Monthly Archives: March 2019


All about the black and white bag

saratoga street style off-white black white cross body bag spring 2019bay area casual street stylewinter street style

wearing: clear resin hoop earrings / lipstick / blue scarf / black tee / black faux fur coat / plastic bracelets / spring nail polish / black/white stripe cross body bag (converts to belt bag) / Levi’s jeans / black chunky heel pumps /

OK, so it’s March, and it is still freezing! Whaaaaaaat is going on!? We always have cold weather in March, but it is normally weaved in with a few days in the 60’s, and sometimes a day in the low 70’s will creep in once in awhile. This year, it’s all grey; and the forecast is grey and rainy. Where are my random sun days?! I’m trying to keep my head up, because let’s face it, this grey weather is starting to get old and depressing.

In order to brighten up the day, I have been pairing tee shirts with jeans and spring accessories. Of course, I still need to throw a winter coat over my looks in order to not freeze to death. I have been wearing this spring cross body bag for a few days now, and I am falling in love with it! It’s just the right size to fit everything I need to carry around, and it also has a funky, black/white design which I love. In addition, it has this really comfortable cross body strap, and it also has a second strap for converting the bag to a belt bag; not that I will wear it that way, I am anti-fanny pack, but I digress. It’s nice to know the bag has that option in case there is some weird reason I need to use it. haha

For years I have been wearing skinny stiletto, black heels when it is time to wear heels. This season I decided to freshen up my look with these on-trend, chunky black heels for the spring season. They are great for pairing with jeans, pants, skirts, and dresses. Since they have a patent finish, which is surprisingly soft and comfortable, they are easy to dress up or dress down. These will be nice and comfy for standing at parties and events. Love that!

I have been jumping on the resin/plastic trend this season too. I think these plastic accessories are so fun and retro. I remember when they were hot in the 1980s, and it’s a fun trend to revive this season. There is something festive about plastic jewelry in bright colors. Loving it!

Shop my casual winter in spring look:

Stay tuned! I will be doing a review of this fun little cross body bag later this month.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

stuart weitzman pumps spring 2019spring 2019 street style


Mansur Gavriel Train Case cross body handbag review

mansur gavriel train case it bag 2019

pictured: Mansur Gavriel Train Case in saddle  /

One of the most popular handbag styles right now is the train case. We are seeing designers create round, oval, square, and rectangular versions of the classic train case in 2019. While designers are loving the train case handbag style, consumers are gravitating towards it more and more every season. Remember when circle bags emerged as an IT handbag style back in 2016? Well, the train case takes the travel bag concept a step further with variations in design and size.

Mansur Gavriel has been one of my favorite handbag designers for several years. They make their handbags in Italy by skilled artisans who have been crafting leather goods for generations. While their bags are top quality, their prices are remarkably affordable considering the excellent quality with which they are made. The Mansur Gavriel Train Case is no exception. This is a sturdy, well-made bag which can easily be a work-horse; without looking like one! Love that!

I purchased my Mansur Gavriel Train Case earlier this year, and brought it to fashion week to wear for the first time. I loved being able to carry it like a traditional train case, by the handle, while also having the option of using the shoulder strap when I needed to be hands free. The shoulder strap is detachable, and can easily be coiled and stored inside the handbag. The top handle, is equally practical. It can flatten, which helps it pack easily inside of a suitcase without wasting space. It was really easy to travel with!

Mansur Gavriel Train Care interior capacity

mansur gavriel train case inside pockets mansur gavriel train case interior capacity

When I was at fashion week, I carried around my wallet, lipstick, point-and-shoot camera, iPhone, and sunglasses. At home, I carry around those items too, as well as a set of keys. Everything fits nicely inside the bag, with plenty of room to spare. There are also five, slim pockets inside of the Mansur Gavriel Train Case. These pockets are helpful for organizing small items, but will not fit a phone. They are also too wide to be used for cash or credit cards. The pockets are great for stuffing items such as extra Kleenex, securing lipstick, and keeping small objects such as coins from slipping around inside the bag. Large items will all need to go into the middle of the bag. Since the train case is wide and not too tall, nothing can get lost inside; it is easy to see what you have inside the bag and grab it without making a big production.

Mansur Gavriel always uses soft leather. For the train case, Mansur Gavriel uses soft calf skin which is treated to be a stiff and structured silhouette. While the train case appears stiff, the leather is still soft, and can scratch easily. You can see the indentations inside my bag from repeated use. The dents are inside the bag and do not show on the outside, but they are reminder that this isn’t the bag you take to your daughter’s soccer game and throw on the grass. This is a bag you keep care of.

All in all, the Mansur Gavriel Train Case is a fun handbag to add to one’s handbag collection. While the train case silhouette is a hot trend in handbags right now, the style is inherently classic. This makes the train case by Mansur Gavriel a beautiful investment bag to be kept and enjoyed for many years to come. It will always have a vintage appeal, as well as an understated look.

This bag can be carried for casual occasions, as well as dressed up and worn to a tea, shower, or ladies lunch. It is very versatile, and packs easily in a suitcase! Love!

The Mansur Gavriel Train Case is selling out quickly for the spring season, if you love it, snap one up now! You can find it in stock online here.

Which color is your favorite?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

nyfw street style