shoulder bags

Bottega Veneta loop bag mini review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged bottega veneta / cross body bags / handbag reviews / investment dressing / reviews / shoulder bags by
bottega veneta loop bag mini review

Bottega Veneta Loop mini bag wearing: gemstone bracelets (under $50, local designer) / Bottega Veneta Loop bag mini / spring nail polish / blazer vest / white layering tee / dark wash jeans /

How cute is this everyday bag! I love a small, cross body bag I can wear everywhere from the gym, to the market, to a luncheon, and out to dinner. This bag is that go-to handbag! Love!

The Bottega Veneta loop bag is a fabulous handbag to wear on a daily basis. It can be worn cross body or over the shoulder, and it comes in a variety of colors. I chose Parakeet, also known on the street as “Bottega Green.” This is the hue considered Bottega Veneta’s signature color. I love a signature color! I mean, who doesn’t love Tiffany Blue or Louboutin Red? I’m here for Bottega Green!

There are several size choices for the Bottega Veneta Loop bag as well as colors. I chose the smallest size, which is the mini. I wanted a bag which was minimal and just large enough to carry my essentials. The mini loop holds my wallet, iPhone, lipstick, keys, and I have just enough room for some Kleenex, if need be; after all, it is allergy season right now!

What fits inside Bottega Veneta mini loop handbag

What I love about the Bottega Veneta Loop bag in mini is that it is a no fuss, carefree bag. I just throw it on and go! The leather is soft to the touch, yet strong for everyday wear. This bright green hue makes the bag fun, and adds a little spice to everyday wear. I love a bag which brightens up my day!

While the mini size is perfect for everyday use, I can see how someone might prefer the small, medium or large size. I highly recommend choosing the size which is right for you. This is a classic, everyday bag which you will have forever. My mom has a very similar version which she purchased in the 1980s and it is still a workhorse. Her bag is navy blue, and it still looks new! She gets a ton of compliments every time she wears it. This is when you know a designer handbag is a good investment. It can withstand the test of time and still look modern years, if not decades, later.

Shop the Bottega Veneta Loop mini bag online:

I really love my Bottega Loop mini bag, so I would love to invest in another one in the future. Perhaps next time I will pick one up in a neutral color, and a different size, just to mix things up. For now, I love having a piece in Parakeet, aka “Bottega Green,” and the size is perfect for my everyday life.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

bottega veneta mini loop review

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

Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch review

 in Handbags  tagged bottega veneta / clutches / handbag reviews / shoulder bags by
bottega veneta chain pouch review

Pictured: Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch in Fondant (dark brown) /

Ah, the Bottega Veneta Pouch, the bag that started the pouch trend several years ago; I finally broke down and purchased the chain version! The Pouch clutch is a hot trend which hasn’t faded from the streets since it began roughly three years ago. As the trend matures, it is starting to look like pouch clutches are moving from trend-of-the-moment, into classic IT bag territory. Of course, only time will tell.

What makes an IT bag move into classic territory? When sales are steady, people continue to wear their bag and not shelve it, and subtle variations come to market which are just as popular as the original versions; and those variations don’t slow down the original style’s sales. My proof? The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch.

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is a convertible version of the original pouch clutch. This version features a chunky chain which can be placed on the bag through loops on the side allowing it to be worn as a shoulder bag, carried on the forearm, or held by hand. The strap can also be attached on one side, giving it more of a clutch strap. Lastly, the chain can be detached and hidden inside the bag so that it can be worn as a classic pouch; although you can see one link on the side when it is worn this way. Love that!

I have wanted to invest in an Bottega Veneta bag for sometime now, but the price made me plan my purchase slowly; I also had to save up for it! I toggled between the chain pouch and the padded cassette bag; ultimately, I decided on the chain pouch for it’s longevity, sleek silhouette, and versatile chain.

Over the years, I have found sticking to neutral hues on a leather handbag is a safe bet. Sometimes trendy colors not only go out of fashion, they don’t keep their original vibrancy over time. For seasonal or trendy colors, I prefer to purchase a bag in moderate or affordable price ranges. So for my Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch, I went with dark brown. Although a traditional fall hue, dark brown can easily be worn throughout the year since it is neutral and classic. It is also a nice alternative to black. Since I own enough black bags, this was a good alternative hue, which reflects my personal style.

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is a great bag to wear daily. It has just enough interior capacity for my daily purse essentials including sunglasses, wallet, keys, lipstick, and phone. It’s always nice to have everything fit, that is what makes a great daily bag!

I love that everything fits nicely inside my Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch bag. There is still a little room to spare for a granola bar, receipts, a pen, or other small object.

The pouch is really easy to get in and out of. The opening is a pull open/close which keeps the bag safe from pickpockets. I have found myself wearing it as a shoulder bag tucked under my arm; although it can be worn as a clutch, and on the forearm as well. The chain is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable on my shoulder; despite looking heavy and chunky. Love that!

The Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch is also easy to wear both casually and dressy. So far I have been pairing mine with jeans, but it will also look fabulous with skirts and dresses. Can’t wait to dress mine up!

Shop the Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch online:

I rate the Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch five out of five stars! I really love the lightweight and comfortable feel of the bag as well as the sleek look. The chain adds some fun and versatility to the bag as well. Love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

bottega veneta chain pouch review it bags 2021