Robbie Myers is spotted wearing Bottega Veneta to celebrate Elle’s 25th

Elle Magazine celebrated their 25th anniversary last night at the ELLE 25 Summer Cocktail Celebration held in Wainscott, New York. Editor in Chief of Elle Magazine Robbie Myers hosted the event and was spotted carrying a classic and highly coveted Love Knot clutch by Bottega Veneta. The famous fashion editor paired her classic black Love Knot clutch by Bottega Veneta with an on-trend lace cocktail dress which was flattering and perfect for the event.

Robbie Myers carried the Bottega Veneta Love Knot clutch in black. The Love Knot clutch is one of the famous Italian design house’s most iconic handbags. Bottega Veneta offers the Love Knot clutch in several woven fabrications including satin, leather and suede. The clasp on the top of the hard box frame has a “knot” shape which is instantly recognizable and Bottega Veneta’s signature clasp.

Sunday Focus: Misconceptions persist about those with disabilities

GALESBURG —

Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living was established in Galesburg 15 years ago. While the name is known in the community, many people still have no idea what the center is and does. Even some people now receiving those services at one point did not know what Stone-Hayes is.

Stone-Hayes serves people in Knox, Warren and Henderson counties. No fee is charged for those services. While it is best known for the work it does to help disabled individuals live independently and speak for themselves, anyone can receive help from the agency. A good example is this summer’s fan drive. Fans were donated to the center or bought by Stone-Hayes and were available to anyone who needed one.

What would the community be like if there were no Stone-Hayes?

Assistant Director Vanya Peterson said there would be a gap.

“If there was no Stone-Hayes, there would be no empowerment for disabled individuals,” Peterson said. “We are an empowering agency. People come here because they want to, not because they have to. It’s the consumer that makes it happen.”

Consumers making it happen

The members of this year’s 16-week Legislative Internship Program developed a disabilities simulator, a demonstration available to area organizations to help their members better understand people with disabilities.

“It bridges the gap between people in society who may not be familiar with disabilities,” Charles Allen of the Stone-Hayes staff explained June 22 when the members of the internship program graduated.

Despite 21 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, many people still have misconceptions about people with disabilities.

Felicia Owens of Galesburg, one of the graduates of this year’s Legislative Internship Program, is in a wheelchair now, but that has not always been the case. While some Stone-Hayes consumers deal with conditions they were born with, others have had to learn to cope with disabilities later in life.

Owens worked at St. Mary’s Square for eight years, was an in-home certified nurse’s aide and also was a support worker at Bridgeway. Owens most recent job was in the billing department at Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service. She suffers from a form of multiple sclerosis.

“That was a wonderful place to work,” she said. “It was like a family atmosphere.”

Owens, who normally is on oxygen, was able to take breathing treatments at the ambulance service, or go home, then come back later and finish her shift.

She lost her job in 2003 when billing was shifted to an outside agency. Owens has been in a wheelchair since 2009. She is waiting for a total knee replacement once the modification of her house is completed.

“Even with a new knee, I don’t think I could walk from here to The Register-Mail,” she said of a two-block distance.

Owens and Deb Williams, another Stone-Hayes client, admitted they did not know what Stone-Hayes did until they needed the agency’s services.

The move has been welcomed by environmental groups

The move has been welcomed by environmental groups, but business leaders have voiced concerns about the economic impact.

Mr Lochhead said: "Plastic bags are a scourge on the environment and a blight on our streets, our countryside and our seas - that's why we are so determined to drastically cut back on their use.

"It's hugely encouraging that so many people are now taking this issue seriously, and over the past five years we have seen a lot of progress in cutting plastic bag use, both by shops and shoppers.

"We want to phase out the use of free plastic bags in supermarkets, with the continued help of retailers."

Marks & Spencer charges 5p for plastic bags, while Aldi and Lidl also charge. But Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons do not currently charge.

Former Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle tried to introduce a 10p charge on carrier bags in 2006. But his Private Members' Bill at Holyrood, and a subsequent move to revive it, was not backed by MSPs.

The latest consultation will take place later in the year and look at options for cutting plastic bag use even further, including the prospect of legislation .

But CBI Scotland's assistant director, David Lonsdale questioned the need for the measure at a difficult time for business. "Retail businesses are already doing a lot to improve their environmental performance and have delivered very significant reductions in the use of plastic bags," he said.

"Any potential new environmental taxes such as on plastic bags could prove unnecessary and a costly administrative headache for firms, at what is a particularly challenging time for the retail sector."

A tax on plastic shopping bags in the Republic of Ireland introduced in 2002 cut their use by more than 90 per cent and raised millions of euros.

The Thomas Merton Center also is a partner

The Thomas Merton Center also is a partner, helping the Tote Bag Project with any financial concerns.
“It’s rewarding to me that we are able to do something that makes such a simple difference and to know that on an individual level, it could really matter for someone and allow them to get a little bit more food and not be so tired,” Kerr said. “For me, the fact that the food pantry trusted me enough and were willing to take a risk to try and do something brand new. That was good.”

A wide array of business partners, individuals and collaborators have held tote bag drives. Anyone can host a drive in their work place or organization.

“The concept of helping our neighbors who are hungry is universal and we aren’t hitting them up for a lot of cash—just tote bags,” Kerr said “I think the simplicity strikes people.”

The East End Food Co-Op started a drive in July which is now continuing. They have collected more than 250 bags so far.

Construction Junction also is a drop off center for the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project.
Kara Holsopple, member services manager of the co-op, said the project is perfect for the organization.

“The co-op has been encouraging shoppers to bring in their own re-usable bags for years, and a few years ago, we made it official by no longer offering plastic bags at our registers,” she said. “We're so pleased to be working with the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project to make that choice a reality for food pantry clients. Sustainability and community—it's a natural fit for us.”

Kerr said her next goal is to create a five-year plan and to get people thinking about the need on an ongoing basis.

“What we need to to do is get you thinking, 'Oh I need a tote bag,' so you grab an extra one, run to the co-op and drop it off. That is what we need to do. Some people are invested because of the hunger aspect while others are invested because of the environmental aspect.”

A Mebane man accused of killing a woman

A Mebane man accused of killing a woman and carrying her bones around in a backpack could be cleared of wrongdoing because her family later cremated the remains.

Michael Charles Dorman, 33, of 1411 Sundown Drive, is charged with murder and concealing or failing to report a death.

Durham police arrested Dorman in July 2010 after one of his friends told investigators that Dorman admitted to killing a prostitute and asked him to help dispose of her remains.
Dorman had been storing Lakiea Lacole Boxley’s bones in a backpack, prosecutors have said, adding that he told investigators he only found the remains and planned to use them for his sexual gratification.

Boxley, 31, had been missing since March 2008, and an autopsy determined that she might have been shot in the head.
Defense attorney Lawrence Campbell has asked that the case be dismissed because critical evidence – Boxley's remains – has been destroyed.
The state Victims Compensation Services office paid more than $2,700 for the cremation, and Campbell pointed out during a Monday court hearing that local law enforcement must determine that a victim is innocent before the state agency will pick up the tab for something like that.

Durham County District Attorney Tracey Cline said the state agency has nothing to do with investigations and doesn't get permission from prosecutors to pay for cremations. Remains are routinely released to family members, and the State Medical Examiner's Office provides an autopsy report and photographs needed for court, she said.

Versetta? Handbags and Cases Deliver Form and Fashion for Today's iPad? Users

Scott Creations LLC is pleased to announce the availability of Versetta handbags and cases. Versetta bags are designed specifically to make carrying and interacting with your iPad simple and intuitive—like it was supposed to be! Each bag features an incorporated frame, with a protective flap, which securely holds the iPad (version 1 or 2). Once the flap is opened, the iPad, and it's ports, can be accessed without removing it from the bag.

Peoria, IL (PRWEB) August 11, 2011

While the benefit of having your iPad bag double as a work station is obvious, it's Versetta's style and color choices that are exciting customers. Whatever one's personal preference in bags – purse, tote, satchel, hobo, attaché - there's a Versetta bag available, in colors ranging from business black and brown to turquoise, pink, sunny yellow and trendy coral.

The Prima collection is a line of women's fashion handbags in sought-after colors and styles. Women who appreciate fashion and technology will appreciate the freedom from frumpy, stuffy laptop bags, and will love Versetta handbags' quality construction, material and hardware. “No longer do women have to dig in their purse to find their tablet, nor do they have to carry a separate bag to carry their iPad safely and securely”, stated Susan Scott, founder of Scott Creations LLC.

The Affari collection is classic designs for professionals who have embraced today's technology. Lawyers, executives, realtors, road warriors and medical reps will welcome the ability to work on-the-go. All bags have an exterior compartment with a frame to hold your iPad? 1 or 2 securely. The padded protective flap keeps the iPad safe and discreet when not in use.

Versetta handbags are now available online for purchase. Scott Creations LLC, the manufacturer of Versetta handbags, will take orders through their website,. The fully functional online store will process all credit cards, issue gift certificates, and create wish lists for their clients. Retailers can also contact Scott Creations LLC directly through the web site to carry the popular handbags in their stores.

“We introduced the Versetta bags and cases at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show and received rave reviews,“ said Scott. “iPad enthusiasts, particularly the ‘Techy Moms' were thrilled to find a truly fashionable solution to easily access and interact with their tablet computers. “

Versetta is the first bag of it's kind in the marketplace. Demand for the collection is expected to be great, as consumers and bloggers have been anticipating the release. Consumers and retailers are encouraged to place their orders quickly.

Scott Creations LLC was founded in Illinois in 2010 by Susan Scott of Morton, IL. Scott partnered with Janice Wong in 2011 to expand the company's vision to create high quality fashion bags for technology users.

Talbots, Guess, Nine West coming to Sands

Now that Sands casino officials have people spending millions of dollars a week on slot machines, table games and food, they're hoping patrons still have some money left over for handbags, jeans and shoes.

Talbots, Guess and Nine West are among several factory outlet stores due to open Nov. 1 at the casino in south Bethlehem, with two dozen more due to open in February.

Sands officials have remained tight-lipped about which stores will be in the new mall, but Talbots Outlet Store, Guess Factory Store and Nine West Outlet all have applied for building permits from the city's Planning Department in recent weeks.
"What I can say is that we are on target to have eight to 10 stores ready for a soft opening Nov. 1," said Sands spokeswoman Jennifer Reese. "The rest will be ready for a February grand opening."
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The Shoppes at Sands will be the Lehigh Valley's first collection of outlet shops. To this point, shoppers in search of trendy name-brand merchandise at reduced prices have had to drive to the Crossings Premium Outlet in Tannersville, Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick, VF Outlet Village in Reading or Liberty Village Premium Outlets in Flemington, N.J.

City officials have said the 30-35 stores at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem will have many of the same clothing, accessories and shoe factory stores as those other outlets. Sands has yet to announce which will be coming to the 200,000-square-foot mall.

Guess, headquartered in Los Angeles, is scheduled to have one of the anchor spaces, at nearly 6,500 square feet. Founded in 1981, Guess built a clothing empire around designer jeans. But as it was overtaken by the likes of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, the company has remade its brand and style to include not only clothing, handbags, watches and shoes for women, but also merchandise for teens and men. Though its annual report lists nearly 900 stores worldwide, its shop at Sands will be only its eighth outlet store in Pennsylvania.

Talbots, based in Hingham, Mass., is scheduled to occupy a 4,160-square-foot shop at Sands, according to its building permit filing. Established in 1947, Talbots sells upscale women's clothing, shoes and accessories. While it has hundreds of retail stores nationwide, Talbots' website lists just 29 outlets across the country, including four in Pennsylvania.

Nine West, whose parent company, the Jones Group, also owns women's apparel sellers Jones New York and Anne Klein, has applied for a 2,410-square-foot space where it can sell its handbags, shoes, jewelry, hats and sunglasses. With hundreds of retail shops nationwide, its closest outlets are in Tannersville, Monroe County; outside Doylestown, Bucks County, and at Limerick, Montgomery County.

All three of the new outlet shops will be along a corridor connecting the casino floor to the Sands Hotel, according to the building permits.

"It's just one more reason to come to the city, and hopefully those new people will venture into the community and spend some time — and money," said Joseph Kelly, city director of community and economic development, said of the outlet stores.

The building permits for each store likely will be approved by the end of the month, said Eli Skrimcovsky, the city inspector handling the Sands outlet mall. Building permit applications for the remaining five to seven outlet shops have not arrived, but Skrimcovsky said the new shops could be built quickly.

Sands opened its casino on time in May 2009, but construction of the hotel, outlet mall and events center was halted in November 2008 with the arrival of the global recession. While the economy continues to limp along, Sands' casinos in Asia are posting big revenues and its casino in Bethlehem has become the second-busiest of the 10 casinos in Pennsylvania.