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May 6, 2014
Real Girl Crush // Danielle Nicole


danielle nicole, danielle nicole handbags, handbag designer


I find myself constantly inspired by some of the amazing women that I encounter in the blogging world. From single mothers making it work to self-started entrepreneurs, I love a good story about a woman who is hustling hard to make her dreams come true. A few years ago at the Piperlime store opening in New York I had the pleasure of running into Danielle DiFerdinando, the founder of Danielle Nicole handbags and chatting about her line of bags. Chatting at the store turned into me popping over to her showroom before I left New York and I had the pleasure of sitting down with her to chat about her journey. I left inspired by her vision and dedication and so when she was back in Chicago and I missed getting to see her again, I knew I had to share more about her. I am so thrilled to be able to share more about Danielle and her handbags with you today!

What inspired you to start Danielle Nicole and what was the turning point for you?

I had so much passion at an early age for fashion and design.  I traveled to Europe during college and studied the design and manufacturing process of several major high-end design houses. I returned to NY with so much inspiration and knowledge! I started working on my own leather collection. My handbags were noticed and I was asked to design my own collection for several major department stores in NYC.

Who is the Danielle Nicole girl? Describe her for us.

The Danielle Nicole girl is modern, confident, active, always wanting to have  great style and a classic appeal about her fashion and accessories!

Tell us more about your Spring collection and what your inspiration was.

My Spring collection was inspired by the beautiful country side of Italy and its amazing cities Portifino, Milan, Venice, and Rome.  I loved the soft pastel colors used throughout the region during spring and summer. Beautiful shades of mint, corals, and blues . I knew I wanted to use soft, subtle materials such as exotic lizard texture, laser cut, and color blocking combos.

I noticed a lot of crossbody bags in your latest collection – tell us why you love that style.

I love the crossbody bag because it’s a wardrobe essential that every girl needs!  Especially when it comes to style, function, and being hands-free for the woman on the go!

What’s a piece of advice for other women who own their own company or are looking to start one?

Have a clear vision of your brand identity, study the market, and draw out a business plan. Strategy is key in starting a business, but know many bumps occur along the way … stay positive and determined. Passion leads you to success.

How do you “do it”? As a female entrepreneur and juggling a ton of things at once, what keeps you sane and able to keep things moving and successful?

Being hands on in all departments, always staying positive and remembering that everything will work out, time management and exercise (it is very important and helps clears your mind so you can think clearly).

Tell us one way that you keep adventure in your life or something new you’ve tried lately

I keep adventure in my life by traveling often for work and pleasure – I love learning about new cultures, meeting new people, going to new restaurants and trying out new and fun activities.


Alexa Mini Crossbody Mint


How many retailers currently carry Danielle Nicole bags? Where can we find them?

Danielle Nicole is currently sold in CUSP by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Piperlime, Macy’s, The Bay, HSN and specialty boutiques around the world. Internationally, the line can be found in Japan, China, the UK, Canada, Korea and Israel. We are launching in Von Maur next month!

What are some of the highlights for DN since I last saw you?

  • Many amazing and memorable highlights!  My signature Alexa Tote was born!
  • Growing our distribution in major retailers.
  • Seeing the Alexa tote worn outside the White House by a very well known and respected politician!
  • My bags featured as picks on Piperlime.com with Olivia Palermo, Jessica Alba, and Rachel Zoe.
  • Bill Cunningham photographing my bags during New York Fashion Week as well as meeting him.
  • Eva Chen, Lucky’s editor and chief wearing my Alexa tote on Good Morning America!
  • Alexa tote being named the best bag of New York Fashion Week Day 2 on Purseblog.com
  • Featured on The National Retail Federation site “A Day in The Life of.” 

MORE ABOUT DANIELLE

 

Favorite item in your closet  // My first bag that I ever created.

Go to beauty product  // BeautyRx Skincare refreshing cleanser and toner by Dr. Schultz

For breakfast you have  //  Oatmeal with sunflower seed butter and strawberries. Along with a cup of coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice (for the vitamin C), and a bottle water (to stay dehydrated)!

Item on your wish list for Spring  //  Pair of Oliver Peoples x Maison Kitsuné sunglasses!

Favorite saying or motto //  Failure is not the opposite of success.  It is part of Success.

 

Her schedule is demanding and as a self-made businesswoman she finds a way to juggle it all and continues to inspire us with her affordable but luxurious looking designs. My personal favorites are the Tina clutch that has a bit of edge in the hardware and the Brea crossbody in coral – I love the knot, it’s the little things that make handbags stand out. I’ll be keeping up with Danielle and her designs and travels, and you can too!

FOLLOW DANIELLE NICOLE

FACEBOOK  •  TWITTER  •  INSTAGRAM  •  BLOG


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