The tote bag is a wardrobe staple that everyone should have. What is a tote bag? It’s a bag or purse that is made to carry everything from your wallet to your books to your bikini–pretty much all of your everyday belongings. Most bags are made with interior pockets like the one shown at the left by Bottega Venetta. Now totes are made with compartments for cell phones, keys, and other items.

Thought the term tote which means to carry can be traced back to the 17th century but it was not used to describe bags until the early 1900s.

With it’s versatility and style, the tote bag can take you from work to the airplane runway all in one swoop.

Oh the talented folks that come from the Bay Area…Gap founder Donald Fisher passed away Sunday at 81 at his home in San Francisco.

My early memories of Gap are fond ones. I can recall my days of catching the 40 bus from Oakland to Berkeley just to shop at the Gap near Cal’s campus. One summer I bought a striped shirt in three colors, along with a pair of white shorts, and a matching pair of shoes. I showed up at the Pleasanton fair with my striped shirt on alongside two of the guys from my neighborhood and we posed for pictures to show off our excellent taste! My button-up black leather jacket that I wore all through college at Southern University was one of my favorite items I purchased from the store.

It is amazing how a single idea can take on a life of its own. Gap has been in my life for years, my mother was a huge fan of Banana Republic before it became Banana Republic. Don Fisher proved that even with no retail experience that a passion for something exceeds a formal skill. If you can dream it you can do it and he and Doris did it.

The Chocolate Fashion Blog thanks the Fisher family and the Gap Inc., family for dressing us over the years. We look forward to more from you.

Photo: Doris and Don Fisher in 1969.

Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton celebrated her 25th birthday at the Empire Nightclub in Hollywood on Sunday (today is her official birthday). Happy Birthday Melanie! 

Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) held their annual award ceremony in Washington D.C. on September 25th. The organization is geared toward supporting women in entertainment field.

Chocolate Fashionistas all over are all wondering what Lamar Odom is smoking. In seemingly less than a month the L.A. Laker has managed to date, mate, and seal his fate with one of the attention-starved Kardashian sisters. He and Khloe Kardashian wed yesterday in a spur-of-the-moment wedding in Los Angeles mansion. Yeah, we know that doesn’t make sense, but neither does anything else that’s transpired between these two.

It is almost insulting to dear old papa Kardashian that his three daughters have not only managed to bed their way into the limelight, they managed to skip getting a college education along the way too.

Well at least they have their “pocketbooks” (Real Housewives of Atlanta viewers will get that one.) Only time will tell and reveal the truth behind this baffling saga. Lamar, I hope you got a prenup.

Sonia Rykiel, whose clear belt was in demand everywhere after Michelle Obama wore it on the cover of O Magazine, is the newest designer to collaborate with H&M. Rykiel will design a lingerie collection for winter 2009 which will go on sale as early as December 5th.

For spring 2010, Rykiel will design a knitwear collection for women and girls as well as a line of accessories. The collection will go on sale in February of 2010.

Photo: Rihanna at a Sonia Rykiel fashion show.

The Obama family visited the Jefferson Memorial Sunday evening. Michelle Obama wore a pair of black Converse tennis shoes. 

Designer Frida Giannini presented an assortment of looks for Gucci’s spring 2010 collection. Crisp white, anything-but-basic black, sky gray, and orange hues were dominant in an assortment of chic modernist look which included parachute jackets, cropped pants, slim-fitting dresses, and skirt-suits. Ultimately a noteworthy classic modern collection that is indeed very much Gucci.

Textiles are a being featured in women’s footwear for the upcoming spring season. Burlap, canvas and lace will adorn slingbacks, stilettos, and wedges.

Tired of your high-heels making you cringe by the middle of the day? Check out Dr. Scholl’s new insoles, Dr. Scholl’s for Her High Heel Insoles.

• The insoles are made for shoes with heels of 2 inches and higher. 
• They help prevent foot aches and pains.
• Provide guaranteed all-day comfort. 
• Discreet cushioning, even for strappy shoes. 
• Contains massaging gel in the ball of the foot for extra cushion.
• Ultra-slim design won’t crowd toes or make shoes feel tight.
• Fits comfortably in all your high-heels. 

Save $2.00 on a pair of Dr. Scholl’s for Her now. Get the coupon here!!

« Previous Page — Next Page »