Fashion Forward: Purses

WSVN -- We fill them up with just about everything, from magazines to makeup.

That's why a purse can say a lot about a woman.

This season, if you want your purse to scream fashionista, you've got to have an evening bag.

Stacey Rothman: "The evening bags are so beautiful, they make every outfit. They are the accessory of the season."

At Gloria Couture on Bay Harbour Island, Stacey Rothman sells the hottest handbags around.

Whether you're looking for something big and bold or smaller with details, you'll find it here.

Stacey Rothman: "Clutches are very big this year -- they're easy, you put them onto your arm. They're fabulous."

Look for standouts in metallic and glitter this year.

Chains and rhinestones are big too and do not forget to add some color.

Stacey Rothman: "Any bag with any kind of color adds that special punch."

Spring is just around the corner and Stacey says to look out for bags in soft fine leathers and lots of pretty pastels.

Stacey Rothman: "From what I've heard it's a lot of light colors. We're going towards the pinks, the blues, the taupes for spring."

Local handbag designer, Leylani Cardoso agrees.

She has been designing her line, Bolzano handbags, for a couple of years and selling them around the world.

Leylani Cardoso: "You always need a handbag, it's not like something that isn't functional, and, at the same time, it compliments a woman's style."

But now her business is growing into boutiques and department stores.

Plus, her purses are gaining fame among celebrities.

Denise Richards and Rihanna recently carried theirs around the 2006 Billboard Music Awards.

The secret to her success, Leylani oversees every detail of production from choosing fine leathers, to the pretty packaging.

Leylani Cardoso: "Anything inspires me really, whether it's a piece of clothing I see or someone doing something in particular."

We got a sneak peak of her new spring and summer line -- from a splash of yellow on a backpack, to a straw purse for summer.

Leylani Cardoso: "Just bright, vibrant colors that are fun. They are fun to have in your wardrobe."

Bolzano also carries a line for men of wallets, belts and money clips.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bolzano Handbags
www.bolzanohandbags.com
1-800-471-7020

Gloria Couture
1060 Kane Concourse
Bay Harbour Islands, FL 33154
305-864-1090