Handbags


Gabriela Hearst Nina review

pictured: Gabriela Hearst Nina bag in black / spring nail polish /

Ah, the elusive Gabriela Hearst Nina bag. I purchased my Nina bag in black several years ago, but never wrote a review on it because the bag sold out in a hot minute. Then, the counterfeiters entered the market in droves, so I held off on a review because the real deal was still extremely difficult to come by. Now that the fakes have stopped advertising online, and the real deal is readily available from a few different stores, in a variety of colors, I decided it was time to do a review. After all, this is a beautiful handbag which is downright fun to have in your collection! Love!

I really love my Gabriela Hearst Nina bag! This is a pouch style handbag with a handle that makes it easy to carry hand-held, or on the forearm. The clasp is easy to open and close, although, due to the very open top of the bag, it is best to put it down on a counter or table when reaching inside.

The interior is quite roomy for a small bag. There is a small pocket inside which is a great for a card you need to reach for, such as an ID or similar. You can also fold dollars or receipts and store them in the pocket slot. Otherwise, the main body of the bag offers enough room for a wallet, phone, keys, lipstick, and glasses case, with a bit of room to spare.

The bag itself is on the dressy side, so while you can wear it during the day to spice up a look, it is a bag I reach for when I go out in the evenings. I enjoy wearing mine for dinner, the theater, or going out at night in general. I have worn it during the day when I am in the mood to wear it instead of a shoulder bag or satchel. Sometimes you are just in the mood for a fun bag!

I know a lot of designer bags these days fail to offer the quality they once boasted, and made thier price worthwhile. This is not the case with this Gabriela Hearst bag. The Nina bag is made from extremely soft yet sturdy leather. In the photo below, you can see the excellent condition of the bag, which I have had since 2018. It is also strong, as I have carried it with my camera inside, as well as all the items you see above. My camera is small, but still adds some weight. Full review here.

At this point, the Gabriela Hearst Nina bag has moved from IT status, into a classic and unique bag that stands the test of time. If you are interested in investing in a bag that is fun, and transcends trends, this is a great choice!

Shop the Gabriela Hearst Nina bag online:

Which color is your favorite? It still sells out quickly, so snap one up while you can!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy


Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette review

mansur gavriel m frame baguette review

pictured: spring nail polish / Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette in black

How cute is the Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette! I have been eyeing this bag since it first launched last year, but I was having a hard time deciding if I wanted a color such as pink or blue, or if I wanted to go classic and stick with black. Of course, I ended up sticking with black. Although, part of me still wants a blue one, and possibly a silver one.

The Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette is a small shoulder bag which fits the essentials. It’s a beautiful leather bag with structure and an unique shape which plays off of the M in Mansur Gavriel. Love that!

There are two zippers on the top of the bag which are handy if you just want to slip something inside quickly, but if you need to reach inside, you have to unzip both zippers. While this can be a little bit awkward, it isn’t too clunky, and it doesn’t seem to bother me. I believe they designed the bag with two zippers because if you had one zipper running the course of the M shape, it would stick at the bottom. Therefore, I believe two zippers are essential to the function of the bag; perhaps that is why it doesn’t bother me.

What fits inside the Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette

mansur gavriel m frame baguette interior
what fits inside mansur gavriel m frame baguette
what fits inside mansur gavriel m frame baguette

The interior of the Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette offers enough room for my wallet, iPhone, keys, and a lipstick. There is still some room inside in case my kids hand me something to carry, or if I want to add a mask, Kleenex, or snack bar.

There is no interior pocket inside the M Frame Baguette. I do not find this to be an issue since the bag is small; so, nothing can really get lost inside of it.

If you are concerned about weight, rest assured, this is a lightweight bag. It stays nicely on the shoulder without slipping off, and it offers a comfortable feel while wearing all day. Love that!

The Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette comes in seasonal colors which are on trend such as bright blue, green, and pink. It is also offered in silver, another hot trend this year. I decided to stick with black, although part of me still wants the blue, possibly the silver, or even the pink! haha

Which color is your favorite?

Shop the Mansur Gavriel M Frame Baguette online:

I rate this bag five out of five stars. I am in love!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

mansur gavriel m frame baguette black review

Handbag trends 2023

Handbag trends 2023 from top left: straw tote / shoulder bag / moon shaped bag / top handle bucket bag / top handle bag / chain link hobo bag /

Hello 2023! With the new year, we have new trends in handbags to covet and enjoy. Love that!

This year, the handbag trends are sensible, chic, and easy to wear everyday. While one runway trend seems to be hitting store shelves, I have yet to see it hit the streets outside of fashion week; that would be the large, garbage bag sized hobo trend. The hobo bags people are actually wearing are medium or small. You don’t need a bag large enough to fit a Golden Retriever. Dogs should walk anyway. haha

In 2023, we are looking at a few new trends in handbags, as well as a few popular, continuing trends from last year. If you already hopped on the hobo trend, you are in good shape! Hobo bags are still hot this year. Look for moon shapes and small or medium sizes. If you want to rock the oversized hobo, be my guest. I just warn you, those extra large hobo bags are an easy way to lose to your car keys! I’ve said my peace.

Shoulder bags are still hot. The strap can be any size you are comfortable carrying, so if 1970s-style long straps are your thing, you’re in luck! If you prefer short straps, or pochette length straps, you’re in luck too! Anything goes this year when it comes to strap length. Hopefully that means you have the perfect bag in your closet already. If not, it is time to invest in a classic shoulder bag that will last for years.

Top handle bags in mini, small, and medium sizes are hot this year! As you know, this is a classic look that is always in style, but in 2023, it is on fire. If you don’t have a top handle bag which is medium or smaller, it is time to invest!

Do you love bucket bags? They are still hot! This continuing trend has added a twist recently. You can rock a classic bucket bag or drawstring bag; or you can modernize with a top handle bucket bag. This is an emerging IT bag look you might want to jump on.

Straw bags, and bags made from natural fabric will start trending in the spring; and will continue to trend throughout the summer. If your natural or straw bag from last year is in good shape, fabulous! If not, start looking for a new one. They are trickling into stores as we speak, but should be plentiful as we move into February and March.

Wondering what color is hot this year? Green bags are still trending, and metallic bags in any hue are also trending. For 2023, denim bags are hotter than hot, and are looking to be the IT fabric of the year. If you love trendy, denim bags are your thing! Also, neon hues are an emerging handbag trend if you want a notice-me bag. If not, neutrals and black are still hot and chic for 2023. What I love about neutrals and black is that they make the bag an investment which can be worn year after year. I love a good investment bag! Also, black, and neutral-colored bags have higher resale value if you are thinking of selling a bag after a few seasons. Thoughts to ponder. . .

Did you buy a funky chain bag in the past few years like I did? Well, we can all rest easy knowing chunky chains in both metal and resin are still hot! Rock that chain bag in 2023! If you love the trend, but haven’t snapped up a chain bag yet, look for chain details, resin chains, and smaller metal chains as we move into the new year.

Shop handbag trends 2023 online:

What is your favorite handbag trend of 2023? I will be wearing shoulder bags, neutral bags, my green bag, hobos, and my straw tote when the weather warms up.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy