What’s In My Summer Bag: Bottega Veneta Nappa Intrecciato Hobo in Dark Calvados

When I was a young boy, growing up in Durham, North Carolina, the women in my family were truly passionate about their clothes; nothing was more beautiful to me than women dressing with the utmost, meticulous attention to accessories, shoes, handbags, hats, coats, dresses and gloves to attend Sunday church services.

Andre Leon Talley

I'm a lover of all things luxury, but I'm the first to admit that my idea of luxury might not be quite the same as yours. For me, luxury is experiencing something that lets you slow down and enjoy life in a way you simply cannot with everyday life. Whether it's going to a spa, going on vacation, or indulging in some goodies, luxury is about realizing that you are alive and able to enjoy life. My Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo bag is one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I have been carrying it for about a year now, and it's so well made that its structure hasn't changed one bit despite daily use.

My favorite color is purple, but I'm partial to navy and tan when it comes to neutrals. I've worn this bag a-plenty, and it goes with absolutely everything. The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo has a structured shape that makes it both classic and eye-catching. Still, by mixing in the soft suede of the Nappa lining, you get two different textures and a handmade feel from one designer piece.

I'm always on the go, and this bag has been my lifesaver.

I'm a woman that can never have enough shoes or handbags, especially in the summer when I wear flip-flops and sandals almost every day. Because of this, I need to keep my essentials organized and easily accessible because I don't want to have to dig around for them! It also means I want to stick to a few handbags, so I don't get paralysis by analysis.

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo has a spacious interior that can hold my smartphone, sunglasses, keys, spare change, and so much more. With just one look at this bag, you know that it's made with high-quality materials. I have it in the dark Calvados tan, a beautiful neutral color that goes with everything. I can already see myself rocking this in the fall.

What got me was the name Calvados. The tan color is a color that was inspired by Calvados, the apple brandy from the Normandy region in France. It doesn't take much to get my attention; to be honest, it has some tie back to France.

Here's a bit of Italian vocabulary

Intrecciato – intertwined or network.

Nappa – tassel

Borsa di pelle – leather bag

Borsa da viaggio – travel bag

Borsa hobo – hobo bag

Pelle scamosciata – suede

Borsa dei trucchi – makeup bag

Organizzatore per borsa – purse/bag organizer

la chiave/il chiavi di casa – house key(s)

la chiave/il chiavi della macchina – car key(s)

il rossetto – lipstick

il piegaciglia – eyelash curler

il portamonete/il borsellino – coin purse/change purse

il portafoglio – wallet

Balsamo per le labbra – lip balm

il cellulare – cell phone (if you couldn't tell :D)

la palette di ombretti – eyeshadow palette

il fard – blush

le pinzette – tweezers

lo specchietto – compact mirror

What’s In My Bag

I carry a LOT OF shit in my summer bag. So prepare yourself. Why do I carry so much shit with me at all times? Let's just say I used to do the “van life” before it was cool and let me tell you, it ain't as fun as some of these assholes make it out to be.

The Essentials

Celine Audrey Sunglasses (similar)

I live in California so this is a non-negotiable.

The Body Shop Mini Hair Brush

Vintage Christian Dior Multicles (similar)

It looks classier in my humble opinion. I can always keep my ALDI quarter nearby.

Marble and Rose Gold Pen

Mini Notepad

Miu Miu Compact Mirror (similar)

Sprouts Coconut Mango Lip Balm

Herb Pharm Spearmint Breath Refresher

Plackers Floss Sticks, but this is my last batch. I’ve switched over to these: Happy Eco Eco-Friendly Flosser with Toothpick Flossers

Fekkai Pre-Soleil Hair Mist

Guerlain Mon Guerlain Spray with Scentbird Atomizer

Cute Pocket Kleenex

Burius Japanese Handmade Landscape Bamboo Silk Folding Fan

Shout Stain Remover Wipes

Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Milk & White Jasmine Divine Indulgence Hand Cream (another favorite)

Honest Company Hand Sanitizer in Grapefruit Grove

Native Natural Deodorant in Lavender and Rose

Makeup

Milani All Inclusive Eye, Cheek, & Face Palette

Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara in Browny Browns

Mineral Fusion Mini Jet Volumizing Mascara in Black

Colorganics Hemp Organics Terra Lip Tint

NYX Wonder Stick in Light

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick, Blush Bay (similar)

Milani Lipsticks in Matte Orchid and Uptown Mauve

PIXI Eyeliners in Brightening Lilac and Black Cocoa

Extra Pouches

Daisy Rose Luxury Keychain Pouch

I use this as a mini the bare minimum kit. I keep eyebrow gel, mascara, a tinted lip balm, some Shout wipes, Claritin, salt and pepper packs, Listerine strips, a few hair ties and some mini tweezers.

Rauder Luxury Zip Keychain Pouch

I use this as a wallet. It's been a long time since I've had a clunky wallet. It's easy. Grab a few cards and you're good to go.

This has that Fendi Pequin look.

On The Go Skin Care

Trader Joe's Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream (similar)

This is hard to find. So if you can grab one, grab two. 

Trader Joe’s Rose Water Facial Toner (similar)

Sun Bum 30 SPF Sunscreen Face Stick + Cream

For The “Just In Case Shit Happens”

Scotch Brite Mini Travel Lint Roller

I have a dog and I love to wear black. You do the math.

Hollywood Fashion Tape

Keeps everything intact! I've used it on fussy bra straps, hems, and tops that want to show the goods for free.

Self Defense Cat Keychain (similar)

Pepper Spray with Hard Keychain Case Pink

Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Passport Holder Wallet Case Brown Signature

Unfortunately it is a sign of the times. I have to carry this with me just in case I get pulled over and have to prove my citizenship.

Because The Rona

Sashay Away Reusable Face Mask

Pretty much letting people know to back up.

Disposable Latex Free Gloves

For The Business

Rachel Miriam x Rachel Zoe Leather Card Case

A pop of color in the bag always helps.

Square Reader for Magstripe

If you owe me money, I'm collecting one way or another.

Apple Earpods with Lightning Connector

I can't do wireless. I'll lose them.

…and two cell phones.

Organizing My Bag

The key to keeping it organized has a purse insert. At first, I was a little skeptical about getting one because I've always used an over-the-shoulder bag. Still, I found that having purse inserts keeps the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo looking pristine and allows me to carry more. It has more compartments to organize any doodads that might be rolling around the purse otherwise. And if I want to use another handbag, I don't have to worry about leaving anything behind. I can take the full insert with all my stuff and quickly transfer it to another bag of a similar size. I'm pretty easy, so it's usually the vintage Celine macadam tote that I've also been rockin' this summer.

My Bag Organizer

It's functional and stylish – two must-have qualities in any handbag!

I feel so put together when I'm carrying my Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo; it makes me feel confident and ready to take on the day! It may not seem like I'm leaving the house much these days since I work from home, but when I need to head out to run errands, this is an easy grab-and-go bag. I don't have to overthink it.

This is a go-anywhere bag – from work to play (psst that's travel). It's great because it is inconspicuous, and I don't have to worry about anyone eyeing me like I would with a bag littered with logos. Most of my handbags aren't plastered with logos. It's a personal preference. Less is more, and I can take them with me without fearing I will get mugged or something.

The leather is soft to the touch but still durable enough for everyday use. I bought mine used and in excellent condition from Fashionphile. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobos retail for $3,000-$6,000 new! I'm sorry, but that's travel dinero (amongst other things) for me. For the most part, used or, as they say, preloved luxury items are the only way I could ever justify purchasing them. This item should last a lifetime, so it's been of great value in my book for less than $500. The price per wear is roughly $10 as of today. 

Summer is here, and this is one way I can make it more bearable. *insert groan here* I hope you enjoyed my little tour of what's in my summer bag.

What do you think? Was it overkill? LOL 

Do you have a favorite summer bag? What are YOUR must-haves in your summer bag?  

Let me know so we can compare. Maybe you can teach me not to be such a damn bag lady. 

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