The only reason you could possibly find me on the streets of NYC before 9am (thank God for sunglasses!), is when I'm running for a coffee with a fabulous fashion designer at their flagship store. Tory Burch hosted a dozen of online media mavens for an intimate chat ranging from her recent travels (India is next), music (she recently released CD with a mix of her favorite songs), business (what recession? she is about to open new stores in Japan and Korea), female entrepreneurship (her non-profit foundation was announced just few days ago) and of course her new pre-fall collection inspired by Venice, which is now in stores.

It is amazing and inspiring what Tory could accomplish in 5 years since creating the brand, and she is about to expand to makeup and skincare (collaboration announcement to come soon), possibly children lines, menswear and home decor in the future. No doubt, Tory Burch is now a lifestyle brand with a very clear vision.

From the travel inspired prints to bold hardware and body forgiving shapes, this vision is a common thread in every piece she makes, and she shared her favorite ones with us this morning - the Hadley Clutch, Venice Caftan, Feather Edge Studded Belt, Georgeanne blouse - Tory was pulling clothes and accessories from the racks with an excitement that made everyone in a room gasp "I want IT"!...