The celeb-approved Misela bags have become an international sensation within a few years of the brand’s launch, and have been worn by the likes of Rosario Dawson, Emmy Rossum, Ashley Greene, and Nicole Scherzinger. Since its founding in 2008, Misela was only being sold online and in various boutiques and department stores around the world. Now, the first Misela boutique opened up in the historic Pera district for all the ladies who want to upgrade their look with a sophisticated accessory.

Serra Türker, the Istanbul-born painter-turned-designer who is the founder and creative director of Misela, was an art student at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design where she studied textile design. Taking her background in painting, blending it with her impeccable sense of style and her grasp of design, color, and texture, Türker has been creating some very chic statement handbags.

Her small but very classy store in Pera now showcases the latest Summer 2012 collection of clutches, pochettes, and shoulder bags that feature vibrant colors (different hues of red, pink, yellow, and blue), leather, sea snake, suede, and Swarovski crystals.

So if you want to get glam or instantly brighten up your look for the summer, head to the Misela boutique in Pera.

Misela’s handbags are also sold at various locations around Istanbul, including Harvey Nichols, Atelier 55, Midnight Express in Bebek, and Midnight Express in Nişantaşı. To see the full collection and learn about international locations, check out Misela’s website here. Misela brand pillows can only be found at the Misela showroom (Pera Residence, Asmalı Mescit Sokak, No:28 Kat:1 Daire:5) and Atelier 55.

Misela, Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 107/E, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 53 00

Thursday night marked the arrival of the Lomography store in Istanbul with a party to commemorate the store's opening on Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi in Galata. Around 9pm enthusiastic crowds expanded and filled the cobblestone streets in front of the store, some arriving on motorcycles while others took a gander inside at the exhibit of photos and cameras hanging on the walls.

The story of Lomo began in Vienna, Austria in the early 1990s, when two students found a Lomo Kompakt Automat, a compact camera introduced in 1984, and found vibrant colors, deep saturation, and vignettes that framed their shots. Since then, the Lomo camera has made its way to worldwide distribution, igniting exhibitions, world congresses, parties, installations, collaborations, and events. In the meantime new products and accessories were developed as a community formed around the little camera dedicated to experimental and creative visual expression.

Lomo newcomers and experts will find what they need in the Istanbul store from the classic and simple fisheye lens cameras to the more advanced Lomo LC-A+ models. The store also boasts a lively online community on the Lomography website where events and competitions are held, and most of all where photos are shared and celebrated.

Lomography Gallery Store Istanbul; Şahkulu Mah. Serdar-ı Ekrem Cad.No: 5/B Galata/ İstanbul

Now Londoners can shop at Lokum Istanbul without needing to buy a plane ticket to Turkey: Keyman has opened a branch of the storeon Walton Street in London’s upscale Knightsbridge neighborhood. Everything in the store (designed by Anouska Hempel) recalls Turkey’s Ottoman past, from the Ottoman-themed wallpaper designs to the lokum’s distinctive packaging, which features black-and-white etchings of Ottoman-era scenes. Visitors can purchase lokum in a variety of flavors: pistachio, ginger, lemon, cinnamon, rosewater, mint, fig-walnut, and violet. The store also sells the hard candies known in Turkish as akide (in lavender, cinnamon, violet, mint, lemon, bergamot, fig, and ginger), as well as its own line of cologne, and scented candles. Additionally, Lokum Istanbul offers Keyman’s custom-made stationery, as well as traditional Turkish silver hamam taşları (washing bowls) and silver coffee cups.

Gap came, Banana Republic came, Aldo came, Steve Madden came… And, finally, Victoria’s Secret is here… The bras are not, but at least the underwear and beauty products are.

Yesterday, possibly the most sought-after intimate-wear store Victoria’s Secret opened its first store in Istanbul in City’s shopping center. The store, which is only a Beauty and Accessories shop, features a wide range of perfumes, body lotions, body scrubs, aromatic shower gels, and cosmetics as well as select bags, sunglasses, and underwear.

Of their current collection, the December-special perfume “Bombshell” with an aromatic fragrance of Italian grapes and vanilla orchid and the January-special perfume “Gorgeous” with strawberry, jasmine, and sandalwood top our list of must-haves.

So head to Victoria’s Secret and treat yourself to an early New Year’s gift. Keep in mind that they’ll be renewing their collection in January, July, September, and November, so don’t overspend. City's Nişantaşı, Teşvikiye Caddesi No.162, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 373 29 90

The Turkish chain Silk & Cashmere currently has stores in 22 countries worldwide. Their Grand Bazaar outlet is their 150th store, selling 100\\\\\\\\% cashmere and 100\\\\\\\\% knitwear and accessories for both men and women. The company also carries a special blend known as cashsilk, and offers product lines for babies (My First Cashmere), pets (Puppy Cashmere), and a domestic line.

Silk & Cashmere; Kapalı Çarşı Kalpakçılar Caddesi No.74, Eminönü; P: (0212) 522 52 22

M.A.C, known as one of the most popular brands of cosmetics in Turkey, with nearly a dozen locations in Istanbul alone, now has a new store at 78 Kalpakçılar Caddesi, one of the Grand Bazaar’s main shopping thoroughfares. M.A.C’s many products include lipsticks, eye liners and eye shadows, brushes, and skin care products.

M.A.C; Kapalı Çarşı Kalpakçılar Caddesi No.78, Eminönü; P: (0212) 512 28 68

The first Butik Vakko store opened in the Grand Bazaar in the 1930s, at a time when the company was best known for its hats and accessories. Today, Vakko is ubiquitous in Turkey as a provider of men’s and women’s clothing; among their many products are shirts, ties, scarves, shawls, bags and other accessories, as well as chocolates and perfumes.

Vakko; Kapalı Çarşı Kalpakçılar Caddesi No.101, Eminönü; P: (0212) 527 78 31

This vintage-inspired store sells objects from France and clothes from England, as well as dresses designed by owner Banu Ones. Only the armchairs and chandeliers are second-hand; everything else in the store is brand new with a retro feel. The inventory includes notepads, bags, purses, boxes, bowls, vases, cups, and much much more. They even sell soap dishes and toothbrush holders.

If you’re in the Nişantaşı area and want to get something cool for yourself or a friend, now you know where to go.

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Atöyle Mariposa;Teşvikiye Caddesi No.21/1 Teşvikiye; P:(0212) 327 81 77

Two new stores have opened up in Istanbul to cater to the fashion forward kids. Both originating from the fashion capital of the world, the French brands Okaidi-Obaibi and Jacadi are now in Istanbul offering cool and hip outfits for babies, toddlers, and children.

Okaidi-Obaibi (0-to-14 years old)

Okaidi-Obaibi opened up in Forum Istanbul a few days ago, kicking off with the Fall/Winter 2011-2012 collection that is inspired by modern and extrovert kids. The Okaidi collection, available for kids up to the age of 14, includes a range of items, such as jeans, printed tops, and much more—all with playful designs. For newborns and toddlers up to the age of 5, Obaidi offers comfy clothes as well as furniture.

Jacadi (0-to-12 years old)

The 35-year-old French brand, available in more than 30 countries in hundreds of stores, has now become available to Istanbulites in Akmerkez shopping mall in Etiler. The luxury brand is based on classic French style, offering simply chic and romantic outfits for a sophisticated look. Inspired by the 1920s, the Fall/Winter 2011-2012 collection carries elements of the period’s social activities and foremost professions like golfing and aviation. Tweet jackets and pants, knit tops, and jump suits appear to be the collection’s forerunners. In addition to its clothing line, Jacadi also offers a range of fun and functional furniture pieces.

Bally, a brand famous for its immaculately sewn leather goods, has now opened a second store in Nişantaşı's most noteworthy street: Abdi İpekçi.

Having opened its doors on the 1^st of August, the store features the 2011 Fall Men's and Women's Collection of shoes, bags, and accessories that are characterized by Bally’s posh style as usual.

The store is built in the same architectural taste and sophisticated grace as other Bally boutiques around the world. The timeless elegance of Bally's leather goods and especially the contemporary edge in its exclusive accessories are complemented with the new store's broad windowslooking on to the chic Abdi İpekçi Street. The large white couches inside the fashionable store promise the customers a sense of lounge-like retreat while contemplating whether to match their shoes with their bags or not. No matter how distressing this choice may be, you will feel a satisfying shopping experience once you leave the store, so be sure to visit this brand new Bally store.

Something about the wedding rush suggests that even the most careful planning won’t ensure a quiet and flawless pre-wedding period. All a bride-to-be can hope for is convenience, cooperation, and a bit of luck. Vakko’s new Wedding House in Suadiye the perfect answer for a major part of the rush—the dress! The eager staff members are just as excited as you are for your special day, and will be there to help you select a dress, accessories, shoes, and just about every imaginable detail. Whether you’re content with a creation by a master designer or want an entirely custom piece, Vakko’s Wedding House offers a variety of options.

Boasting custom pieces from designers like Vera Wang, Valentino, Elie Saab, and Oscar De Le Renta, Vakko is completely open to alterations and fittings on venue. With sixteen fitting rooms and a VIP fitting room, make your dress selection an event in itself with close friends and family! Of course the day isn’t just for the ladies—it takes two to pull off the ceremony! With an expansive collection of tuxedos and men’s formalwear, Vakko caters to the other side of the aisle just as well, tailoring pre-made and custom suits to fit any groom’s needs. Providing beautiful cocktail and evening gowns, it seems like Vakko’s Wedding House in Suadiye just earned its spot on anyone’s pre-party list!

The Nurosmaniye store not only carries a very wide range of Armaggan’s beautifully crafted designs, but also houses the YESAM Culinary Arts Center, which is dedicated to preserving Turkey’s culinary heritage. In addition, the store features a shop and restaurant run by NAR Gourmet, which takes a fresh approach to Anatolian cuisine. There is also the Armaggan Art Gallery, which is run with support from the Turkish Cultural Foundation, and helps promote promising Turkish artists. Truly a one-of-a-kind store, and located just steps away from the Grand Bazaar, this is a must-visit when shopping in the area.

Big names in retail are having a big week. Brand magnet IstinyePark now houses two more brands: Michael Kors and Chanel.

New to the scene is the American luxury goods brand Michael Kors, which opened its first branch in Istanbul in the upscale IstinyePark shopping mall. The store carries the Collection, MICHAEL Michael Kors, and KORS Michael Kors lines, as well as handbags, shoes, small leather accessories, sunglasses, and watches. A second Michael Kors store will be opening at the end of June in the Nişantaşı neighborhood.

The revolutionary glamour-gal Chanel launches its third store in Istanbul, also in IstinyePark. Designed by the famous NY architect Peter Marino, the store is decorated in black and white, and goes for the classic Chanel look with its beige marble floors, tweed armchairs, sleek black walls, black leather shelves, and a wide-screen plasma TV looping their latest runway-show footages. At the elegant store, you’ll find the ready-to-wear collection, bags, shoes, accessories, and watches as well as Karl Lagerfield’s Métiers d’Art collection, which was inspired by the Byzantine Empire.

After having established a strong presence in the Turkish market, Yastık by Rıfat Özbek has now opened its first international branch in London. Yastık means cushion in Turkish, and in this store you can find an impressive array of cushions by internationally-acclaimed designer Rıfat Özbek and his partner Erdal Karaman. Like their Turkish stores, the London branch, which is located in the upscale Mayfair area, has bright white walls that highlight the colorful products on display.

Yastık’s cushions are produced in a range of luxurious fabrics, both old and new, with an emphasis on Central Asian ikat silks, Anatolian floral prints, and printed velvet. Özbek travels throughout Turkey and Central Asia collecting the most beautiful fabrics he can find, and then crafts them into original pieces of art, with the front and the back of each cushion in different prints. Smaller, lavender-filled versions of these sumptuous pillows are also available and make for an ideal gift. (Address: 8 Holland Street W8 4LT, London.)

But it’s not just the new stores and convenient location of Sapphire that’s making us think it’s time for another shopping spree. The concept of the mall is inviting in itself, as it is inspired by Istanbul’s historical fabric and Turkish traditions. The interior of the building features authentic motifs of Istanbul’s architecture (such as the patterns of the Galata Bridge and the Hagia Sophia), İznik tiles, and traditional wooden materials.

Europe’s second tallest building, Sapphire boasts a Viewing Terrace (or Seyir Terası) at 236 meters height that offers a spectacular 360° view of Istanbul, from the Black Sea to the Belgrad Forest, from the Bosphorus to the historical peninsula. Tourists will surely come pouring in, but I’m pretty sure that locals will also want to get a glance of Istanbul from the tallest point in the city.

PS: Don’t forget to grab your camera.