February 6, 2006—Mary Poppins kept her life in her handbag. This season models, editors and marketers working Fashion Week are following suit: hauling oversized loads of whatever they need to make it through the day. The most popular choices: soft leather, shoulder-slung carry-alls in chocolate browns and textured blacks. Attendees stuck with the classics, favoring Bottega Veneta, Chloe and Chanel. Backstage at the Lewis Albert show, two models sporting diaper-size Gucci bags complained they still couldn't make it all fit. UPN's next top model picked a basic black hobo with gold ring hinges. For those who needed extra assistance, WE (Women’s Network) was on hand giving out sturdy, red totes – not particularly stylish, but they do the trick. Note: forwarded message attached. - BagTrends

February 4, 2006—Ahhh…celebrity swag - loads of goodies worth hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars just for being famous. For a day, I gotta chance to play celebrity when a very generous Lisa Bradkin (left) of the Accessories Exhibit at the Tent graced me with a “press kit.” The “most awesome goodie bag” would be a better suited name. Check out some of the stuff I received in my black Ellen Tracy tote: Betseyville by Betsey Johnson handbag, Betsey Johnson silver watch, Coach keychain, Danskin leggings, if by Isabella Fiore wallet, PONO bangle, Elizabeth Cole jewelry, J.Lo sunglasses, Solstice gift certificate, and more!! Thanks Lisa for making my spring super-stylish - Pamela Pekerman.

To kick off fashion week, Women’s Entertainment gave all the attendees a stylish, red tote with outer side pockets- perfect for everyone’s Pucci and Burberry umbrellas. The newest fashion magazines, MAC giveaways, and Heart Truth Red Dress pins filled these trendsetters’ bags to the brim. Ah, what a life. Hot clothes, access to the most VIP fashion events, and fashionable free bags to add to their collection… - Andrea M Feczko

Another “press kit” being handed out was the canvas Lacoste tote bag filled with MAC Lipglass, DVDs, and Schick razors. Lauren Ezerski, of Style Network’s Behind the Velvet Rope, shared her thoughts with me about these cute beach totes: “I came here with one little bag and now I have everything!” She said she only comes for the great swag. She raved about the MAC Lipglass, and plans to use the beige and green Lacoste bag for the beach in the Hamptons. What will she put in her bag? Towel, suntan lotion, and big sunglasses, of course! - Paula Lee

February 4, 2006—Yesterday, the city “went red” in support of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement. The scene at Bryant Park was no exception. Twenty-two designers participated in The Heart Truth, a national heart health awareness campaign targeted to women of all ages; a noble cause, considering that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Top design houses such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Zac Posen contributed red dresses to the Red Dress Collection 2006, modeled by world-renowned vocalists. Lindsay Lohan opened the show in an elegant Calvin Klein plunge-neck full-length gown. Fergie, in a glittering crystal-encrusted minidress, rocked the runway in true Black-Eyed-Pea style. Deborah Harry (a.k.a. Blondie) riled the crowd in a stunning Donna Karan frock. Eartha Kitt received a standing ovation in a glamorous Kai Milla. From the front row, Jay McCarrol of Project Runway fame enthusiastically applauded his kimono-sleeved creation, modeled by Cheryl Bentyne. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the show was also its grand finale, which featured a strut down the runway by legendary Broadway star Elaine Stritch in a Charles Nolan frock. Stritch capped off the show with an inspiring vocal performance of “You’ve Gotta Have Heart,” a wonderful ballad communicating the urgent message of The Heart Truth campaign. - Niki Khindri