chloe


Handbag trends 2021

handbag trends 2021

IT bags 2021 from top left: Chloe Darryl Saddle Bag / BV Pouch / BV Jodie / Coach Swinger / Prada Cleo (hard to get!) / Loewe straw tote (also in yellow!) / Gucci Jackie / Givenchy Antigona Soft /

2021 is here! This means a whole new set of handbag trends to follow, covet, and wear. In past years, we have looked for the next great shape, designer, and IT bag. This year, things are moving a little bit into the past; as well as the classic realm.

The new year is all about classic IT bags, revisited IT bags, IT brands, and a few fun bags. Sound like a lot? It is. There is a lot going on in the handbag world this year! So, make sure you’re sitting down, this will be a lot of information!

IT Designers: This year, if you think seeking the ultimate IT bag is too confusing, just stick with the IT brands of the year. You can pretty much wear anything by these designers and brands; and you will be rocking an IT bag. Look for anything Bottega Veneta, Cult Gaia, Prada, Givenchy, Chloe, Loewe, and Mansur Gavriel.

Colors: Fashion is revisiting color blocking; a huge trend roughly a decade ago. Look for bags in fun and mood-uplifting colors. Also look for the color of the year yellow, as well as grey. You can still wear classic black, but adding some color might be just the right mood-up-lifter after last year. Metallics are also making a comeback, so if you want to sparkle and shine, this is your year!

Fabrications: Leather and faux leather are still important. In fact, technology has really moved faux leather forward in such a way that it can be really hard to tell it apart from real leather. Look for faux leather pieces to help reduce your carbon footprint. Also, straw, raffia, anything woven, and stamped croc are huge in 2021.

Silhouettes: The new year is all about classic silhouettes and retro vibes. Look for the baguette with 1990s inspiration, the return of the hobo bag, oversized and gigantic bags you could fit the kitchen sink into, fan shaped totes, netted bags, half circles, and the pouch clutch.

Specific IT bags: Looking for an exact IT bag to rock this year? Some of these might already be in your closet! Look for classic IT bags such as the Chanel 2.55, Louis Vuitton Neverful, Givenchy Antigona, Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, Chloe Marcie, and Fendi Baguette. Want to buy new? Look for the new Prada Cleo-it’s so hot, it’s already sold out. Old IT bags which are back include the Coach Swinger, Gucci Jackie, and Bottega Veneta Jodie; perhaps you have one in your closet. Additionally, new IT bags (which started to emerge in 2020) include the Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag, Bottega Veneta Pouch, Givenchy Antigona Soft, and the Chloe Darryl Saddle Bag.

Shop 2021 IT bags online:

Whew! Well, there you have it! It’s a lot of information. Be sure to check out your closet because you might have a few of these styles already stored in the back! If not, be sure to snap up a classic IT bag or two for the new year. Which style is your favorite?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Fall 2020 handbag capsule wardrobe

fall handbag capsule autumn 2020

Fall 2020 capsule wardrobe from top left: Mansur Gavriel bucket bag black/flamma / Givenchy Antigona small / Mansur Gavriel Cloud Clutch black/flamma / Chloe Marcie small black / Chanel Boy Bag (similar under $200) /

This fall, I decided to pull bags I already own, which fit into the current fall handbag trends, and put together a capsule wardrobe; instead of buying a new bag to add to my collection. While there are bags I would like to purchase, I am undecided on which one to actually buy; so I am going to wait until next season to decide. I am eyeing the Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag in black, the Givenchy Antigona Soft in grey, a few bags from Staud, and a few bags on Miirta. It’s hard to pick just one!

The fall handbag trends for 2020 include heavy chain straps, bucket bags, pouch clutches, hard clutches (due to shelter-in-place, I don’t have a place to wear this trend), geometric shape bags, and top handle satchels or totes.

The Givenchy Antigona is celebrating ten years, so it’s a fun bag to wear this year. My Chanel Boy bag takes care of the heavy chain trend, and of course Mansur Gavriel’s bags are always on pointe. I am wearing my Chloe Marcie because it fits the satchel trend, and it is also a fabulous casual bag for everyday use. Sometimes practical can be fabulous too 😉

Shop my fall 2020 handbag capsule wardrobe online:

Shop my wish list and alternatives online:

If you are looking for classic bags with longevity, all of these bags have it! I have owned these bags for several years, and one bag, over a decade! The only new-ish bag is my Mansur Gavriel Cloud Clutch which I have had since late winter. Handbags rarely wear out, so it is always a good idea to invest in a handbag with a timeless vibe; that way you can pull it in and out of your closet. Investment dressing is always the way to go!

Which handbags do you plan to carry this season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy


Chloe Marcie review

pictured: stripe tee / fall nail polish / Chloe Marcie size small / black joggers /

The iconic Chloe Marcie. You might be wondering why I am reviewing a bag that has been on the market for well over a decade. Well, let me tell you, it has become an iconic handbag which remains a top seller at major department stores. So, if you are looking for an IT bag with staying power, read on!

I originally purchased my Chloe Marcie over a decade ago. I loved how it had a casual, everyday vibe while feeling luxurious. The leather was thick and strong; and the craftsmanship was flawless. I found I was able to carry heavy items inside the bag, and the stitching remained secure and strong. This is when I knew, I had a workhorse bag!

The Chloe Marcie has two top handles, and a detachable strap. I have found throughout the years I switch between carrying it on my forearm, and over my shoulder. When my kids were younger, I found myself throwing it on cross-body so I could pick up my smaller kids and/or chase them. My middle child loves to run! Haha

The bag offers a convenient opera ticket pocket on the front of the bag, hidden by the front flap. Normally this type of pocket is found on the backside of a bag, but in this case, Chloe hid it under the front flap of the bag. This is actually a very nice location for the pocket since it is easier to reach for what is inside on the front of the bag, instead of the back.

The interior offers one zipper pocket, and one open pocket. These pockets are good sized, and very convenient for storing smaller items inside the bag. The top zipper unlatches at the end in case you need to put something wide or large inside the bag. This is a nice feature which keeps the zipper from the getting misaligned.

If you like to travel, you will like this feature! The Chloe Marcie flattens out like a pancake. No joke! This is a really easy bag to travel with since it can go inside of a suitcase and lay flat. I don’t know how many times I have been packing for a trip and wanted to bring an extra handbag, only to find the one I wanted to pack didn’t fit inside my suitcase. This one is perfect! It has become my go-to bag to throw in a suitcase as an extra handbag. I love traveling with it since it can fit a lot of items inside, and I can wear it cross-body. Those are good features for a bag to wear while sight-seeing and exploring a new town.

I feel like my Chloe Marcie was one of the best handbag purchases I have ever made. It is an everyday bag which is strong and versatile. I can travel with it; and since it is strong, I don’t have to worry about it around my kids. Of course, I love a good IT bag. The Chloe Marcie turned from a trendy IT bag when it was first introduced, to a classic IT bag you can still purchase and wear now. Plus, it is priced under $2000. That’s rare for an IT bag!

Shop Chloe Marcie in all versions online:

I have the small size Chloe Marcie in black, and it is over ten years old. I also love the grey version, which is a pretty alternative to black. The small size is quite roomy, but if you carry a lot of things, you might want to size up to the medium. If you prefer smaller bags, the Chloe Marcie comes in a cute cross body bag without top handles. It too, is a classic IT bag!

Do you have a Chloe Marcie? Have you been eyeing it over the years? If so, I hope you decide to invest in one! It is a great bag and a longtime favorite of mine. Love!!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

My Chloe Marcie, photographed for a blog post back in 2012.