shoulder bags


Toteme T Lock bag review

Pictured: Toteme T Lock bag / fall nail polish /

Can a handbag be both an IT bag and an investment bag? Yes! Yes it can! The Toteme T Lock bag has all of the qualities of a trending IT bag, as well as an investment purchase to love a lifetime.

Toteme has been for around for almost a decade, but their handbag collection is barely a year old. This doesn’t mean it lacks longevity, quite the opposite. The brand stands for high quality, eco-conscious materials and manufacturing, as well as creating items which transcend trends. For their T Lock bag to launch and immediately become an IT bag, could be contradictory to what the brand stands for, but that doesn’t make it confusing.

The reason this beautiful handbag is so highly sought-after, is because of what it stands for. Consumers want eco-conscious brands, in fact, they hunger for them! Not only that, timeless styles coupled with high quality fabrications and craftsmanship, creates an equation that equals success. This is exactly what makes both an IT bag and an investment bag. Love this!

The T Lock bag by Toteme is not only high functioning and styled beautifully, but also versatile. This quiet and luxurious handbag can be both a satchel and a shoulder bag. It is versatile and can be worn to suit one’s mood, outfit, and lifestyle. Love this!

wearing: hoop earrings / stripe tee / handbag / fall nail polish / black belt / flare jeans / black boots /

In addition to being able to wear the Toteme T Lock bag as both a top handle bag and a shoulder bag, it is roomy and strong. I wanted a bag slightly larger than the small shoulder bags I have been carrying for the last year.

This roomy handbag suits the need for more space as we head into colder months. As you can see below, there is extra room on top of my purse essentials where I can place a pair of warm gloves and a thin scarf.

The interior of the Toteme T Lock bag offers slip pockets where you can store credit cards, receipts, or other slim items. I have not used the pockets, but it is nice to know they are there if I need them.

The shoulder strap can also be stored inside the handbag when being worn as a top handle bag in case you want to quickly convert it into a shoulder bag and free up your hands. The loops are inside the bag, and the strap has easy to snap on hardware. I have found I prefer wearing it as a shoulder bag, so as of right now, I am keeping the strap intact.

The Toteme T Lock bag has a signature T Lock which twists to allow the lock to open. After the first time wearing the bag, I got the hang of the lock and find it easy to maneuver. The top handle is right there when you reach inside the bag, but if you slip your hand in front of it when reaching inside, the top handle isn’t the nuisance it might appear to be in photos. Therefore, getting in and out of the bag earns an A- grade from me.

There are two sizes, or should I say versions, of the Toteme T Lock bag. The one I am reviewing is the regular sized bag which comes with a top handle and detachable shoulder strap. The other version is smaller and named a clutch. The smaller version can be worn as a clutch or a shoulder bag. I prefer the larger size since the top handle is more useful to me than holding a bag as a clutch, plus, I like having a roomy bag in addition to my current line-up of small shoulder bags.

This is a difficult bag to find! I have linked up the Toteme T Lock in stock around the web, so hopefully when you read this and click the link you will find the bag in stock. If not, you can sign up for the wait list, and in some cases, pre-order the bag.

Lastly, I love the design of the Toteme T Lock handbag. It doesn’t have any loud logos and just showcases high quality and craftsmanship. Although a current IT bag, it transcends trends and has the markings of an investment bag to cherish for generations.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Mulberry Amberley review in small

mulberry amberley small review

pictured: Mulberry Soft Amberley small /

How pretty is this Mulberry Amberley handbag! I am in love! Mulberry has been on my wish list for years, but I always seem to bypass it for other bags. I think I know in the back of my mind that Mulberry is timeless, and since their styles are classic and always available, I have not felt the urgency to purchase the bag of my dreams. Yes, I have a long list of “bags of my dreams,” but I digress. . .

The Amberley by Mulberry is a beautiful and timeless shoulder bag which can also be worn as a cross body bag. It is a casual handbag which can be worn as a daily handbag. Mulberry always has neutral and black in stock, and they also offer seasonal colors. If you choose a neutral, black, or seasonal color, you cannot go wrong with a Mulberry Amberley handbag, it is a classic bag!

I chose the Amberley soft version in black with silver hardware. The leather is thick, soft, and incredibly durable. This is a well-made bag which I find to be an incredible deal for the price! There are handbags on the market which are priced at double, triple, and more than Mulberry’s collection yet they don’t offer the beautiful craftsmanship and extremely high-quality leather as Mulberry.

In addition to quality and craftsmanship, Mulberry is eco-chic! Love that! Mulberry is committed to sustainability. They even have a manifesto on their website! Love! As we move more into conscious buying decisions, supporting luxury brands such as Mulberry is an important shopping decision.

If you are an investment shopper like me, Mulberry is also a fabulous brand to learn more about. Mulberry’s handbags are made to last, so the Mulberry Amberley will remain a style produced by Mulberry for quite some time. You can safely choose a neutral, black or seasonal color and always look timeless. This is a great wardrobe investment. Love that!

The Mulberry Amberley I chose is size small. While there are larger sizes available, the small is perfect for my daily handbag essentials. I can fit my wallet, phone, lipstick, keys, and a travel size package of Kleenex. The turn lock closure is easy to get in and out of, plus it makes the bag feel secure.

The strap can be worn cross body or over the shoulder. I have been wearing it both ways depending upon my mood, or activity. I find the strap to be comfortable and it stays put on my shoulder. Love that!

I have fallen in love with my first Mulberry bag! My wish list has expanded to include more handbags by Mulberry, and I plan to prioritize more Mulberry purchases in the future. They have so many beautiful styles which are functional and timeless. The perfect investment bags!

Shop the Mulberry Amberley handbag online:

If you have been eyeing the Mulberry Amberley handbag, I highly recommend buying one! I am thrilled with my purchase, and I look forward to investing in more Mulberry!

Side note: if you are following the so-called “quiet luxury” trend, Mulberry is a fabulous brand to invest in. You can be “on trend” while also ending up with a timeless handbag which will transcend whatever the next big trend in handbags will be that hits the streets! That’s win/win! Love that!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

mulberry amberley review size small soft amberly

Summer 2023 handbag trends

summer 2023 handbag trends

Summer 2023 handbag trends from top left: rhinestone bag / mini tote bag / moon shaped bag / top handle bucket / hobo bag / straw tote / shoulder bag / top handle satchel /

Rhinestone and metallic bags

Sparkle sparkle sparkle! The early 2000’s brought us a lot of bling, and one of the trends was a sparkling handbag. The sparkling handbag trend is back. When you dress for a special occasion, forget the classic black satin bag, go for something with sparkle. Rhinestones and metallic fabrications are hotter than hot. You can also wear these sparkling bags when you go out for dinner, and for any evening occasion when you want to shine. Sparkle!

Classic shoulder bags

Chic, classic shoulder bags are hot this year, and the trend is showing no sign of slowing down. Of course, this isn’t really a trend, it is a classic look you can invest in for years to come. Since logos are out, classic shoulder bags have come to the forefront. Look for simple lines, high quality fabrications, and functionality. This bag will last a lifetime. That being said, you don’t have to break the bank to rock this trend. Check out my post about mid priced bag brands here.

The anonymous handbag

This is a continuation of the classic shoulder bag. Any style handbag made from high quality fabrics, and which forgoes loud logos qualifies as an anonymous handbag. This is an investment bag you will wear forever and pass down to your children. Look for styles you love. You can wear this bag in a fun color, or a neutral hue. It’s up to you!

Natural fibers

Summer always calls for natural fibers. If you have a fabulous bag made from straw or other natural fabrications, you are in luck! Pull it out and rock it this summer. If not, I highly recommend this classic tote. I have had mine for a few years, and I love it. Highly recommend!

Small lady bags

Small lady bags, or single top handle satchels, are still hot. Look for one with a strap to give you some versatility. Coach has several to choose from. These are timeless bags you can wear for years to come. Love this chic and feminine trend!

Hobo bags and moon shapes

The hobo bag and moon shaped bag are showing no signs of slowing down. This is a great trend to rock in high quality fabrics and leather since hobo bags traditionally forgo loud logos. If you haven’t invested in a good hobo, this is a great season to pick one up! I recommend sticking to neutral hues for hobo bags, they look better. That being said, for small moon shaped bags, a fun color works very well!

Top handle bucket bags

Top handle buckets bags are a hot trend right now. If you already own a bucket, and are not interested in another one, then stick with what you have. Regular bucket bags are hot too. If not, pick one up with a handle. The handle adds some versatility to how you carry the bag. Love that!

There are a few handbag trends out there which are not gaining traction on the streets. The denim handbag trend is falling flat as well as the neon handbag trend.

Which handbag trend for summer 2023 is your favorite?

Shop summer 2023 handbag trends online:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy