Handbags


Celebrating ten years of handbag reviews

saint laurent sac du jour nano and shore projects watch

Pictured: My first handbag review on the blog! You can read it here. / Most recent handbag review, read here. /

Handbags! You know I love them, and so do you! As someone who has written about handbags since before the blog, it was only natural, ten years ago, to add a handbag review section to Bay Area Fashionista! It really doesn’t seem like that long ago when I started my official reviews; as opposed to my handbag mentions and articles about specific handbags.

The handbag reviews have been fun because they give a specific post to each bag, instead of having to hunt through the blog for a paragraph here or there with a mini review. All the information you need a about a specific handbag is all wrapped up in the review article. Love that!

This fabulous bucket bag, pictured above, is my most recent review. I really love this handbag and find myself wearing it often. The studded details add a little edge and interest to the overall style of the bag. It is also quite practical and fits everything I need in a day. Love!

Talking about handbags I love. . .

it bags fall 2017

One of my favorite handbags of all time is my Givenchy Antigona. I own two! After falling in love with my black one, I indulged and invested in a pale blue Antigona. The black gets the most wear, and the pale blue one gets worn and babied a little more due to the light color. I love them both and also love the fact that the Givenchy Antigona has become a classic handbag which can be worn season after season. You know me, I love a good investment handbag!

Lastly, the handbag you have loved the most over the years has been the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag. This classic drawstring bucket bag is still going strong and is a fabulous investment bag at a reasonable price. Love that!

My favorite handbags:

Thank you for coming to Bay Area Fashionista over the years for my handbag reviews, and more! There are more handbag reviews on the way, so stay tuned!

Thank you for your support!

XOXO
Cathy

mansur gavriel bucket bag pink

Spring 2025 IT bags under $1000

spring 2025 IT Bags under $1000 from top left: studded bag / boxy tote / belted tote / suede bucket bag / east/west bag / studded strap bucket bag /

This is the golden era of handbags. We are no longer bound to expensive designer handbags adorned with recognizable logos and wannabe status silhouettes. The current IT bag is not recognizable. It is made with quality materials and craftsmanship, and it is an investment which will withstand the test of time. Love that!

Spring 2025 is all about quality, and the handbag styles we are loving right now include slouchy bucket bags, east/west bags, belted totes, studded handbags, boxy bags, mini baguettes, and hobo handbags. In addition, suede, neutral hues, shades of mocha, and flat studs or grommets are hotter than hot right now. So, look in your closet and pull out what you have stored and what you have been wearing for the past few years, because they are still hot!

When it comes to investing in a new handbag this season, this golden era of handbags is offering us plenty of options priced well under $1000, $500, and even $200. Love that!

So, without further ado, here are my favorite spring 2025 handbags priced under $1000 which also make fabulous investment handbags.

What is your favorite handbag this season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Handbag capsule wardrobe spring 2025

handbag capsule wardrobe spring 2025 trends

Handbag capsule wardrobe spring 2025 from top left: studded bag / top handle caramel bag / belted tote / suede bucket / east/west handbag / studded slouchy bucket in black /

Loving that the anonymous handbag is still hotter than hot. This year we will see a continuation of logoless IT bags. The silhouettes of the season will continue to be east/west bags, slouchy buckets, hobos, studs and grommets, belted totes, doctor bags, shades of mocha, and classic black.

Although I have a spring handbag wish list, my spring capsule wardrobe continues to be my investment bags from last year, and farther back in time. These silhouettes continue to be popular in 2025 and show no sign of slowing down. I love a high-quality handbag without an obvious logo!

In 2025, the new IT bag is one that people cannot recognize and is also reasonably priced. Gone are the days of paying for a name and not quality. IT bags are all about high quality, fair pricing, no logos, and an “If you know, you know” vibe. Seen as IYKYK on social media. haha

So, this spring season and beyond, look for high quality, unknown handbags. Love that!

Spring 2025 handbag capsule wardrobe:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy