When it comes to luxe extras, this designer has the magic touch. From her structured satchels to her calf hair loafers, Elaine Turner churns out the investment accessories every ensemble (from jeans and a tee to LBDs) can benefit from. Here, we caught up with the handbag guru to talk must-have add-ons and festive dressing.

Rue La La: Your line is incredible. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Elaine: I’m always inspired by exotic destinations and locales and my collection has a real global spirit. This season is a little closer to home and inspired by Ali MacGraw and Wellesley and Cambridge. The collection is about strong shapes, structure, and that feminine meets masculine feel.

Rue La La: If you had to describe the Elaine Turner style in three words, what would they be?
Elaine: Feminine. Glamorous. Classic.

Rue La La: Your label has grown so much since first launching in 2000. How do you see it evolving over the next few years?
Elaine: The collection is going to become more comprehensive as we grow and round out the lifestyle accessories brand to include jewelry, sunglasses, and fragrance.

Rue La La: Who is the quintessential Elaine Turner woman?
Elaine: She is a woman on the go and aware of who she is. She’s well-traveled, well-read, and an influencer. She’s not driven by labels, but by her own unique fashion sense and she’s cross-generational.

Rue La La: What’s one accessory no woman should go without?
Elaine: What every woman needs is a classic black envelope clutch.

Rue La La: The holidays are just around the corner – what’s the best way to accessorize an LBD to make it ready for festive parties?
Elaine: Pop that little black dress with a clutch in an unexpected color like cobalt or fuchsia.

Our Elaine Turner Shoes & Handbags Boutique opens Thursday, November 8, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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We’re all about destination glamour and transporting our customer to a location. And every season, I design collections based on two inspirations: a muse and a place. For Fall 2010, I was inspired by Jackie O. and her years in New York City.

Like New York itself, Jackie O. was multi-dimensional and complex. She expressed her style yet always remained classic, elegant, and timeless. I am fascinated by the legacy of her culture, compassion, and charm.

My personal favorites from the collection:

1. Alexandra Black Croc: A classic vintage clutch for the Jackie O. in us all.
2. Sand Snake Slim Frame Clutch: The perfect travel companion – a wallet by day and sleek clutch by night.
3. Paige Plum Studded Flat: The plum hue of this flat evokes a feeling of royalty, while the studs add some edge.
4. Mel Leopard Velvet: A festive holiday flat with rich enamel hardware.

Jackie O. is and always will be a great American style icon. Grab your dark sunglasses, string of pearls, and white gloves and join us on our Fall 2010 journey!

XO, Elaine

Elaine Turner is turning 10. And what a decade it’s been. We sat down for a one-on-one chat with the designer who always knows how to make resort wear uber chic. Read our interview as Elaine dishes on the past decade, her hopes for the future, and how one little flowerpot-top handle bag started it all.

Rue La La: Who and what have been some of your biggest influences over the past decade?
Elaine: I am influenced by many things - seaside destinations, modern art, architecture, and interior design. Over the past decade I have been primarily influenced by iconic fashion and interior designers - Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, Diane Von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, and Milly - to name a few.

Rue La La: What inspires you?
Elaine: Bold colors, graphic prints, unexpected combinations of materials, and also the glamour, modernism, and nostalgia of the mid-century time period of the late 1950s and 60s.

Rue La La: Do you still love something you made in 2000 as much as you do today?
Elaine: Yes! Two of my favorite bags were the “Jackie” and “Maria” tote - both were raffia bags with hard tortoise handles that I’d still sport today.

Rue La La: What are some of your favorite pieces from the past decade?
Elaine: In 2005, we designed an assortment of envelope clutches and to this day our “Alice” clutch is one of my favorites. Another is our reinterpretation of the renowned “Kelly” bag.

Rue La La: And what are you hung up on from your current collection?
Elaine: I love the beach-chic style of our “Sandy” tote. She is great for travel or sitting by the pool. Olivia is also a personal favorite. She is a glamorous cross-body that is perfect for a woman on the go!

Rue La La: How are you going to celebrate your 10-year mark?
Elaine: We are commemorating this event by launching an “Elaine Turner Vintage” capsule collection this fall. We are bringing back two iconic Elaine Turner handbags: the “Pamela” tote and the “Alexandra” clutch. Both were integral to our success.

Rue La La: Every decade has its signature trends. Your highlights from this past decade?
Elaine: The return of 80’s glam, the evolution of the jeans business and watching jeans become a true fashion statement, the revival of the ballet flat, looser and more casual dressing, the statement necklace, colorful accessories, the oversized handbag, booties, gladiator sandals, stilettos - it’s endless!

Rue La La: Share a favorite red carpet fashion moment from this decade.
Elaine: When Reese Witherspoon wore the short, yellow cocktail dress that Nina Ricci designed to the Golden Globes in 2007. Fresh, sophisticated, and sexy all in one. Fabulous!

Rue La La: What were you wearing 10 years ago that still stands the test of time?
Elaine: Pencil skirts, fitted jackets, and crisp white shirts.

Rue La La: How about something you wore then that you wouldn’t wear today?
Elaine: Pantyhose!