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 about experiencing something that allows you to slow down and enjoy life in a way that is not possible in everyday life. Whether it's going to a spa, taking a vacation, or indulging in some treats, 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 incorporating the soft suede of the Nappa lining, you achieve two distinct textures and a handmade feel from a single designer piece.

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

I'm a woman who 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, so I don't have to dig around for them. It also means I want to stick to a few handbags, so I don't get paralyzed by analysis.

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo features a spacious interior that can accommodate my smartphone, sunglasses, keys, spare change, and more. At first glance, it's clear that this bag is made from 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 caught my attention was the name Calvados. Calvados, a type of apple brandy from the Normandy region in France, is the inspiration for the tan color. 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 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 Bamboo Hair Brush (Similar)

Vintage Christian Dior Multicles (similar)

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

Cross Ballpoint Pen

Mini Notepad

Live long and prosper.

Miu Miu Compact Mirror (similar)

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

Guerlain Mon Guerlain Spray with Scentbird Atomizer

Cute Pocket Kleenex

Japanese Bamboo Silk Folding Fan

Tide To Go Stain Remover Wipes

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Hand Cream Travel Size

Honest Company Hand Sanitizer in Grapefruit Grove

Native Natural Deodorant

Makeup

Milani All Inclusive Eye, Cheek, & Face Palette

Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara in Browny Browns

Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

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 Endless Silky Eye Pens (Eyeliners) in Brightening Lilac and Black Cocoa

Extra Pouches

Daisy Rose Luxury Keychain Pouch

I use this as a mini kit, the bare minimum. 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.

They don’t sell the LV style one on Amazon. If you want that one here’s where you get it.

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.

Fendi Pequin look without the Fendi Pequin price.

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

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 Secrets 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)

One of the many self-defense items that I carry with me.

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 of The Rona

Sashay Away Reusable Face Mask

Pretty much letting people know to back up.

Disposable Latex Free Gloves

I need to have at least one pair in my bag at all times.

For The Business

Rachel Miriam x Rachel Zoe Leather Card Case

A pop of color in the bag always adds a touch of style.

Square Card Reader for Magstripe

If you owe me money, I will collect it 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 is 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 miscellaneous items that might be cluttering 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

I've already purchased two: a medium sized one in red for my vintage Gucci Boston and this slender medium sized one for my totes.

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 to me 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. 

*Hey, this page contains affiliate links. There’s no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission when you decide to use them. They help me keep this party going.

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