Fall 2015 has an answer to those who are not really into the bucket bag trend; the boxy satchel trend. Box bags and boxy satchels are a hot trend for the fall 2015 season. They are the alter ego to the relaxed, slouchy, drawstring bag trend which has reigned supreme over the past few seasons.
While a drawstring bucket bag looks fabulous with a casual ensemble on Saturday afternoon, it does not compliment a structured look during the week, when dressed for the office, the theater, or dinner. Fall 2015 has brought us the perfect answer to this handbag dilemma; the boxy satchel.
Box-like bags for fall 2015 are being shown in two distinct forms; the medium satchel, and the small boxy bag.
Medium boxy satchels, in rectangular and square forms, are ideal for the office, and daytime events. They have a wide width, allowing them to be stuffed to the brim with everything plus the kitchen sink. Boxy satchels offer two top handles, a roomy interior, oftentimes they offer multiple sections, and a neat, structured look for structured attire. Love that!
Fall 2015’s box bags are smaller in stature than their boxy satchels sisters, and beg to be carried to fundraisers, dinners, and more formal affairs. Box bags can be found in small, or mini sizes, in both casual, and formal forms. These smaller box bags tend to offer one top handle, and sometimes will feature a detachable shoulder strap. They can be found in one color, bi-color, decorated with kitschy words or pictures, or embellished with jewels, beadwork, and more! The embellished versions are like boho-chic meets uptown flair. Love it!
Boxy satchels and box bags offer a vintage vibe for fall 2015, reminiscent of the 1950’s and 1960’s. They transcend decades when paired with this season’s 1970’s styles, or an a-line miniskirt or flippy skirt.
What do you think of this emerging trend in handbags? Will you seek one out to use as your alternative this fall to your beloved bucket bag?
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 🙂
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 😉
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