Fall handbag trends 2025

From top left: suede moon shaped bag / east/west bag / belted tote / slouchy shoulder bag / suede bucket bag / east/west bag /

Fall 2025 handbag trends are hitting store shelves, and they offer cozy autumn vibes, quality, and anonymity. Love!

The anonymous handbag continues for the fall season and is showing no sign of moving to the back of the closet. So, keep those logo bags in storage and continue to rock your beautiful handbags. The fall 2025 season is all about quality, personal style, and investment handbags.

For the fall 2025 season, we are seeing a continuation of the handbag styles we have been enjoying these past few seasons. In addition, chocolate brown is moving to the front of the pack and proving to be the most important color of the season. Thankfully, it is also a classic color which means we can invest in chocolate brown handbags and more; without any guilt. Love that!

So, without further ado, here are the handbag styles stealing the show for the fall 2025 season.

Chocolate brown: We already know shades of mocha are hot for 2025, but the deep shade of chocolate has moved to the front of the pack. This is a timeless hue, so feel free to invest without any spending guilt!

The belted tote: Belted totes are continuing to be hot as we move into the fall 2025 season. Since it too is a classic style, this is a great investment tote for seasons to come. Your belted tote can be small and hold essential items, or it can be large to hold a laptop and the kitchen sink. Invest in the size which fits your lifestyle and tote needs.

The east/west bag: This horizontal style is still going strong, so you may already own a few. If not, feel free to invest in a shoulder bag style or double top handle style.

The slouchy north/south tote: Sometimes mistaken for a hobo bag, the slouchy north/south tote was hot last year and continues to be hot this year. There are plenty of styles under $300, so you don’t need to break the bank to find a nice one.

Suede: This is the fabrication of the moment, or should I say the year? Or the current era? Suede is hot and showing no signs of slowing down. I recommend staying under $1000 when it comes to suede. This is a leather which can be susceptible to weather and can be hard to clean. I love my suede bags, which all cost under $500. Suede does give you the ultimate slouch! I have to admit I am a fan! Just not on rainy days. . .

Hobo bags: The hobo is still going strong! You can wear a slouchy hobo, structured hobo, and anything in between. The hobo is hot.

Moon shaped or circle bags: Handbag which convert from a half-moon to a circle are hot. Also, circles are hot. Stay round.

Neutral hues: In addition to shades of mocha, including chocolate brown, handbags for fall 2025 are in neutral hues. Look for black, mocha hues, white, ivory, beige, tan, and navy. Seasonal hues such a deep red and dark green are also acceptable. Otherwise, stay away from overly trendy colors. They are not hot.

There you have it! Shop your closet for these styles first, then fill in with what you want to invest in! Love that!

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more fall coverage coming up!

XOXO

Cathy


Top of Mt Tam

Have you ever been to the top of Mt Tam? If you are local to the San Francisco Bay Area, and you can handle few twisty roads, what are you waiting for? When you reach the top of Mt Tam, you can see spectacular views of Marin and the bay. If you’re lucky, you will see the fog rolling in like a luxurious blanket enveloping you in comfort and relief from the summer heat.

This is your cue to make sure you have a full tank of gas, and to head up the mountain for some hiking, serenity, local history, and breathtaking beauty. To achieve this, I recommend going in the morning on a weekday; avoid weekends at all costs.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy this Bay Area staycation idea!

XOXO

Cathy


Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple cologne review

pictured: Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple cologne 1 oz. / dark green nail polish / nail polish top coat /

Who can resist a fragrance bottle with a pink bow? I can’t! How cute is this bottle? When Raspberry Ripple by Jo Malone was introduced a couple months ago, I was instantly intrigued. A fragrance based on raspberries? A cute little bow? Yes please!

I decided to purchase a bottle of the 1oz Raspberry Ripple cologne by Jo Malone and give it a whirl. After all, fruity scents are fabulous during the summer months, and summer does not really end until early October in the San Francisco Bay Area anyway.

What a fun cologne! Upon first spray, you can instantly detect the redcurrant and after a couple of minutes, the fragrance settles into a fruity scent with a smooth undertone. Love!

Jo Malone typically encourages fragrance layering. Although I tested Raspberry Ripple alone, it also seems to blend well when sprayed over a vanilla or coconut body cream or edp. I haven’t tried layering it with another Jo Malone fragrance, but if I get the chance, I will let you know.

Top notes: redcurrant, blackcurrant

Middle/Heart notes: raspberry

Base notes: white musk

I definitely enjoy Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple cologne, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a fruity fragrance. If you are looking for a fruity gourmand, you can layer it with a simple gourmand scent such as vanilla. For a fruity floral, try layering it with a simple rose based scent. Love!

Thanks for stopping by, and let me know on social media if you plan to, or have already layered Raspberry Ripple!

XOXO

Cathy