Monthly Archives: January 2025


BAF Weekly IT List

BAF Weekly IT List from top left: lightweight jacket / Dior spring nail polish / Chanel spring nail polish / caramel top handle bag / boxy bag / pink earrings / black hobo bag / black belted tote / slouchy bucket bag / sneakers /

Can you believe it is already the last day of January? Is this year flying by already, or is it my imagination? Wow!

As we move into February, we can expect some spring days to start peeking through, cherry blossoms, and signs of the cold winter coming to an end. Love that! This means a lightweight jacket will be handy as well as comfortable street sneakers instead of boots.

The new year is also bringing us fabulous anonymous handbags which are reasonably priced, and pastels for the new spring season. Love that! In addition to pastels, watch for shades of mocha and lucky red.

Stay tuned for spring coverage as move into February!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Computer History Museum in Mountain View

pictured: 1st photo: computer advertised in the 1969 Neiman Marcus Christmas Wish Book. It was touted as a way to store recipes. 2nd photo: earrings / pink scarf / black long sleeve tee / nail polish / bucket bag / wide leg jeans / sneakers /

Have you visited the Computer History Museum in Mountain View? I can’t believe this was my first time going! It has been there for years!

The Computer History Museum in Mountain View is much larger than I pictured it to be. It houses the history of technology going back to counting systems. It was fascinating! I enjoyed seeing ancient technology as well as modern day tech, and of course, anything related to the fashion industry! Love that!

As you can see in the first photo, computers were marketed to housewives as far back as 1969. Who knew? Of course, Neiman Marcus would be ahead of the curve, offering the ideal personal home computer for storing recipes! Apparently, it even had a cutting board! Amazing!

Below is a photo of how punch cards were used in textiles to make perfect patterns on a loom. Who knew punch cards were used in the fashion industry? Love that!

Of course, sneakers are always using technology to help athletes perform better. I even wrote a term paper in college about sneaker technology, of course, that had more to do with air, gel and pumps than actually connecting to a computer or device. Apparently, they tried out a version using a chip which connected to your iPod. Is there still a version still around? This was fascinating.

In addition to fashion, there were examples of tech throughout history, as well as gaming. I was a bit wistful when I saw the Atari and Pac Man displays. Those were the days! haha

There is even a section about the dot boom and dot bust at the end of the museum. I was a bit conflicted seeing something I lived through in a museum. Trying to tell myself I am not old, I am not old, I am not old. Yikes!

So, if you are local, or visiting Silicon Valley, this is a must-see! Be sure to head over to Mountain View and visit the Computer History Museum. Loved it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Handbag trends 2025

Handbag trends 2025 from top left: hobo bag / belted tote / boxy bag / doctors bag / slouchy bucket bag / east/west satchel /

The handbag trends for 2025 are here! Thankfully, the 2025 handbag trends aren’t much different than last year. This means we are in good shape for the new year. Love that!

In 2025, we are seeing a continuation of many handbag trends from last year. The anonymous handbag, suede, east/west satchels, hobo bags, slouchy bucket bags, boxy bags, and doctor bags. In addition to these continuing handbag trends, we are seeing an emergence of the belted tote bag, and more studded handbag styles.

While nothing new, the belted tote bag is a classic style which happens to be gaining popularity as we move into the new year. The belted tote bags which are hot on the street are being shown in small and medium sizes, as well as hybrid bucket styles; such as this one from Tory Burch.

Belted tote bags are mainly shown in classic or neutral hues as well as smooth leather, exotics, exotic stamping or printing, and suede. This keeps them in the classic category making belted tote bags prime candidates for investments. Love!

When it comes to color, we are seeing neutrals, black, light yellow, pink, and blue are being shown throughout the year. In addition, we are seeing all shades of green and red, including fall reds, throughout 2025. These shades are transcending season. So, keep rocking your fall reds and greens! They are hot all year long!

Designers are also doing collabs and re-issues of IT bag from past eras. These are a little gimmicky so try not to fall for the hype. Logos are still out and past IT bags, designers are trying to push, have a short shelf life. If you want a fun bag you will only wear for a month, go for it. But, I would recommend spending your hard-earned cash on investment handbags which transcend trends. Thankfully, the handbag trends of 2025 are exactly that; investment handbag styles.

Also, spending thousands on a handbag is out. In 2025, look for high quality handbags with style which won’t break the bank. Smart purchases are definitely IN! Our wallets love that!

What are your favorite 2025 handbag trends? Or should I say, investment handbags?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy