Cinzia Designs’—a division of Europa International—Trendies Collection gives men and women alike a variety of eyewear pieces and accessories. All are affordable and target the everyday consumer, using sleek, minimalistic and modern styles. The bright colors offered in the Trendies Collection quickly add a spot of color or unique aspect to anyone’s day-to-day wardrobe.

Anyone who visits www.Cinziadesigns.com and uses the promo code, “Los Angeles” will get 20% off their entire order! Valid through January 1st.

Trendies Collection: Jelly Bean and Jaw Breaker styles

A new division of the Trendies Collection is the Luminous Collection, a series priced so low that anyone can afford to sport eyewear in style. The Luminous group is the first from Cinzia to feature polarizing lenses, and with many varieties, everyone can find a pair they will enjoy. The Luminous Collection houses eight different styles, each available in three colors, like the Snapshot and the Facet styles.

Luminous Collection: Snapshot in Tortoise and Facet in Green

Cinzia was founded in 2002 by Cynthia Shapiro, who served as VP of Europa International previously, so she brought several years of experience to the table when she began the company. The two collections: Cinzia and Trendies by Cinzia represent her overall outlook on fashionable eyewear, giving males and females many choices to inhabit their varying tastes.

The Cinzia pieces mix and match, allowing endless options for wear. For example, the Cinzia collection consists of sleek “readers” for those needing eyeglasses, like the new Demure or signature Cinzia Accomplice, complete with its own matching case. The Cinzia sunglasses each provide 100 percent UV protection, like the Cinzia Sport division.

Cinzia Collection: Demure and Accomplice

Not one to only provide shoppers with eyewear, Shapiro’s company has grown to also provide trendy accessories like belts, bracelets, cases, earrings, handbags, necklaces, scarves/wraps and watches, not to mention the popular eyewear necklaces, available in both the Cinzia and Trendies lines.

Animal Instinct

Some of the newest items have debuted in the scarves/wraps lineup, like the Animal Instinct variety, a mix of purple, blue and neutral colors, grey and mauve. The scarf is 80 percent cashmere and 20 percent silk. Another new addition to Cinzia Designs are the Birds Nest earrings, unique, circular jewelry pieces, consisting of silver and gold and available through the Cinzia Collection.

For more information and a full list of all products available, visit www.cinziadesigns.com.

Read our upcoming interview with Cynthia Shapiro here in LA’s The Place shortly!

In 1999, Sarah Davis, a young Law student, had a brilliant idea to help pay off her loans – selling pre-owned designer handbags. It started with E-Bay and with the help of her sister and brother-in-law; it has become the largest pre-owned designer handbag company.

People all over the country send Sarah their designer handbags to sell to other people at a cheaper cost. Sarah explains, “Designers never have sales, so this is a good way to find that high-priced bag for a little bit cheaper and still in good condition.” If over-spending on handbags is your vice, FashionPhile could be your rehab.

Not only are people finding designer handbags at a discounted price, but in ways, they are helping recycle. Giving up your bag and buying another pre-owned one takes less manufacturing. Plus it saves room in your closet where otherwise your bags would be piling up.

Authenticity has been challenged in handbags over the last few years. FashionPhile makes sure that the bags people are sending are 100% the real deal. As an avid handbag buyer herself, Sarah Davis knows what’s fake and what’s not. Luckily, she has had loyal clients throughout the years that are just as in love with bags as she is. “You won’t find more than a tiny scratch on these bags. They are in high-quality condition and if they’re not, we don’t show them.”

The showroom in Beverly Hills

With the newest addition to FashionPhile’s business being their year-old boutique in Beverly Hills, business has sky-rocketed. There are hundreds of bags lining the shelves and even more in their storage room. Ben Hemminger, Sarah’s brother-in-law, jumped into the project to help with the business management. “If you came in to the store next week, half of these bags will be bought and new ones will be up. With all of the ones we have in storage we could open up another store!” WhichFashionPhile plans on doing within the next year.

All images courtesy of www.FashionPhile.com, where you can shop for bags online and/or contact Sarah Davis to sell.

TOCS Trend

TOCS, an acronym for “Timepieces Of Color and Style”, combine bold shapes, interesting numerical layouts and high octane colors with high tech, shock resistant materials and rubber wristbands to create the ultimate in a watch – fashion forward yet durable and all under $75.  The Analog Round Glitz (pictured above) is perfect for that casual but upscale event with it crystal-studded face and bright colors. The Analog Oblong, the pick of Oprah, is more subdued and elegant but still comes in daring colors. People Magazine’s choice of TOCS, Analog Round Day-Date automatically changes the day and date and its whimsical design will surely brighten your mood.

Mens’ TOCS

Women aren’t the only ones that get to take part in the affordable fashion of the TOCS trend. The Mens Sporty Diver watch and the Mens Metal Sport are definitely in demand. The large round polycarbonate plastic case offers a classic yet trendy design coupled with colorful comfortable soft resin straps – great for casual or sports wear.

Solar Powered TOCS

You never have to wind a watch again or replace another watch battery because TOCS’ Ani-Digi Solar Alarm Chrono watch features a mini solar panel. It can be powered by the sun or by indoor lighting, but also features a lifetime back-up battery system just in case. If you spend time in the water, don’t let the solar panel deter you. It is water resistant up to 98 feet. It comes in six different colors and time is displayed using both analog and digital. It has a reminder alarm, a dual time zone feature and also a handy digital stop watch. Also a pick of  Real Simple, listed under Real Steals and LATP has to agree with them. For only $45 dollars, the Ani-Digi Solar Alarm Chrono watch is power packed with features and durability.

All About TOCS

Tocs are a bold new line of fashion watches from Gemtime, Inc., a 30 year old watch industry leader. Tocs maintains 3 offices in two geographic areas to provide their customers with great products and service, their showroom (New Jersey), corporate headquarters (New Jersey), and fulfillment and technology (Florida).

Gemtime, Inc.

Gemtime, Inc. is a third generation leader in watch design. For more than 30 years, they traveled the world, designing, packaging and globally distributing its many brands. Regardless of the brand, every detail of their watches is scrutinized for quality and overall appeal. Every single Gemtime, Inc. watch sold has met their rigorous production standards. Their mission is to produce a watch that is perfect for its intended owner.

Tocs are available online, click HERE to start shopping or find them at Bloomingdales.

Faux Fur and Color

Oobees believes in keeping the animals warm so these slippers are made from custom designed faux fur. Made of the softest fabrics and materials, Oobees allow wearers to experience what their creators call “pure foot pleasure.” The rubber sole, soft inside, and ultra cushy foam insole forms to your foot so that you enjoy the comfort your foot desires.

The stylish colors will catch everyone’s eyes when you step out in Amber’s Animal Instinct, combining leopard and hot pink, Taylor’s Go Go Girl mixing purple paisley and purple, G.I. Jordynn’s camouflage on pink, or one of the other available colorful creations.

All Oobees, for the young and old, are available in the three previously mentioned patterns plus: Makenna’s Pretty in Pink, Samantha’s Back in Black, Mandy’s Surfin Stripes, and Sadie’s Hubba Hubba Bubblegum for the price of $29.95.

Accessories

The flexibility and comfort of Oobees will have you wearing them everywhere you go so accessorize them with a matching overnight bag, cosmetic bag, pillow, or blanket.

Not only can you store your pajama party essentials in one of the over-sized overnight bags, but you can carry your clothes to dance or sports practice or carry your books to school. It could even be turned into a fun diaper bag.

Organize your make-up and toiletries in a matching cosmetic bag to make your travels easier or to take to your slumber party. And to ensure you stay fashionable, throw in a pillow or blanket to top it all off.

Both the overnight and cosmetic bag can be found in all the same colors as the Oobees minus Samantha’s Back in Black. The overnight bag is available for $29.95 and the cosmetic bag is $14.95.

The pillows and blanket are available in all colors except for Samantha’s Back in Black and Sadie’s Hubba Hubba Bubblegum. The pillow is available for $14.95 and the blanket for $29.95.

Oobees

Rachel Humphrey, an experienced and successful entrepreneur and business owner, first came up with the idea for Oobees while watch her daughter.  Her daughter put duct tape on the bottom of her slippers so that she could wear them outside too. Knowing that duct tape would only take her so far, Rachel and her Oobees team developed the Oobee slipper to withstand any surface for everyone to enjoy.

For more information on products and store locations, please visit their website: www.oobees.com

With a nod to balancing function and fashion, Trendies by Cinzia is a fun and budget friendly line of reading glasses, sunglasses and accessories. Trendies by Cinzia were developed as a way to sport a rebellious look without having to rage against your own bank account. The eyewear is designed to mix and match and the color line features the season’s hottest colors and shapes.

Cinzia's Trendies collection.

Redeux

Cinzia Designs has also introduced the Redeux collection. Redeux revisits the past with vintage looks from the future. The homage to fashion’s past revitalizes many popular looks from earlier decades. The collection totals five distinct and stylish pieces, including Abracadabra, Cult Classic, Rapture, Venus Fly Trap and Year of the Cat.

Cinzia's Redeux eyeglass collection.

 Accessories

Eyewear from Cinzia like Trendies by Cinzia and Redeux are also complemented by an assortment of stylish accessories. Zia’s, Cinzia’s handcrafted necklaces feature pendants designed to hold and carry eyeglasses when not in use. All of the necklaces are unique pieces of wearable art assembled by hand in the Cinzia studios. From necklaces to tiny travelers and handbag cases, Cinzia places great emphasis ondesigning accessories for their eyewear. The company is enthusiastic about broadening their accessory horizon as they experiment with color, style and type of items. Their Guitar String Bracelets are comfortably stretchy and convey a chic industrial look when worn in abundance while Cinzia’s cashmere wraps and scarves balance comfort with style.

Cinzia's designer eyeglass holding necklaces.

Consultations

A great feature on Cinzia’s website (www.cinziadesigns.com) is the opportunity to experience a Virtual Eyewear Consultation. The complimentary option is a recent addition to the website and allows customers to benefit from a VIP virtual eyewear consultation by Cinzia Stylist, Lindsey Reisack. After you answer questions and upload a .jpg image of yourself, Lindsey will recommend eyewear selections in reading glasses and sunglasses/sun readers based on your facial futures.

Cynthia Shapiro

Behind the company’s creative direction is Cinzia founder and head designer Cynthia Shapiro. Her inspiration comes from an authentic place; Shapiro saw a style void when it became time for her to buy a pair of readers. From that experience Shapiro began her work on eyewear fit for a modern day fashionista. Shapiro’s lines draw heavily from neutral color palettes and are notable for their sophisticated design.

Shapiro steers her vision of what readers and glasses should be by the company’s creative compass, believing that at Cinzia readers do more than magnify your vision; they magnify your style. Her readers can be recognized by their handmade quality and the attentive manufacturing in limited edition releases.

Prior to founding Cinzia Designs, Shapiro served 30 years as Vice-President of Europa International. Cinzia Designs is currently headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and continues to be an innovative and vibrant division of Europa International.
For more information on Cinzia Designs, visit www.cinziadesigns.com or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Cinziadesigns.

Fatboy

Each Fatboy bag is available in a variety of colors, including orange, pink, black, red, turquoise, green, blue, camouflage, and metallic soulbags in silver, bronze and titan. Those bold enough to indulge in the Fatboy experience receive each bag shipped in magnified matchbox boxes. The Dutch design bag line includes 8 product choices; Flapbag, Pantzer, Jumper, Undercover, Soulbag, Eetwie and Bag-it.

How They Did It
Reports that cannot be confirmed at this time suggest Fatboy took the famed Dutch design studio DeMakersVan hostage and demanded they collaborate on the design of the Fatboy bags. These reports cannot be confirmed at this time because they aren’t actually true; the pairing of Fatboy’s irreverent style with DeMakersVan trendsetting team of young international designers was the most exciting coupling since Brad and Angelina. (Note: No prior marriages were harmed in the making of Fatboy bags).

The only thing missing from this scintillating duet is a Brangelina-like monikor, though we’re guessing DeFatboy or FatMakers wouldn’t do justice for the work these creative minds did in their “collaboratorium”. Fatboy and DeMakersVan combined various production techniques and materials to make certain the final product would possess signature Fatboy features. Very strong materials with environmental friendly coatings were mixed with elements from the aviation and extreme sports industry. Parachute buckles, seatbelts, scuba diving zippers and the use of noiseless Velcro are some examples for the original and highly detailed finishing on the outside and inside of the bags.

Fatboy Jumper
If you’re looking to conquer a fear of heights, Fatboy jumper makes you feel free like a genuine free runner jumping out of an airplane. It comes equipped with a buckle displaying the Fatboy logo, inside pocket with zipper and feels like wearing a luxurious edition of a parachute.

Fatboy Pantzer
Designed with a bullet-proof vest, Fatboy pantzer secures and protects your laptop and can earn you some extra cash moonlighting as carry-on luggage for an FBI agent. Any laptop of your preference will enjoy travelling in this bodyguard, but a Mac Book 13” fits perfectly with the pantzer M and a Mac Book 15” and 17” with the pantzer.

Fatboy Flapbag
Fatboy flapbag matches with any type of gear. They’ve made reaching the bottom of the bag easy by pushing the snap buttons and flap down while coming with inside pockets that you can comfortably slide your hands into.

Fatboy Bag-it
Fatboy bag-it turns protection of your expensive electronic gadgets into functional jewellery. This necklace keeps your precious electronic essentials close without showing them off. Bag-it fits perfectly with an iPod and iPhone and if you’re not a necklace type of person you can also detach the cord and Bag-it anyway.

Fatboy Eetwie
Made of waterproof material, Fatboy eetwie never gets wet or dirty. It’s standing proud and solid as a rock on its shoe sole bottom, but will never walk all over you. So if you’re the outdoor adventure type – or your cleaning skills make living in your place an adventure, Fatboy eetwie will protect you from raging waves or spilled water bottles.

Fatboy Undercover
Fatboy undercover is a trendy camouflage exterior for anything that deserves soft protection. When used in the open, the sleeve acts like a star on the cover of a magazine or like a low profile undercover agent when slipped into your bag. The remarkable double-glued fabric is strong like Kevlar and characterizes the smoothness of suede. Undercover XS and S fit perfect with an iPod (nano, classic or touch). Undercover M matches a Mac Book (Air) 13” and an Undercover L is made for a Mac Book Pro 15” or 17”. Have no fear, PC Guy; Fatboy undercover works well with other laptops as well.

Fatboy Soulbag
Fatboy soulbag has a stylish shoe sole bottom and keeps soul alive by introducing diving suit zippers with the Fatboy logo on the zip-fastener.

Fatboy Metallic Soulbag
Offering the same features and design as Fatboy Soulbag, Fatboy Metallic Soulbag comes with a fabric that is just as soulful but a little shinier. The bronze and silver have a contrasting orange inside and the titan has a grass green inside which makes it so fresh and so clean.

Fatboy USA
Founded in 1999, Netherlands-based Fatboy can currently be purchased in over 80 countries and opened their first U.S. facility in 2005. Fatboy products have been showcased on MTV’s The Real World, Big Brother and many other TV shows and media outlets. Fatboy has created logo-customized lounge bags for companies including Bacardi, Sony Playstation, T-Mobile, Coca Cola/Sprite and Phillips and created a special version of the original Fatboy for Jetix, a cartoon channel owned by Disney.

To read more about Fatboy’s unique bags, please visit: www.fatboy.com

Written by Jason Ryan Taylor

Stay tuned for LAsThePlace.com Product Showcase!