Handbags


Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch review

bottega veneta chain pouch review

Pictured: Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch in Fondant (dark brown) /

Ah, the Bottega Veneta Pouch, the bag that started the pouch trend several years ago; I finally broke down and purchased the chain version! The Pouch clutch is a hot trend which hasn’t faded from the streets since it began roughly three years ago. As the trend matures, it is starting to look like pouch clutches are moving from trend-of-the-moment, into classic IT bag territory. Of course, only time will tell.

What makes an IT bag move into classic territory? When sales are steady, people continue to wear their bag and not shelve it, and subtle variations come to market which are just as popular as the original versions; and those variations don’t slow down the original style’s sales. My proof? The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch.

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is a convertible version of the original pouch clutch. This version features a chunky chain which can be placed on the bag through loops on the side allowing it to be worn as a shoulder bag, carried on the forearm, or held by hand. The strap can also be attached on one side, giving it more of a clutch strap. Lastly, the chain can be detached and hidden inside the bag so that it can be worn as a classic pouch; although you can see one link on the side when it is worn this way. Love that!

I have wanted to invest in an Bottega Veneta bag for sometime now, but the price made me plan my purchase slowly; I also had to save up for it! I toggled between the chain pouch and the padded cassette bag; ultimately, I decided on the chain pouch for it’s longevity, sleek silhouette, and versatile chain.

Over the years, I have found sticking to neutral hues on a leather handbag is a safe bet. Sometimes trendy colors not only go out of fashion, they don’t keep their original vibrancy over time. For seasonal or trendy colors, I prefer to purchase a bag in moderate or affordable price ranges. So for my Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch, I went with dark brown. Although a traditional fall hue, dark brown can easily be worn throughout the year since it is neutral and classic. It is also a nice alternative to black. Since I own enough black bags, this was a good alternative hue, which reflects my personal style.

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is a great bag to wear daily. It has just enough interior capacity for my daily purse essentials including sunglasses, wallet, keys, lipstick, and phone. It’s always nice to have everything fit, that is what makes a great daily bag!

I love that everything fits nicely inside my Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch bag. There is still a little room to spare for a granola bar, receipts, a pen, or other small object.

The pouch is really easy to get in and out of. The opening is a pull open/close which keeps the bag safe from pickpockets. I have found myself wearing it as a shoulder bag tucked under my arm; although it can be worn as a clutch, and on the forearm as well. The chain is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable on my shoulder; despite looking heavy and chunky. Love that!

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is also easy to wear both casually and dressy. So far I have been pairing mine with jeans, but it will also look fabulous with skirts and dresses. Can’t wait to dress mine up!

Shop the Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch online:

I rate the Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch five out of five stars! I really love the lightweight and comfortable feel of the bag as well as the sleek look. The chain adds some fun and versatility to the bag as well. Love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

bottega veneta chain pouch review it bags 2021

Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag review

mansur gavriel pencil bag review

Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag review: bead bracelets / chain link bracelet / Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag handbag in Creme /

How cute is this new little bag from Mansur Gavriel! When it launched last month, I instantly fell in love. The only decision I needed to make was which color to invest in! Although the Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag comes in a variety of beautiful hues, the classic and neutral Creme color caught my eye.

I own a lot of black bags, so I decided to lighten up my neutral bag collection and go with this Creme hue. While it looked like ivory on my computer screen, it’s actually more of an egg color. It’s as if someone took ivory and added one drop of pale yellow to it. That is how I would describe Mansur Gavriel’s Creme in person.

This is a great color for the Pencil Bag since it plays well with seasonal colored shoes, bright prints, and any color combo ensemble. A crème bag will be easy to wear throughout the spring and summer seasons, as well as into the fall and winter seasons. Since crème isn’t a stark white, it will play well with autumn hues, and it can double as a winter white during the cold weather season. Love that!

What I like about the Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag is that it is a dressy bag. This cute little shoulder bag has a shiny leather finish which is not quite patent, but definitely not matte. It is reminiscent of the shiny leather finishes we saw throughout the 1990s on handbags. The finish makes this bag a little bit dressier than a day bag; although it can easily be worn during the day to weddings, parties, luncheons, and any occasion where you are dressing up. Due to the finish, the Pencil Bag can be worn at night too. While it’s not black tie, this bag can be worn to the theater, dinner, parties, and more!

What fits inside the Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag

What’s inside my Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag from top left: Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag / small wallet (in-store Louis Vuitton) / liquid lipstick (vegan!) / lipstick / phone case /

The Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag is small in size. I would even place it in the mini or nano category. It does not fit a full size wallet, so I switch to my small wallet when I wear it. Although it is quite small inside, I can still fit my iPhone, lipstick and keys in addition to my small wallet; this is all I really need. A small, travel size hand sanitizer will also fit inside.

One reason I love this bag for going to the theater, is the opera pocket! This is an easy way to store tickets as you head through the door of a theater. You can also use it to store receipts, or anything flat you need instant access to. The opera pocket is neatly sewn onto the back of the bag.

mansur gavriel pencil bag review opera pocket

Well, that’s it! If you are looking for a classic, dressy bag with a vintage vibe, the Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag is it! The silhouette offers a 1950s/1960s look while the leather finish reminds us all of the 1990s. Love that mix of style!

Shop the Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag online:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

mansur gavriel pencil bag dressy handbag

Spring 2021 handbag wish list

spring 2021 handbag wish list it bags

Spring 2021 handbag wish list from top left: small white studded satchel / brown saddle bag / small beige satchel / black woven bag / black chain detail shoulder bag / 1990s IT bag-Gucci logo hobo / grey slouchy satchel / soft white hobo bag /

Have I mentioned I believe 2021 might be the year of the IT bag? Yeah, I sure I have! There are so many beautiful bags to covet right now! As happy as I am with my new bag purchases this year, I still am wishing for a few more! Of course, I need to win the lottery in order to purchase every handbag I wish for. haha, don’t we all??

I love bags which are either 1990s IT bags, ’90’s inspired IT bags, or new IT bags. Basically, I love IT bags! haha, There are so many to choose from in 2021!

The trending styles for 2021 include white or soft white bags, 1990s inspiration, soft and slouchy, soft neutrals, saddle bags or shoulder bags, hobo bags, and clean lines. All of these styles are so chic!

Shop my spring 2021 handbag wish list online:

Which bags are you coveting for the spring 2021 season? Or, this year in general?

Thanks for stopping by and indulging in handbags with me!

XOXO
Cathy