Handbag trends 2014: the inside-out handbag

DSC_0376

Photo: Mansur Gavriel red and black drawstring bucket bag. Online here and here. Tote version online here.

A few seasons ago, Saint Laurent and Valentino introduced reversible tote bags. These beautiful handbags reminded us of high-quality garments which look just as amazing inside as they do on the outside.  There is nothing like looking inside of a handbag and seeing just as much beauty inside as outside.

This brings us to the current trend in handbags which is exemplified by the current “IT” bag by Mansur Gavriel. Instead of a reversible handbag, Mansur Gavriel stayed true to the fashion industry mantra of making a piece beautiful inside and out. In doing this, they created a line of tote bags and drawstring bucket bags which have fabulous colors inside, and finished seams inside, without fabric lining. The color on the inside of the handbag peeks out from the top of the bag creating additional interest in the piece from casual onlookers, while keeping the handbag owners’ interest. Love that!

Mansur Gavriel’s popularity did not go unnoticed in the fashion industry. Aside from becoming the most sought-after handbag of the decade, which is next to impossible to get your hands on, iconic designers such as Prada have followed suit and created bi-color handbags for the summer 2014 season; and into the fall 2014 season.

That’s right! Mansur Gavriel’s drawstring bucket made a quiet trend explode; a trend which goes beyond the drawstring bucket bag silhouette. This new trend offers one color on the inside and another color on the outside. They have reinvented the basic black or tan handbag; giving handbag fans everywhere something fresh to cheer about!

As we move from spring 2014, into the hot summer months, and the new fall season, be on the lookout for more designers and brands creating bi-color handbags which offer inside-out interest. This is the beginning of the trend . . .

Bi-color handbags from around the web:


Mansur Gavriel drawstring bucket bag and Pretty Living feature

20140422-163330.jpg

Photo: Mansur Gavriel handbags online here and here /  Nail Polish c/o Laura Mercier

I cannot contain my excitement; I got my hands on a Mansur Gavriel drawstring bucket bag! This beautiful handcrafted handbag is vegetable dyed and made from exquisite leather. The interior is carefully finished with a beautiful red hue and looks just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. I love pieces which are carefully crafted and exude pride, quality craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

Aside from being the “IT” handbag of the moment, the Mansur Gavriel drawstring bucket bag offers a classic look which I look forward to enjoying for many years to come. The leather will soften and eventually display scratches which will give the handbag character much like vintage Coach handbags with their famous patina everyone longed for back in the 1980’s and 1990’s when Coach’s baseball glove leather was in high demand.

The Mansur Gavriel handbags have a cult following, and since they are handmade in Italy, they are not mass produced in high quantity. This has made the demand for the Mansur Gavriel bag far exceed supply; resulting in a seven month wait, on average. I absolutely adore well-made handbags and I love the ease of being able to reach in and out of the top of the handbag without needing to fiddle with a zipper or unreliable clasp. I have my eye on the light tan with pale pink interior drawstring bag by Mansur Gavriel. I may need to add my name to the waitlist for it!

I would also like to thank “Pretty Living” magazine for the recent feature! You can read the article at PrettyLivingMag.com.

Where to find Mansur Gavriel online. Be prepared for a wait list!


Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat review

DSC_0357 DSC_0360 DSC_0371

Pictured: Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat c/o LaBelle Day Spas & Salons.

There is a famous, luxurious spa treatment which can be enjoyed right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. The facial is called a “Gold Facial.” Gold has been used in skin care for centuries in order to help skin look younger, stimulate collagen and renew cells. Its’ use dates back to Ancient China. 

On April 3, 2014 International Supermodel Bar Refaeli treated herself to a gold facial and Instagrammed the moment to her followers. A media frenzy followed the moment and speculations ran crazy about the possible cost of a gold facial; some suggesting the treatment cost over $1000! The reality is that Bar Refaeli’s gold facial cost less than $200; making it an affordable spa treatment for anyone seeking a little luxury, and younger looking skin!

This fabulous facial treatment can be had at LaBelle Day Spas & Salons located in Palo Alto and San Francisco. Of course, if you are not local to the San Francisco Bay Area, and you are not planning a trip here anytime soon, never fear, you can find these products online! They are online at labelledayspas.com which means you can indulge in gold while in the luxurious comfort of your own home! Love that!

I did indulge in the comfort of my own home. As a busy Mother of three, finding time for a facial is next to impossible! Thankfully I was able to try two gold products from Bella Schneider at home. And yes, they are fabulous and indulgent!

I tested out Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat “Exfoliating Gommage” and Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat “All-Day Cream.” 

The “Exfoliating Gommage” by Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat was an incredible way to cleanse my face. Everything from the scent to the texture to the silky feel of the product was luxurious. The “Exfoliating Gommage” did am amazing job cleaning my skin. It took away any dry spots on my face left from the sun and cleansed my pores. I found that it does such a good job I only need to use it one day per week. 

I also tested out the “All-Day Creme” from Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat and it too offered a silky texture and luxurious scent. It left my skin even and perfectly moisturized throughout the day. I am thrilled! 

Since these products are so amazing at home, I can only imagine how fabulous the actual facial at the spa must be! This summer when school is over, and my schedule is less hectic, I plan to take a day and indulge in a gold facial from LaBelle Day Spas & Salons. 

I rate Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat products five out of five stars!!!

To learn more about Bella Schneider Beauty Culmine Caviar & Carat products and LaBelle Day Spas & Salons in Palo Alto and San Francisco, please visit labelledayspas.com