Handbags

Box handbags for fall 2014

October 16, 2014 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends tagged cross body bags / fall 2014 / satchels by Bay Area Fashionista

Pictured: Blue handbag / Trunk handbag / Black handbag / Yellow handbag

Box handbags are a new, up and coming trend this fall 2014 season. Designers in New York, Paris, Milan and London have introduced boxy handbag styles for the cool weather season; and are also showing box handbags for the upcoming spring 2015 season. Box handbags are being shown in many different styles including squares, rectangles and small trunks.

The box handbag is a structured, dressy handbag style which looks amazing with dressy outfits, office attire and evening wear; not including semi-formal or formal attire. This neat and tidy handbag style has also been spotted on the streets; making its’ way into the hands of attendees during fashion week, in all locales.

Box handbags have a retro flair to them which makes them look perfect with midi skirts, and fit and flare dresses. Box handbags also look appropriate with conservative office attire such as suiting, trousers, and pencil skirts. In addition to retro flair, the current trend in handbags is simplicity. With this current trend of minimalism in handbags, it is no wonder that box handbags are gaining popularity. They are simple and sleek!

I have been eyeing the box handbag trend for a few months now and cannot decide if I want to splurge on a square or rectangle box. I have had my eye on this one by Building Block. I love the simple shape and sleek leather.

The rectangles tend to have more space inside of them since they seem to be falling into the medium size handbag category. The square box handbags designers have been showing for fall 2014 and spring 2015 tend to fall into the small handbag category; although, a few are being shown in larger, medium sizes.

Box handbags are a chic and modern alternative to the satchel this season, and are the current “IT” silhouette for a cross-body bag. When shopping for a box handbag this season, look for a convertible style which can be a satchel or cross body bag. Two for one; love that!

What do you think of the box handbag trend? I found a few amazing box handbags around the web and placed them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Building Block handbags

October 10, 2014 in General Fashion / Handbags tagged building block / emerging designers / minimalism by Bay Area Fashionista

Pictured: Handbag / Tassel

Building Block handbags are made in a multi-medium design studio in Los Angeles, California. The handbag collection includes minimalist designs which are often geometric; as well as tassels which can be added to any of Building Block’s handbags. Some of the handbags include wood block details and rubber straps; which adds a little bit of a personal touch to each piece.

I have become tired of recognizable handbags and logos. I feel like I can identify almost everyone’s handbag I pass on the street. There is usually a large logo or logo pattern strewn across the bag. If there is not a readable logo, a handbag will have a distinctive design which is easily spotted. Although I confess to owning many recognizable handbags which also happen to have readable logos on them, I have become bored of handbags which are easily recognizable.

I love the concept of minimalism and a handbag which offers high quality and clean lines. I love seeing a fabulous design which is well made; sans the logo. Cue in Building Block handbags. Although I have not purchased one yet, I am planning on purchasing the box handbag featured in the above photo. I love the boxy design, which happens to be an up and coming trend for fall 2014 and into 2015. Aside from the silhouette being fashion-forward, I love the high quality design and absence of a strong logo.

One of the beautiful things about carrying a handbag which is not easy to recognize, is that it starts conversations. It is always fun to have someone ask who made your handbag or shoes, etc. It starts a conversation and creates human interaction which is sometimes lacking in this day and age, where people tend to hide on their smart phones, appearing to be busy; which many times they are just hiding, they are not really busy!

In addition to the boxy handbag I am currently saving up to purchase, I also have my eye on Building Block’s Cylinder Sling and Cylinder Duffle. What do you think of the collection?

Top trends for spring and summer 2015 from the New York Fashion Week runways

September 15, 2014 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Handbags / Jewelry / Shoes / Trends tagged new york fashion week / spring 2015 / summer 2015 by Bay Area Fashionista

The last model has walked the runway at New York Fashion Week for spring/summer 2015. This means the fashion world is left with many new trends, styles and designs to think about for the upcoming warm weather season. This season we found new color palettes, new hemlines, a change in how we layer, and what we will wear on our feet. Below you will find a list of the top spring/summer 2015 trends from the runways at New York Fashion Week. Only time will tell if store buyers stock their shelves with these designs, and if consumers ultimately wear them on the streets.

Color Trends:

Muted Tones: Muted colors are hot for spring/summer 2015. Gone are the days of the neon glow and sunglasses worthy bright hues.

Shades of Blue: Any shade of blue will do from to cobalt to navy. If it’s blue, is an “IN” hue. Go big blue!

Beige: The new neutral for spring/summer 2015 is light beige; light taupe will do too. Pale neutrals are “IN.”

Shoes:

Flatforms: Oh my, the flatform has risen from the almost dead. While platform shoes are a huge NO, the flatform sandal is hot for spring 2015.

Birkenstock inspired: That’s right! Every hippie’s favorite sandal is continuing to be hot as we move from 2014 into 2015. Look for high-end, Birkenstock-like sandals worn with socks; that’s right socks. This is how we did it in the early 1990’s, and this is how it will be done in 2015. Enjoy the unflattering comfort.

Thick Heels: The thick, stacked, or covered high heel continues to dominate the shoe landscape; even more-so as we move from 2014 into 2015. Look for stacked heels, sculpted heels, covered thick heels, Lucite thick heels and anything that is thick, and a heel! Wobbling on stiletto’s is no more. Thank you fashion world.

Handbags:

Shoulder Bags: Shoulder bags remain structured and simple. Look forward to clean lines and not too much hardware. Shoulder bags will mainly be seen in small and medium sizes.

Totes: Structured totes are hot for spring/summer 2015. Look forward to non-slouchy, work-ready tote bags with clean lines and hardly any hardware.

Designs: Since handbags are going to offer clean lines, many designers have added prints, patterns and designs to the front of their handbags. Look for conversational pieces which standout.

Fringe: Boho-chic is alive and well for spring/summer 2015; and so is Western inspiration. This means get your lasso ready, practice your “peace” sign, and get a fringe handbag.

Hemlines:

The Full Mini: Spring 2015 is bringing us full mini skirts which hit about mid-thigh. Be sure to stock up on short biker shorts to wear underneath, one good wind gust, and, well, you know where this is going. 😉

Below-The-Knee: The new midi length hits just below the knee. If I can see your knee your skirt better be mini or your hemline is the wrong length. This goes for pencil and full skirts. Cover those knees ladies!

Maxi: The maxi skirt and dress will never die. Look for casual and dressy hemlines which hit at the ankle.

Asymmetrical: Nothing is more boring than a flat maxi hem. Look for asymmetrical hems in layers. Look to Zimermann for hemline inspiration.

Prints:

Florals: Guess what?! Florals are hot for spring/summer 2015. Revolutionary. Look for sophisticated florals which feature medium sized blooms, often times shown on dark backgrounds such as navy or black. Florals are also being shown on sheer fabrications.

Mirror Prints: Look for prints which seem to be a reflection of themselves or offer a mirror look. A great example are the prints on Luis Antonio’s runway. This will be a great alternative to florals.

Stripes: Stripes are hot for spring/summer 2015, but not in a nautical way. Look for stripes to be mixed with other prints and in more than two colors. Stripes have gone a little bit mad for 2015.

Accessories:

Statement Necklaces: Yes, the statement necklace is still alive and well. Look for faux stones and big pieces around the neck.

Belts: Waistlines are defined, so make sure there is a belt! Look for medium thickness belts on dresses, skirts and more!

Pants and Shorts:

Cropped Pants: Pants are cropped for spring/summer 2015. Look for just above the ankle cropped pants paired with heeled shoes.

Bermuda Shorts: I am classifying these as pants because shorts for spring/summer 2015 are hitting just below the knee. Cover those knees girls!

There you have it! Spring/summer 2015 is just around the corner. What do you think of these trends from the New York Fashion Week runways? Which ones will you wear? Which ones do you think will stay on the runway and not make it to the street?

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