cross body bags

Box handbags for fall 2014

October 16, 2014 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends tagged cross body bags / fall 2014 / satchels by Bay Area Fashionista

Pictured: Blue handbag / Trunk handbag / Black handbag / Yellow handbag

Box handbags are a new, up and coming trend this fall 2014 season. Designers in New York, Paris, Milan and London have introduced boxy handbag styles for the cool weather season; and are also showing box handbags for the upcoming spring 2015 season. Box handbags are being shown in many different styles including squares, rectangles and small trunks.

The box handbag is a structured, dressy handbag style which looks amazing with dressy outfits, office attire and evening wear; not including semi-formal or formal attire. This neat and tidy handbag style has also been spotted on the streets; making its’ way into the hands of attendees during fashion week, in all locales.

Box handbags have a retro flair to them which makes them look perfect with midi skirts, and fit and flare dresses. Box handbags also look appropriate with conservative office attire such as suiting, trousers, and pencil skirts. In addition to retro flair, the current trend in handbags is simplicity. With this current trend of minimalism in handbags, it is no wonder that box handbags are gaining popularity. They are simple and sleek!

I have been eyeing the box handbag trend for a few months now and cannot decide if I want to splurge on a square or rectangle box. I have had my eye on this one by Building Block. I love the simple shape and sleek leather.

The rectangles tend to have more space inside of them since they seem to be falling into the medium size handbag category. The square box handbags designers have been showing for fall 2014 and spring 2015 tend to fall into the small handbag category; although, a few are being shown in larger, medium sizes.

Box handbags are a chic and modern alternative to the satchel this season, and are the current “IT” silhouette for a cross-body bag. When shopping for a box handbag this season, look for a convertible style which can be a satchel or cross body bag. Two for one; love that!

What do you think of the box handbag trend? I found a few amazing box handbags around the web and placed them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Fall 2013 handbag trends: the small satchel

July 26, 2013 in Handbags / Trends tagged cross body bags / fall 2013 / satchels / winter 2014 by Bay Area Fashionista

One of the big trends in handbags over the past few seasons has been the cross body bag. Another huge trend in handbags has been the incredible shrinking bag! A third trend in handbags has been the classic satchel. As handbags on the runway and the street have gone down in size, and cross body bags gain popularity, and the satchel continues to be the ultimate “IT” bag as we move into fall 2013, it is only natural that a new “IT” satchel style rises to the top; the small cross body satchel.

The small, cross body satchel was not huge on the fall/winter 2013/2014 runways. This handbag style evolved from the street. Consumers love cross body bags. The handbag style frees up hands and arms allowing a fashion-savvy, busy bee to easily navigate through the day without a shoulder bag sliding off, or trying to juggle the handle on a satchel or tote.

Over the past several seasons designers have included detachable cross body straps on the ultimate “IT” bag; the satchel. Although handy, cross body satchels are large handbags and do not always fit into the “easy” handbag category. Consumers have been salivating for a small satchel they can carry cross body; and designers have responded.

Cross body satchels for fall 2013 are petite and often referred to as “mini.” This new handbag style is popping up everywhere for fall 2013. Although the dimensions generally range from 5”-7” by 6”-10” which is comparable to the average, medium sized shoulder bag; this size is considered quite small for a satchel. Satchels tend to be workhorse handbags which are used for the office or toting around many items. To shrink a satchel to the size of a shoulder bag makes the satchel a whole new style of bag.

The cross body satchel or mini satchel is not the workhorse satchel we have been carrying around the past few years. This is a cross body bag for an active day when less is more. The top handles are more for show rather than function. Mini satchels are also more structured than traditional, casual cross body bags. This makes the handbag style easier to wear with dresses and office attire; again when less is more.

The mini satchel trend is fresh and also very “trendy.” In general, when something is a fad, yet I am in love with it, I tend to try and find a good quality piece which does not cost too much money. Coach has a fabulous mini satchel with a cross body strap which fits perfectly into this trend. It is priced under $300 and offers fabulous quality, structure and the ultimate mini satchel look for the season. Of course, if you love this trend and want to invest in a piece to keep for a lifetime, Saint Laurent has a beautiful mini satchel to covet.

I assembled a few fabulous mini satchels, including the Coach and Saint Laurent bags, into the shopping widget below. Hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous

Cross Body bags for summer 2013

April 23, 2013 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion / Handbags tagged clutches / cross body bags / madewell / outfits / spring 2013 by Bay Area Fashionista

Summer is fast approaching and this means Fashionistas everywhere will be on the go for the warm weather season. When you are on the go, the last thing you want to fiddle with is a clunky handbag! This means the best option for hitting amusement parks, county fairs, local zoos and more is the cross body handbag.

Cross body handbags come is many shapes and sizes according to what you need. If you need to carry a water bottle, snacks for the kids and more, then a large cross body bag is the way to go. If all you need is cash, credit cards, keys and your mobile device, then you can get away with a small and petite cross body bag. If you are planning a vacation and need the ease of a cross body bag for daytime yet the sophistication of a clutch for evening, then a convertible cross body is the best option.

The cross body bag has gained in popularity over the past few seasons and is showing no sign of slowing down. This versatile handbag style can be spotted every season on both the runways and the street. Look for a fun color to add pop to a neutral outfit or sass to an already color filled ensemble. For more practical use, opt for a neutral color such as black, brown or cream. (Hint) A neutral cross body bag will be easy to use for traveling and offers cross-season appeal.

We included a few fabulous cross body bags around the web and included them in this article. To shop this trend, click on the photos of the items you love in the shopping widget at the top of the article, and you will be redirected to the online shop where you can find them! Love that! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous

Photos: Example of a convertible cross body bag shown as a cross body bag(top photo), shoulder bag (bottom photo) and clutch (middle photo). Handbag C/O Madewell.

Outfit Details: Madewell cross body bag/clutch shown with a Gap dress, Chie Mihara wedges (past season), Love Hurts green bead bracelet (past season), Tory Burch leather wrap bracelet and C/O Twisted Silver 80’s bracelet. Chanel Taboo on nails. Stella & Dot (past season) earrings.

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