Handbags

Mini bags for spring 2017

 in Handbags / Trends  tagged cross body bags / spring 2017 / street style trends by

From top left: Gucci Marmont Camera bag (huge IT bag under $1000) / brown suede bag (under $500) / YSL mini bag (under $1000) / white bracelet bag (IT bag of spring 2017) / black mini tote (under $1000) / white tassel bag (faux leather under $60) / striped box bag (under $300) / black box bag (splurge and it’s fabulous!)

You might be wondering, “Did I read that right? Mini-bags for spring 2017?” Yup! You read that correctly. Mini bags didn’t actually go anywhere, they are still here and hot for spring 2017.

The runways for spring 2017 told a different story for spring. Designers opted for medium sized bags, small trunk bags, and duffel bags. While the mini bag did grace the runways, it did not dominant the runways like the more practical, medium handbag did. It was most popular on the Paris runways, and when Paris speaks, store buyers listen, and consumers covet. So, we have the mini-bag for spring 2017 as the hottest handbag trend of the season. Just like that!

It is possible you already own a fabulous mini-bag; after all, this is not a new trend. In fact, there is nothing “groundbreaking” about it. Chances are, you have more then one mini-bag in your closet. If so, then you are all set! If not, then now is the time to add at least one mini-bag to your handbag collection.

While mini-bags are not practical for everyday use by those of us with children, they do come in handy for a girl’s night out, date night, or to keep in a work tote for lunch break. No-one wants to lug around their work tote during lunch break. A mini-bag can be pulled out of a bulky tote and offer a nice, light load while on break. Love that!

Since another hot trend for spring 2017 happens to be neutrals, this makes shopping for a mini-bag simple. Look for a mini-bag in a neutral tone you know you will wear often. Personally, I reach for black first, but a nice caramel, light beige, grey, or white will also work well for the warm weather season.

If you are seeking the IT bag of the mini-bag world, then this cute little number by Chloe is the bag you want. If IT does not suit your fancy, here are a few more fabulous handbags of the mini variety which are perfect for spring 2017:

Mini bags for spring 2017:

Camera bags for spring 2017 (also a hot trend, and they are mini too):

Which mini-bag is your favorite? What are your thoughts on this trend for spring?

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide to Santana Row

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Shopping  tagged gucci / holiday gift guide 2017 / holiday gift ideas / kendra scott / santana row / sugarfina / tesla / valentines day by

Hasn’t January flown by? This means it is 14 days until Valentine’s Day! Which also means, 13 shopping days until Valentine’s Day! Eeeek! Well, never fear, my Valentine’s Day gift guide to Santana Row is here to help you find the perfect gift for that perfect someone.

Whether you are shopping for a friend, a special friend, or a loved one, Santana Row has you covered. There are fabulous gifts for friends from shops such as Annie Glass, BCBG,  and LuLuLemon (for your fitness buddy of course!). If you are looking for something a bit more special, you can splurge at Spence Diamonds, or save at Jest Jewels.

There’s this ring at Spence Diamonds . . .

spence diamonds santana row

Or maybe . . .

Sometimes a special day is more fabulous then a gift! Why not treat your special someone to a spa day at Burke Williams followed by a fabulous meal at Blowfish Sushi, Cielo or LB Steak! He or she will LOVE a special day for the two of you on the row. Of course, when you need to put a bow on it. . .

Here are my favorite gift ideas from Santana Row for Valentine’s Day this year:

Tesla

tesla santana row 2017

Tesla is undeniably the hottest car on the street these days. Why not surprise your special someone with a fabulous ride? The red is perfect since it will remind your loved one the car was a special Valentine’s Day gift from you. Nothing says love better then no emissions and a design to-die-for!

For more information, visit Tesla at Santana Row

Kendra Scott’s Spring 2017 collection and Valentine’s Day special collection

Kendra Scott is the perfect place to find something for the fashion-forward friend, or special friend, or loved one, on your Valentine’s Day list. The spring 2017 collection is a-ma-zing!!! Since blue is such a hot color for spring 2017, I photographed the blue pieces for you to peruse. . .fabulous right?!

For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Kendra Scott, visit her store at Santana Row or call the store at 669.231.0300.

My picks from Kendra Scott for Valentine’s Day and spring:

Gucci

Gucci is having a moment, a BIG moment. The hottest IT items in fashion right now come from Gucci. If your special someone loves fashion, this is your ONLY possible destination for a Valentine’s Day gift. The current must-haves for Fashionistas include a pair of these slides, this belt, and the Marmont bag. Buy her all three, and you win Valentine’s Day!

For these items and more hotter than hot pieces from Gucci, please visit their shop on Santana Row.

My Valentine’s Day gift picks from Gucci:

Sugarfina

Need some sweets for your sweetie? Sugarfina is your Valentine’s Day destination! They have fabulous Valentine’s Day themed sweet treats and Bento Boxes so you can create the perfect confectionery box for your special someone.

To learn more, please visit Sugarfina at Santana Row.

Still can’t decide what to get that special someone for Valentine’s Day this year? Visit the concierge at Santana Row and they will assist you in purchasing a gift card which can be used at retailers and restaurants throughout the Row. Nothing says fabulous like picking out your own gift! Love! If you cannot make it in person, you can purchase a gift card online here.

For more information about Santana Row, please visit Santana Row.com.

Happy shopping, Happy Valentine’s Day, and stay fabulous 😉

*Thank you to Santana Row for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Top 5 IT bags under $1000

 in Handbags  tagged mansur gavriel / phillip lim / rebecca minkoff / tory burch by

mansur gavriel lady bag in black

For those of us who love handbags, the search for the perfect IT bag is an ongoing process. Styles and tastes change every year, and most disturbingly, every season. Keeping up with the IT bag fury can cost thousands of dollars! Thankfully, there are some IT bags which are also considered classic “must-have’s” for every fashion girl’s closet, that are under $1000. One is even under $500! Whaaaaaaat?? Here they are!
top 5 it bags under $1000

Pictured from top left: 1) Mansur Gavriel bucket bag / 2) Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC convertible shoulder bag-clutch. Under $200! / 3) Philip Lim Pashli large size / 3) Philip Lim Pashli mini which is under $700 / 4) Tory Burch Robinson current version / 5) Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag

Mansur Gavriel has mastered the IT bag market with high quality handbags that offer clean lines, and classic styling. It is no wonder the drawstring bucket, which put Mansur Gavriel on the map, is ranked #1 on the list of the top five IT bags under $1000. Thier more recent design, the Lady Bag, has proven to be just as desirable as the bucket bag over the past couple of years, elevating it to the list at #5.

Coming in at #2 on the list is the classic Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag. This cute little handbag has been around for what seems like forever! It comes in new colors every season. If you want longevity, pick it up in black. It offers the best IT bag value at a price point under $200. Plus, the mini MAC converts from a clutch to a shoulder bag. Love that!

The third moderately priced IT bag on the list is the Philip Lim Pashli. This bag was on the IT bag throne a few years ago, but it has moved into classic IT bag status by continuing to be highly sought-after by handbag fans everywhere. Philip Lim puts out new colors every season, but for longevity, look for black or beige. This bag is also hot in the mini version and large version; hence the reason both sizes are featured on the collage above. Pick your size, and you are hotter than hot!

The forth hot IT bag is the Tory Burch Robinson satchel. This bag reinvents itself every season in new colors, textures, and fabrications. This season’s version is a beautiful woven, black and white design. It is a classic color combo and texture; perfect for resort, spring, and summer, why not grab it for under $1000!!

While many of us feel the pressure to purchase a shiny new IT bag for $3000, we don’t have to! These five bags prove we can carry an IT bag for less than a mortgage payment.

I own the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag and Lady Bag. They are both high quality, and extremely functional; which adds to their allure in the marketplace. I also own a Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC which my teenage daughter stole from my closet and refuses to give back. (It’s coming out of her allowance!) It too is high quality, and easy to use. I highly recommend these bags!

A few of the top 5 IT bags under $1000 around the web:

What is your favorite IT bag under $1000?

mansur gavriel classic bucket bag