fall 2013

Fall 2013 handbag trends: the small satchel

 in Handbags / Trends  tagged cross body bags / fall 2013 / satchels / winter 2014 by

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 

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Shades of purple for fall 2013

 in Color Trends / Trends  tagged fall 2013 / purple / winter 2014 by

Purple is a huge trend for fall/winter 2013/2014 which was sparse on the runways, yet has exploded onto store shelves for the upcoming cool weather season. Purple is being shown in deep shades which are flying off store shelves; making this traditional fall hue more of a street trend than runway trend for autumn.

As pre-fall and fall 2013 merchandise makes its’ ways from the runways to store shelves, consumers are snapping up every piece of purple they can find. That’s right! Purple is selling out-fast.
One of the biggest purple trends for fall 2013 is the purple satchel. This structured and classic handbag is barely arriving in stores before being snapped up by purple fans everywhere.

Purple, of course, is being shown on both apparel and accessories. One of the easy ways to wear purple is on a handbag since it can be carried almost every day. Shoes are another way to wear purple multiple times per week; after all, when it comes to apparel we cannot wear purple clothing everyday. Of course with accessories, we can wear them almost every day without looking like purple is the only color we own.

This beautiful color can easily be worn alone, on prints, or color blocked for the fall 2013 season. Purple blends easily with other colors and can even be paired with cooler shades of dark wine or dark fuchsia for fall 2013; other hot color trends for the season!

Purple is not a color to wait to go on sale for fall 2013. If you like purple, and you find an item you love in the hue, buy it now. Purple is selling fast; and if you love something, you should buy it when you see it.

I found a few fabulous purple items for fall 2013 around the web and assembled them into the shopping widget below. Hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 

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The pointed toe reigns supreme for fall 2013

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged fall 2013 / runway trends / winter 2014 by

Platforms are out; flat soled pointed toes are in. It is a fact. Fall 2013 is all about the pointed toe pump and platforms have no place in the fall season. Pointed toes are being shown everywhere from flats to pumps to even boots! Almond toes, round toes and square toes may grace a few sparse store shelves, but that does not mean they should walk the street.

The pointed toe is everywhere for fall 2013. This classic toe style is being shown on every runway and street trend imaginable for the fall 2013 season. Designers are showing pointed toes in classic, solid colors and animal prints. In addition to solids and prints, designers have added on to their pointed toe flats, pumps and boots with studs, crystals, spikes, zippers and chains. Pointed toe pumps, flats and boots are also being shown color blocked; a continuing trend from the runway for fall 2013.

If you do not already own a pair of pointed toe pumps, flats or boots; there is one style you should invest in for the fall 2013 season. The ultimate investment shoe for fall 2013 is the black, pointed toe pump. Since pointed toes and classic, ladylike pumps are projected into 2014, a classic black pair will give you your money’s worth and be the pair of shoes you find yourself reaching for every morning. I recommend this pair.

When it comes to pointed toe flats, these are the ultimate flat shoe style for the fall 2013 season. One thing to note with pointed toe flats, they are difficult to walk in! You may find yourself kicking up your foot a little more than normal when you are walking in pointed toe flats to overcompensate for the pointed toe.

Do not fall fashion victim! Pointed toe flats can be an easy way to fall prey to fashion. If you are like me and cannot walk in pointed toe flats, skip them! A classic pair of ballet flats will get you through the season and keep your feet happy. When shopping for pointed toe pumps and boots, try on a half size up. This will give you more room in the toe and a comfortable fit which will allow you to wear pointy toes all day long. Love that!

I found a few fabulous pointed toe flats, pumps and boots for fall 2013 from around the web and assembled them into this article. Hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 

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