Lifestyle, Vintage Natalie Catalina Lifestyle, Vintage Natalie Catalina

40 Little Black Vintage Bags for a Chic Addition

Hello, hello! I hope this December finds you all feeling merry and bright. I’ve just returned home to DC after a delightful two weeks by the sea at our beloved Vero Beach condo. It was such a joy to celebrate an early Christmas with my mom and brothers, filled with cozy lounging, indulgent homemade treats, and holiday movies. Truly, it was a little slice of festive heaven. But we’re not finished with the holiday season quite yet!

With upcoming parties and happenings on my mind, I’ve been thinking about what to wear to gatherings with friends and to our family Christmas celebrations—one with my mom’s side and one with my dad’s. This year, I’m leaning towards something a little more polished and dressy, though on my dad’s side, we cousins have decided to keep things ultra-comfy in pajamas (no complaints there). For the other party, however, I’m picturing something silky, a touch refined, yet effortlessly casual—and certainly stretchy because… food.

All that to say, I’ve found myself shopping my own closet, curating looks, and deciding which vintage bags to bring home with me. Naturally, I ended up on Etsy, where I now have a growing collection of saved vintage purses—at least 100! I simply adore finding a unique, beautiful vintage bag, especially one with a chic twist. Something black, perhaps in velvet, with an interesting shape. Timeless.

So, here we are. A post inspired by my vintage purse obsession. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite black vintage finds, and I thought you might enjoy them too—perfect for carrying your essentials to a holiday soirée or adding a touch of charm to your wardrobe year-round. And mostly all under $100. There are some real treasures here—click items to shop. I may snag a couple myself!

And by the way… if you’re still shopping for holiday gifts, my gift guide is still going strong! I’ll be leaving it up through the end of the month. While I’m off for the week, I also plan to dedicate time to ramping up my ShopMy with updated apartment links and more. And hopefully, I will be getting a newsletter out as well. Stay tuned!

Chic black vintage bags

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Holiday, On Film, Entertaining Natalie Catalina Holiday, On Film, Entertaining Natalie Catalina

The Holiday Film List

Greetings, dear readers, and a warm welcome to December! I trust your Thanksgiving was wonderful and hopefully brimming with delicious food and good company. I loved being home at my dad’s in Maryland. It was such a cold week and certainly felt festive having a good reason to huddle cozily inside by a crackling fire, with nothing to do! However, I did brace the freezing temps for small Saturday roaming around downtown Frederick. The lights were twinkling in the trees and all the shops were decorated so beautifully. I also scored the most chic Armani down feather coat in our favorite antique shop—I can’t wait to wear it all winter long. A good day.

Now I’m heading southward to Vero Beach, where I’ll bask in Florida’s golden sun for a couple of weeks. We’re planning to usher in an early Christmas at the condo with my mom and brothers. Though the festive spirit feels uniquely different from the wintry charm of Washington, DC, I’m leaning wholeheartedly into the Christmas season. Our home will be fully decorated (thanks mom!), we'll delight in The Nutcracker in Palm Beach this weekend, and we’re planning to fill some evenings with our favorite holiday films.

So now, as December unfurls, it feels only fitting to share my annual holiday film list—a beloved tradition I hope brings you as much joy as it does me. Happy watching!

Download the Holiday Film List

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Lifestyle Natalie Catalina Lifestyle Natalie Catalina

The Winter Outerwear Edit

Hello, dear readers! Lately, I find my thoughts turning more and more to the winter season. While I’m still savoring these final golden days of autumn, there’s no denying the brisk chill settling over DC. You can feel it in the air—a quiet, persistent whisper of winter, the trees becoming barer by the day. But I, for one, am welcoming the shift with open arms (and perhaps a few extra layers). With the cold creeping in, I’ve found myself delving into a little seasonal wardrobe refresh—particularly in search of coats. If you’re also on the hunt for some stylish winter staples, I thought I’d share a curated edit to inspire you.

I’ve been on the lookout for a new puffer coat and recently snagged this and this to try while they are on major sale. For something a bit more casual and versatile, I also picked up this lovely number, which has already earned me a flurry of compliments. It’s simple, chic, and wonderfully budget-friendly. I’m toying with the idea of swapping the belt for a black tassel rope to give it a dressed-up, elegant flair when the occasion calls for it. Beyond my personal finds, I’ve gathered an array of timeless, neutral winter coats and accessories below. Enjoy the browse!

The Winter Outerwear Edit

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