Handbags

Suede, nubuck and faux-suede handbags for fall 2014

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged 1970s / fall 2014 / vintage styles by

There is a new handbag trend in town; and this one takes a cue from vintage handbag styles of the 1970s. Suede, nubuck and faux-suede are popping up on handbags for fall 2014; and this trend is proving to be the hottest up-and-comer since the mini bag. While fringe, mini-satchels and backpacks all have their place in fall the 2014 handbag line-up; the suede handbag is the unexpected star of the pack. The soft, inviting fabrication offers vintage appeal while offering a fresh alternative to the basic leather, faux leather, exotic skins and canvas we have been seeing on handbags over the past decade.

Suede, and suede-like fabrications including nubuck, faux-suede and ultra-suede, offer a casual, relaxed vibe which is welcome in the world right now. As un-fussy handbags have moved to the forefront of fashion, sans logos and extra finishes, suede offers texture to a simple style while adding warmth and remaining understated.

In addition to adding depth to an understated handbag style, suede also adds an authentic vintage feel to fringe handbags; another nod to the 1970s. Designers are also using suede, and suede-like fabrics, for blocking and trim on handbags. This adds dimension and texture without always adding a contrasting color to a bag.

Since suede is casual in nature, this is a great trend to have some fun with during the fall season. Look for fall 2014 colors such as dark teal, hunter green, brown, black, grey and luxurious deep purple. These colors will work well with autumn’s overall color palette and add an instant update to your wardrobe. Love that!

I found a few fabulous suede, nubuck, faux-suede and ultrasuede handbags around the web and assembled into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Jill Milan 4th of July sale

 in Announcements / General Fashion / Handbags / Local Designers / Shopping  tagged 4th of july / celebrity style / holiday shopping / holidays 2014 / jill milan / red carpet style / vegan style by

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From top: c/o Jill Milan: Green New Canaan Clutch / Nob Hill Bag / Shoes

Jill Milan, one of my all-time favorite handbag designers, is having a sale for the 4th of July! Starting July 3, 2014 and running through July 5, 2014, Jill Milan is offering an additional 40% off all sale prices with coupon code “BAY” at checkout. This adds up to almost 80% off retail prices on some handbags! How amazing is that!!!

All of Jill Milan’s handbags are handmade by the finest Italian artisans in Italy. The fabrics and materials are 100% vegan; which makes the handbags even more beautiful. Jill Milan’s handbags have been spotted on the red carpet and on the street in the hands of many well-loved celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Poehler, Carrie Underwood, Hailee Steinfeld, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington, Bellamy Young, Laura Dern, Katie Lowes, Isla Fisher, Rachel Nichols, Rashida Jones, Stana Katic, Bryce Dallas Howard, Margot Bingham, Elizabeth Hurley, Jaime King, Caity Lotz, Ashley Jones, Nicole Gale Anderson, Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark, Fiona Gubelmann, and Countess Michelle Czernin von Chudenitz.

I am a huge fan of Jill Milan’s handbags and own four of them myself! I have my eyes on the New Canaan clutches and Hollywood Hills crossbody bags from the 4th of July sale. Which handbags from the collection are your favorite? 

Jill Milan’s 4th of July sale can be shopped at JillMilan.com. Please use coupon code “BAY” at checkout to receive an additional 40% off the sale price listed on the website. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

 

Beach bags for summer 2014

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Swimwear  tagged beach / casual style / summer 2014 / totes by

One of the necessities for summer 2014 is a fabulous beach bag! When the sandy beach calls, the last thing you want to do is bring your prized designer tote to the beach where it can be bleached by sun, filled with sand, get wet; or who knows what?! Beach days call for a beach tote which is playful and reflective of the fun times that can be had while playing on the sand, in the water, and around a beach town.

There are so many things to look for in the perfect beach tote. The main features a beach tote needs for the summer season is to be sturdy, roomy, easy to wear over the shoulder (never know when you need to free up your hands for a boogie board, surf board, cooler, etc.), colorful, and lightweight. For summer 2014, there are many beach bags on the market which fill these needs. Since this is the case, it is time to start looking for a pattern, print, color combination, and style which fits your personality; and your hot-off-the-runway beach-wear!

For summer 2014, beach bags are being shown with classic nautical stripes, in bright colors, clear PVC, with playful prints, catchy sayings and in timeless straw. Since beach bag styles for summer are a little bit different than the trends we saw on the runways, they are not in line with the trends we are seeing in swimwear and beachwear for the summer 2014 season. 

When wearing beachwear or swimwear in graphic prints, stripes and with sporty inspiration, look for a solid colored beach bag, clear PVC, or one with a solid background and kitschy saying in one color. This way the beach tote will stand on its’ own without competing with your overall ensemble.

If you are going for a classic, all-black look on the beach, or a brightly colored ensemble in solid hues, look for a beach bag with stripes, a playful print or straw. This will add dimension to your solid hued look and make your beach bag a focal point in your overall look. Love that!

I found a few fabulous beach totes around the web for summer 2014 and assembled them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

What are your favorite beach tote styles for summer 2014?