a different handbag.
Yes, Elizabeth Bernstein truly puts her passion to work as she carries a fabulous designer bag that makes her outfit sing. Here she is with a Fendi Peekaboo bag.
If you follow the new arrivals frequently, you might even find her pre-owned favorites for sale. She’s a notorious handbag flipper, always changing things up.
Check back on our blog for her latest picks and some of her insights on what’s happening in the industry. She may even share a few tips on searching for authentic pre-owned designer bags like those you can find on Portero and how she knows they’re legit. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions for her such as how to gift vintage. In the mean time, check here’s Elizabeth talking to the Wall Street Journal comparing real and fake bags.
