Bay Area Fashionista

Back to life and friends

Wearing: sunglasses / summer lipstick / I forgot to wear earrings! / stripe puff sleeve top (under $50) / summer nail polish / straw tote bag (under $500) / wide leg jeans / black belt with snake buckle / grey espadrilles /

I am so excited the economy is opening back up! Last week, I was able to meet up with my friend Dawn from Fashion Should be Fun for the first time since everything shut down last year. It was so emotional and amazing to see her in person, and to be able to talk non-stop; and talk non-stop we did!

We met up at Santana Row and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Straits. If you are local, and haven’t eaten there yet, what are you waiting for? The food is delicious! It’s an Asian fusion menu with healthy options available. Since I am on a diet, it was really easy to find something healthy and delicious on their menu. I enjoyed the Fuji apple and prawn salad as well as the roti appetizer, which I shared with Dawn.

After lunch, we took a walk around Santana Row and browsed through several shops. It was such a nice day, and we were having so much fun, we walked across the street to Valley Fair!

We took a walk around Valley Fair and window shopped; especially where there were handbags. haha. How fun are these teeny, tiny little handbags at the Jimmy Choo shop! They were literally doll sized. I don’t think a phone could fit inside, just maybe keys and a lipstick? They were so cute! I tried to find them on their website for you, but they aren’t there. If you have a Jimmy Choo boutique where you live, go check them out. They’re so cute and fun!

jimmy choo handbags valley fair san jose

The entire excursion was a little over two hours, then I had to go and pick up my kids from school; another fun thing that has reopened! Yay!

In order to ensure I was comfortable, and ready for a lot of walking, I wore these soft and comfy espadrilles. They are a fabulous go-to shoe for warm days; it was in the mid-80’s. The jeans were comfy too, and of course the tee was perfect for the weather! I really am addicted to these puff sleeves! It might be my favorite trend of the year!

Shop my casual shopping look online:

I am looking forward to June 15 when the state officially reopens! Fingers crossed we end our mask mandate soon too. What have you been up to lately now that things are reopening?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

BAF Weekly IT List

Trending for summer from top left: black hobo bag (hot IT bag-hard to find) / puffy slides / puff sleeve top ( avl in several colors and under $50-I own two!) / basket bag (hot IT bag under $500) / yellow puffy slides / pink nail polish / summer nail polish / grey satchel /

It’s starting to heat up! We have had temperatures soaring into the 80’s and 90’s here in the San Francisco Bay Area this past week. The sudden heatwave made me realize how few summer pieces I own! After all, last summer was spent in workout clothing, swimsuits, and pajamas! haha

I have figured out my accessories for the summer season already; as you know that’s my favorite part of fashion. That being said, when it comes to clothing, I picked up several cute tee’s for the summer, but I need skirts and bottoms! Here is a sneak peek at some things I already picked up, and what I am looking at purchasing.

It appears I am not the only one thinking about summer! I am sure temperatures are starting to heat up where you live too! I am sure, like me, you don’t have a lot of going-out-of-the-house clothing from last year; you need to shop too! This past week shoppers have been gravitating towards what’s hot for the upcoming summer season. Shades of light and dark pink nail polish have been trending, as well as IT bags for the summer.

Slides, both flat, and featuring block heels, have also been trending this past week. People have been stocking up on trendy tee’s too! I love this one with understated puff sleeves. It reflects the puff sleeve trend without being 1980’s soap opera, over-the-top. Love that!

If you like to transition from one season to the next like me, these puff sleeve tee’s paired with jeans, summer IT bags, and slides, are ideal to rock the summer trends before temperatures are hot enough for shorts. I love this look right now!

Shop the BAF Weekly IT List online:

What are you looking at for summer right now?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch review

Pictured: Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch in Fondant (dark brown) /

Ah, the Bottega Veneta Pouch, the bag that started the pouch trend several years ago; I finally broke down and purchased the chain version! The Pouch clutch is a hot trend which hasn’t faded from the streets since it began roughly three years ago. As the trend matures, it is starting to look like pouch clutches are moving from trend-of-the-moment, into classic IT bag territory. Of course, only time will tell.

What makes an IT bag move into classic territory? When sales are steady, people continue to wear their bag and not shelve it, and subtle variations come to market which are just as popular as the original versions; and those variations don’t slow down the original style’s sales. My proof? The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch.

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is a convertible version of the original pouch clutch. This version features a chunky chain which can be placed on the bag through loops on the side allowing it to be worn as a shoulder bag, carried on the forearm, or held by hand. The strap can also be attached on one side, giving it more of a clutch strap. Lastly, the chain can be detached and hidden inside the bag so that it can be worn as a classic pouch; although you can see one link on the side when it is worn this way. Love that!

I have wanted to invest in an Bottega Veneta bag for sometime now, but the price made me plan my purchase slowly; I also had to save up for it! I toggled between the chain pouch and the padded cassette bag; ultimately, I decided on the chain pouch for it’s longevity, sleek silhouette, and versatile chain.

Over the years, I have found sticking to neutral hues on a leather handbag is a safe bet. Sometimes trendy colors not only go out of fashion, they don’t keep their original vibrancy over time. For seasonal or trendy colors, I prefer to purchase a bag in moderate or affordable price ranges. So for my Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch, I went with dark brown. Although a traditional fall hue, dark brown can easily be worn throughout the year since it is neutral and classic. It is also a nice alternative to black. Since I own enough black bags, this was a good alternative hue, which reflects my personal style.

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is a great bag to wear daily. It has just enough interior capacity for my daily purse essentials including sunglasses, wallet, keys, lipstick, and phone. It’s always nice to have everything fit, that is what makes a great daily bag!

I love that everything fits nicely inside my Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch bag. There is still a little room to spare for a granola bar, receipts, a pen, or other small object.

The pouch is really easy to get in and out of. The opening is a pull open/close which keeps the bag safe from pickpockets. I have found myself wearing it as a shoulder bag tucked under my arm; although it can be worn as a clutch, and on the forearm as well. The chain is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable on my shoulder; despite looking heavy and chunky. Love that!

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is also easy to wear both casually and dressy. So far I have been pairing mine with jeans, but it will also look fabulous with skirts and dresses. Can’t wait to dress mine up!

Shop the Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch online:

I rate the Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch five out of five stars! I really love the lightweight and comfortable feel of the bag as well as the sleek look. The chain adds some fun and versatility to the bag as well. Love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

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