totes

Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote review

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged bucket bag / handbag reviews / madewell / outfits / totes by
madewell essential medium bucket tote outfit ideas

pictured: grey sweater / jeans / boots / Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote with studs /

I am loving this north/south tote, soft and slouchy bucket tote trend! While not super trendy, this classic style is extremely popular at the moment. This makes it a great investment purchase as an everyday bag. Love!

So, after getting this suede and leather tote, I felt like I needed something similar in black in my life. When I spotted Madewell’s collection of soft and slouchy bucket bags, I was hooked! Not only is their version of this style available in a wide range of colors, but it is also priced under $200. Love that more!

Studded handbags are something I have been known to gravitate towards. When I spotted this black tote with studs along the strap, I was hooked! This is the black, everyday tote of my dreams. I am so glad I purchased this one!

The Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote is very roomy and can fit my everyday purse essentials as well as the kitchen sink; although the sink might be heavy to carry around, haha, but I digress. In addition to plenty of space, the interior features a double slip pocket which can fit a phone or other slim items such as receipts.

madewell essential bucket tote interior

For security, there is a magnetic closure on the top of the bag which is thoughtfully hidden through clever construction. The strap is adjustable, and the overall comfort and practicality of the bag are off the charts. This is a fabulous everyday bag!

I would also like to give Madewell a shout out for exceptional quality. When a bag is priced under $200, you don’t really expect much. This bag offers strong and thick leather as well as quality craftsmanship. I would have guessed the Essential Medium Bucket Tote by Madewell was priced more in the $500 range. This is exceptional quality for the price. I definitely want to add more Madewell handbags to my collection in the future. I am impressed and very happy with my purchase!

I highly recommend this soft and slouchy tote bag. It is perfect for everyday wear, and I know I will get a ton of use out of it. Madewell offers it in several colors as well as a couple colors with studs. I hope you love it too!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

JCrew Berkeley Bucket bag review

 in Handbags  tagged bucket bag / casual style / handbag reviews / jcrew / outfits / totes by
j.crew berkeley bucket bag review jcrew
baggy clothing trend outfit ideas

wearing: statement earrings / lipstick / turtleneck sweater / wide leg jeans (sold out, also love this pair) / fall nail polish / bucket bag / Mary Jane flats /

I finally broke down and bought a suede bag! Of course, I was quite hesitant, so I bought a hybrid which is suede on one side, and leather on the other. I have to admit, I am in love!

J.Crew has a really popular bucket bag named the Berkeley Bucket Bag. It comes in a large range of colors, as well as this suede and leather combo bag. I decided to buy it because I felt like the bag fit into the north/south tote trend without being a large tote, and it also fit into the slouchy bucket bag trend; well, because it is actually a bucket bag. haha

Instead of my usual handbag review where I show what fits inside, I figured you would already know that daily purse essentials will fit inside this bag. In addition to my wallet, lipstick, keys, phone, and Kleenex, this J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag can fit gloves and a snow hat on cold days, as well as a scarf, snacks, and a water bottle. It is really roomy!

insude jcrew bucket bag

Inside the J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag, the bag is wide open. For small objects you don’t want to lose, I would recommend adding a small pouch or clutch to keep things organized. In order to secure the bag, there is a tie at the top. I have not used the tie; I tend to just leave the bag open. If I go somewhere where pickpocketing is a concern, I will use a pouch for small items, place a scarf on the top of the bag and tie it to secure it.

I love the slouchy look and feel of this bucket bag. Plus, it is priced under $200, love that! So, if you are looking for a handbag which is affordable yet fits into multiple handbag trends for fall, this is the one! There are plenty of colors to choose from and it has the look of a north/south tote, a bucket bag, and can fit into the role of a medium hobo bag; despite not looking like a hobo bag. Love!

This will be a fun bag to carry throughout the fall season, and beyond!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

jcrew bucket bag review berkeley

Fall 2024 handbag trends

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged fall 2024 / hobos / shoulder bags / totes by
fall 2024 handbag trends

Fall 2024 handbag trends from top left: top handle bag / hobo handbag / medium box bag / north/south tote / east/west satchel / olive tote /

We are in luck this fall 2024 season! The handbag trends are building on what many of us already have in our closet from recent seasons. So, if you have had your eye on a handbag, you still have time to snap it up and move it from your wish list to your wardrobe. Love that!

Fall 2024 is all about the anonymous handbag. We are looking at a surge in north/south totes and east/west satchels. The color palette is traditional with neutral hues, black, olive, burgundy/maroon, and winter white. Logo’s are still staying stored in the back of our closets, and high quality, simple silhouettes are reigning supreme.

When it comes to handbags, look for a color or colors you feel will blend with the majority of your closet. Investing in a dark red or olive-type green will give you a traditional handbag you will wear every fall season. So, don’t feel guilty getting an autumn hue, it will have longevity!

The handbag trends we are seeing for the fall 2024 are also perfect investment handbags. Since they are not trendy or fleeting colors, they can stay in our wardrobe for years and get continued use. The silhouettes are also timeless and should give us a lot of wear right now and as we move into the new year. None of these styles are hyper-trendy, so we don’t need to worry about spending money on a new bag for fall. Love that!

Speaking of spending money, the hottest brands, designers and styles right now won’t break the bank. You can get an IT style for under $1000. In fact, emerging designers and relatively unknown brands are having a moment. So, investing in a high-quality bag with a simple, chic silhouette is hot right now. Of course, brands such as Coach, Mansur Gavriel, and Songmont are also continuing to be hot right now too. Love!

Shop the fall 2024 handbag trends online:

I have been wearing my east/west satchels non-stop and plan to invest in a north/south tote for fall 2024. Which fall 2024 handbag trends are you loving right now?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy