Handbags

Pop of pink

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged casual style / outfits / pink / rebecca minkoff / spring 2014 / totes / winter 2014 by

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Photos: Earrings: Margaret Elizabeth / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Amethyst“ / Shirt: Ace Delivery (Similar here SAVE or SPLURGE) / Tank Top: Mossimo / Bracelets: Margaret Elizabeth bangle, cuff / Dark Blue Bangle: Ippolita (silver version here) / Cuff with Watch: c/o Gorjana / Jeans: Gap / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff / Belt: C. Wonder belt, buckle / Boots: Michael Kors / Nail Polish: Chanel Tapage

The San Francisco Bay Area has been enjoying drought weather this winter season. Not that we enjoy a drought, we need water! But, it is nice to be able to leave the heater turned off and bask in temperatures hovering between 60 and 73 degrees! Due to this spring-like weather pattern, I am craving a spring-like wardrobe! Of course, January is when all the bills from December arrive in the mail, therefore, it really is not a great month to start going crazy at the mall by buying everything that is spring! So, to add one small bit of spring-like sunshine to my dark winter wardrobe, I bought this bright pink tote from Rebecca Minkoff’s spring 2014 collection!

I love this tote. Not only is it a bright, cheery pink, the hue blends well with my vast array of blue, green and purple apparel. Love that! To make the tote an even better purchase, it is made from saffiano leather which is incredibly durable. It is so durable, if I happen to get caught in a rainstorm, (<cough cough> if it ever rains!), my tote will survive the watery skies.

Are you starting to crave the spring season? If so, how are you incorporating it into your current wardrobe?

Trend of the moment: black metal

 in Handbags / Jewelry / Shoes / Trends  tagged black / fall 2013 / resort 2014 / spring 2014 / street style trends / winter 2014 by

black metal

Gloves / Bracelets / Watch / Ring / Shoes

One of the big trends to come out of Paris and Milan is the black metal trend. Over the past few years we have seen a big uptick in non-traditional colored metals used in jewelry. One of the popular colored metals in fine jewelry has been black. While this may not seem like an odd color for metal, being that iron is often black, it is not a traditional metal color for jewelry. David Yurman even used blackened silver in his special “Ice” collection for Neiman Marcus several years ago.

As we entered 2013, designers began to use black on items such as handbags and shoes in lieu of traditional yellow, silver or rose-gold metals. The black metal hardware used in accessories offered an edgy yet understated look to luxurious items such as Chanel’s “So Black” classic flap handbag and Valentino’s “Rockstud” handbags and shoes.

With the uptick in black metal being used in accessories, more designers and brands are starting to use black metal in their pieces as an alternative to traditional metals. While black metal will never replace gold, silver or rose-gold metals, it is definitely enjoying its’ place in the accessory spotlight at the moment. It may even be possible that black metal becomes a quiet classic in the accessories hardware department; and possibly in the jewelry department too!

What are your thoughts on black metal? Is this a trend you enjoy wearing? Do you envision it becoming classic over time?

Black metal accessories from around the web:

Street Style Trends: The drawstring bucket bag

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged casual style / fall 2013 / resort 2014 / spring 2014 / street style trends / winter 2014 by

drawstring bags 2013

From top left: Olive Bag / Black Bag / Tan Bag / Off-White Bag

The hottest handbag style to hit the streets this very minute is the drawstring bucket bag. Beginning in summer 2013, drawstring bags have been popping up on Fashionistas around the globe. Fashion savvy women have been snapping up drawstring bucket bags in both vintage and modern styles which reflect a casual, understated appearance.

Of course anytime there is an “IT” handbag trend, there is an “IT” handbag! The hottest, can’t get your hands on it, handbag of the moment is Mansur Gavriel’s drawstring bucket bag. Priced moderately at $460-$495 depending upon color choice, this drawstring bucket bag has a waiting list which rival’s that of the Hermes Birkin. Yes, it’s true!

Mansur Gavriel’s drawstring bucket bag is available in neutral hues such as black, tan and reddish-brown. The $460 style is a basic drawstring bucket bag which is understated and exudes high quality. The $495 version of Mansur Gavriel’s bucket bag offers a pop of color with a bright interior-these are the most sought-after styles.

Yours truly is on the waiting list for a black drawstring bucket bag by Mansur Gavriel with red interior. My bag was ordered in November and will not arrive until April 2014! Talk about waiting!

Almost every designer and brand on the planet is aware of the drawstring bucket bag trend and has responded. You will be happy to know this handbag style can be found suited for every taste. There are understated drawstring buckets bags, studded versions, color blocked versions and chain laced versions. The majority of the drawstring bucket bags on the market today, and as we move into 2014, are in neutral or basic colors. The idea is to carry a casual, effortless handbag which does not bear a logo.

I found a few fabulous drawstring bucket bags around the web and assembled them into the shopping widget. While Mansur Gavriel may not be included due to the high demand, there are plenty of other options which can be obtained immediately, or may include a small wait. 

Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉