totes


Poolside Lori straw tote review

pictured: Poolside Lori tote bag (customize the embroidery) /

I am not sure how I failed to review my beloved Poolside Lori tote back when I purchased it six years ago! Thankfully I have realized my mistake and am reviewing it now!

You read that right, I purchased this tote six years ago and it still looks fresh and new! The photo at the very bottom was taken in 2019, and the photo above was taken last month. As you can see, the tote still looks fabulous. This is a nod to the high quality of Poolside bags. You know I love a high-quality handbag! This is exactly that! Love!

Straw totes and straw handbags are always hot in the summer months. It makes sense to invest in one you can keep and use year after year. This way, you won’t find yourself purchasing a one season handbag every year. In the long run, investing in a good straw tote will save you money and time. The quality of the Poolside Lori tote is impeccable. The lining is strong and there is a drawstring for securing what’s inside your bag. It is made of a thick linen which can withstand daily use as well as beach days. Since I tend to bring my straw tote to the beach, I have had a lot of sand and sun touching my bag. It is easy to shake out and return to daily use in the city. Love that!

My Poolside Lori tote can fit a lot of essentials. As you can see, even with my wallet, phone, lipstick, keys, sunblock, and a book, there is plenty of room for snacks and other items. This is a nice, roomy tote; perfect for beach days, travel, and more.

The fun part? You can customize your tote bag! Mine says “Jet Set,” but you can have anything you want embroidered on the bag. You can put your name, your initials, or a cute phrase. The color of the embroidery is your choice too!

So, overall, I rate my Poolside Lori tote five out of five stars. Love!

Shop Poolside totes and handbags I love:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

straw bags summer 2019

Handbag Spotlight: Veronica Beard Dash

Handbag spotlight: Veronica Beard Dash Bag /

How fabulous is the Veronica Beard Dash bag! I am in love! As the belted tote reigns supreme this year, the Dash bag by Veronica beard stands out as one of the hottest handbags on the street. Love it!

As you know, the belted tote is both a classic handbag style and an IT bag this year. Veronica Beard’s version offers timeless style, high quality, reasonable pricing, and perfect proportions; making it both beautiful and practical. I definitely need one in my life!

Veronica Beard offers the Dash in small, medium and large sizes. It has two top handles, a shoulder strap, and an interior packet. I am not sure which size I want to purchase, but like I said, I need one in my life! This bag is timeless and an investment handbag to wear and cherish for years to come. I highly recommend choosing a neutral color you know you will get a lot of use out of. I am leaning towards black. Love it!

The Veronica Beard Dash Bag online and alternative belted totes:

What do think of this trendy yet timeless handbag?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Spring 2025 handbag trends

spring handbag trends 2025

Spring handbag trends from top left: studded handbag / belted tote / boxy bag / east/west handbag / bucket bag / doctor bag /

The anonymous handbag is still ruling the streets, and it’s showing no signs of going away. I love the fact that quality has overpowered logos. Isn’t it fabulous? So, as we move into spring 2025, keep rocking your beautiful, anonymous handbags without breaking the bank! Love that!

When it comes to color, spring 2025 is all about neutrals, shades of green, shades of mocha, and an occasional pop of yellow, red, and pastels. We will mostly see neutrals, black, and shade of green when it comes to handbags.

Suede is transcending season and staying put for both the spring and summer seasons. So, if you have already invested in a suede handbag, perfect! If not, maybe take the plunge on one that isn’t too expensive. While there are ways to clean suede, you don’t want a situation where a $3000 handbag gets ruined.

The east/west handbag is still hot! If you already invested in an east/west handbag you’re all set. If not, this is a hot silhouette so snap one up for the new year.

Slouchy bucket bags are staying put too! In addition to slouchy bucket bags, look for belted bucket bags and buckets with top handles and/or cross body straps. Designers and brands are expanding what we know about the bucket.

Doctor bags are back! We saw them starting to emerge last year and this year they are going to explode. If you have one in the back of your closet, pull it out! If not, this is a classic investment handbag style, might as well invest in one during the spring season! Love!

Boxy bags are hot, daytime handbag styles. If you don’t already have one, invest in an anonymous style. Love!

Your work bag is getting a makeover. Plain tote bags are so last year. This season, look for a fabulous, belted tote. It can be soft and slouchy or stiff and structured. As long as your laptop stays put, it’s the perfect work tote! It just needs to be belted.

Rock n’ roll is here to stay! Studded handbags are staying put into spring 2025 too. Look for circular, flat and shiny studs. I love a good, studded handbag.

Lastly, designers are trying to make the IT bag from ten and twenty years ago happen. It’s not going to happen. Try to restrain yourself from dropping big bucks on a reissue. Thier time is fleeting and once the reissue collection sells out, so does everyone’s interest and they are back to looking dated. Stick to new, anonymous handbag styles at reasonable prices.

Well, that’s it! Spring is all about the anonymous handbag in a style which fits your daily life. Think buckets for daytime, belted totes for work, studs for fun, doctor bags and the east/west for any look, and suede for those living dangerously. Love it!

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more spring coverage!

XOXO
Cathy