winter 2026

Handbag wish list 2025

 in Handbags / Shopping  tagged fall 2025 / spring 2025 / summer 2025 / winter 2026 / wish list by

Handbag wish list from top left: grommet shoulder bag / belted tote / midnight blue shoulder bag / ivory tote / chocolate brown boxy bag / east/west brown satchel /

There are so many fabulous handbags out there for 2025, it is really hard to narrow them down into a shopping list! So, I picked six handbags I feel like I would get a lot of use out of and would also fit into my California Casual style. Of course, the anonymous handbag is hotter than hot, so that makes it easy for me to create a fabulous handbag wish list sans logos. But, it also gives me way too many handbags to choose from! I love so many!

This year, I am going to try and stick with neutrals and smaller to medium sized bags. I don’t really carry a lot, and if I do, I already have several large totes to choose from. Um, when I type that it seems like I have a shopping tote problem, but I don’t. You can never have enough totes! They always come in handy at some point!

The handbag trends this year include timeless styles which are truly investment handbags. We are looking at slouchy bucket bags, suede handbags, east/west silhouettes, the return of studs and grommets, boxy bags, small baguette styles, neutral colors, and quality without logos. Love that!

I already feel like I have some handbags which fit into these trends, so this year, I am filling out my collection with at least one more east/west bag, a boxy tote, and I need a grommet bag in my life. Love!

Which handbag styles are on your wish list this year?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Fall 2025 color trends from Pantone at NYFW

 in Color Trends / Trends  tagged fall 2025 / new york fashion week / nyfw fw25 / pantone / winter 2026 by
fall 2025 color trends from new york fashion week

Pictured: Color trends from Pantone at NYFW, swatches c/o Pantone, read press release here /

New York Fashion Week is underway, and once again, I will be watching and covering the shows from home. Don’t you love technology? I no longer have to brave the elements, insane New York traffic, and stand all day to cover the shows. I can do this from the comfort of my own home. My feet are so happy. Love that!

To kick off the fall/winter 2025/25 shows, Pantone has announced the top colors for the fall/winter 2025/25 season hot off the New York Fashion Week runways. Love!

Isn’t it romantic? There is already a romantic vibe just from the color palette alone. Shades of pink and red are dominating the color palette for the fall 2025 season, with multiple shades of mocha. Thankfully, a couple hues from the blue family are thrown in for this blue fan here.

Brown is more than the new black, it is a dominant color family we can wear head to toe. Keep investing in mocha hues!

This color palette is a no brainer. Berry hues and mocha hues for fall. Love this!

Here are a few berry and mocha hues you can invest in, and wear now.

Read all about the Pantone NYFW Fall/Winter 2025/26 color report at Pantone.com.

Stay tuned for more trend reports!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Handbag trends 2025

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged cruise 2025 / fall 2025 / investment dressing / spring 2025 / summer 2025 / winter 2026 by

Handbag trends 2025 from top left: hobo bag / belted tote / boxy bag / doctors bag / slouchy bucket bag / east/west satchel /

The handbag trends for 2025 are here! Thankfully, the 2025 handbag trends aren’t much different than last year. This means we are in good shape for the new year. Love that!

In 2025, we are seeing a continuation of many handbag trends from last year. The anonymous handbag, suede, east/west satchels, hobo bags, slouchy bucket bags, boxy bags, and doctor bags. In addition to these continuing handbag trends, we are seeing an emergence of the belted tote bag, and more studded handbag styles.

While nothing new, the belted tote bag is a classic style which happens to be gaining popularity as we move into the new year. The belted tote bags which are hot on the street are being shown in small and medium sizes, as well as hybrid bucket styles; such as this one from Tory Burch.

Belted tote bags are mainly shown in classic or neutral hues as well as smooth leather, exotics, exotic stamping or printing, and suede. This keeps them in the classic category making belted tote bags prime candidates for investments. Love!

When it comes to color, we are seeing neutrals, black, light yellow, pink, and blue are being shown throughout the year. In addition, we are seeing all shades of green and red, including fall reds, throughout 2025. These shades are transcending season. So, keep rocking your fall reds and greens! They are hot all year long!

Designers are also doing collabs and re-issues of IT bag from past eras. These are a little gimmicky so try not to fall for the hype. Logos are still out and past IT bags, designers are trying to push, have a short shelf life. If you want a fun bag you will only wear for a month, go for it. But, I would recommend spending your hard-earned cash on investment handbags which transcend trends. Thankfully, the handbag trends of 2025 are exactly that; investment handbag styles.

Also, spending thousands on a handbag is out. In 2025, look for high quality handbags with style which won’t break the bank. Smart purchases are definitely IN! Our wallets love that!

What are your favorite 2025 handbag trends? Or should I say, investment handbags?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy