cross body bags

Top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016

 in Handbags / Trends  tagged cross body bags / fall 2016 / runway trends / satchels / shoulder bags / street style trends / tech gear / winter 2017 by

top ten handbag trends for fall 2016

My five favorite handbags from the top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016 from top left: box bag / snakeskin black shoulder bag / mini bag / saddle bag / circle bag

The fall 2016 fashion season is upon us. Stores are starting to stock their shelves with the very best from the fall  2016 runways, and this means it is time to think about the top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016.

The fall 2016 runways gave us many fashion trends to think about for the upcoming cool weather season. The 1970s are still in full swing, and neutrals are the new color palette. Pops of autumn hues such as burgundy, navy, dark mustard, and hunter green will add dimension to our charcoal, black, and white ensembles. Texture, embellishments, and flowing silhouettes will shape the way we put our outfits together. Best of all, our handbags will complete our looks; showing the world how fabulous we really are. Because let’s face it, you are never fully dressed without a handbag, and a bright smile!

There are some handbag trends for fall 2016 which are continuing from last season, and there are some which are emerging for now, and the fashion future. Whichever handbag trend catches your eye, you are sure to find at least one trend in fall handbags to suit your own personal style. So, without future adieu, here are the top ten handbag trends for fall 2016.

Graphic Dimension

Cross Body Satchels

Circle Bags

Fringe, Tassels, and Embellishments

Saddle Bags with a 1970s vibe

Mini Bags

Snakeskin

Box Bags (Train Cases) and Camera Bags

Logo Prints

Smartphone Mini Bags

 

The size of one’s handbag has always been up for debate every fashion season. For the fall 2016 season, we are starting to see a shift from small and mini bags, to acceptance of large bags. As slouchy handbags make a resurgence in the background, signalling a possible rise of the hobo bag in future seasons, medium and large handbags are starting to move into mini-bag territory. So if the mini bag has become a complete bore to you, and cross body satchels put you to sleep, think about investing in a Circle Bag, a Smartphone Mini Bag, a logo fabric bag with vintage appeal, or a soft and slouchy bag such as this one by Proenza Schouler.

There you have it! The top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016. Which handbag trend tickles your fancy? I am looking forward to the Circle Bag trend, the continuing Saddle Bag trend, and getting back into logo fabrics. Perhaps a Smartphone Mini Bag would be handy to have around too.

Happy handbag shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano tote review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged cross body bags / handbag reviews / reviews / saint laurent / satchels by

saint laurent handbagDSC_0870 saint laurent nano tote review saint laurent sac du jour mini review saint laurent sac du jour nano interior saint laurent sac du jour nano tote reviewsaint laurent handbag spring

Pictured: Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano in cobalt blue. 

Welcome to the first-ever handbag review on Bay Area Fashionista! Although I have discussed, and recommended, specific handbags before in the past, this is the first time I have written an actual review of a specific handbag. As someone who loves handbags, and is a former Handbag Journalist, I decided a handbag review feature on the blog was much-needed! I know many of you are handbag lovers too, therefore, I believe many of you will appreciate thorough reviews of classic, and current, handbags. I hope to review one handbag per week starting. . .now!

The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour tote is currently enjoying “IT” status on the street. Fashionistas everywhere are choosing the Sac du jour by Saint Laurent as their tote bag, or satchel, of the moment. It is no secret as to why the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour is enjoying it’s moment in the sun. The handbag is well constructed, simple, elegant, and available in a variety of sizes and colors. What’s not to love?!

Since blue is my favorite color, and I was in need of a mini-satchel (yes, I am a huge trend follower), the nano Sac du Jour by Saint Laurent fit my needs of the moment perfectly. I debated with myself for a few weeks as to whether or not I should go with the nano or small Sac du Jour. My final decision was made because I loved the fact that the nano Sac du Jour offers a wide-open interior, while the small Sac du Jour has a middle compartment which, in my opinion, takes up too much room. In addition, Saint Laurent has a slightly larger size in it’s Sac du Jour line-up which is named the “Baby.” This Sac du Jour is closer in size to the small than the nano, and offers a wide-open interior. This is very appealing and makes me wonder if I need the baby Sac du Jour in black in my life! But I digress. . .

The nano Sac du Jour fits perfectly into the mini-satchel trend of the moment. It is a mini bag with a detachable cross body strap. The strap can be worn as both a shoulder bag and a cross body bag; adding versatility to the style. Of course the strap can be detached, and the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano can be worn hand-held as a traditional satchel. Although, holding the nano can be quite cumbersome. The handles are small which does not allow a lot of room for one’s hand. I prefer to wear my Sac du Jour nano with the strap as a shoulder bag. Once in a while I switch things up and wear it cross-body. 

The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano measures in at 8.5″ H x 7″ W x 4.33″ D. The top handles offer a 3″ drop, and the shoulder strap offers a 20″ drop. There are five metal feet on the bottom of the bag; making it easy to place on a counter-top without worrying about dirtying the leather. Although there is an interior pocket, it is much too tight to use for anything other than storing a couple of quarters, or an emergency safety pin. The interior is soft, luxurious suede; tempting you to touch the interior periodically throughout the day. Not that I do that, ok, maybe I do! Don’t judge 😉

The interior of Saint Laurent’s Sac du Jour nano can fit a fold-over wallet, coin purse, keys, lipstick, and glasses out of a case. As you can see from the photo above, with these items, minus the glasses, there is still a little bit of room inside the bag for an additional item or items.

I purchased my Saint Laurent Sac du Jour in January. After using it regularly for four and a half months, I have found the quality to be superior to that of handbags priced, or valued at, twice the price of the Sac du jour nano. The leather is strong and does not loose it’s shape. It is surprisingly difficult to scratch the leather. I thought it would scratch easily since it is smooth, but that has not been the case. Love that! Weighing in at one pound, the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano is lightweight and easy to carry throughout the day.

My only complaint about the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano is that it is quite small. I would like to be able to fit my sunglasses, in their case, inside the bag. I believe the “baby” size will solve the size issue I have found. Perhaps a baby is in my future! And yes, that does sound funny!

Overall, I rate the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano five out of five stars! I am truly in love. If you are thinking about purchasing the Sac du Jour nano, consider what you would like to carry with you on a daily basis. The nano could be the right size for you, or perhaps the baby size would better fit your lifestyle.

If you have any questions about the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano, or would like alternative information shared in future handbag reviews, please feel free to comment below and/or email me!

The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano can be found online here, here, here, here, and here.

Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Mini bags for spring 2015

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged cross body bags / satchels / shoulder bags / spring 2015 / street style trends / summer 2015 by

mini bags for spring 2015

Mini bags for spring 2015: Black mini bag / White mini bag / Cobalt blue mini bag / Fuchsia mini satchel / Polka Dot mini convertible satchel

Mini bags have been a huge trend over the past few seasons; and the trend is showing no sign of slowing down as we move into spring 2015. Consumers love this trend, which means mini bags are hot on the streets; mainly in the form of cross body bags and satchels.

If you already have a mini bag from a past season, you are all set! If not, this is the perfect time to invest in a mini bag for the spring and summer seasons. If you are looking for a shoulder bag version, look for a strap which can be worn cross body. The handbag silhouette should be rectangular or round. These are the two hottest silhouettes! Some designers are showing patterns such as polka dots, while other are showing kitschy designs such as monster face. The most popular style is being in a solid color. Look for  neutrals, shades of blue, pinks, red, and cheery yellow.

Mini satchels catch your eye? Look for east/west silhouettes and squares. Mini satchels are a great way to wear the mini bag trend and not sacrifice too much on interior space. Mini satchels tend to be roomier than mini shoulder bags. Designers are showing mini satchels mainly in solid colors; although, you will find a few color blocked versions on store shelves. Look for suede blocked with smooth leather; or canvas blocked with leather. Love that!

Mini bucket bags and drawstring bags are also on the market for the spring 2015 season, although, not as popular as the shoulder bag and satchel versions. Drawstring and bucket bags are a great way to wear the mini bag trend if you are worried about fitting things into a small handbag. Since the bottom of the bag is round, there is quite a bit of room inside a mini drawstring or mini bucket bag. This is a great way to wear the drawstring or bucket handbag trend if you feel like the traditional versions are too large. The mini version will be perfect for you!

Here are a few fabulous mini bags for spring 2015. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉