handbag reviews

Proenza Schouler medium tote bag review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged handbag reviews / proenza schouler / totes by

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Pictured: Proenza Schouler medium tote handbag in turquoise / blanket scarf (on sale!!) / lipstick / hand cream / book

The Proenza Schouler medium tote bag instantly caught my attention when it debuted just before Christmas. I have always wanted  a Proenza Schouler handbag, but never actually pulled the trigger and purchased one. When this luscious tote bag appeared on my laptop screen in a beautiful turquoise color, succulent green color, beautiful brown, dark classic black, and crisp white, I knew I had to have one in my life!

Since blue is my favorite color, the turquoise tote bag was the obvious choice for me; I finally found my Proenza Schouler bag! The Proenza Schouler medium tote bag in turquoise was a pre-order item, so I didn’t think I would get my hands on it until early spring. Then, FedEx came to my door less then a week after I pre-ordred the bag and surprised me with it! Imagine my excitement! It was a Christmas miracle 😉

I was more than thrilled to pull the medium tote bag out of the shipping box. The leather is extremely buttery soft. If you are familiar with Balenciaga, imagine the softness of their leather, but a bit thicker. This leather is not only feather soft, it is thick and durable. Perfection!

I was instantly drawn to the details and craftsmanship of  my new Proenza Schouler medium tote bag in turquoise. The closure is a hidden magnetic closure which is strong, yet easy to get in and out of. I love having a tote bag which is secure; so many are wide open, and tempting for pick pockets. The magnetic closure adds a bit of security to the bag which makes me feel a bit safer when I am in the city; especially on public transit in the city!

The interior of the Proenza Schouler medium tote bag feature a roomy zipper pocket, and suede lining. I am a girl who loves luxury inside and out; and Proenza Schouler delivers on this tote! The little fringe charm is eye-catching as well. It features a hidden key fob in case you want to hide your keys in it! 😉

There are two, semi-thin tube straps on my Proenza Schouler medium tote bag. They are soft and comfortable. The straps are long enough to throw over my shoulders; making this a shoulder bag and giving it an almost-hobo-like look. Love that!

Proenza Schouler offers their tote bag in both a medium and large size. I have the medium which is extremely roomy. Although I didn’t picture it above, I can fit my small laptop in this tote. I don’t normally carry my laptop with me unless I am traveling, so I photographed what I normally carry with me; a blanket scarf, wallet, lipstick, keys, book (I am always waiting for my kids), hand cream, and iPhone. With these items, there is still plenty of room for snacks, a water bottle, and random things my kids will hand me when we are out somewhere.

Although this tote in black or neutral would be practical, I am in love with the bright, yummy turquoise Proenza Schouler created for their medium tote bag. It is cheerful, and brings a bit of sunshine to me on a dreary winter day. Plus, this will be a hot color as we move into the spring and summer seasons. Love that!

You can find the Proenza Schouler medium tote bag in five colors online here. The larger version is online here and here. A fringe version is online here. There is a canvas version online here.

I rate the Proenza Schouler medium tote bag five out of five stars!

Tory Burch Robinson Mini satchel review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged classic style / handbag reviews / rain gear / satchels / shoulder bags / tory burch by

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Pictured: Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel in iceberg (color on sale now!) / ring / book / sunglasses / lipstick / wallet

The Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel is a smaller version of Tory Burch’s wildly popular Robinson satchel. This cute little handbag offers the same functionality as the larger version, at a smaller yet practical size. Love!

When one thinks of a mini satchel, one thinks of an extremely tiny handbag which can carry a set of keys, small wallet, and smart phone. Not the case with the Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel! This cute little handbag has the interior capacity of a regular,  medium sized handbag.

As you can see in the photos above, the Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel can easily fit a wallet, keys, lipstick, sunglasses, phone, and a novel with room to spare. I have also carried three iPad mini’s for my children inside of my Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel along with my wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and phone. Now THAT’s interior capacity at it’s best!

The Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel is made from sturdy saffiano leather. This type of leather is a life-saver during the fall and winter months. Since we are experiencing an El Nino year here in Northern California, we have been getting a ton of rain. The saffiano leather is fabulous in the rain! It repels the water, keeps everything inside dry, and does not get ruined. In fact, you cannot tell my satchel has been in a downpour. This is perfection!

The Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel is also lightweight; so you can stuff it full of things you need without it already weighing a ton. This beautiful handbag can be worn three ways; as a shoulder bag with the two top handles down, carried by hand, or draped over the forearm for a chic look which displays your handbag. As a handbag addict, I prefer to wear mine on my forearm; but since I have three kids, I find myself throwing it over my shoulder often. I love the versatility!

The interior of the Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel offers ample organization. Unlike most mini bags which usually have one pocket or less, the mini Robinson offers a three tiered pocket on one side, and a zipper pocket on the other side. This allows a place for your phone, receipts, keys, or anything small you want to keep separate from the main compartment of the handbag.

There is also a detachable shoulder strap on the Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel. This detachable shoulder strap can be left on to give you the versatility you need on the go, or removed for a dressier, classic satchel look.

If you are looking for an IT bag, the Tory Burch Robinson satchel in both the regular, and mini sizes, is an IT bag on the handbag world. This beautiful handbag is carried by Tory Burch every season in both classic colors, as well as seasonal hues.

I absolutely love my Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel, and am currently eyeing the larger version. My Robinson satchel is Iceberg, a seasonal color for winter, and is currently on sale here. You can find the Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel in a variety of colors online here, here, here, and here.

I hope you love your Tory Burch Robinson mini satchel as much as I do!

Shop Tory Burch Robinson mini satchels online:

Shop Tory Burch Robinson satchel in small and medium sizes:

Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged handbag reviews / mansur gavriel / satchels by

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Pictured: Mansur Gavriel small lady bag in black with ballerina

The new Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, which came out this summer, is the newest IT bag from acclaimed handbag brand Mansur Gavriel. There are so many wonderful traits in the Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, it is hard to know where to start!

Let’s start with the color combinations. Like Mansur Gavriel’s famous drawstring bucket bag, the Lady Bag, in both the small and large sizes, offers bi-color styling. The Lady Bag features the same contrasting interior/exterior that Mansur Gavriel fans have grown to love from both the totes, and the drawstring bags. This automatically sets the Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag apart from the competition. Love that!

The Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag has more to covet when it comes to style besides the bi-color styling. The handbag offers a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap which allows you the versatility to carry the Lady Bag by the top handle, or over the shoulder, or cross body. How fabulous is that?!

In addition to practicality, and style, the single top handle lady bag is one of the hottest emerging trends in handbags we move into 2016. While the bucket bag, and the 70’s style saddle bag, have been enjoying thier moment in the IT bag spotlight, the single top handle satchel is positioned to take over the IT bag title as 2016 progresses. This makes the Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag a great investment for now, and into the next few years.

Make no mistake, the Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag is not just an emerging trend. The single top handle satchel, also called a “Lady Bag,” is a classic handbag style. Whether it is on the IT list, or not, the lady bag can be carried year after year, and passed down to future generations. Just look at the famous Hermes Kelly for lady bag history and reference!

The Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag comes in two sizes; small and large. The large size is ideal for the office, and can fit a small laptop. I chose to purchase the small Lady Bag since I don’t need room in my bag for a laptop. I find the small lady bag to be quite roomy, and practical!

The interior has a drawstring, so I can open or close up the bag according to how much I am carrying. This gives the bag a little bit more versatility when it comes to adjustments. I can carry around a sunglasses case, a novel, three iPads to keep my kids busy at a restaurant, a scarf; you name it! It holds as much as the large bucket bag, which is perfect for a busy mom like me!

I might bring this bag to New York in February to act as my fashion week workhorse. It can definitely fit everything I will need; DSLR camera, scarf, beanie, gloves, pen, and paper.

I am in love with my Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, and cannot wait to wear it for many years. Mansur Gavriel handbags are high quality, and the construction is hearty. I can fill any Mansur Gavriel handbag, including the lady bag, with heavy items and not have to worry about the straps breaking, or any fraying. These are definitely workhorse bags! Love!

You can find the Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag available for pre-order right now online here, and here. I hope you love yours, as much as I love mine! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Mansur Gavriel in stock or available for pre-order online now: