Handbags


Fall 2020 handbag capsule wardrobe

fall handbag capsule autumn 2020

Fall 2020 capsule wardrobe from top left: Mansur Gavriel bucket bag black/flamma / Givenchy Antigona small / Mansur Gavriel Cloud Clutch black/flamma / Chloe Marcie small black / Chanel Boy Bag (similar under $200) /

This fall, I decided to pull bags I already own, which fit into the current fall handbag trends, and put together a capsule wardrobe; instead of buying a new bag to add to my collection. While there are bags I would like to purchase, I am undecided on which one to actually buy; so I am going to wait until next season to decide. I am eyeing the Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag in black, the Givenchy Antigona Soft in grey, a few bags from Staud, and a few bags on Miirta. It’s hard to pick just one!

The fall handbag trends for 2020 include heavy chain straps, bucket bags, pouch clutches, hard clutches (due to shelter-in-place, I don’t have a place to wear this trend), geometric shape bags, and top handle satchels or totes.

The Givenchy Antigona is celebrating ten years, so it’s a fun bag to wear this year. My Chanel Boy bag takes care of the heavy chain trend, and of course Mansur Gavriel’s bags are always on pointe. I am wearing my Chloe Marcie because it fits the satchel trend, and it is also a fabulous casual bag for everyday use. Sometimes practical can be fabulous too 😉

Shop my fall 2020 handbag capsule wardrobe online:

Shop my wish list and alternatives online:

If you are looking for classic bags with longevity, all of these bags have it! I have owned these bags for several years, and one bag, over a decade! The only new-ish bag is my Mansur Gavriel Cloud Clutch which I have had since late winter. Handbags rarely wear out, so it is always a good idea to invest in a handbag with a timeless vibe; that way you can pull it in and out of your closet. Investment dressing is always the way to go!

Which handbags do you plan to carry this season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy


Chloe Marcie review

pictured: stripe tee / fall nail polish / Chloe Marcie size small / black joggers /

The iconic Chloe Marcie. You might be wondering why I am reviewing a bag that has been on the market for well over a decade. Well, let me tell you, it has become an iconic handbag which remains a top seller at major department stores. So, if you are looking for an IT bag with staying power, read on!

I originally purchased my Chloe Marcie over a decade ago. I loved how it had a casual, everyday vibe while feeling luxurious. The leather was thick and strong; and the craftsmanship was flawless. I found I was able to carry heavy items inside the bag, and the stitching remained secure and strong. This is when I knew, I had a workhorse bag!

The Chloe Marcie has two top handles, and a detachable strap. I have found throughout the years I switch between carrying it on my forearm, and over my shoulder. When my kids were younger, I found myself throwing it on cross-body so I could pick up my smaller kids and/or chase them. My middle child loves to run! Haha

The bag offers a convenient opera ticket pocket on the front of the bag, hidden by the front flap. Normally this type of pocket is found on the backside of a bag, but in this case, Chloe hid it under the front flap of the bag. This is actually a very nice location for the pocket since it is easier to reach for what is inside on the front of the bag, instead of the back.

The interior offers one zipper pocket, and one open pocket. These pockets are good sized, and very convenient for storing smaller items inside the bag. The top zipper unlatches at the end in case you need to put something wide or large inside the bag. This is a nice feature which keeps the zipper from the getting misaligned.

If you like to travel, you will like this feature! The Chloe Marcie flattens out like a pancake. No joke! This is a really easy bag to travel with since it can go inside of a suitcase and lay flat. I don’t know how many times I have been packing for a trip and wanted to bring an extra handbag, only to find the one I wanted to pack didn’t fit inside my suitcase. This one is perfect! It has become my go-to bag to throw in a suitcase as an extra handbag. I love traveling with it since it can fit a lot of items inside, and I can wear it cross-body. Those are good features for a bag to wear while sight-seeing and exploring a new town.

I feel like my Chloe Marcie was one of the best handbag purchases I have ever made. It is an everyday bag which is strong and versatile. I can travel with it; and since it is strong, I don’t have to worry about it around my kids. Of course, I love a good IT bag. The Chloe Marcie turned from a trendy IT bag when it was first introduced, to a classic IT bag you can still purchase and wear now. Plus, it is priced under $2000. That’s rare for an IT bag!

Shop Chloe Marcie in all versions online:

I have the small size Chloe Marcie in black, and it is over ten years old. I also love the grey version, which is a pretty alternative to black. The small size is quite roomy, but if you carry a lot of things, you might want to size up to the medium. If you prefer smaller bags, the Chloe Marcie comes in a cute cross body bag without top handles. It too, is a classic IT bag!

Do you have a Chloe Marcie? Have you been eyeing it over the years? If so, I hope you decide to invest in one! It is a great bag and a longtime favorite of mine. Love!!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

My Chloe Marcie, photographed for a blog post back in 2012.

BAF Weekly IT List

top selling fashion and beauty products august 2020

BAF Weekly IT List from top left: brown saddle bag / stripe tee with puff sleeves / fall nail polish / summer nail polish / black slides /

Welcome the to BAF Weekly IT List! This is a new series I am starting here on the blog. Normally this will post on Fridays, but this week I am a little behind. So watch for this series on Fridays!

What is the BAF Weekly IT List? Every Friday I will be sharing the top five IT items of the week which have appeared on the blog recently. These are a combination of products you love, great price deals for the item and season, as well as must-haves for the season. I hope you enjoy this new series. If you want to see anything specific highlighted in this series, feel free to email me, or comment below and share your thoughts!

Also, you may have noticed my collages have a new look. Last week I attended the rewardStyle Conference online, and one of the tips they mentioned was using a collage software to spice up collages. I have always known this tip, but never executed it. When hearing it during the conference, it struck a cord in me as something I needed to do, but never did. You know, like the clothing sitting on your sewing machine waiting to be repaired but is starting to collect dust instead? Yeah, kinda like that. I needed a little kick to get it done.

I am now using Adobe Spark to spice up my collages. I hope you love the new look. Again, feel free to give me feedback. I want you to enjoy what you read here 🙂

Now, let’s get back to the BAF Weekly IT List! This handbag is an incredible buy. It is currently on sale until Sunday, August 30, 2020. Then, it goes back to regular price; which it is currently offered at on the brands website. I highly recommend snapping it up if you have been on the fence before the price goes back up. You can currently save $195 on it! Run, don’t walk to this deal! I love the vintage vibe it offers, plus it is a classic style you will love forever.

You love nail polish, and so do I! These are the two top selling colors of the week. They’re my favorites too. You have fabulous taste 😉

We all need classic black slides. I have been wearing my pair for several years now; especially during the fall season. This pair is offered at a fabulous price. Snag a pair before they are gone!

Lastly, this tee has already sold out at Nordstrom, but you can find it online here while it lasts. I purchased it for fall and have found myself reaching for it often. It is ultra soft, and super cute. Plus, the puff sleeves are on trend for fall. Love that!

Shop the BAF Weekly IT List online:

Stay tuned for my fall capsules, which will start to appear on the blog next week! Also, let me know how you like this new series.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy