Browsing Category: Handbags

BRAND LOVE: Guanabana Handmade Bags

18 May, 2016 Laytee Samida

It’s has been quite a minute since I’ve done a highlighted a brand, but I couldn’t help myself after becoming obsessed with Guanabana Handmande bags.

I first spotted one Guanabana handmade bags while doing my daily scroll through ShopBop and was instantly floored with the beauty in these handmade, embroidered bags. Their bags are hand-knitted on crochet, which makes each piece unique and unlike any other bag. Guanabana handmade also makes totes, clutches, and bracelets. However, I’m dedicated to the beauty of their wayuu bags.

The wayuu bags are available in small or large and in solid colors or multi color. The bags are also adorned with large, handmade tassels and wide crocheted straps or thick braided handles for easy carrying.

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Guanabana bags

Sleek and Chic Fanny Packs

9 March, 2016 Laytee Samida

For the past couple of years, fanny packs have been slowly coming back in, dare I say, style.

However, this latest return of fanny packs don’t look much like the neon nylon zippered packs from the late 80s and early 90s. Although you can definitely find the nostalgic neon versions, I’m all about the sleek and less bulky versions with minimal details closures. Plus, the nylon belts with plastic snap to fit around your waist have been replaced with luxe chains or leather belts that allows you to easily slide the fanny pack all around for custom comfort and security.

Fanny packs are great for those moments when you need freedom to move around as you please without the burden and weight of a bag on your shoulders or back. Since Spring is almost here, that means festival season is right behind and fanny packs just scream “Take me to all the festivals!” However, sleek fanny packs can work with any and all situations, including work.

If you’re ready to test out the fanny pack resurgence, I found some classy fanny packs.

STAINED COUTURE APPROVED CHIC FANNY PACKS:

Alexander Wang Prism Fanny Pack – Faux Leather Fanny Pack – Loeffler Randall Baby Rider Crossbody/ Fanny Pack – Chloe’ Nano Georgia Fanny Pack

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fanny pack

Saddle Bags for Spring

22 February, 2016 Laytee Samida

Spring is almost here and it’s time to start figuring out what “vibe” and look we want to have for the season. Usually, I start with key clothing staples. However, in the spring, I tens to focus more on accessories and colors. Therefore, I’m starting with finding a new saddle bag style bag for spring.

Yes, saddle bags is one of the ‘it’ styles for bags this season. Saddle bags get and share their name and shape from the bags used on horses to carry supplies. Like it’s namesake, they are very versatile since they can easily be worn as a shoulder bag and cross body bag.

For spring, look for a saddle bag with a classic shape, but spring appropriate details such as pastel colors, tan leathers, and subtle embellishments.

Spring Saddle Bags:

Saddle Bag w/ Ring Detail, $60, TopShop
Ortensia Saddle Bag, $510, Meli Melo
Botkier x Coco Rocha London Saddle Bag, $298, ShopBop
Isobel Saddle Bag, $325, Rebecca Minkoff
Leather Saddlebag, $595, Tory Burch

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Saddle Bags

Everyday Work Totes

18 January, 2016 Laytee Samida

When you think of a bag that you can carry everyday and roomy enough to carry to work or run errands in, one of the first options is a tote bag. Everyday work totes are so necessary.

Ever since I was in high school, totes were my go-to bag, because I could carry all my personal needs (i.e. keys, wallet, make-up, etc), but still enough room to squeeze in those heavy text books and binders. FYI, I wasn’t a big fan of backpacks to carry books when I was in school. They just seemed too masculine for me, yes, even the pink ones. However, I as about that mini backpack life in the mid 90s. I miss those.

Anyway, where were we? Ah, yes…

Back to the Everyday Work Totes

Although I don’t have to bring my laptop to work, there are days when I do or decided to telecommute and set up shop in a local coffee shop to get some work done and the ease of sliding my laptop, planner, and other necessities in a tote bag make life so much easier.

A great everyday work should have a neutral color, easy access, and very roomy. Here are some of my favorite’s:

TOPSHOP Croc-Effect Shopper Bag, $52 – I love the look of the croc effect and the added pouch is a great addition to hold pens, keys, and small things you don’t want to have to dive out.
Vince Camuto Anisa Tote, $278 – The navy and contrasting white trim adds a nice touch of sophistication.
KNOMO North/South Top Zip Tote, $350 – The versatility in this tote is awesome. It comes with a strap to wear it crossbody style and it also has a zipper closure for extra security.
J. Crew Uptown Tote, $178 – The tote is the perfect tote to carry you from the office to happy hour and then to a weekend of appointments…all year round. Classic tote bag.

*main image source from 9toChic

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career handbags

The Return of Furry Bags

11 August, 2015 Laytee Samida

Fur is one of those tricky materials for me. I’m not a fan of real fur for nonsensical ethical reasons (for me) that I might share another time. However, I don’t look down on others who wear or buy it. Do you. However, for me, fur anything can be very problematic with upkeep and styling possibilities. So, I tend to steer clear of “fur” anything unless it’s lining my coat or shoes.

However, this fall, I might have to test out the fur waters, but in the form of a cute bag. For fall, a lot of designers and fashion lines are offering fur (faux and real) covered shoulder bag, satchels, and clutches.

Furry bags are always a fun, easy, and unexpected addition to any look; no matter how simple or extravagant the style. Still, a fur-covered bag can be a slightly visually aggressive. For the fall, might I suggest you stick to neutral colors and subtle patterns.

So, if you are also tempted into adding a furry bag to your handbag collection, I’ve selected a few pieces that might be the perfect fit for you.