balenciaga


Top 10 classic handbags right now

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.

  1. 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.

    How to style wide leg pants for spring
  2. 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.

  3. 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 styled for summer.
  4. 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.

  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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


Ten best IT bags to buy and wear now

mansur gavriel handbag styled with culottes

Every year the crop of IT bags changes. Over the past few years we have seen the Chanel Boy Bag, Celine Trapeze, Louis Vuitton Petite Malle, Chloe Drew, Saint Laurent Sac du Jour, Balenciaga City Tote, Givenchy Antigona, Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, Chloe Marcie, and more enjoy their moment in the spotlight. While these bags still maintain a cult following, as well as IT status, they have moved into a more classic category on the handbag hierarchy. Enter the IT bags of right now, and early 2017.

At New York Fashion Week last month, and at subsequent fashion weeks in London, Paris, and Milan, there was a flurry of fabulous designer handbags on the arms of the well-heeled attending the shows. While I could only judge what was worn through photographs in London, Milan, and Paris, I did see first hand what was being carried in New York; and the bags were fabulous.

There were ten distinct handbags which kept appearing on the arms, shoulders, and clutched in the hands of those fashionable fashion industry insiders at the recent spring 2017 shows. These are the handbags which are hot right now, and will remain hot as we move into early 2017. Get your wallet ready, if you don’t already own at least one of these current IT bags, and you enjoy owning an IT bag du jour, it is time to start shopping!

My favorites from the current crop of IT bags:

The number one most spotted handbag on the streets of New York Fashion Week was the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle. This tiny little trunk has been proving to have IT status for the past few seasons, but it was quietly the stand-out at fashion week last month. I tried to count the times I spotted this bag, but sadly, I lost count. It was everywhere. If you like tiny, structured, trendy bags, this is the IT bag for you.

The next most popular bag on the streets of New York Fashion Week was the beautiful Pierce bag by J.W. Anderson. I might be biased, as the proud owner of this bag, but it was really pretty. If you are looking for an edgy meets classic shoulder/saddle bag for right now, this is the bag to get! The black and white version was the most popular, followed by black, then brown. I chose to purchase the Tangerine hue, I guess I was in a rebellious mood?

jw anderson pierce bag

Here are the other six IT bags that were everywhere during fashion week, and which stood out from the crowd. The Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag is still hotter than hot, as is the Lady Bag by Mansur Gavriel. The Circle Tote by Mansur Gavriel was also spotted frequently at shows. These were three bags spotted at almost every show I attended. In addition to Mansur Gavriel, the Chanel Boy Bag was everywhere, as were the Proenza Schouler Hava satchel in black (I thought I was unique, apparently not!), the small version of Loewe’s Puzzle bag, the Gucci Marmont, and the up-and-coming Gucci Dionysus shoulder bag. 

new york fashion week street style handbags

So to sum up the best street style handbags from New York Fashion Week, which happen to be the current IT bags du jour, we have the Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, Mansur Gavriel Circle Tote, Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, Gucci Marmont, Gucci Dionysus, Chanel Boy Bag, Louis Vuitton Petite Malle, J.W. Anderson Pierce bag, Loewe Puzzle Tote, and the Proenza Schouler Hava satchel.

I wish I had taken photos of people and their handbags when I was at fashion week. Lesson learned. I will do this in February 2017 so that I can give you a visual of the current IT bags! In the meantime, you can see them in all their marketing glory around the web. Below I have divided up the top ten IT bags of the moment so you can check out the ones you like! Which IT bag will be your bag du jour?

Gucci Dionysus

Gucci Marmont

Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, Lady Bag, and Circle Tote

Proenza Schouler Hava satchel

Chanel Boy Bag (pre-loved)

Louis Vuitton Petite Malle (pre-loved)

J.W. Anderson Pierce Bag

Loewe Puzzle Tote

mansur gavriel in stock summer 2016


Balenciaga handbags are about to have a price increase

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That’s right! On May 1, 2014 Balenciaga will be increasing their price points. The increase is rumored to be as much as 20%. This means if you have been eyeing a classic Balenciaga City Tote, you may want to act on it before April 30, 2014. Of course, which styles will experience a price increase has yet to be seen. It could be all Balenciaga handbag styles, or it could be a select few. But, do you want to risk waiting to see if the style you have been coveting will experience a price increase or not?

After May 1, 2014, the prices could go up by 20% and you may need to either continue to save up for the Balenciaga bag of your dreams, or abandon the thought of purchasing one altogether. Now no-one wants to abandon a purchase!!!

Over the past few years handbag fans everywhere have watched as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and more have rapidly increased their price points. Many of the price increases have been due to the fact that there are less suppliers in the handbag industry producing high quality materials.

A few years ago, during the economic downturn, many suppliers in Europe did not weather the storm. This meant the usual suppliers used by the top luxury design houses went out of business. When the economy recovered and the demand for luxury handbags bounced back from a small dip, designers such as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and the like, went scrambling to fill their orders. Unfortunately there was a smaller supply of luxury leather and materials than had been available before the economic downturn. As a result, there are less materials today than there were eight years ago for luxury handbag designers to purchase. This is simple economics. Low supply +  increased demand = higher prices. Those costs end up being passed on to the consumer. 

In addition to an increase in materials, labor has gone up since the economy rebounded. As with materials, smaller manufacturers did not weather the economic downturn. These were manufacturers who had been in business for over a century. Again, less manufacturers and increased demand will result in higher manufacturing costs; which causes prices to rise.

It was only a matter of time that the supply and demand issues in Europe would reach the House of Balenciaga. As a result, on May 1, 2014, the prices of Balenciaga handbags will increase. Buy now, or empty out your wallet.

Balenciaga around the web: