Review with Giveaway: Derin Collection

*** This Giveaway is now Closed ***

I want to THANK EVERYONE who took the time to enter. I appreciate it so much! The true random number generator has selected #237 as the winner and that is FDP4Life I will be contacted the winner through email and they have 48 hours to respond back to me.

One snowy blustery December day right after Christmas I was browsing around Facebook visiting some of my friend's pages. As I was making my rounds I came across a post on Facebook made by DERIN. I saw the most exquisite looking handbag in the post which highly peeked my curiosity with one of those wide eyed type reactions. I couldn't click fast enough on the DERIN main Facebook page excited to learn more about what they were all about. Within seconds I found myself having a fun time browsing around the online Derin Collection boutique. There I was captivated by the wide variety of absolutely gorgeous and highly unusual handbags, belts, shoes, accessories that are rendered in some of the most magnificent fabrics and colors I have seen to date! I knew right then and there that these fabulous items had to be included in my New Year, New You 2010 Guide. So without further ado, let me introduce this amazing line of products to you:



{From the Derin Collection Website}

The Derin Collection: Our Story

Derin International dates back to a decade ago when, shortly after they were married, Sara and Ersan moved from New York City to Ersan’s native Istanbul . Surrounded by the natural beauty and ancient culture of Turkey , Ersan led Sara along the streets of his youth, introducing her to the city’s language and customs. They dreamed about a way to bring some part of it back with them to the states. While on one of their trips to the Grand Bazaar, where Ersan’s grandfather worked as a merchant for 70 years, they encountered small purses made out of replicas on traditional woven carpets. So taken with the beauty of the fabric, they were inspired to create their own fabrics and designs, more in tune with the American market. The response to their vision was overwhelming. Their new company was born and was, fittingly, named after their newborn son, Derin.

Derin International now exclusively designs the fabric and all the bags, accessories and shoes for their product lines which are all made in Istanbul , Turkey . Sara works with the weavers to create a color palate that meets the ever-changing fashion industry while staying true to classic carpet design.



Now located in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York, Derin International remains at its heart as it was –– the individual vision of an international couple; a blend of east and west. The company has grown (along with their family which now includes a daughter, Derya). The products of Derin International truly mirror the lifestyle and family that Sara and Ersan have created together.

Derin International currently has 11 carpet patterns which make up their Derin Collection color palate. Every six months they retire 3 patterns and replace them with updated colors for the season. They make their entire product line in all of the color variations so customers can mix and match products as they please.

Now that you have learned a little bit about DERIN as a company, here's a glimpse of a few of my favorites items from the Derin Collection website:

The Amy

Miniature version of our Messenger Bag. This bag is both beautiful and highly functional. It has multiple interior pockets (one for pens, a cell phone pocket, and a slip pocket), as well as a large zippered pocket on the outside. The adjustable strap makes this bag truly versatile as it can be worn as a traditional Messenger Bag, or as a shoulder bag if preferred. Magnetic snap closure.

9" x 10" x 3"

Available in a variety of colors and patterns.


The SALLY Bag NEW!

Outside slip pocket plus

Three inside slip pockets

Inside zipper pocket

Zipper closure

12” x 6” x 6”

MY REVIEW

I was sent 3 fabulous pieces to review from DERIN's NEW Lilac Color Collection. They are just gorgeous! The lilac is not a bright lilac, but a really subtle shimmerysilky lilac that is so soft and feminine. I can't think of a more stunning color to wear to add that touch of "pop" color to your outfits, These accessories together will give your look a really sophisticated, euro-chic elegance that will make you feel on top of the world. I plan to wear this magnificent lilac handbag with everything from jeans and black slacks to my favorite little black DF Dress, it will give all my outfits that touch of glamour and exotic allure that I am so fond of! Let me provide you with my thoughts on each piece:

FRANCES HANDBAG in LILAC COLOR

Price: $68.00

- Shoulder strap

- Outside slip pocket and

- Two inside slip pockets

- Inside zipper pocket and

- Cell phone pocket

- Zipper closure

- Size: 15” x 9” x 4”

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns!!

MY THOUGHTS: My first impression was just amazement at the magnificent pattern of the fabric that the handbag is rendered in. The colors work so harmoniously together to create such an intricate magical design. It is so unique and unusual from what you usually see in stores and out in the marketplace which made my immediate reaction to it so overwhelmingly pleasant.

The next fact that struck me was what a perfect size this style is! It is not too small that I can't fit all that I usually carry with me on an average day, and it is not too overly large that it overpowers me and what I am wearing. I am a somewhat small framed person so I prefer to carry a medium size handbag, which is what this style is. I also prefer a handbag that has a zipper closure which this one indeed does. For some reason it gives me confidence that my valuables inside are safe and won't fall out unexpectedly on me.

The handbag is meticulously crafted, I can clearly see that although the fabric may give the illusion that it is delicate you can feel that it is durable and will stand the test of time. This is not by any means a flimsy handbag, it is solid, and I can see myself wearing it winter, spring, summer and fall. The colors and pattern are so versatile that I can make it work with outfits from all the seasons.

There is a really handy little pocket on the outside of the handbag where you can store your keys or cell phone and inside of the handbag will keep you so organized because it has 2 oversized pockets on one side and another large pocket with a zipper on the other side of the bag. There is also the perfect size pocket to slip your cell phone into so you can find it quickly and easily. The handbag is beautifully lined with a light grey lining, again with so much attention to detail to make sure we can easily find what we need in our purse.

DERIN works hard to create products that feature their unique woven fabrics in functional and fresh designs. I love the rich regal fabric with the coordinating border that really makes the bag stand out from being anything but ordinary. I know this handbag is going to catch the eyes of those around me and I will feel so empowered carrying it because I know I am carrying a unique treasure.

I have some really exciting news for you!! DERIN has generously offered to let me giveaway this very handbag to one of you!! You will be able to select the color you would like out of the choices that are available in this spectacular FRANCES Style. At the end of the review you can find out how to enter.

WALLET to Coordinate with Handbag in Lilac Color

Make a statement when you pull out your Derin Wallet! Our wallet is beautiful, practical, and sturdy. The gusseted interior has a slip pocket for bills, 7 pockets for your cards and a large compartment suitable for a checkbook. These are separated by a large zippered coin pocket. Top flap in secured by a strong snap closure

Price: $35.00

7 1/4" x 4 1/8" x 1/2"

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns!!

MY THOUGHTS: The wallet is the perfect coordinating companion to carry with your handbag. How chic and elegant it looks when you are out and about shopping and running errands and you go to pay for something and you pull out this divine wallet from your matching purse. I can honestly say, it will make you feel like a million bucks, even if you don't have that much in your wallet! This wallet was created and designed so you can keep all your personal id's, credit cards, money and anything else you typically carry in your wallet very well organized. There is a center zippered pocket to keep your loose change as well as built in slots for your credit cards and personal id cards. There are also 2 large slots on each side of the wallet as well as 2 built in pockets on each side. I consider myself to be a bit of a pack rat when it comes to my wallet, I keep everything in there including lots of old receipts. I can easily fit them all into this wallet and still have more than enough room for more to add!

Again, this is another fine quality piece that has been exceptionally rendered. I can tell it is durable and can handle a lot of wear and tear and I think it would make such a nice gift for someone who thinks they have everything. The variety of patterns and colors that this comes in makes it hard to decide which you like best because they are all so beautiful.

CAMERA CASE in Lilac Color to coordinate with Handbag

NEW FOR FALL '09!! The camera case is the perfect size for your digital camera, iPhone, Blackberry, hand-held video game or any other digital device. The camera case has an adjustable clip strap, which allows you to attach the case to your favorite Derin bag or belt loop, and can also double as a wristlet. The interior slip pocket can hold wires, batteries, cash, and so much more!

Price: $17.50

5" x 3 1/2" x 1"

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns!!

MY THOUGHTS: I was so thrilled when I saw that I received a coordinating camera case in the box of items for me to review. I am one who always carries my camera with me wherever I go and I was in need of a smaller size camera bag, as my usual one is large and doesn't fit into my everyday purse. This size is just perfect, it holds my Casio Exilim camera and there is enough room to include a few extra picture cards, no problem!

Again, another excellent piece that is made of the highest standards. I cannot say enough about the fine essence of each piece. There is a nice size wrist strap on the camera bag that is removable if you don't need it and inside the camera bag it is nicely lined with a nice size pocket for you to store your extra picture cards in. Just lovely!

You can visit DERIN on FACEBOOK and keep up with all their latest and great products by CLICKING HERE

GIVEAWAY

The very generous folks at DERIN have agreed to let me giveaway THE FRANCES HANDBAG in your choice of color, now how wonderful is that?!! One lucky reader of mine will be able to pick the color/pattern of their choice. I am going to make entering easy with several opportunities for you to earn some extra entries.

To Enter: (Open to USA & Canada!!)

Main Entry: First, you must be Following my blog Publicly on Google Friend Connect, the widget is on the right hand sidebar. Make sure you are following my blog or your entry won't count.

Visit the DERIN website by CLICKING HERE and browse around. Check out the wide range of products that they offer and pick out your very favorite item (other than the giveaway item in this review) and come back and leave me a comment letting me know what that product(s) is. That's it.

NOTE: DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!

I am going to give you lots of extra chances for additional entries. Each one you do will count as one entry:

Extra Entries:

1. Become a Fan of Derin International, Inc. on Facebook by CLICKING HERE

2. Follow DERIN on Twitter @DerinCollection by CLICKING HERE

3. Tweet the following text (You may tweet once a day):

Enter for a chance to win a gorgeous DERIN Handbag ($69.00) @ The Best of Everything For You http://tinyurl.com/yfgpps8 #giveaway #win

4. Follow me on Twitter @joannaonthelake by CLICKING HERE

5. Subscribe to my blog through Email, the link is on the right hand sidebar

And that's it!

This giveaway begins on Friday, January 15, 2010 and will end at 11:59 pm on Friday, January 29, 2010. I will use the True Random Generator to select the winner on Saturday, January 30, 2010 and will email the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond back to me.

A very special THANK YOU to DERIN for providing me with the 3 exquisite products for this review.

Disclosure: I received a handbag, wallet and camera bag in Lilac from DERIN for the purposes of this Review. This has no bearing on my completely honest review above and was not influenced by any type of monetary compensation. The opinions and experiences I’ve shared with this product are my own and yours may differ.