The Look for Less - Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Woven Bags and Padded Shoes

Heritage brand Bottega Veneta's woven Intrecciato handbags and shoes have dominated the style scene since Creative Director Daniel Lee took the helm. The best selling Bottega Veneta Pouch bag and square-toe Padded sandals have reached icon status and catapulted Bottega Veneta into the spotlight. The easily recognizable intrecciato weave and quilted details lend an artisan vibe to the luxurious leather accessories while also remaining edgy. It's official. Quilted handbags and square-toe shoes are summer 2020 must-haves thanks to Bottega Veneta. When it comes to designer accessories in the Covid-19 era, it's all about quiet luxury. There are no loud logos here; it's time to usher in a sartorial wave of understated glam and subtle embellishments. 

photos via Pinterest

Not surprisingly, the popular Bottega Veneta Pouch bag and Padded sandals have inspired many look alikes and dupes. Keep scrolling for a closer look at the real deal and designer dupes.

Shop Bottega Veneta bags:

Shop Bottega Veneta sandals, including padded, quilted, and intrecciato styles:

The Look for Less

If the luxury price points aren't in line with your budget, there are a multitude of Bottega Veneta intrecciato handbag and shoe dupes. Below, get the look for less by shopping these Bottega Veneta look alikes. 

Shop shoes:

Shop handbags:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Men's Fall 2019 Winter 2020 Fashion Trend Forecast

In this Men's fall 2019 winter 2020 fashion trend forecast, I'll be sharing four seasonal narratives by New York-based trend experts Fashion Snoops. These four trends are based on four macro trends, which I'll briefly cover. With each trend, I'll share the key takeaways, key words, color palettes, materials, patterns, key items, and designer examples.

For more fashion reports and trend forecasts, please see my other posts:


Read about four women's denim trends for 2020.

See four men's spring summer 2019 trends, four women's trends for spring summer 2019, and four women's trends for fall 2019/winter 2020. 

Read about four denim trends for 2019.

Explore five footwear trends for spring summer 2019. 

Before we get into each trend story, here are the four macro trends from which they are derived.

1. All In - This is all about community, the impact of empathy, and inclusion. There are more gender neutral assortments, inclusive design, and new classics with an emphasis on denim. 

2. Selfishly Aware - This macro trend looks at the cause and reaction of constantly being on social media. It focuses on our dependency on likes and social currency. The Instagrammable design movement is taking hold for brands. For clothing, this means convertible design, bold statements, shock value design, and modular design.

3. Life 3.0 - This is a conversation of today, not science fiction. The impact of robotics is an agent of change. There's a concern for online protection and privacy. Takeaways are performance-correcting wearables, bigger silhouettes, auto-cooling and heating textiles, and planetary graphics.

4. Pursuit of Happiness - Looks at redefining what success means, freelance culture, the idea of access over ownership, seeking rest, taking extreme vacations, and off-the-grid travel. There's a dawning of consciousness in the workforce in which we look at how to make workers happy. Takeaways are a spike in astrology, romantic drama, workplace sanctuaries, and self-health care.

The four Men's trend themes are: Kindred, Composite, Arcadia, and Lair.

1. Kindred
Kindred comes from the All In macro trend and speaks to a focus on community. The concept of community has never been more important, especially as political and societal divisions threaten the very notion. In this seasonal narrative, he's a modern day John Steinbeck whose emotions are heightened in these turbulent times. What is the role of heritage in today's world? Does it hark back to simpler times with fewer choices? He finds new hope in reminders of nostalgia and family. He feels comforted by imperfect surfaces that are made better with time. He seeks out high-quality provisions from a general store atmosphere that nicely curates his style. Industrial details and pastoral silhouettes come together for a new expression of basics. Shapes and details are amplified in intensity to evoke a protective quality. As the epitome of today's pioneer, the man behind Kindred moves from the chaotic city to uncharted rural territories in search of bucolic refinement and rugged character, and does it with heart and soul along the way. 

Key takeaways for Kindred: focus on community, time-honored classics, fabrics get better with time, "surban" (suburban + urban) living, new applications of tweed, imperfect harmony, general store merchandising, year-round layering, celebrate a brand's heritage, and denim that's not precious.

Key words are: modern Americana, creative community, rural refinement, heart + soul, and new hope.

Kindred is inspired by: regionalism art, Americana, new community, updated heritage, focus on basics, and cozy surroundings.

The color palette is a mix of bucolic golds, homespun blues, and steely greys. 

Materials are time-honored and cozy, with character. Heavy knits, run-on stripes, winter cottons, and flannels are key. 

Patterns are portraits, modern quilting, concrete florals, rustic plaids and ginghams. 

Key items are the dramatic and comfortable overcoat, oversized sweaters, rugged suiting separates, tailored vests, sneaker boots, the casual derby shoe, and the driving cap in tweed.

See more about the Kindred trend:

2. Composite
This story comes from the macro trend Selfishly Aware. Today's man is involved in an ongoing conversation about how to build his personal style according to his own rules. In Composite, which is defined as something made up of various parts or elements, there is a visual dialogue of masculine and feminine, gritty and refined, and industrial and luxurious. Inspired by some of today's most influential designers who welcome the best of all worlds to their aesthetic, this seasonal narrative adds a much-needed streetwise edge to styles that are otherwise wardrobe basics. Consider it the perfect mix of downtown and uptown, with a contemporary focus on modularity and adaptability. Picture the man in Composite as an industrial furniture designer who makes the best out of what he finds on the streets, fusing unlikely materials with refined surfaces. The same can be applied to his daily look, with a blend of shiny and matte, classic and forward, and sporty and formal. 

Key takeaways for Composite are: democratic luxury, sporty meets handsome, personalization is king, modular style, new evolution of streetwear, sophisticated shine, masculine fancy, expressive color, continuation of color, and rethinking classic silhouettes.

Key words include: grit and glam, industrial design, push + pull, and streetwise edge.

Composite is inspired by: visual contrasts, modular style, industrial design, a mix of downtown vs. uptown, and designer Dozie Kanu.

The color is expressive and bold. There are also gritty neutrals, greys, and browns. 

Materials are a mix of fancy, artsy, and industrial. Modular texture, cozy textures, and surfaces that look engineered are key. 

Patterns include: velvet with movement, a New Wave influence, spliced traditions, and abstract body parts or face graphics.

Key items are modular suiting, oversized sweaters, lustrous track pants, fabric blocked sweatshirts, the bucket hat, crossbody bags, chunky sneakers in bold colors, nylon belts, body bags, coin pouches, and bleached trucker jackets. 

Browse the Composite trend:

3. Arcadia
Arcadia comes from the Life 3.0 macro trend. The future has never been closer than it is today. Humans have always had an itch to explore and discover new worlds, but the need to stay grounded to the human spirit remains a crucial element for innovation. Greek for "a vision of utopia", Arcadia focuses on the man who is interested in the concepts and designs of tomorrow, but stays in constant contact with what it means to be a sensory-driven being. The result is a warm, organic expression of an approaching paradise, complemented with just the right amount of sci-fi charm. In his metaphorical search for the best parts of the future, he brings with him cultural relics of the past. We call these things "aesthetifacts"- fine art, handed-down pottery, time-honored fabrics, beautiful plants, and music. This new serene sanctuary of his making is an experimentation in 21st century retro futurism, with close ties to what made the human race what it was. The ultra modern lines and natural textures show us what archetypical classics would look like in a world that's yet to come. 

Takeaways for Arcadia are: "aesthetifacts" (aesthetics and artifacts), taking the past into the future, sophisticated wearable tech, cozy techno, new space age, lightweight heavyweight, fabrics that move, workwear trim, unbelievable colors, and good-looking utility.

Key words for Arcadia are: human connection, relics of the past, relatable future, ethno futurism, electric utopia, and odyssey.

Arcadia is inspired by: Iceland, ethno futurism, modern Scandinavia, and outdoor heritage.

Colors are bright and lush, with a wide range of greens from basil to pine. Cool pastels are also included, as well as water-inspired blues. 

Materials are a fusion of man-made and natural. Spongy or bubbly textures are key. Quilting techniques and bonded techno fabrics are important. 

Patterns are marbled, liquid sculptures, retro futurism, and architectural photorealism for graphic tees. 

Key items are: the quest technical parka, ribbed turtleneck sweater, shirt jackets, knit sneakers, metallic boots, utility jeans, and denim bombers. 

See examples of Arcadia:

4. Lair
Lair comes from the Pursuit of Happiness macro trend. Luxury can be seductive in its reach. From buttery leathers and blanket-like woolens to coats that envelop the man and the perfect power suit in textural wool, the richness of opulence can mean many things. In Lair, a well-hidden resting place in the grittiest corners of Los Angeles, Berlin, or Paris awaits the man who finds power in the dark and bewitching. Nowhere near the forest, his spellbinding influence comes from an unexpected twist on tailored shapes and urbane styling. His potion of choice is whiskey secured in an underground, members-only bar or super exclusive gastro-lounge in an obscure part of the city. The ultimate food and drink experience amplify his preference for dressing up. He seeks out new ways to make formal influences not only sexy but also cool. It's a turn of the century and new wave at once. Mystical powers come from a look that's industrial and refined, with shadowy injections of mother nature like serpents and nightshade botanicals in the middle of the city loft.

Key takeaways for Lair include: cool formal, a focus on winter cottons, all about the senses, clothing for experiences, new expressions of leather, dark and dreamy florals, super sophisticated accessories, dramatic outerwear, tailored denim, and a gent & his club.

Key words for Lair are: seeking seclusion, underworld, downtown formal, handsome sorcery, spellbinding, and members only.

Lair is inspired by: members only clubs, experiential restaurants, underground whiskey bars, and dark luxury.

Colors for Lair are perfect for holiday; they are warm and mystical. Mid-tones dominate, with olive greens and browns. Watery accents emphasize the romantic quality of menswear.

Materials are romantic, indulgent fabrics. Texture and shine are important. There are lightweight leathers, crepe suiting, dimensional knits in Art Deco motifs, and winter cottons such as wide wale corduroy and velvet.

Patterns are driven by speakeasy clubs. Plaids are rustic, reptilian motifs are key, and we see animal prints, in addition to smoky florals.

Key items are the speakeasy overcoat, the dress scarf (see John Varvatos), the Ritz suit (in corduroy or velvet), deep V-neck sweaters, silk shirts, velvet pants, the token necklace, leather sneakers for dressing up, the weekender bag, and portfolio bags.

Explore examples of Lair:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

This blog post is adapted from Fashion Snoops, is protected by international copyright laws, and may not be republished without permission. Students, please feel free to use this information for school projects as long as it's not reproduced or republished online and you properly cite both Fashion Snoops and Fashion Trend Guide as sources.

Keep up with my shopping and fashion adventures on social media and the LIKEtoKNOW.it app @thekeytochic for a behind-the-scenes look at style, shopping, and more exclusive content.

Explore more men's fashion:

Men's Spring Summer 2019 Fashion Trend Forecast

In this post, I'll be sharing four key Men's fashion trends for spring summer 2019 as highlighted by New York-based firm Fashion Snoops. Each trend story in this forecast will include key takeaways, materials, must-have items, design details, and colors.

Keep up with my shopping and fashion adventures on social media and the LIKEtoKNOW.it app @thekeytochic where you'll have access to emerging trends, outfit ideas, and shopping reports.

To better understand the origin of the trends, there are four macro trends from which these seasonal stories emerge. They are:

New Local - new suburbia, glocalization (supporting local businesses and belonging to community), and the design of better products (quality over quantity)

Human Nature - off the grid (unplugging/unwinding), climate challenge (reducing emissions), and eco-tourism (sustainable travel)

Emotional Capacity - spiritual practices (meditation), mindfulness (sharing feelings), and human sensation (multi-sensory experiences)

New Creative - industry disrupted (job roles are shifting), hyper culture (instant access to information), and freelance culture (digital nomads, workplace freedom)

1. Main St.
Key takeaways for the Main St. story are: dad style, matching sets, domestic bliss, commuting coats, occasion dressing, relaxed tailoring, maximum pattern, nostalgia, time-honored styles, and suburban living. 

Materials include sporty satin, puckered gingham, drop needle knits, tapestry texture, pieced shirtings, retro poplin, and patterned seersucker. Design details are boxy sleeves and Johnny collars. Must-have items are the gent bomber jacket, banker suit, brunch sweater (polo style), league shirt (bowling inspired), executive pants (subtle pleats), and weekend polo shirt. Accessories are the Oxford and derby shoe, fishermen sandal, weekender bag, and vintage watch. The colors are retro mid-tones, aquatic hues, and greens such as lilypad and avocado. Brands to reference for more inspiration are Prada and Gucci.

See examples of Main St.:

2. Talisman
Ten key takeaways for the Talisman theme are: a focus on Australia, ancestral stories, traditional techniques, symbols + relics, mystical surrealism, summer marls, subtle embellishment, nature's accessories, all-season tailoring, and loud print + patterns. It's a trend for the younger customer, with a focus on active basics and the evolution of outdoorsy looks.

Materials include nylon mesh, embossed exotics, patterned modal, tribal jacquards, distressed, yarn-dyed shirtings, micro poplin, and lightweight marls. Design details are tribal piecing, braided closures, mystical inserts, techno toggles, decorative beading, and hood flaps. Must-have items are the ritual jacket (trucker silhouette), mechanical suit with functional details, outback sweater, painted hill pants in (new camo prints), and the totemic T-shirt (boxy fit and tribal motif). Accessories include the coin pendant necklace, relic jewels, and beaded bracelets. The color palette uses purple as an accent, with teals, blues, and warm red balancing out the neutrals. See Off-White and Missoni for more examples.

Explore examples of Talisman:

3. Ventura
Key takeaways for the Ventura story are: contemporary rustic, Euro Americana, technical lightness, refined quilting, range of pinks, black & white landscapes, unstructured tailoring, desert journey, soul searchers, and rustic balance. 

Materials are pique Oxford cloth, cracked leather, lightweight suede, puckered shirtings, overdyed jersey, and gauzy knits. Design details are the softened funnel neck, lace-up placket, pronounced stitching, zippered shoulders, and suede horsebit inserts. Must-have items are the Dunes jacket (suede body and trucker silhouette), Mojave suit (pima cotton), Ashcroft sweater (notch lapel and boxy fit), Mirage shirt (zip front), Yuma shorts (linen blend, above the knee), and the painted desert henley. Accessories are the active sandal, tennis shoe, travel knapsack, extra long belt, straw cap, and round aviators. The color palette makes strong use of pink, and also includes blues and pink-casted browns. See Topman and Ralph Lauren Purple Label for more inspiration. 

Browse examples of Ventura:

4. Xchange
Ten takeaways for Xchange are: the new uniform, heritage without the cliches, updates to workwear, cool + casual + comfort, tech-y tradition, micro motifs, active tailoring, focus on accessories, ultra clean lines + styling, and integrated tech for retail. 

Materials are heavyweight nylon, electra wool, workwear canvas, flex wovens, jute herringbone denim, cork, and jersey-lined suiting. Design details include: ID tags, kangaroo pockets, zippered plackets, stitched pockets, industrial straps, and metallic taping. Must-haves are the engineered suit (pieced construction), IBM sweater (cardigan with cuffs and side vents), data shirt (snap placket), co-op pants (loose shape), and the e-knit (active-inspired). Accessories are the slide sandal, runner shoes, nylon backpack, velcro straps on footwear, and the smart watch. Colors for Xchange are tech-driven, with lush green, blues, and neutrals including grey and khaki. See Givenchy and Rick Owens for more inspiration. 

See examples of Xchange:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Please note that this blog post is adapted from Fashion Snoops, is protected by international copyright laws, and may not be republished without permission. Students, please feel free to use this information for school projects as long as it's not reproduced or republished online and you properly cite both Fashion Snoops and Fashion Trend Guide as sources.

Additional trend reports:


Four women's denim trends for 2020.


Four men's fall 2019 winter 2020 trends.

Four women's trends for spring summer 2020.

See four men's trends for fall 2018 and winter 2019.

See four denim trends for 2019.

See five footwear trends for spring summer 2019. 
See more men's trends:

Denim Trend Forecast for 2019

Denim is a key category for Women and Juniors at MAGIC trade show, and since it's also such an important part of our modern wardrobes, I pay close attention to all things denim when I browse the booths each season. I'll be sharing four standout denim trends for 2019 in this fashion forecast. 


February 21, 2019 update - See four women's denim trends for 2020 on my other blog The Key To Chic.

1. Sporty Stripes
There's nothing surprising about the carryover of sporty stripes into 2019. All manner of athletic references continue to dominate the market, as athleisure shows no signs of waning. Look for glittery trims, bold shades of red, and skinny stripes this time around. Read my feature on this trend from last season. See Express and Topshop for more examples of this theme.

Shop striped denim:

2. Pretty Embellishments
Boring denim be gone; there are details aplenty on the horizon. As we look towards 2019, there are so many fun embellishments adorning denim, such as bows and self belts, faux fur trims, and the continuation of floral embroidery. See Gucci and Rebecca Taylor for more examples of this trend.

Shop embellished denim:

3. Deconstructed
Frayed edges, undone hems, shredded effects, and a worn-in look prevail. See Nasty Gal and GRLFRND for more inspiration. 

Browse deconstructed denim:

4. New Nineties
The '90s are back in full force. As if! Channel your inner Cher Horowitz and get your mom jeans, overalls, checkered prints, plaids, and over-the-top denim jackets ready. It's all about cropped lengths, layering, bold details, and belted waists. See Boohoo, Wild Fable, and Topshop for great examples.

See more '90s styles:

This post would be incomplete if I didn't mention the rise of sustainability in the denim industry. With manufacturers seeking more eco-friendly processes and dyes, using recycled materials (such as plastic bottles), and trying to reduce the amount of resources used to make denim, there's a rising demand for being more green. Aztex Trading showed how e-flow machines, laser effects, and dyeing with air bubbles can create unique surfaces without polluting the planet.

October 2018 update - See and shop more denim:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Want more fashion inspiration? Keep up with my shopping and fashion adventures on social media and the LIKEtoKNOW.it app @thekeytochic.

Fore more fashion reports, see these trend reports on my blogs:


Four men's fall 2019 winter 2020 trends.

Four women's trends for spring summer 2020

Four Women's trends for fall 2019 and winter 2020 on The Key To Chic

Five footwear trends for spring summer 2019

4 Women's trends for fall 2018/winter 2019  

Explore more denim trends:

Fall 2018 Back To School Fashion Trends at MAGIC Trade Show

With August halfway over, the fall 2018 back-to-school shopping season has begun. If you're seeking style inspiration or looking for a wardrobe refresh, there are some exciting fashion trends to look out for.  Here are the seven must-have trends for fall 2018 that I scouted at MAGIC Tradeshow.

1. All Buttoned Up
A continuation from spring/summer 2018, buttons adorn midi dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits. Often more decorative than functional, look out for asymmetrical placements and vintage finishes.

Browse button front styles:

2. The '90s Revival
If there's one thing to remember about the fall 2018 season, it's the '90s. As if! Break out your best Cher Horowitz-inspired looks and get acquainted (or reacquainted) with mini skirts, fuzzy crop tops, overalls, checkered denim, mom jeans, and plenty of plaid. See Target's new brand Wild Fable for colorful and affordable examples.

Browse '90s styles:

3. Chunky Knitwear
This is the season of the statement sweater. Look out for textural details, bobble stitching, undone hems, and slouchy silhouettes. 

Browse chunky knits:

4. Overalls
If rompers and jumpsuits dominate the summer season, then overalls are a natural evolution for the fall/winter months. Expect to see them done in warm neutrals, corduroy, and embellished denim versions. See these overall styles at Shopbop for more shopping inspiration.

See more overalls:

5. See Through Style
There's no hiding from this trend. Transparent handbags and lucite footwear were dominant themes for accessories at MAGIC this season. Footwear brands to note for this theme are Vicenza and Schutz, who offer chic versions of this trend for fall.

Shop clear accessories:

6. Rainbow Stripes and Brights
Bold and colorful stripes adorned slouchy knitwear for fall. 

See more stripes:

7. Gold Mine
If there's one color to add to your closet as 2018 comes to a close, it's goldenrod. Also known as mustard or Gen Z yellow, it's pretty much the new Millennial pink. Not that pink is going anywhere, it's just morphing into a dustier, more muted hue. 

Browse more gold pieces:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Get fashion updates and more trend inspiration with me on social media @thekeytochic.

August 25, 2018 update - See four denim trends for 2019.

August 21, 2018 update - See four fashion trends for fall 2019 and winter 2020 on The Key To Chic.

August 20, 2018 update - See five footwear trends for spring summer 2019 on The Key To Chic.

Shop top fall trends: