Handbags


Toteme T Lock bag review

Pictured: Toteme T Lock bag / fall nail polish /

Can a handbag be both an IT bag and an investment bag? Yes! Yes it can! The Toteme T Lock bag has all of the qualities of a trending IT bag, as well as an investment purchase to love a lifetime.

Toteme has been for around for almost a decade, but their handbag collection is barely a year old. This doesn’t mean it lacks longevity, quite the opposite. The brand stands for high quality, eco-conscious materials and manufacturing, as well as creating items which transcend trends. For their T Lock bag to launch and immediately become an IT bag, could be contradictory to what the brand stands for, but that doesn’t make it confusing.

The reason this beautiful handbag is so highly sought-after, is because of what it stands for. Consumers want eco-conscious brands, in fact, they hunger for them! Not only that, timeless styles coupled with high quality fabrications and craftsmanship, creates an equation that equals success. This is exactly what makes both an IT bag and an investment bag. Love this!

The T Lock bag by Toteme is not only high functioning and styled beautifully, but also versatile. This quiet and luxurious handbag can be both a satchel and a shoulder bag. It is versatile and can be worn to suit one’s mood, outfit, and lifestyle. Love this!

wearing: hoop earrings / stripe tee / handbag / fall nail polish / black belt / flare jeans / black boots /

In addition to being able to wear the Toteme T Lock bag as both a top handle bag and a shoulder bag, it is roomy and strong. I wanted a bag slightly larger than the small shoulder bags I have been carrying for the last year.

This roomy handbag suits the need for more space as we head into colder months. As you can see below, there is extra room on top of my purse essentials where I can place a pair of warm gloves and a thin scarf.

The interior of the Toteme T Lock bag offers slip pockets where you can store credit cards, receipts, or other slim items. I have not used the pockets, but it is nice to know they are there if I need them.

The shoulder strap can also be stored inside the handbag when being worn as a top handle bag in case you want to quickly convert it into a shoulder bag and free up your hands. The loops are inside the bag, and the strap has easy to snap on hardware. I have found I prefer wearing it as a shoulder bag, so as of right now, I am keeping the strap intact.

The Toteme T Lock bag has a signature T Lock which twists to allow the lock to open. After the first time wearing the bag, I got the hang of the lock and find it easy to maneuver. The top handle is right there when you reach inside the bag, but if you slip your hand in front of it when reaching inside, the top handle isn’t the nuisance it might appear to be in photos. Therefore, getting in and out of the bag earns an A- grade from me.

There are two sizes, or should I say versions, of the Toteme T Lock bag. The one I am reviewing is the regular sized bag which comes with a top handle and detachable shoulder strap. The other version is smaller and named a clutch. The smaller version can be worn as a clutch or a shoulder bag. I prefer the larger size since the top handle is more useful to me than holding a bag as a clutch, plus, I like having a roomy bag in addition to my current line-up of small shoulder bags.

This is a difficult bag to find! I have linked up the Toteme T Lock in stock around the web, so hopefully when you read this and click the link you will find the bag in stock. If not, you can sign up for the wait list, and in some cases, pre-order the bag.

Lastly, I love the design of the Toteme T Lock handbag. It doesn’t have any loud logos and just showcases high quality and craftsmanship. Although a current IT bag, it transcends trends and has the markings of an investment bag to cherish for generations.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Fall IT bags under $1000 for fall 2023

Fall IT bags under $1000 from top left: silver handbag / convertible clutch (hot IT bag) / mini tote bag / hobo bag / small satchel / convertible shoulder bag /

Although we are in an era of timeless, investment handbags, there are a few bags which are more popular than others. For example, this black clutch, which has a hidden shoulder strap inside, sells out as soon as it hits store shelves. It is priced slightly under $1000 and has been spotted on the arms of celebrities; a sure-fire way to become an IT bag.

In addition to bags which sell-out, there are a few classic handbags which are also IT bags due to their timeless appeal, and investment status. You will definitely get your cost per wear out of these bags, and they are all priced under $1000. Love that!

Well, almost all of these IT bags are classic. The mirrored bag, which is hot for fall, is a trendy look. To make a mirrored bag an investment purchase, it would have to become an occasion bag after the trend fades; which you would store in your collection. Thankfully silver mirrored bags can double as semi-formal, or formal bags depending upon the silhouette and size. Before investing in a mirrored bag, think about if you just want it for one season, or if you want it to last. That will determine the size and style you purchase.

The anonymous handbag era is hot, and it is showing no sign of slowing down; as we are currently watching the New York Fashion Week runways for spring 2024. The handbags are logoless, and they exude quality over branding. I love that timeless, chic styles are booming. I am not really a logo girl; I have always loved more of an investment look. Therefore, I am loving this era of handbags!

Shop Fall IT bags under $1000 online:

Which handbag styles are you loving for the fall season? Are you investing in bags with longevity, or going for short-term trends?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Mirrored handbags for fall

mirrored handbags fall 2023 handbag trends

Mirrored handbags for fall from top left: mini chain bag / clutch / drawstring bag / heart shaped bag / small shoulder bag /

Mirrored handbags are back! While metallic handbags have been in style for quite some time, highly polished, mirrored bags have come and go. Well, they are currently in go mode!

This fall 2023 season, you will see many styles of highly polished, mostly silver, handbags on store shelves. You can find a mirrored handbag in almost style of bag you can think of except extra-large bags. The mirrored bags we are seeing for fall 2023 are mainly, mini, small and medium in size. While a few large ones exist, the main trend is on the medium or smaller side.

In my personal opinion, mirrored bags are a huge trend, and the only way to make this an investment purchase is to buy a dressy clutch or mini bag which can also be used for formal affairs. Otherwise, mirrored bags for daytime are going to be a one or two season wonder. I think the heart is super cute to use formally as well as any clutch or small, wallet-on-chain sized bag, such as the chain bag shown above.

While this trend is marketed as a daily handbag trend, you have to remember these bags are mirrored. What happens when you touch a mirror? Fingerprints and smudges happen, that’s what! If you go all-in on this trend, be sure to carry a small, soft cloth with you to rub out any smudges which accumulate during the day.

So, what is my take on this trend in handbags for fall? I say, if you want a fun bag and you don’t mind it being good for one or two seasons, go all in! If you are looking more for an investment handbag, but love how the mirrored handbags look, go for a mini bag, clutch or smaller style. This way, when the trend ends, you are left with a handbag you can wear to formal and semi-formal events.

Shop mirrored handbag for fall online:

What do you think of the mirrored handbag trend for fall? Will you be rocking a shiny, silver bag?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy