satchels

Givenchy Antigona Sugar small review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged classic style / givenchy / handbag reviews / investment dressing / satchels by

givenchy sugar antigona casual outfitDSC_0195givenchy antigona reviewGivenchy Antigona smallgivenchy sugar antigona smallDSC_0192kendra scott summer 2015 bracelets blogger outfit ideagivenchy antigona black sugar small handbag blogger

Pictured: Givenchy Antigona Sugar in size small. iPhone cover online here.

The Givenchy Antigona is one of my favorite handbags of all time. So, I am thrilled to review the Givenchy Antigona in Sugar leather, size small, for you!

The Givenchy Antigona satchel is considered a classic, doctor bag style satchel. It has an east/west silhouette with a roomy interior. The sides are wide; allowing the handbag to be larger inside than it appears from the outside.

Givenchy has designed the Antigona in several sizes. The smallest size is the mini, which is a cross-body style that fits perfectly into the current mini-satchel trend. The next size up is the small. This is the size I own. The interior easily fits a paperback novel, an iPad mini, a wallet, keys, lipstick, smart phone, and more! I wore my small Antigona to fashion week last February and my DSLR camera fit nicely inside, along with my wallet, phone, keys, gloves, and knit beanie! It definitely is bigger inside than it seems on paper! The next size up is the medium. This is a larger version of the Antigona which is ideal for someone who needs more space than what I described the small size offers.

Givenchy’s Antigona features two top handles which are easy to wear on the forearm or handheld. There is also a detachable shoulder strap which is ideal for short periods of time. Since the handbag is rounded, and the strap is short, the handles end up getting in the way when it is worn as a shoulder bag. I only use the strap when I need both hands, or if I need to be able to run after one of my kids, or a taxi. I find the easiest way to carry the bag is by hand; but I also wear it on my forearm about 30% of the time.

The sugar leather is soft and pebbled. This leather is fabulous! I was caught in the snow in New York and the handbag didn’t show any signs of moisture. I also wear the bag when I am with my kids at the park, and other child-related activities. The leather does not show any scratches. It is as strong as pebbled leather, or saffiano leather. Love it!

The top handles on the Givenchy Antigona are extremely strong. When I was in New York, I stuffed my DSLR camera, and many other objects, into the bag. The camera alone has quite a bit of weight to it, and the handbag didn’t sag or show any signs of stress. Perfection!

The interior space of the Givenchy Antigona is nicely made and easy to use. The lining is a thick, strong canvas which can take a beating. There is a roomy zipper pocket on one of the interior, and an open, double pocket on the opposite side. The double pocket has one small opening and one medium sized opening. The medium opening is perfect for my iPhone, and the small pocket is the perfect size for a lipstick, or portable phone charger. These pockets come in very handy while traveling.

Overall, I have zero complaints about my Givenchy Antigona. I would love to own another one in a light neutral color; or maybe a fun seasonal color! If I do purchase a second one, I will stick with the small size and sugar leather. The small size is perfect for my lifestyle, and the sugar leather is strong, and it remains scratch-free from travel; and the wrath of my  three children!

Givenchy Antigona Sugar size small rating: five out of five stars! I am in love 🙂

Givenchy Antigona round the web:

Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano tote review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged cross body bags / handbag reviews / reviews / saint laurent / satchels by

saint laurent handbagDSC_0870 saint laurent nano tote review saint laurent sac du jour mini review saint laurent sac du jour nano interior saint laurent sac du jour nano tote reviewsaint laurent handbag spring

Pictured: Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano in cobalt blue. 

Welcome to the first-ever handbag review on Bay Area Fashionista! Although I have discussed, and recommended, specific handbags before in the past, this is the first time I have written an actual review of a specific handbag. As someone who loves handbags, and is a former Handbag Journalist, I decided a handbag review feature on the blog was much-needed! I know many of you are handbag lovers too, therefore, I believe many of you will appreciate thorough reviews of classic, and current, handbags. I hope to review one handbag per week starting. . .now!

The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour tote is currently enjoying “IT” status on the street. Fashionistas everywhere are choosing the Sac du jour by Saint Laurent as their tote bag, or satchel, of the moment. It is no secret as to why the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour is enjoying it’s moment in the sun. The handbag is well constructed, simple, elegant, and available in a variety of sizes and colors. What’s not to love?!

Since blue is my favorite color, and I was in need of a mini-satchel (yes, I am a huge trend follower), the nano Sac du Jour by Saint Laurent fit my needs of the moment perfectly. I debated with myself for a few weeks as to whether or not I should go with the nano or small Sac du Jour. My final decision was made because I loved the fact that the nano Sac du Jour offers a wide-open interior, while the small Sac du Jour has a middle compartment which, in my opinion, takes up too much room. In addition, Saint Laurent has a slightly larger size in it’s Sac du Jour line-up which is named the “Baby.” This Sac du Jour is closer in size to the small than the nano, and offers a wide-open interior. This is very appealing and makes me wonder if I need the baby Sac du Jour in black in my life! But I digress. . .

The nano Sac du Jour fits perfectly into the mini-satchel trend of the moment. It is a mini bag with a detachable cross body strap. The strap can be worn as both a shoulder bag and a cross body bag; adding versatility to the style. Of course the strap can be detached, and the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano can be worn hand-held as a traditional satchel. Although, holding the nano can be quite cumbersome. The handles are small which does not allow a lot of room for one’s hand. I prefer to wear my Sac du Jour nano with the strap as a shoulder bag. Once in a while I switch things up and wear it cross-body. 

The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano measures in at 8.5″ H x 7″ W x 4.33″ D. The top handles offer a 3″ drop, and the shoulder strap offers a 20″ drop. There are five metal feet on the bottom of the bag; making it easy to place on a counter-top without worrying about dirtying the leather. Although there is an interior pocket, it is much too tight to use for anything other than storing a couple of quarters, or an emergency safety pin. The interior is soft, luxurious suede; tempting you to touch the interior periodically throughout the day. Not that I do that, ok, maybe I do! Don’t judge 😉

The interior of Saint Laurent’s Sac du Jour nano can fit a fold-over wallet, coin purse, keys, lipstick, and glasses out of a case. As you can see from the photo above, with these items, minus the glasses, there is still a little bit of room inside the bag for an additional item or items.

I purchased my Saint Laurent Sac du Jour in January. After using it regularly for four and a half months, I have found the quality to be superior to that of handbags priced, or valued at, twice the price of the Sac du jour nano. The leather is strong and does not loose it’s shape. It is surprisingly difficult to scratch the leather. I thought it would scratch easily since it is smooth, but that has not been the case. Love that! Weighing in at one pound, the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano is lightweight and easy to carry throughout the day.

My only complaint about the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano is that it is quite small. I would like to be able to fit my sunglasses, in their case, inside the bag. I believe the “baby” size will solve the size issue I have found. Perhaps a baby is in my future! And yes, that does sound funny!

Overall, I rate the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano five out of five stars! I am truly in love. If you are thinking about purchasing the Sac du Jour nano, consider what you would like to carry with you on a daily basis. The nano could be the right size for you, or perhaps the baby size would better fit your lifestyle.

If you have any questions about the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano, or would like alternative information shared in future handbag reviews, please feel free to comment below and/or email me!

The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour nano can be found online here, here, here, here, and here.

Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Mini bags for spring 2015

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged cross body bags / satchels / shoulder bags / spring 2015 / street style trends / summer 2015 by

mini bags for spring 2015

Mini bags for spring 2015: Black mini bag / White mini bag / Cobalt blue mini bag / Fuchsia mini satchel / Polka Dot mini convertible satchel

Mini bags have been a huge trend over the past few seasons; and the trend is showing no sign of slowing down as we move into spring 2015. Consumers love this trend, which means mini bags are hot on the streets; mainly in the form of cross body bags and satchels.

If you already have a mini bag from a past season, you are all set! If not, this is the perfect time to invest in a mini bag for the spring and summer seasons. If you are looking for a shoulder bag version, look for a strap which can be worn cross body. The handbag silhouette should be rectangular or round. These are the two hottest silhouettes! Some designers are showing patterns such as polka dots, while other are showing kitschy designs such as monster face. The most popular style is being in a solid color. Look for  neutrals, shades of blue, pinks, red, and cheery yellow.

Mini satchels catch your eye? Look for east/west silhouettes and squares. Mini satchels are a great way to wear the mini bag trend and not sacrifice too much on interior space. Mini satchels tend to be roomier than mini shoulder bags. Designers are showing mini satchels mainly in solid colors; although, you will find a few color blocked versions on store shelves. Look for suede blocked with smooth leather; or canvas blocked with leather. Love that!

Mini bucket bags and drawstring bags are also on the market for the spring 2015 season, although, not as popular as the shoulder bag and satchel versions. Drawstring and bucket bags are a great way to wear the mini bag trend if you are worried about fitting things into a small handbag. Since the bottom of the bag is round, there is quite a bit of room inside a mini drawstring or mini bucket bag. This is a great way to wear the drawstring or bucket handbag trend if you feel like the traditional versions are too large. The mini version will be perfect for you!

Here are a few fabulous mini bags for spring 2015. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉