street style trends


Mini bags for spring 2017

From top left: Gucci Marmont Camera bag (huge IT bag under $1000) / brown suede bag (under $500) / YSL mini bag (under $1000) / white bracelet bag (IT bag of spring 2017) / black mini tote (under $1000) / white tassel bag (faux leather under $60) / striped box bag (under $300) / black box bag (splurge and it’s fabulous!)

You might be wondering, “Did I read that right? Mini-bags for spring 2017?” Yup! You read that correctly. Mini bags didn’t actually go anywhere, they are still here and hot for spring 2017.

The runways for spring 2017 told a different story for spring. Designers opted for medium sized bags, small trunk bags, and duffel bags. While the mini bag did grace the runways, it did not dominant the runways like the more practical, medium handbag did. It was most popular on the Paris runways, and when Paris speaks, store buyers listen, and consumers covet. So, we have the mini-bag for spring 2017 as the hottest handbag trend of the season. Just like that!

It is possible you already own a fabulous mini-bag; after all, this is not a new trend. In fact, there is nothing “groundbreaking” about it. Chances are, you have more then one mini-bag in your closet. If so, then you are all set! If not, then now is the time to add at least one mini-bag to your handbag collection.

While mini-bags are not practical for everyday use by those of us with children, they do come in handy for a girl’s night out, date night, or to keep in a work tote for lunch break. No-one wants to lug around their work tote during lunch break. A mini-bag can be pulled out of a bulky tote and offer a nice, light load while on break. Love that!

Since another hot trend for spring 2017 happens to be neutrals, this makes shopping for a mini-bag simple. Look for a mini-bag in a neutral tone you know you will wear often. Personally, I reach for black first, but a nice caramel, light beige, grey, or white will also work well for the warm weather season.

If you are seeking the IT bag of the mini-bag world, then this cute little number by Chloe is the bag you want. If IT does not suit your fancy, here are a few more fabulous handbags of the mini variety which are perfect for spring 2017:

Mini bags for spring 2017:

Camera bags for spring 2017 (also a hot trend, and they are mini too):

Which mini-bag is your favorite? What are your thoughts on this trend for spring?


Ten best IT bags to buy and wear now

mansur gavriel handbag styled with culottes

Every year the crop of IT bags changes. Over the past few years we have seen the Chanel Boy Bag, Celine Trapeze, Louis Vuitton Petite Malle, Chloe Drew, Saint Laurent Sac du Jour, Balenciaga City Tote, Givenchy Antigona, Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, Chloe Marcie, and more enjoy their moment in the spotlight. While these bags still maintain a cult following, as well as IT status, they have moved into a more classic category on the handbag hierarchy. Enter the IT bags of right now, and early 2017.

At New York Fashion Week last month, and at subsequent fashion weeks in London, Paris, and Milan, there was a flurry of fabulous designer handbags on the arms of the well-heeled attending the shows. While I could only judge what was worn through photographs in London, Milan, and Paris, I did see first hand what was being carried in New York; and the bags were fabulous.

There were ten distinct handbags which kept appearing on the arms, shoulders, and clutched in the hands of those fashionable fashion industry insiders at the recent spring 2017 shows. These are the handbags which are hot right now, and will remain hot as we move into early 2017. Get your wallet ready, if you don’t already own at least one of these current IT bags, and you enjoy owning an IT bag du jour, it is time to start shopping!

My favorites from the current crop of IT bags:

The number one most spotted handbag on the streets of New York Fashion Week was the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle. This tiny little trunk has been proving to have IT status for the past few seasons, but it was quietly the stand-out at fashion week last month. I tried to count the times I spotted this bag, but sadly, I lost count. It was everywhere. If you like tiny, structured, trendy bags, this is the IT bag for you.

The next most popular bag on the streets of New York Fashion Week was the beautiful Pierce bag by J.W. Anderson. I might be biased, as the proud owner of this bag, but it was really pretty. If you are looking for an edgy meets classic shoulder/saddle bag for right now, this is the bag to get! The black and white version was the most popular, followed by black, then brown. I chose to purchase the Tangerine hue, I guess I was in a rebellious mood?

jw anderson pierce bag

Here are the other six IT bags that were everywhere during fashion week, and which stood out from the crowd. The Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag is still hotter than hot, as is the Lady Bag by Mansur Gavriel. The Circle Tote by Mansur Gavriel was also spotted frequently at shows. These were three bags spotted at almost every show I attended. In addition to Mansur Gavriel, the Chanel Boy Bag was everywhere, as were the Proenza Schouler Hava satchel in black (I thought I was unique, apparently not!), the small version of Loewe’s Puzzle bag, the Gucci Marmont, and the up-and-coming Gucci Dionysus shoulder bag. 

new york fashion week street style handbags

So to sum up the best street style handbags from New York Fashion Week, which happen to be the current IT bags du jour, we have the Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, Mansur Gavriel Circle Tote, Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, Gucci Marmont, Gucci Dionysus, Chanel Boy Bag, Louis Vuitton Petite Malle, J.W. Anderson Pierce bag, Loewe Puzzle Tote, and the Proenza Schouler Hava satchel.

I wish I had taken photos of people and their handbags when I was at fashion week. Lesson learned. I will do this in February 2017 so that I can give you a visual of the current IT bags! In the meantime, you can see them in all their marketing glory around the web. Below I have divided up the top ten IT bags of the moment so you can check out the ones you like! Which IT bag will be your bag du jour?

Gucci Dionysus

Gucci Marmont

Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, Lady Bag, and Circle Tote

Proenza Schouler Hava satchel

Chanel Boy Bag (pre-loved)

Louis Vuitton Petite Malle (pre-loved)

J.W. Anderson Pierce Bag

Loewe Puzzle Tote

mansur gavriel in stock summer 2016


Top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016

top ten handbag trends for fall 2016

My five favorite handbags from the top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016 from top left: box bag / snakeskin black shoulder bag / mini bag / saddle bag / circle bag

The fall 2016 fashion season is upon us. Stores are starting to stock their shelves with the very best from the fall  2016 runways, and this means it is time to think about the top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016.

The fall 2016 runways gave us many fashion trends to think about for the upcoming cool weather season. The 1970s are still in full swing, and neutrals are the new color palette. Pops of autumn hues such as burgundy, navy, dark mustard, and hunter green will add dimension to our charcoal, black, and white ensembles. Texture, embellishments, and flowing silhouettes will shape the way we put our outfits together. Best of all, our handbags will complete our looks; showing the world how fabulous we really are. Because let’s face it, you are never fully dressed without a handbag, and a bright smile!

There are some handbag trends for fall 2016 which are continuing from last season, and there are some which are emerging for now, and the fashion future. Whichever handbag trend catches your eye, you are sure to find at least one trend in fall handbags to suit your own personal style. So, without future adieu, here are the top ten handbag trends for fall 2016.

Graphic Dimension

Cross Body Satchels

Circle Bags

Fringe, Tassels, and Embellishments

Saddle Bags with a 1970s vibe

Mini Bags

Snakeskin

Box Bags (Train Cases) and Camera Bags

Logo Prints

Smartphone Mini Bags

 

The size of one’s handbag has always been up for debate every fashion season. For the fall 2016 season, we are starting to see a shift from small and mini bags, to acceptance of large bags. As slouchy handbags make a resurgence in the background, signalling a possible rise of the hobo bag in future seasons, medium and large handbags are starting to move into mini-bag territory. So if the mini bag has become a complete bore to you, and cross body satchels put you to sleep, think about investing in a Circle Bag, a Smartphone Mini Bag, a logo fabric bag with vintage appeal, or a soft and slouchy bag such as this one by Proenza Schouler.

There you have it! The top 10 handbag trends for fall 2016. Which handbag trend tickles your fancy? I am looking forward to the Circle Bag trend, the continuing Saddle Bag trend, and getting back into logo fabrics. Perhaps a Smartphone Mini Bag would be handy to have around too.

Happy handbag shopping, and stay fabulous 😉