handbag reviews

Balenciaga Hourglass top handle bag review

 in Handbags  tagged balenciaga / cross body bags / handbag reviews / satchels / shoulder bags by
balenciaga hourglass top handle bag review
balenciaga hourglass satchel top handle small satchel lady bag

Pictured: Balenciaga Hourglass top handle bag in small /

Balenciaga is having a moment, and it’s more of a grown-up moment than back in the day when the moto bag was all the rage. This time around, Balenciaga is sophisticated, tailored, and offering us a handbag with classic and avant-garde fused together into a design that is both fabulous and practical. Say what???? Yes, yes, I put fabulous and practical in one sentence about that same bag. Let’s dive in…

This structured little handbag was debuted by Balenciaga a few seasons ago, and handbag fans such as celebrities, Bravolebrities, street style stars, and style setters around the globe took notice. Slowly, we have started to see this little bag pop up on television, street style photos, and around town on the streets. This is the emerging IT bag of the moment, and I am here for it!

Balenciaga is giving us a few versions of the Hourglass bag to choose from. This top handle satchel version comes in micro-mini (nano), small, and medium. I purchased the small which is just the right size for me to rock the small bag trend without sacrificing internal capacity. There is also a wallet-on-a-chain version which is also popular, and available in both classic and trendy hues. I had a hard time choosing between the two styles, but ultimately went with the top handle because I felt like the wallet-on-a-chain was too similar to other bags I currently have on rotation.

I love the Balenciaga Hourglass top handle bag because it can be worn in a few different ways; offering versatility. The strap is detachable, so it can be worn as a satchel on the forearm or handheld. With the strap, it can be worn as a cross-body bag or shoulder bag. I notice most people wear it as a shoulder bag.

The Balanciaga Hourglass top handle bag in small offers a magnetic closure, opera ticket pocket on the backside (this pocket does not fit a phone-it’s good for receipts and tickets), there is a zipper pocket inside the bag, and I can fit my wallet, iPhone, lipstick, and keys inside. Sunglasses or glasses do not fit inside with these items present. Remember, I purchased the small. If you want to fit more inside, consider the medium size version of the Hourglass bag. The dimensions for the small size are 8.75″ x 6.25″ x 4″.

The stamped croc gives the bag a luxurious and dressy look which I love. It’s a nice contrast to the smooth leather, soft leather, and polished leather we are seeing from other designers. Of course, stamped exotic is a huge trend in 2022, so this fits right in, and yes, other designers are stamping their leather with exotics too. That being said, stamped exotic is timeless anyway, so trend or no trend, it’s always in fashion. Love that!

Shop the Balenciaga Hourglass top handle bag online:

I’m excited about this no-fuss, structured bag from Balenciaga. It is a nice contrast to the hobo trend which is hot right now. When you are not in the mood for a hobo, this is your bag!

Thanks for stopping by! Stay tuned for my 2022 IT bag trend report coming up next week!

XOXO
Cathy

it bag 2022 hottest must have handbag balenciaga hourglass top handle bag

Mansur Gavriel Mini Swing shoulder bag review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged handbag reviews / hobos / mansur gavriel by
mansur gavriel mini swing shoulder bag review small hobo bag

Pictured: Mansur Gavriel Mini Swing shoulder bag in flamma / black long sleeve top (on sale!) / G buckle belt (pictured at bottom of post) / dark wash jeans (pictured at bottom of post) /

How cute is this new hobo bag from Mansur Gavriel?! I am in love! This cute, soft little bag is the Mini Swing shoulder bag, and it is just the right size.

The Mansur Gavriel Mini Swing shoulder bag is a soft, small hobo bag which features a pebble leather finish, and suede interior. The bag has “mini” in the name, but it really is the size a of typical “small” handbag.

What fits inside Mansur Gavriel mini Swing bag

The Mansur Gavriel Mini Swing shoulder bag fits my wallet, sunglasses, lipstick, iPhone, and keys. I can also place a mask on top, and then zip the bag up. It’s perfect if you only need to carry around your essentials. If you need more room, I recommend looking at the larger sized hobo bag from Mansur Gavriel, which is the Mansur Gavriel Swing shoulder bag. I am thinking of picking up the larger size in ivory. The leather is so soft, the light ivory color looks beautiful.

This is a casual, eveyday bag. The Mini Swing bag looks great with jeans, urban sweats, workout outfits, and spring sundresses, skirts, and shorts. This is the perfect casual, everyday bag for the upcoming year.

Please note, the interior of the Mansur Gavriel Mini Swing shoulder bag does not feature any pockets. It is one compartment. Since the bag is small, you don’t really need to worry about losing anything. I don’t miss having a pocket, unless I am stuffing multiple receipts into the bag. Then, I fold the receipts and try to put them at the bottom of the bag so they don’t get in the way when I reach for my keys or sunglasses.

Looking ahead to 2022, hobo bags are everything. While they won’t be the only IT bag style, the hobo will be one of the top three must-have handbag styles. Both structured and soft hobos will be hotter than hot, and this bag will be on fire! Love!

If you are looking for an IT bag to be your everyday bag now, and into the new year, this is the perfect bag! Which color are you eyeing?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

mansur gavriel swing bag review small hobo bag mini size

Mansur Gavriel mini Cloud wristlet review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged clutches / handbag reviews / mansur gavriel by
mansur gavriel mini cloud wristlet review

Mansur Gavriel mini Cloud wristlet /

How cute is this miniature wristlet from Mansur Gavriel! The mini version of Mansur Gavriel’s cloud clutch is small in size, yet big on style. One of the many IT bag trends right now is the micro-mini bag. This version of the style also incorporates the IT bag style of the pouch clutch; giving you two IT styles in one. Love it!

Normally I shy away from really tiny bags. I like to be able to fit my wallet, glasses, and phone inside of my bag. I also like to have a little bit of extra room inside my bag just in case I need to carry extra items. That being said, this little bag intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try.

The Mansur Gavriel mini Cloud wristlet has dimensions which would lead you to believe an iPhone would fit inside, unfortunately, that is not the case. This little pouch fits a lipstick and keys; not much else. Even my mini travel wallet does not fit inside. I need to leave a credit card and cash loose inside the bag. This wristlet is definitely for evenings out, or occasions when you don’t need to carry anything. It is not a practical bag, by any means.

The mini Cloud wristlet by Mansur Gavriel can be used for special occasions, or times when you don’t need to carry very much with you. It is also a great companion to a larger bag. You can use the mini Cloud wristlet in conjunction with a work tote, and carry it out to lunch at the office so that you don’t have to lug your large work bag around with you. It can also be used for travel to secure small items inside a larger bag. This little pouch also makes a great make-up bag to place inside a work tote, or school bag.

If you are looking for a small bag which fits your phone, I recommend the mini Cloud clutch instead. Here is a size comparison:

Mansur Gavriel Cloud clutch size comparison

mansur gavriel cloud clutch comparison wristlet

From left: regular sized Cloud clutch, review here / mini Cloud clutch, review here / mini Cloud wristlet in gold /

Are you a little confused by the sizing? Yes, I was too at first. The small Cloud is actually the mini Cloud “CLUTCH” while this smaller pouch bag is actually categorized as a “WRISTLET” and not a clutch. They are both titled “mini Cloud” while they are two different sizes and bag types. If you are looking for a clutch, the mini Cloud clutch is your bag. It can be found with a strap. If you are looking for a tiny bag, the mini Cloud wristlet is your bag.

Shop the Mansur Gavriel Cloud collection online:

What do you think of the little Mansur Gavriel mini Cloud wristlet? Is this your type of bag? I plan to use mine in conjunction with a larger bag; mainly my work tote. I will occasionally use it as a small clutch, but since I am addicted to having my phone with me at all times, this may not happen very often. It’s a great pouch for make-up, and to keep things stylishly organized within a larger bag. I also plan to use it a lot for travel.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

mansur gavriel mini cloud wristlet