The Handbag Trends You're About To See Everywhere
If you've been watching the style sphere over the past few months, handbags are having a standout moment. No longer regulated to the backburner of fashion, accessories - and more specifically handbags - are taking center stage. There isn't a luxury or premium fashion house that didn't showcase a line of colorful, unique, or nostalgic handbags this spring.
We're seeing this time-tested accessory go through a sort of transformation, akin to the spring awakening, right before our eyes. Whether you're looking to start your coveted handbag collection or looking to mix up your personal style, here are 10 handbag trends to hold you down all year.
1.Cushion Bags
The message is loud and clear: cushion is here to stay. A trend that started with Bottega Veneta's Lido sandal and picked up momentum in the coziness of the pandemic, cushion accessories are exploding this year. The handbag is a nod to the early 2000s and exudes a sophisticated comfort akin to a 2.55 Chanel quilted bag. Given its luxe texture, you can effortlessly dress this up with a more structured aesthetic or opt for a slouchy version with athleisure.
2.Belt Bag
While you might have kissed your fanny pack goodbye, don't get too comfortable with leaving your waist purse-free. In the place of the coveted nostalgic fanny-pack comes the belt bag; an ultra mini attached to your waist in a utility belt fashion. Styled over a maxi dress to give a bit of shape or hooked through your favorite high-waisted denim, the belt bag is this year's answer to being hands-free in a post-pandemic world.
3.Crescent Shape
If you need any more confirmation that the nostalgic 00s are saturating our runways, look no further than the comeback of the iconic crescent-shaped handbag. Aptly nicknamed the moon bag and debuting on runways a few years ago, the IT bag of yesteryear is officially having a moment. This chic staple nestled delicately under your shoulder comes in a wide range of silhouettes, colors, and prints that effortlessly complement any style. Whether you gravitate towards the modern slouchy pouches at Bottega Veneta, the whimsical canvas-printed bags at Staud, or the seminal black Prada top-handle, there's a moon-shaped bag with your name on it.
4.Soft Leather
The category for 2021 is stylish comfort, and nothing embodies that more than the soft and delicate leather goods we saw on the runways. Doubling down on soft indoor textures, pillowy-to-the-touch handbags are already on every street block and coffee shop.
5.Logo Totes
Apologies at the top if you were expecting large handbags to fade discreetly into the archives of street style. Oversized but functional tote bags are populating Instagram feeds and spring/summer runways alike. While the Dior Tote has been coveted for a few years, the success with brands like Telfar has skyrocketed the logomania of it all. Easily styled on the white sandy beaches or in the masked city streets, the logo tote is a staple that every person should have in their wardrobe.
6.Unique Design
From Christian Dior in the 50s to Gianni Versace in the 90s, there are few moments in fashion where we see the debut of a new trend. Luckily for us, as consumers become more fashion-conscious, there's a surge in silhouettes that aren't traditional. An interesting combination of a bucket bag, the ultra-miniature, and a crossbody, this new variation of handbag is youthful and luscious.
7.Miniature
Ever since Lizzo donned a miniature Jacquemus bag with the caption, "...big enough for my fucks to give", the ultra-mini bag has exploded on the style scene.
8.Crossbody Bags
A style trend that's been around for years but still extremely relevant, the crossbody is the quintessential in-between bag. Adorned with chain straps, metallic embellishments, and delicate jeweled emblems, the crossbody is one of the most replicated handbags this year.
9.Filing Folders
A more youthful trend on the scene, two-dimensional arm candy is bound to be all the rage during the warmer months. An emblem of counterculture to maximalism, this silhouette screams feminine and professional without sacrificing elements of style. There's something about the sleek nature of the handbag that exudes a 90s IT-girl vibe immediately. The color palettes are ranging from neutrals to prints to the bold neons that are everywhere this season. The razor-sharp bag is the perfect accessory for the minimalist girl on the go.
10.Raffia Totes
Another fun and fresh trend that has its roots in traditional beachwear, the raffia tote, or commonly referred to as the 'wicker basket trend', has transitioned into more everyday wear for spring and summer. Whether it's a top-handle, a long-line chain, or crescent-shaped, the netted style is a funky and casual way to step up your everyday style.
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Featured image courtesy of @amber.richele/Instagram
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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After Solo Travel Burnout, A Group Retreat In Luxury Was The Return To Sisterhood I Needed
Solo travel has been gaining in popularity among Black women for years, with many choosing to do adventures alone for various reasons. In fact, 70 percent of women, overall, enjoy solo trips. We've even shifted the landscape of travel trends and offerings, with hotels, resorts, and travel agents offering the "perfect" solo travel packages or lists of the "best places for solo travel."
I've been in a solo travel season for about seven years now, venturing out alone to see the world. I'd welcomed the solitude after years of family members flaking, showing disinterest, or simply not being able to afford to travel. It was also just what I needed after a few rough and utterly traumatic years of toxic relationships, major betrayals, and lackluster reciprocity from so-called friends.
I also fell in love during that period and was in a long-distance relationship, so I'd often solo travel to meet up with bae.
But like anything you go hard at for a long period of time, burnout soon comes knocking, and I'd recently been yearning to finally get back into connection with other women, sharing memories and experiences in a group versus just by myself.
There's something very isolating and lonely in solo traveling, and as much as I love my man, I began craving sisterhood and friendship with other women.
When I got the opportunity to experience the Fab Body Retreat—an experience for women, by women—hosted at the luxurious all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point Resort in St. Maarten, I more than jumped. The fitness and wellness retreat, launched by Deanna Robinson, a health and wellness advocate and entrepreneur, turned out to be just what I needed. I not only got the chance to visit an island I'd never been to but I had fun with a great group of Black women professionals and entrepreneurs.
I was able to process through the trauma, bitterness, and hurt I'd felt and get past the long-standing apprehensions I'd had about connecting personally with other women.
Janell Hazelwood for xoNecole
A 'Royal' Introduction And Networking
The first night, we enjoyed a "Royal Dinner" where we all wore blue under the night stars and with the ocean as our backdrop. We all got a chance to introduce ourselves and enjoy Caribbean dishes including marinated snapper, rice and peas, stewed meats, and other assorted side dishes.
Mia Benjamin/@socialbymjh
Janell Hazelwood for xoNecole
Fitness And Fun
Initially, I was a bit apprehensive about the fitness part, as I'd been struggling to lose the same 20 lbs for the last two years. To be honest, I wasn't excited about wearing a bikini around other women, nor was I looking forward to working out at the wee hours of the morning. But I'd made a pact with myself to open up and show up. And that, I did.
The whole theme of the retreat was "Elevation," so it was important for me to look past my hangups and stretch myself to get back on track with connection, timeliness, and openness.
Bright and early on the resort's beach, we had morning workouts, strengthening our core and incorporating cardio. These workouts were scheduled into almost every day of the 4-day retreat, and it was surprisingly fun. Some of the activities were perfect for team-building and competition, reviving my love of sport and recreation. Deanna, Sihnuu Hetep, yoga practitioner and educator, Rachel Martin, co-founder of Morph Transformation Center, and M'Balia Rucker led the retreat fitness activities, adding dance and other interactive elements and making working out more enjoyable. And, of course, getting the energy from the sun and sea was a plus.
It was energizing. To see women of all shapes, ages, sizes, and levels of fitness, and to be affirmed in that diversity of capabilities was empowering and renewed my sense of optimism about restarting my wellness journey to get back into more healthy eating and exercise habits.
We also enjoyed a luxe yacht party, where we cruised the beautiful waters of St. Maarten, enjoying a special Caribbean meal of curry chicken, rice, salad, assorted juices, and unlimited mimosas. The vibes were chill, and many of us enjoyed a dip in the water or snorkeling, while others preferred chatting while sunbathing and reflecting.
I met sisters who'd traveled from Bowie, Maryland who reminded me of my own beloved aunts: one, a vibrant and accomplished saxophonist named Sharon Thomas, and another, Iris Lattimore, founder of Lattimore's Funnel Cakes. They each told me of their own experiences of traveling the world together, visiting every Caribbean island, and holding dear their sister bond, spread between their extended family in the Washington D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area.
Janell Hazelwood for xoNecole
Slumber And Pool Parties
The itinerary also included a slumber party, where we all wore our pajamas and sat on pillows and lounge chairs amid soothing blue tones. There were small bites available, and panelists, including licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Alicia Hodge and entrepreneurs Zakia Blain (CEO of apparel line FBF Body), Brittney Carter (founder, B. Carter Solutions), and Natalie Nicole Smith (founder, the NNAgency Inc., and NNBody), sharing their phenomenal personal experiences with loss, renewal, and growth, very fitting for the theme of the night.
I was able to open up and safely release my trauma of feeling hurt by past misunderstandings. I truly gained a sense of support from the women in the room who could relate. The environment was very respectful, and the vibes made me feel like I was among family. One common theme among all of us, from diverse industries, life experiences, and parts of the U.S., was resilience and a belief in the dynamic power of women supporting women. It was refreshing to connect with like-minded, down-to-earth individuals who are all about pouring into other women.
We also shared small Caribbean bites, coffee, and tea to complement the night's questions and confessions. Deanna urged us all to tap into how we might be elevating beyond our fears, past traumas, and even a few current challenges, which women openly shared as well in the safe space.
Janell Hazelwood for xoNecole
The final night was all about pool fun, where we played volleyball, enjoyed a DJ spinning Caribbean and Top 100 hits and live entertainment by carnival-inspired performers, and got to enjoy the night air. We all were able to simply enjoy one another's company and get one last dance and dip in the pool in before it would be time to wake up early for a final morning workout and the transportation (also included with the retreat's amenities) to catch our flights back home.
While this was a wellness retreat, there was a special mix of enjoyment where you could partake in the open bar if you wanted to or drink fresh juices and water. It didn't feel like I was forced into an extreme version of "wellness" or "fitness" and I could pace myself in order to find the right sort of balance for me.
Backdrop Of All-Inclusive Luxury
One huge part about the trip that I loved was, after years of attending conferences in the backdrop of paradise and feeling like I never got a chance to actually enjoy the environment, there was a great balance between scheduled activities and free time to develop deeper, more personal connections with self and members of the group, an intergenerational community of women ages 30 to 65.
The 130-suite adults-only “resort within a resort” has four pools (including a Seascape pool with a swim-up bar), four bars, and three restaurants, including the signature Azul restaurant, which was my favorite. It had its own private beach and a fresh-water pool that afforded me cliff-side views of the ocean.
The 24-hour room service was divine, and you could work out on your own with a view of the grounds from the state-of-the-art fitness center, open-air well-being area, and private cabanas. The resort also offered nightly entertainment to enjoy with the group and a gaming emporium, Casino Royale.
I was also able to enjoy a meal (from a local spot within walking distance outside of the resort) of curry goat and roti, one of my favorite dishes reflective of my love of Trinidadian food. The community there, from the hospitality professionals at the resort to the vacationers, was diverse. I met people from Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Europe in the short time I was there.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, St. Maarten
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, St. Maarten
This retreat not only reminded me that sister bonds are necessary, but it allowed me to see that the past can be left there and that the present is full of opportunities to meet new, amazing women. The Fab Body Retreat was a manifestation of the founder's commitment to women's empowerment and love and was reflected in her efforts to include Black- and women-owned businesses in everything, including her gift bags (featuring items from brands Mela Vitamins, Mischo Beauty, and Vigor Roots) and contract women-owned vendors (IV Event Rentals).
It was the perfect boost of positivity and affirmation I needed to continue in my journey to heal and reconnect with the beauty of Black women's kinship and connective force.
For more information on the next Fab Body Retreat, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @fabbodyretreat.
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Featured image by Alvaro Medina Jurado/Getty Images