Handbags

IT bags under $1000 summer 2023

June 21, 2023 in Handbags / Shopping tagged coach / investment dressing / loewe / mulberry / summer 2023 / toteme by Bay Area Fashionista

IT bags under $1000 from top left: black saddle bag (sale price under $1000) / brown clutch converts to shoulder bag / black convertible cross body bag (under $500) / ivory moon shaped bag (under $500) / basket bag / m frame bag /

The anonymous handbag is in full swing, and you don’t have to break the bank to find a beautifully crafted IT bag. While there isn’t technically a standout IT bag for 2023, this brown handbag is made from one of the hottest designers of the moment. They are known for high quality and understated style. There is typically a waiting list for this handbag, and it is open right now!

The best handbags of the moment are anonymous. They bear no visible logo and stand out based on timeless style, and high-quality fabrications. These are handbags which can stand the test of time and remain in your wardrobe for decades. They only get better with time.

The black saddle bag pictured above is a timeless style from Mulberry which is not only crafted from the finest leather and highly skilled artisans, but also made in an eco-friendly factory with low emissions in the UK. This bag is normally priced well over $1000, but there are a few seasonal colors on sale right now which are not trendy; they are timeless. All of these colors are worth the investment and will not look dated. I recently purchased one, so stay tuned for my full review! I am excited! Love that!

Shop IT bags under $1000 for summer 2023 around the web:

These beautiful and anonymous handbags transcend season, with the exception of the basket bag. This means you can invest in one now and wear it any season of the year, year after year. Love!

What is your favorite handbag style for the summer season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Coach Day Tote review

June 14, 2023 in General Fashion / Handbags tagged coach / handbag reviews / investment dressing / totes by Bay Area Fashionista

Pictured: Coach Day Tote in Silver/Faded Blue (looks like pale turquoise or mint green in person) /

How pretty is this tote bag! I love having a good, workhorse tote bag; especially during the summer months. This roomy tote bag has everything I need, and possibly you too, in a tote bag. Love!

The Coach Day Tote is currently available in several colors, ivory, mustard, canvas, black and faded blue. I love this faded blue color because it is reminiscent of the sea and is so pretty in person. These photos do not do the color justice!

As with all of Coach’s handbags, the Day Tote is made from sturdy pebbled leather and the craftsmanship is high quality. This means the stitching is strong, and the bag can handle everything you put inside of it without being compromised. I have also found that the leather is easy to clean if it gets dirty. I use a slightly damp cloth, and dirt wipes off easily without damaging the leather or rubbing the color off of the bag.

Most open tote bags do not have a clasp, the Coach Day Tote offers a magnetic clasp which I find to be a good feature. I clasp it when I set the bag down so it keeps it’s shape, which helps it from flopping over if the contents are unbalanced. Who knew a small clasp would be so helpful! Love!

Typically, most tote bags have an interior pocket of some sort. The Coach Day Tote has a detachable pocket which is really a little pouch. This is handy if you use the tote for work. You can keep your lunch money in the pouch and detach it when going to lunch or buying more coffee. This is also handy for travel if you don’t want to bring a purse in addition to the tote bag. You can use the little pouch as a small clutch.

The interior capacity of the Coach Day Tote is quite large. Even with my typical tote bag contents, there is still plenty of room. This tote fits my laptop too with plenty of room to spare. It is a great work tote, travel tote, or summer activity tote. I am in love!

For smaller items such as lipstick and keys, the interior pouch can be used. For photography purposes I threw everything inside the bag so you could see the space. If you use a tote organizer, it will fit nicely inside the Day Tote too.

Pictured: Coach Day Tote / book / lipstick / scarf / (golden nail polish pictured in clasp photo) /

The Coach Day Tote is a great, workhorse tote bag which can be used for years. It offers a classic style and silhouette as well as roomy interior capacity. The detachable pouch a great feature too. I love the faded blue hue for the summer season, but if you are looking for something to wear all year long, the classic black, ivory, or signature canvas might be perfect for you.

Shop the Coach Day Tote online:

The perfect tote! Love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Handbag capsule wardrobe summer 2023

June 7, 2023 in General Fashion / Handbags tagged capsule wardrobe / handbag capsule / summer 2023 by Bay Area Fashionista

Summer handbag capsule wardrobe from top left: mini brown saddle bag / beige mini tote bag / green woven handbag / black M Frame bag / ivory moon shaped bag / classic black cross body bag / mint green tote bag / small straw tote /

Summer is here! This warm weather season, I am embracing smaller bags as my children are all teenagers and no longer in the habit of handing me things to carry. haha I can get through the day with my wallet, phone, keys, lipstick, and kleenex in my handbag. Love that!

Of course, the summer season is also a time when a fabulous tote bag is in order. I love having my small straw tote as well as a roomy tote I can carry tons of random items in. This large tote bag is perfect for my daily purse essentials as well as a scarf or cardigan for when the fog rolls in, a book, a water bottle, sunscreen, and snacks. It is made from sturdy leather and easy to wipe clean, since it is pebble leather.

The anonymous handbag trend is easy to follow this summer since I have never been a huge logo person anyway. I love wearing high quality handbags which speak for themselves instead of advertising who made them. While the anonymous handbag is considered a trend right now, it is a classic style which technically transcends trends in the long term. So, it really is an investment bag style versus a fleeting trend.

Now now, I know you are looking at that Tory Burch logo and Loewe logo asking me if I am blind. haha, I see them! If we drill down, I find those two logos to be more decorative that to be loud logos. While they are recognizable, I don’t feel like they are advertising, if that makes sense. Feel free to sound off in the comments!

Shop my summer handbag capsule wardrobe online:

What are your favorite handbags for the summer 2023 season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

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