Trends


Goodbye 2016 and hello to the trends of 2017

turquoise statement necklace / zebra stripe loafers / Gucci slides in black / mixed metal bangles

The time has come to bid farewell to 2016. It was a quite a year indeed! Some fashion trends were fabulous, while others . . .hmmmm . . . not so much. Here is a guide to help know what you need to store in the back of your closet, and what you to buy for your closet.

Goodbye 2016!

Rose Quartz/Serenity: Gone are the days when the color of the year has share the title. Mixing baby blue and pink is so year. Buh-bye!

Statement necklaces: While some classic versions will be having their place in the new year, the statement necklace is over.

Earring jackets: This 1980s trend came and went faster than you can “What?” Did you notice it? It was pretty quiet. Store them in your jewelry box for the next time your friends host a 1980s-themed soiree.

Shoes with backs: Covered heels are so 2016. Buff and moisturize your heels, they will be shown off in the new year.

Standard handbag straps: Is that strap your handbag came with still on your bag? That’s so last year. Switch out that strap with a funky guitar strap.

Knee length, a-line skirts: Gone are the days of your hemline hitting at your knees. That’s so 2016. In 2017, it’s all about mini’s, maxi’s or asymmetrical hems which have a length you cannot define.

Hello 2017!

Greenery: 2017 is all about going green! Think calm, natural, and mixed in prints. That’s right! Although the color of the years gets to enjoy the title alone, it is not a solid color. Greenery is part of something bigger, it is part of a print.

Layered and delicate necklace: 2017 is all about the uptick in the delicate, layered necklace trend. While not a new trend, it will enjoy its moment in the spotlight in 2017. Layer up guys!

Bangles: Jungle jangle it’s all about the bangle! Lightly layer up your arms with gold bangles. 2017 isn’t about 1980s, Madonna bangles up the arm, it is about 1-3, high quality bangles which are classic yet eye-catching.

Statement earrings: Since your neck won’t have a statement, your ears will! Look for big and bold earrings in the new year.

Layered earrings: While one trend is to wear gigantic, statement earrings, another is to wear delicate earrings in multiple holes on your ear. Yes, this is a late 1980s, early 1990s trend. Go retro!

Stripes: This is the hottest trend since sliced bread. 2017 is all about stripes, stripes, and more stripes! The hottest types of stripes are horizontal and mis-matched.

Slides: Your shoes should not have backs. I repeat, your shoes should not have backs.

Mixed media handbags: Handbags in 2017 are leather mixed with suede, geometric patterns, floral prints, stuck with “stickers,” and the list goes on. If it isn’t plain, it’s hot!

Street sneakers: If you don’t own a pair of Addidas yet, your entire closet is so last year. Get a pair here, or get left behind.

Denim everything: Everything on your body should be denim. Your skirt, your shirt, your dress, your shoes, your handbag; and if you can find denim underwear-wear that too! Denim people. Denim.

There you have it! If you are looking for a laugh, check out my 2015 into 2016 out with the old, in with the new post.

What trends did you love or hate in 2016? What are looking forward to in 2017?

Happy New Year!


Top 10 classic handbags right now

It seems every season we are seeking the current IT bag of the moment. While there are many IT bags on the market, there are always classic handbags out there which catch our eyes.

What is a classic handbag? To understand this, we need to ask ourselves what makes one handbag more classic than another handbag? A classic handbag is one which withstands the test of time. Timeless handbags have stood on the IT bag pedestal, and when another IT bag du jour stepped into the limelight, the previous IT bag never faltered; it never became cliché.

The reason I have titled this article “Top 10 classic handbags right now,” instead of saying “all time,” is because this list will change very year, or every few years. There are always new IT bags emerging in the fashion world which will eventually fall into obscurity, or rise to classis status.

There are several IT bags on the market right now which are hot for the moment. They may, or may not, become classics over time. To see the hottest bags on the street right now, visit my post here. For classic handbags, read on!

Without further adieu, here are the top 10 classic handbags right now.

  1. Hermes Birkin or Kelly: Groundbreaking right? You already knew this one! The Birkin and the Kelly have sleek lines and they are customizable in different sizes, colors, and fabrications. There is nothing gimmicky about the styling. The silhouette is chic and timeless, making it a classic handbag.

    How to style wide leg pants for spring
  2. Givenchy Antigona: Say whaaaat? Oh yes, this is the perfect example of a recent IT bag turned classic IT bag. The Givenchy Antigona has slid into the closet staple category; everyone feels the need to own at least one. It has a classic doctor bag silhouette and is offered in mini, small, medium and large sizes as well as several colors, and different fabrications. This is must-have for the modern age.

  3. Chanel Classic Flap or 2.55 shoulder bag: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Every handbag fan out there needs at least one in her closet. The classic flap and the 2.55 come in mini, small, medium, and jumbo versions. All sizes are hot, all colors enviable, and all fabrications lust worthy.

    Chanel Boy Bag styled for summer.
  4. Chanel Boy bag. Another example of a recent, modern IT bag turned classic. This bag has an edgy slant to it, surprising many when it became an instant hit. Since Chanel keeps reinventing this now-classic style every season, it is one of the most sought-after handbags of all time. Invest in at least one. It is the ultimate classic, casual shoulder bag to own.

  5. Chloe Marcie satchel: This casual, closet staple has held IT bag status for over a decade. The popular colors include black, beige, and caramel. This is a great everyday bag Chloe Girls love to own! It has an unique design which is slightly boho. The bag is easy to use and extremely durable, making it the IT bag for everyday.
  6. Gucci Boston Bag: This is a classic duffle satchel. It has been around fooooor-eva! The Gucci Boston is an everyday bag which is quite casual. It has a roomy interior making it great for girls who like to tote a lot of things around. Vintage versions can be found for well under $1000, making it a budget-wise purchase from the pre-loved market.
  7. Stella McCartney Falabella Tote: This vegan handbag is loved by celebrities and comes in small or large sizes. The Falabella is also available in many different colors making it a fun, everyday bag. The smaller versions can be worn for dressier occasions; not formal, just dressy.

  8. Balenciaga City Tote: The City Tote put handbag zippers and tassels on the map. This soft and scrunchy bag is roomy and practical, making it a go-to everyday bag on casual days. Balenciaga introduces it in new colors every season creating a market of superfans who collect the bag in every color imaginable. The most popular color among handbag lovers is Anthracite.
  9. Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote: This might be one of the most recognizable totes on the planet. The plain, simple design of the Neverfull has made it an easy go-to tote for Fashionistas everywhere. Almost everyone has it in their closet. It is a go-to when traveling, beach-bound, and the like.

    chloe drew
  10. Chloe Drew: This chic, 1970s inspired shoulder bag has a very of-the-moment saddle bag silhouette, yet it has proven to withstand the test of fleeting IT bag status. The Chloe Drew is extremely sought after, and continues to sell well in every color, fabrication, and unique style Chloe has thrown to market. This is most the modern of the current, classic IT bags.

What do you think of the handbags that made the list? Any surprises or bags you felt were missing? Data for this list was compiled through social media post frequency, natural observation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and online popularity. I worked on collecting data for this list over the course of six months, I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to comment below, I would love to hear what you have observed where you live too!

Thanks for stopping by

XOXO

Cathy


Studded moto jacket

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Wearing: Kendra Scott earrings / MAC Lipstick / BR turtleneck sweater (sold out, similar here)  / faux leather studded moto jacket c/o Tart Collections (use code HOLIDAY20 to save 20% off now ’till 12-30-2016)/ Kendra Scott ring / c/o Essie nail polish / Givenchy handbag / Gap two tone jeans (on major sale! avl in petite & tall too) / booties (old, similar pair here)

If you just looked at the above photo, don’t worry, I was not run over by a car during this photo shoot. That is our friend in the car who laughed a little bit when he saw us shooting photos, and we quickly moved aside for him. His car looks much closer to me in the photo than it actually was! haha I digress. . .

How fabulous is this studded moto jacket! It is designed by San Francisco Bay Area based fashion brand Tart Collections. I love love love Tart Collections! Not only are they based here in the Bay Area, they make the perfect, most fabulous attire for our California Casual lifestyle. Love that!

This moto jacket has the most intricate studded design. To make it even more appealing, the jacket is vegan leather. Love that! So very Bay Area 😉

Since our weather has been chilly lately, I have been wearing this jacket over a thin sweater; as pictured in this post. The jacket itself it not too thick, so when the weather starts to change in the spring season, it will be easy to transition with a long sleeve tee underneath, then short sleeves. It is perfect for staying warm when the fog rolls in this spring!

Tart collections run true to size. I wear a 6/8 and this jacket is a size medium. It fits perfectly! You can find this jacket, and more fabulous pieces online at TartCollections.com. Be sure to use coupon code HOLIDAY20 now through December 30, 2016 in order to save 20% off your purchase. Love that!

Outfit details:


bay area fashion designers

One more thing! Moto jackets are going to be a HOT trend this upcoming spring/summer 2017 season. They were all over the runways in New York! This is a great moto jacket to buy now, using the 20% off coupon code HOLIDAY20 before Dec 30, 2016. You can wear it right now and rock this spring trend before everyone else! I love beating others to a new trend, don’t you? It rocks!

The gold studs fit perfectly into more spring runway trends from New York. Metallic hues, as well as heavy embellishments, are all hot trends from the New York runways for the upcoming spring season. This jacket just hits all the points. Love that!

You can save 20% off your purchase with coupon code HOLIDAY20 at TartCollections.com  now through December 30, 2016.
tart collection san francisco bay area

Aren’t the details on this studded moto jacket in faux leather by Tart Collections fabulous! I am in love!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

san francicso bay area fashion brands