We were pleased to get a sneak peek at the fall 2010 collection from Bay Area handbag line Helena de Natalio, founded by former Peace Corps volunteer Helen Lubetkin after an assignment in South America prompted a love affair with the leather work she discovered there.

The latest from this local designer continues the ever-so-slightly bohemian take on classic shapes the label is known for, but updates offerings for fall with spicy new hues, edgy metallics and details such as braided straps and tassels.

You’ll find current styles at Saks Fifth Avenue and online in shops like Bluefly.com. Or peruse the line in person during the upcoming Sassy City Chicks sample sale in San Francisco on March 18.

More local designers…

Lest you think San Francisco designers were absent from the runways of Bryant Park last month, think again. Martha Davis Shoes were the sole (pun intended) ped-protectors chosen to accompany the Koi Suwannagate fall 2010 ready-to-wear collection. Black leather ankle booties, strappy heels and open-toed platform wedges by Davis complimented Suwannagate’s polished, yet easy-going collection with their subdued, sophisticated appeal.

Of the chance to show off her latest alongside a designer’s work she admires, Davis had this to say:

“Each of our collections has a distinct individuality that supported the other’s without cluttering or overpowering. Koi Suwannagate is a huge talent – it was an honor to collaborate with her.”

More San Francisco fashion news…

Shopping with local independent designers is music to our ears. No doubt we’ll be humming tunes aplenty as we peruse the jewelry, apparel and other unique finds on offer this weekend during Noise Pop’s Pop ‘n Shop event.

Expect over 40 local creatives to be on the scene Saturday at this free-to-attend event, including Colleen Mauer Designs, Intwined, Turk + Taylor and Rock Candy Design.

More upcoming fashion and shopping events…

Unlike the must-be-center-stage statement jewelry we see so much of lately, the brightly-hued, natural stone necklaces of San Francisco’s Heather Clark are pleasantly content to let clothing do the talking. And that’s far from a bad thing.

“You can style them endless ways, and my pieces can complement a bright, statement outfit or keep a more simple look polished,” says Clark, an advertising executive by day who chronicles her adventures in characteristically bold outfits alongside her latest jewelry designs on her blog.

Often suspended from long, stomach-grazing chains, Clark’s necklaces ($28-$98) feature colorful druzies, agates, howlites and other stones encased in 24k gold. We love the pendants for their easy simplicity and eye-catching colors.

Peruse Clark’s latest work in her etsy shop.

More San Francisco jewelry designers….

[Photography courtesy Heather Clark]