hermes

Top 10 classic handbags right now

December 28, 2016 in Handbags / Trends tagged balenciaga / chanel / chloe / classic style / givenchy / gucci / hermes / louis vuitton / stella mccartney by Bay Area Fashionista

It seems every season we are seeking the current IT bag of the moment. While there are many IT bags on the market, there are always classic handbags out there which catch our eyes.

What is a classic handbag? To understand this, we need to ask ourselves what makes one handbag more classic than another handbag? A classic handbag is one which withstands the test of time. Timeless handbags have stood on the IT bag pedestal, and when another IT bag du jour stepped into the limelight, the previous IT bag never faltered; it never became cliché.

The reason I have titled this article “Top 10 classic handbags right now,” instead of saying “all time,” is because this list will change very year, or every few years. There are always new IT bags emerging in the fashion world which will eventually fall into obscurity, or rise to classis status.

There are several IT bags on the market right now which are hot for the moment. They may, or may not, become classics over time. To see the hottest bags on the street right now, visit my post here. For classic handbags, read on!

Without further adieu, here are the top 10 classic handbags right now.

Hermes Birkin or Kelly: Groundbreaking right? You already knew this one! The Birkin and the Kelly have sleek lines and they are customizable in different sizes, colors, and fabrications. There is nothing gimmicky about the styling. The silhouette is chic and timeless, making it a classic handbag.
Givenchy Antigona: Say whaaaat? Oh yes, this is the perfect example of a recent IT bag turned classic IT bag. The Givenchy Antigona has slid into the closet staple category; everyone feels the need to own at least one. It has a classic doctor bag silhouette and is offered in mini, small, medium and large sizes as well as several colors, and different fabrications. This is must-have for the modern age.
Chanel Classic Flap or 2.55 shoulder bag: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Every handbag fan out there needs at least one in her closet. The classic flap and the 2.55 come in mini, small, medium, and jumbo versions. All sizes are hot, all colors enviable, and all fabrications lust worthy.
Chanel Boy bag. Another example of a recent, modern IT bag turned classic. This bag has an edgy slant to it, surprising many when it became an instant hit. Since Chanel keeps reinventing this now-classic style every season, it is one of the most sought-after handbags of all time. Invest in at least one. It is the ultimate classic, casual shoulder bag to own.
Chloe Marcie satchel: This casual, closet staple has held IT bag status for over a decade. The popular colors include black, beige, and caramel. This is a great everyday bag Chloe Girls love to own! It has an unique design which is slightly boho. The bag is easy to use and extremely durable, making it the IT bag for everyday.
Gucci Boston Bag: This is a classic duffle satchel. It has been around fooooor-eva! The Gucci Boston is an everyday bag which is quite casual. It has a roomy interior making it great for girls who like to tote a lot of things around. Vintage versions can be found for well under $1000, making it a budget-wise purchase from the pre-loved market.
Stella McCartney Falabella Tote: This vegan handbag is loved by celebrities and comes in small or large sizes. The Falabella is also available in many different colors making it a fun, everyday bag. The smaller versions can be worn for dressier occasions; not formal, just dressy.
Balenciaga City Tote: The City Tote put handbag zippers and tassels on the map. This soft and scrunchy bag is roomy and practical, making it a go-to everyday bag on casual days. Balenciaga introduces it in new colors every season creating a market of superfans who collect the bag in every color imaginable. The most popular color among handbag lovers is Anthracite.
Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote: This might be one of the most recognizable totes on the planet. The plain, simple design of the Neverfull has made it an easy go-to tote for Fashionistas everywhere. Almost everyone has it in their closet. It is a go-to when traveling, beach-bound, and the like.
Chloe Drew: This chic, 1970s inspired shoulder bag has a very of-the-moment saddle bag silhouette, yet it has proven to withstand the test of fleeting IT bag status. The Chloe Drew is extremely sought after, and continues to sell well in every color, fabrication, and unique style Chloe has thrown to market. This is most the modern of the current, classic IT bags.

What do you think of the handbags that made the list? Any surprises or bags you felt were missing? Data for this list was compiled through social media post frequency, natural observation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and online popularity. I worked on collecting data for this list over the course of six months, I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to comment below, I would love to hear what you have observed where you live too!

Thanks for stopping by

XOXO

Cathy

Hermes eau de Mandarine Ambree review

June 29, 2016 in Beauty / Fragrance tagged hermes / reviews by Bay Area Fashionista

hermes eau de mandarin ambree

Pictured: Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne

In the summertime, I love wearing fragrances which are fresh, and light. Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne is exactly that; a light and refreshing scent perfect for hot summer days. Love!

The combination of mandarin, and amber, is so fresh; it seems as if this fragrance was concocted right in front of you. The scent is that fresh. I’ve decided Hermes used magic to bottle this scent! How else can it be so fresh? It’s amazing!

I have only worn one of the perfumes by Hermes in the past; 24 Faubourg. This scent is heavy, and complex. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne to be simple and clean. While a complex fragrance is fabulous in cold weather, when you need the cycles throughout the day, a simple and clean cologne is best suited for the days of summer.

Fragrance notes: Mandarin, Passion Fruit, Amber

Normally Amber, as a main note in a fragrance, is associated with cooler weather fragrances, and heavier scents. It is incredible that when mixed with Mandarin and Passion Fruit, it smooths out the fruity notes, instead of adding warmth. This is definitely the perfect combination for a citrus fragrance. Love!

With all of the above average temperatures we are experiencing this summer, Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne is perfect to wear right now, and through the summer months. Everyday has been above ninety degrees, and this fragrance has been refreshing, clean, and downright perfect. I am looking forward to wearing Eau de Mandarin Ambree by Hermes for the remainder of the summer.

I rate this fragrance five out of five stars!

You can find Hermes Eau de Mandarine Ambree eau de cologne online here and here.

Shop the fragrance:

Are handbags really an investment?

August 20, 2015 in Handbags / Shopping tagged celine / chanel / classic style / hermes / louis vuitton / shoulder bags by Bay Area Fashionista

Handbags from top left: Chanel Boy Bag (risky, new asset-may or may not mature over time) / Chanel classic flap bag (blue chip handbag investment, should mature slowly over time) / Chanel 2.55 shoulder bag (blue chip handbag investment, should mature slowly over time) / Mansur Gavriel drawstring bag (current IT bag selling over list price in the secondary market, good for day trading and short term investing)

Have you ever looked at a premium, luxury handbag and wondered if it was worth the money? Have you heard your friends, or acquaintances, talk about what a great investment a recent handbag purchase had been? You are not alone.

With the IT bag trend around the globe encompassing handbags which cost north of $1000; sometimes way more, it is no wonder that handbags can be considered an investment. Let’s look at the Hermes Birkin as an example:

An Hermes Birkin is considered the ultimate IT bag. This beautiful tote is also considered by many handbag lovers to be the “Holy Grail” handbag. This means many handbag fans goal in life is to own an Hermes Birkin. Crazy you say? Perhaps, and perhaps not. . .

The Hermes Birkin will set you back around $20,000; or more. This is not a small amount of money. If you had $20,000 sitting in your checking account begging to be spent, how would you spend it?

$20,000 can be spent on many things. Let’s review how this sum could be used in a practical sense. You could buy growth and income stocks for your future retirement. You could remodel your master bathroom. You could install new hardwood floors in your home. These are all options which would result in increased savings or home equity; true investments.

What are some other ways you could spend $20,000? You could buy an inexpensive car. Of course cars depreciate in value, so you can say “bye-bye” to that $20,000. Or you could go on a shopping spree at your favorite store, such as Neiman Marcus, and spend it on seasonal, trendy, luxury goods. Two ways to watch that money fade away into a small memory.

Then there is the fun way to invest $20,000; an Hermes Birkin. Let’s talk for a minute about why it is considered an investment. The Hermes Birkin has IT bag status ten times over. It never fades out of style and can be worn both casually and for the office; and there’s more. . .

The Hermes Birkin offers superior quality over other handbags. It is handmade and sturdy; it can take a beating, and still look fabulous. So what makes it an investment money-wise?

There are very few specific handbags which increase in value over time. The Hermes Birkin has the most re-sale value of any IT bag. Not only does the Hermes Birkin hold it’s original purchase value, it increases over time as long as it is maintained properly; much like your home.

If you purchased an Hermes Birkin ten years ago for $10,000 and kept it in good condition, it could easily fetch you $15,000 or more right now. Of course, good stocks, and a home remodel, may fetch you more of an increase than a handbag; but at least it doesn’t depreciate in value like a car.

Of course, most people do not have $20,000 to invest in an Hermes Birkin; I know I don’t! So if you want to spend your money wisely when it comes to handbag shopping, there are other investment options.

Besides Hermes, Chanel is the next best thing to an investment purchase. Chanel’s iconic 2.55 shoulder bag, and classic flap bag, increase in value over time. They do not increase as much as Hermes, but they still go up in value. That my friends, is an investment.

Other designers to lean towards if you would like to watch your handbag hold its’ value, and increase in value over time, include Louis Vuitton and Celine.

Of course, just because a designer has a reputation of creating investment handbags, does not mean every bag will increase over time. As with any stock, bond, real estate, or investment in general, there is a risk involved.

The designer or brand could have some really bad press and suddenly loses it’s appeal. The quality could go down and the general public loses faith in the brand. Or, what had once been considered a classic handbag style for forty years, could suddenly become outdated. The horror!

So how do you find a fairly safe investment handbag when shopping? Well, stick to the basics. For Hermes, look for the Birkin or Kelly. The other styles do not hold their resale value as well. For Chanel, stick with the 2.55 or classic flap shoulder bag. The seasonal styles can become “so last year” in a heartbeat. The Boy Bag is still too new to assess.

When it comes to Louis Vuitton, stick to the classic, tried and true styles such as the Alma or Speedy. If the handbags are seasonal, or just appeared on the runway, they are not an investment.When it comes to Celine, look for solid colored bags; stay away from the color blocking. That is a trend.

Remember, part of the investment is wearing the handbag and getting a ton of use out of it. Do not buy handbags just to make your cash grow. If you want your cash to grow, buy some good stocks or real estate. If you want something to use often, and to prevent you from buying or needing other bags, then this is a sound investment in your future handbag style.

So now you have your investment bag and you have decided you need to cash it in. How do you turn handbags into cash? What do you do? Stay tuned as I discuss this next week!

Resale investment handbags around the web:

Chanel 2.55 shoulder bag:

Chanel classic flap shoulder bag:

Chanel Boy Bag:

Hermes Birkin:

Mansur Gavriel:

Cookie Notice