Bay Area Fashionista

Summer 2023 handbag trends

Summer 2023 handbag trends from top left: rhinestone bag / mini tote bag / moon shaped bag / top handle bucket / hobo bag / straw tote / shoulder bag / top handle satchel /

Rhinestone and metallic bags

Sparkle sparkle sparkle! The early 2000’s brought us a lot of bling, and one of the trends was a sparkling handbag. The sparkling handbag trend is back. When you dress for a special occasion, forget the classic black satin bag, go for something with sparkle. Rhinestones and metallic fabrications are hotter than hot. You can also wear these sparkling bags when you go out for dinner, and for any evening occasion when you want to shine. Sparkle!

Classic shoulder bags

Chic, classic shoulder bags are hot this year, and the trend is showing no sign of slowing down. Of course, this isn’t really a trend, it is a classic look you can invest in for years to come. Since logos are out, classic shoulder bags have come to the forefront. Look for simple lines, high quality fabrications, and functionality. This bag will last a lifetime. That being said, you don’t have to break the bank to rock this trend. Check out my post about mid priced bag brands here.

The anonymous handbag

This is a continuation of the classic shoulder bag. Any style handbag made from high quality fabrics, and which forgoes loud logos qualifies as an anonymous handbag. This is an investment bag you will wear forever and pass down to your children. Look for styles you love. You can wear this bag in a fun color, or a neutral hue. It’s up to you!

Natural fibers

Summer always calls for natural fibers. If you have a fabulous bag made from straw or other natural fabrications, you are in luck! Pull it out and rock it this summer. If not, I highly recommend this classic tote. I have had mine for a few years, and I love it. Highly recommend!

Small lady bags

Small lady bags, or single top handle satchels, are still hot. Look for one with a strap to give you some versatility. Coach has several to choose from. These are timeless bags you can wear for years to come. Love this chic and feminine trend!

Hobo bags and moon shapes

The hobo bag and moon shaped bag are showing no signs of slowing down. This is a great trend to rock in high quality fabrics and leather since hobo bags traditionally forgo loud logos. If you haven’t invested in a good hobo, this is a great season to pick one up! I recommend sticking to neutral hues for hobo bags, they look better. That being said, for small moon shaped bags, a fun color works very well!

Top handle bucket bags

Top handle buckets bags are a hot trend right now. If you already own a bucket, and are not interested in another one, then stick with what you have. Regular bucket bags are hot too. If not, pick one up with a handle. The handle adds some versatility to how you carry the bag. Love that!

There are a few handbag trends out there which are not gaining traction on the streets. The denim handbag trend is falling flat as well as the neon handbag trend.

Which handbag trend for summer 2023 is your favorite?

Shop summer 2023 handbag trends online:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

ReVive neck renewal cream review

pictured: ReVive Neck Renewal Cream / nail polish /

I am scratching my head trying to figure how I have had this blog for over thirteen years and I have not reviewed my favorite beauty product yet! How in the world did this happen? Well, I am correcting my wrongdoing now by telling you all about this fabulous neck cream from ReVive.

When I was twenty-eight years old, I decided to get serious about my skin care. I felt myself pushing thirty, and the writing was on the wall that skin care would be an important part of aging gracefully. Fast forward to my late forties, and I am still doing the same skin care routine I developed when I was twenty-eight.

The most important part of my skin care routine is this neck cream. While I have tested out others along the way, I always go back to my old faithful, ReVive Neck Renewal Cream. Since I don’t believe in using fillers or plastic surgery, using creams which actually work is very important to me. This neck cream has kept my neck skin firm and wrinkle free over the years; even after losing forty pounds almost two years ago.

In addition to keeping my neck skin firm, ReVive Neck Renewal Cream contains spf, which is really an important part of combating the aging process and protecting your skin. The cream is smooth and doesn’t leave a sticky residue; it blends in really well leaving skin soft and well balanced. Love that!

So, if you are looking for the ultimate neck cream, this is it. If ReVive ever stops producing this neck cream, I will have to organize and stage a large-scale protest because I need this cream!

My favorite skin care products:

Do you have a beauty product you have been standing by for decades? If so, share in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by,

XOXO

Cathy

Reno recap

Fountain inside the Eldorado casino in Reno

When was the last time you drove to Reno? For me, it had been almost thirty years! The last time I went to Reno was in high school for a swim meet, so when I heard my daughter’s volleyball tournament would be in Reno, I thought it sounded fun!

The athletes in the tournament were asked to stay at the Silver Legacy, the Eldorado or Circus Circus in Reno. The tournament had blocked rooms and set up special rates for us, so it seemed like a good deal and might be fun too!

I have to admit, staying in a casino with a child is not the greatest thing on the planet. If you want to stay in a casino in Reno, do it on an adult trip, not when you have your kids in tow. I forgot people smoke. Really, I did! In California, smoking has become taboo, so you never smell smoke when you are out and about. We occasionally smell another thing that gets smoked around here, haha, but that is rare. So, it hit me like a brick when we went into the hotel to check in and the place smelled like smoke. My daughter had to smell it all weekend. Thankfully we had a non-smoking room so the room itself was fine. I wish I could say the same for the hallways, elevator, and all public spaces. Yikes!

That being said, there was plenty to do for people like me who don’t gamble or drink. This is good news, because if you are going with kids, there are things to do! Yay! Of course, I would say with kids, try for a regular hotel, not one with a casino.

Circus Circus has a carnival game area which is kid friendly and fun. There is also a simulated golf area as well as plenty of restaurants. Of course, we spent most of our time at the volleyball tournament. That being said, I always love finding good places to eat!

For breakfast, I am a huge fan of Starbucks. The one inside the Eldorado was really good. The service was fabulous, and the coffee was made just right. This might be one of my favorite Starbucks on the planet. Love!

We ate at several restaurants inside the casinos, but I am only going to mention the best ones. We loved our food at Sushi Sake and La Strada.

Sushi Sake is a small sushi restaurant located in the Eldorado by the fountain pictured above. The fish was fresh, and the rolls were delicious. If you love sushi, you will enjoy Sushi Sake in Reno.

La Strada Reno has been mentioned on the Food Network as having the best pasta in the country. As a huge pasta fan with Italian ancestry, I was intrigued. We had to try the place! They are known for their mushroom ravioli, but neither one of us was in a mushroom mood. I enjoyed the Bolognese and my daughter had a pomodoro. The pasta was really good, but when a place is hyped as the best in the country, there is a high bar. I would say this is a great restaurant, but the best? I’m not so sure. . . That being said, next time you go to Reno, definitely eat here! It is quite yummy!

What I packed for Reno:

All in all, we had fun in Reno. If I have to do it again, I will stay in a non-casino hotel and visit the casinos for food. If you are looking for something more low key than Vegas, this could be your next road trip.