bucket bag

Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged bucket bag / handbag reviews / madewell / outfits / totes by
madewell essential medium bucket tote outfit ideas

pictured: grey sweater / jeans / boots / Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote with studs /

I am loving this north/south tote, soft and slouchy bucket tote trend! While not super trendy, this classic style is extremely popular at the moment. This makes it a great investment purchase as an everyday bag. Love!

So, after getting this suede and leather tote, I felt like I needed something similar in black in my life. When I spotted Madewell’s collection of soft and slouchy bucket bags, I was hooked! Not only is their version of this style available in a wide range of colors, but it is also priced under $200. Love that more!

Studded handbags are something I have been known to gravitate towards. When I spotted this black tote with studs along the strap, I was hooked! This is the black, everyday tote of my dreams. I am so glad I purchased this one!

The Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote is very roomy and can fit my everyday purse essentials as well as the kitchen sink; although the sink might be heavy to carry around, haha, but I digress. In addition to plenty of space, the interior features a double slip pocket which can fit a phone or other slim items such as receipts.

madewell essential bucket tote interior

For security, there is a magnetic closure on the top of the bag which is thoughtfully hidden through clever construction. The strap is adjustable, and the overall comfort and practicality of the bag are off the charts. This is a fabulous everyday bag!

I would also like to give Madewell a shout out for exceptional quality. When a bag is priced under $200, you don’t really expect much. This bag offers strong and thick leather as well as quality craftsmanship. I would have guessed the Essential Medium Bucket Tote by Madewell was priced more in the $500 range. This is exceptional quality for the price. I definitely want to add more Madewell handbags to my collection in the future. I am impressed and very happy with my purchase!

I highly recommend this soft and slouchy tote bag. It is perfect for everyday wear, and I know I will get a ton of use out of it. Madewell offers it in several colors as well as a couple colors with studs. I hope you love it too!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

JCrew Berkeley Bucket bag review

 in Handbags  tagged bucket bag / casual style / handbag reviews / jcrew / outfits / totes by
j.crew berkeley bucket bag review jcrew
baggy clothing trend outfit ideas

wearing: statement earrings / lipstick / turtleneck sweater / wide leg jeans (sold out, also love this pair) / fall nail polish / bucket bag / Mary Jane flats /

I finally broke down and bought a suede bag! Of course, I was quite hesitant, so I bought a hybrid which is suede on one side, and leather on the other. I have to admit, I am in love!

J.Crew has a really popular bucket bag named the Berkeley Bucket Bag. It comes in a large range of colors, as well as this suede and leather combo bag. I decided to buy it because I felt like the bag fit into the north/south tote trend without being a large tote, and it also fit into the slouchy bucket bag trend; well, because it is actually a bucket bag. haha

Instead of my usual handbag review where I show what fits inside, I figured you would already know that daily purse essentials will fit inside this bag. In addition to my wallet, lipstick, keys, phone, and Kleenex, this J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag can fit gloves and a snow hat on cold days, as well as a scarf, snacks, and a water bottle. It is really roomy!

insude jcrew bucket bag

Inside the J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag, the bag is wide open. For small objects you don’t want to lose, I would recommend adding a small pouch or clutch to keep things organized. In order to secure the bag, there is a tie at the top. I have not used the tie; I tend to just leave the bag open. If I go somewhere where pickpocketing is a concern, I will use a pouch for small items, place a scarf on the top of the bag and tie it to secure it.

I love the slouchy look and feel of this bucket bag. Plus, it is priced under $200, love that! So, if you are looking for a handbag which is affordable yet fits into multiple handbag trends for fall, this is the one! There are plenty of colors to choose from and it has the look of a north/south tote, a bucket bag, and can fit into the role of a medium hobo bag; despite not looking like a hobo bag. Love!

This will be a fun bag to carry throughout the fall season, and beyond!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

jcrew bucket bag review berkeley

Handbag trends 2023

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged bucket bag / cruise 2023 / fall 2023 / hobos / satchels / shoulder bags / spring 2023 / street style trends / summer 2023 / totes / winter 2023 by

Handbag trends 2023 from top left: straw tote / shoulder bag / moon shaped bag / top handle bucket bag / top handle bag / chain link hobo bag /

Hello 2023! With the new year, we have new trends in handbags to covet and enjoy. Love that!

This year, the handbag trends are sensible, chic, and easy to wear everyday. While one runway trend seems to be hitting store shelves, I have yet to see it hit the streets outside of fashion week; that would be the large, garbage bag sized hobo trend. The hobo bags people are actually wearing are medium or small. You don’t need a bag large enough to fit a Golden Retriever. Dogs should walk anyway. haha

In 2023, we are looking at a few new trends in handbags, as well as a few popular, continuing trends from last year. If you already hopped on the hobo trend, you are in good shape! Hobo bags are still hot this year. Look for moon shapes and small or medium sizes. If you want to rock the oversized hobo, be my guest. I just warn you, those extra large hobo bags are an easy way to lose to your car keys! I’ve said my peace.

Shoulder bags are still hot. The strap can be any size you are comfortable carrying, so if 1970s-style long straps are your thing, you’re in luck! If you prefer short straps, or pochette length straps, you’re in luck too! Anything goes this year when it comes to strap length. Hopefully that means you have the perfect bag in your closet already. If not, it is time to invest in a classic shoulder bag that will last for years.

Top handle bags in mini, small, and medium sizes are hot this year! As you know, this is a classic look that is always in style, but in 2023, it is on fire. If you don’t have a top handle bag which is medium or smaller, it is time to invest!

Do you love bucket bags? They are still hot! This continuing trend has added a twist recently. You can rock a classic bucket bag or drawstring bag; or you can modernize with a top handle bucket bag. This is an emerging IT bag look you might want to jump on.

Straw bags, and bags made from natural fabric will start trending in the spring; and will continue to trend throughout the summer. If your natural or straw bag from last year is in good shape, fabulous! If not, start looking for a new one. They are trickling into stores as we speak, but should be plentiful as we move into February and March.

Wondering what color is hot this year? Green bags are still trending, and metallic bags in any hue are also trending. For 2023, denim bags are hotter than hot, and are looking to be the IT fabric of the year. If you love trendy, denim bags are your thing! Also, neon hues are an emerging handbag trend if you want a notice-me bag. If not, neutrals and black are still hot and chic for 2023. What I love about neutrals and black is that they make the bag an investment which can be worn year after year. I love a good investment bag! Also, black, and neutral-colored bags have higher resale value if you are thinking of selling a bag after a few seasons. Thoughts to ponder. . .

Did you buy a funky chain bag in the past few years like I did? Well, we can all rest easy knowing chunky chains in both metal and resin are still hot! Rock that chain bag in 2023! If you love the trend, but haven’t snapped up a chain bag yet, look for chain details, resin chains, and smaller metal chains as we move into the new year.

Shop handbag trends 2023 online:

What is your favorite handbag trend of 2023? I will be wearing shoulder bags, neutral bags, my green bag, hobos, and my straw tote when the weather warms up.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy