Trends

Mini bags for spring 2017

February 6, 2017 in Handbags / Trends tagged cross body bags / spring 2017 / street style trends by Bay Area Fashionista

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?

Goodbye 2016 and hello to the trends of 2017

December 30, 2016 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Trends tagged happy new year by Bay Area Fashionista

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

December 28, 2016 in Handbags / Trends tagged balenciaga / chanel / chloe / classic style / givenchy / gucci / hermes / louis vuitton / stella mccartney by Bay Area Fashionista

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.

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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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

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