Handbags

Kate Spade brings back her classic mini tote

 in General Fashion / Handbags  tagged historical fashion / holidays 2014 / kate spade / totes / winter 2015 by

kate spade classic handbag tote

Kate Spade tote

Kate Spade first became famous in the mid-1990’s when her beloved nylon mini tote hit the handbag scene. Handbag fans and Fashionistas everywhere ran out to purchase their very own Kate Spade mini tote; making the tote hard to come by! The tote appeared on the forearm of every woman on the street. Although Kate Spade’s tote was popular and worn by many women, very few of these Kate Spade handbags looked exactly alike. The small tote came in a variety of colors and patterns, making it as unique the next “IT” bag after the Kate Spade tote; the Fendi Baguette.

The Kate Spade “IT” bag of the mid-1990’s was coveted by almost every woman on the street. In fact, counterfeiters soon caught on to the trend and inauthentic versions of the ultimate small tote were popping up on the forearm’s of unscrupulous women on the street. This was disconcerting to see, the pretenders were easy to spot, and showed the poor ethics of the wearer. 

For the holiday 2014 season, Kate Spade has brought back a version of her famous small tote and it is nothing short of fabulous! This beautiful rendition of Kate Spade’s ultimate “IT” bag is made from a beautiful black nylon which holds up in the rain. The tote is embellished in sparkling jewels making it ideal for the holiday season as well as an evening investment. This new tote from Kate Spade can easily be worn for many years to come as an evening tote with sophisticated casual attire through to semi-formal wear. Love that!

One of the reason’s Kate Spade’s nylon totes became so highly sought-after in the mid-1990’s was due to the fact that they offered extraordinary quality. I owned a black one which I wore everyday. I lived and worked in San Francisco at the time and used the tote for work. I stuffed it full of everything I needed for myself and work. I took the tote with me everyday on BART and Muni. The tote was caught in the rain, subjected to daily fog, and who knows what wars it went though on public transit! The tote survived, and always looked new. I wish I still owned it today; unfortunately my Mom took it from me! Roughly fifteen years later, my Mom uses the tote bag and it looks amazing!

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. It would be amazing if Kate Spade continued to release this beautiful yet practical handbag every season in new colors and prints. It is a classic style and something every Fashionista should have in his/her closet. Do you remember when Kate Spade’s small tote was the “IT” bag in the mid-1990’s? If so, did you own one?

Painted handbags and shoes for fall 2014

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Shoes / Trends  tagged burberry / fall 2014 / runway trends / spring 2015 / street style trends / winter 2015 by

painted handbags painted shoes fall

Pictured: Satchel / Bootie / High Heel / Shoulder Bag

Painted handbags and painted shoes are a huge trend for the fall 2014 and winter 2015 seasons. Although this trend first emerged several seasons ago, it has taken an upswing for the fall 2014 and winter 2015 seasons; and is taking the streets by storm.

Designers such as Maison Martin Margiela and Burberry are showing exquisite, luxury handbags and shoes for the fall 2014 and winter 2015 seasons which offer artistic paintings. These artistic paintings are done in soft tones which blend with their canvas; enhancing them rather than competing with them. Paintings are being shown mainly on shoes and handbags; although, designers such as Burberry are also showing belts with brushstrokes.

As the painted handbag and shoe trend becomes more important, brands with moderate and affordable price points are joining in the painted trend and introducing their own version of painted shoes and handbags for the winter 2015 season. While moderate brands are sticking to painted handbags, there is no reasons to discount the assumption that they will eventually introduce painted shoes to their seasonal collections.

The paintings being found on handbags and shoes for the fall 2014 and winter 2015 seasons include soft, sophisticated florals and abstract brushstrokes. These designs offer a feeling of wearing shoes, or carrying a handbag, which is one-of-a-kind and special; despite the fact they could possibly be mass produced.

This feeling of carrying, or wearing, something which is one-of-a-kind, makes any Fashionista feel special; and like she has something no-one else has! I have to admit, I love the idea of carrying something unique or wearing something no-one else has. Often times, this is difficult because something which is one-of-a-kind often carries a high price point which is out of reach for most people. The painted handbag and shoe trend for fall 2014 and winter 2015 offers that unique, one-of-a-kind vibe we all wish we could own through mass produced luxury, moderate, or affordable price points in our own, personal, comfort zone.

Painted handbags and painted shoes are an emerging trend, it is likely that this trend will continue past fall 2014 and winter 2015; and into spring 2015. When shopping for a painted handbag or painted shoes, look for a color combination which will blend well with your current wardrobe, or offer pop as a stand-alone piece against an all-black or neutral ensemble. 

I found a few fabulous painted handbags and painted shoes for winter 2015 around the web and placed them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Box handbags for fall 2014

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged cross body bags / fall 2014 / satchels by

boxy box handbags

Pictured: Blue handbag / Trunk handbag / Black handbag / Yellow handbag

Box handbags are a new, up and coming trend this fall 2014 season. Designers in New York, Paris, Milan and London have introduced boxy handbag styles for the cool weather season; and are also showing box handbags for the upcoming spring 2015 season. Box handbags are being shown in many different styles including squares, rectangles and small trunks.

The box handbag is a structured, dressy handbag style which looks amazing with dressy outfits, office attire and evening wear; not including semi-formal or formal attire. This neat and tidy handbag style has also been spotted on the streets; making its’ way into the hands of attendees during fashion week, in all locales.

Box handbags have a retro flair to them which makes them look perfect with midi skirts, and fit and flare dresses. Box handbags also look appropriate with conservative office attire such as suiting, trousers, and pencil skirts. In addition to retro flair, the current trend in handbags is simplicity. With this current trend of minimalism in handbags, it is no wonder that box handbags are gaining popularity. They are simple and sleek!

I have been eyeing the box handbag trend for a few months now and cannot decide if I want to splurge on a square or rectangle box. I have had my eye on this one by Building Block. I love the simple shape and sleek leather. 

The rectangles tend to have more space inside of them since they seem to be falling into the medium size handbag category. The square box handbags designers have been showing for fall 2014 and spring 2015 tend to fall into the small handbag category; although, a few are being shown in larger, medium sizes.

Box handbags are a chic and modern alternative to the satchel this season, and are the current “IT” silhouette for a cross-body bag. When shopping for a box handbag this season, look for a convertible style which can be a satchel or cross body bag. Two for one; love that!

What do you think of the box handbag trend? I found a few amazing box handbags around the web and placed them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉