givenchy


Former IT bags that are now classic IT bags

classic fashion IT bags

Classic IT bags from top left: Loewe Puzzle Tote in black / Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag in black/flamma / Chloe Marcie in black / Givenchy Antigona in black /

Almost every season we have a stand-out IT bag. Often times an IT bags travels through a few seasons before running it’s course. IT bags normally live roughly two to three years before ending up on the resale market, and ultimately getting marked down on store shelves. When this happens, those of us who invested in a designer IT bag, which ends up on clearance and is ultimately discontinued; we die a little inside.

How much money did I spend? Can I resell it now? How much can I get if I resell it? These are the questions which race through our heads as we realize we held on to a fly-by-night IT bag too long. We can be really careful when we purchase an IT bag, but we truly never know how long it will last. Will it have a life after it has achieved IT status? If I wear the bag after it has peaked, will people give me side eye? Unless someone has a crystal ball, we really are playing guessing games!

Well, if playing IT bag roulette isn’t your thing, and you find classic IT bags boring, then you’re in luck! You don’t have to invest in a Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Hermes bag to rock a classic IT bag. You can still have an IT bag with longevity and cutting-edge style, without feeling cliche. After all, not everyone wants to wear a classic IT bag that has been around for fifty years. Some of us want a little bit of flair, without throwing money away; or at least variety in our bag wardrobe.

If you want more pizzazz in your IT bag, then you are in luck! There are currently four IT bags which have withstood the test of time. These four bags are still on retailers top seller lists, after their peak, and years after their debut. If you want an IT bag that will last, and which isn’t plastered in logos, these are your four bags!

Chloe Marcie (shown in small)

chloe marcie small black

(old picture from 2014, my photos have come a long way over the years!)

Let’s start with the Chloe Marcie. This casual and soft IT bag debuted back in 2009. That’s over a decade of IT status. Whaaaaat??? Yes. This bag offers cutting-edge, casual style without the fear of it being over next year. The Chloe Marcie has withstood the test of time. To top things off, it comes in many sizes, colors, and variations. If you plan to invest in the Chloe Marcie, go with a neutral color. Seasonal colors only last a season or two. There is a Chloe Marcie for everyone. I own a small black satchel which I love! I purchased it back in 2009, well before I started handbag reviews. Stay tuned, I am planning to review her soon!

Givenchy Antigona (shown in small)

fall 2020 it bags givenchy

Are you surprised the Givenchy Antigona is on the list? Of course not. If you haven’t spotted it all over the streets, then you have read about this beauty here. This doctor style satchel has been on the market for ten years, and still retains her IT status. This is a strong, high quality, workhorse bag. If you don’t have one, what are you waiting for?

Mansur Gavriel bucket bag (shown in black/flamma-regular size)

bucket bag trend 2020

Ah! The Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag. This is a rare IT bag priced well under $1000. Not only that, this is an IT bag by an American Designer; another rarity. The Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag went from wait list to IT bag classic. If you don’t have one in your closet, you’re missing out. It holds everything and the kitchen sink without looking huge. This bag is also extremely durable; another workhorse. I recommend grabbing the black with flamma interior for your first bucket bag. It had the longest wait list back in the day, and is the most popular color combo on the streets today. Love!

Loewe Puzzle Tote

The Loewe Puzzle Tote is another IT bag classic. Debuting in 2014, this beauty is standard in tan and black. You can also find it in seasonal hues as well as seasonal color blocking. The Puzzle tote comes in various sizes too. Plus, this bag is unisex! It can be worn by men and women; making it very versatile! I have always wanted one, but haven’t purchased one just yet. I plan to add one to my collection someday. I would love one in tan or grey.

There is a common theme with these four IT bags which have jumped from being trendy to being classic. They are all roomy enough to fit what we need day-to-day, and they offer sturdy construction so we can lug around heavy items such as full water bottles. In addition, these bags can be worn with casual clothing or office attire. They also are comfortable to wear. These bags don’t have weird handles which poke into our hands, and they don’t have uncomfortable chains or odd fabrications on their straps. What makes an IT bag? Comfort, practicality, strong quality, and chic style. These four have IT.

Do you own any of these IT bags? Are you planning to invest in any of them?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Givenchy Antigona celebrates ten years

it bags fall 2017

pictured: my favorite workhorse bag of all time, the Givenchy Antigona in black /

It’s been ten years! Let’s see, ten years ago I started my blog, and ten years ago Givenchy launched their iconic Antigona handbag; which has become a classic IT bag everyone must-have in their closet. I love this bag so much, after owning the black one for a few months, I purchased another one in baby blue! Yup, I’m addicted!

My Givenchy Antigona has gone to almost every New York Fashion Week with me. It has also traveled on vacation with me, as well as been reached for on a regular basis for day-to-day life. This bag is strong, and has just the right amount of room inside for everything I need to carry with me. You can see my original review here. My two Antigona’s are size small. I feel like this is the perfect size for the structured version of this bag. Of course, now that Givenchy has launched a soft version to celebrate ten years. . .my size preference could change!

OK, you read that right. In case you haven’t heard, Givenchy launched a soft version of their iconic Antigona bag in order to freshen up the style, as well as celebrate ten years of being fabulous. I am hooked! The soft version is equally fabulous, and I definitely need to purchase one for my collection. The question is, which size?

The Givenchy Antigona Soft comes in three sizes right now; small, medium, and large. While I am normally drawn to smaller versions of a handbag style, the medium appears a little bit more floppy; and floppy is catching my eye. I feel like the small version would be ideal for what I normally carry around with me. That being said, the medium has the perfect silhouette out of the three sizes. I’m not sure how I would fill up the medium, but I feel like it is the size I need. I mean, more interior capacity can’t hurt, right?

If you don’t already own a Givenchy Antigona, what are you waiting for? It’s an IT bag classic. Also, what do you think of the new soft version? It is starting to emerge as one of fall 2020’s new IT bags!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy


5 bags from last year you can wear this year

Staud Moreau Bag

staud moreau bucket bag

How cute is this little flower pot in a basket bag! It jumped onto the scene last year as a hot IT bag, and it has reappeared this year as a must-have bag for resort, spring, and summer. While the red color is no longer available, neutral hues such as brown and white are available. This year, you can also find a mini version, and a new oblong tote version. The Staud Moreau can be found in the perfect size to fit your lifestyle this year, why not jump on the bandwagon? This is a comfortable bag to carry, and it has a really roomy interior. I love the natural fibers against the structured leather; it’s a nice juxtaposition, don’t you agree? You can snap snap one up here.

Staud Shirley Bag; any size

staud clear plastic tote bag

The clear tote with corresponding pouch inside has become a huge trend, and the Staud Shirley started it all over a year ago. This clear tote doubles as a stadium bag during football season with the removal of the interior pouch. I also find this bag handy on rainy days since it is made from PVC. The Staud Shirley is all over the streets, and so many brands have copied it’s look. You can find it everywhere! If you want to have the IT bag that started the trend, it is surprisingly affordable. You can find all sizes priced under $500. The little one I own is priced under $300, love that! You can find the Staud Shirley online here.

Cult Gaia Ark Bag

cult gaia handbag

The Cult Gaia Ark bag is the bag that keeps coming back! Despite introducing new wooden bag styles last summer and this summer, the Ark bag is the purse everyone keeps buying. You can update yours with a scarf inside, or tired to the handle. This is your resort bag, your hot weather, and your fun bag. What’s even more fun about it? The natural color, pictured here, is priced under $200! Love that! You can snap one up here if you haven’t already.

Two new classics to add to the investment bag list

OK guys, sometimes an IT bag moves from trendy status, to classic status. We have watched everything from Mansur Gavriel move into this category, and now there are two new movers and shakers who are on the classic list. So make room next to your Chanel 2.55’s, your Hermes collection, and your Judith Leiber clutches, there are two new must-have investment bags in town; and you might already own them!

Gucci Marmont Lady Bag or Shoulder Bag

gucci marmont lady bag spring

Did you jump on the Gucci Marmont movement during the logo trend? If so, you made a good decision. The Gucci Marmont collection has moved into classic territory. It is no longer a fleeting trend. The Marmont collection can now enjoy a space on the shelf with your Chanel 2.55 and your Chanel Re-Issue. The lady bags and shoulder bags are classic, iconic, and slightly more affordable than Chanel’s collection. Why not invest in one if you haven’t already! Pull out last year’s Marmont! It is now your investment bag.

Givenchy Antigona Bag

it bags fall 2017

I am pretty sure I have already told you about the Givenchy Antigona turning into a classic bag. If not, I want to tell you again. The Givenchy Antigona is now a classic! It’s an understated investment bag that speaks to those of us who want a quality workhorse in our handbag arsenal. This fabulous bag is strong, roomy, practical, and chic. No-one can put theirs away. Everyone who owns one continues to wear it over, and over again. This is a fabulous work bag, workhorse bag, and more. I own it in two colors and I have been wearing it non-stop for four years. This bag is my everything, and it is for so many other bag fans too. The Givenchy Antigona was once an IT bag, now it is a classic IT bag which holds strong re-sale value and street cred. I spotted it all over the streets at New York Fashion Week in February, and it continues to grace the sidewalks everywhere I go. If you don’t already own one, snap one up! While seasonal colors are fun, classic black or brown will carry you through the years. This is hands-down my favorite bag. You can find yours online here.

Shop five bags from last year you can wear this year online:

There you have it! Five bags you might already own, which are still hot this year. If you already own one of these bags, you are set for the year! If not, I recommend snapping up the one that speaks to you. Which one is your favorite?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy