This Best-Selling Cloud-like Bag Is Back In Stock — For Now

It’s safe to say the “It” color of last year was green — from so-called “Bottega Veneta” green to sage green to Gen Z green, people couldn’t get enough of the earthy hue. (As R29 writer Katy Kelleher pointed out, “[Green] somehow felt like an antidote to the peach soft tyranny of millennial pink.)

Simultaneously, one of 2021’s most memorable “It” bags was any pouch, tote, or top-handle resembling a fluffy, voluminous cloud, which was likely the natural evolution from 2019’s pillow bag trend. So when luxury accessories brand Mansur Gavriel combined these two super trends, some kind of wonderful (and sellout) moment took hold with the Mini Cloud Clutch — the smaller, crossbody version of the handheld Cloud Clutch — in the aptly-named colorway Leaf.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch, $545

While the Mini Cloud Clutch is offered in an array of colors, a rep for the brand tells Refinery29 that Leaf has been the true breakout — the initial drop sold out in 10 days, the restock sold out in 7 days, and over 5,000 people were on the waitlist. And, now (for what we imagine will be a limited-time endeavor), the bag is back in stock.

But, that’s not all — Mansur Gavriel has also unveiled a whole new batch of colors like Cielo, Bianca, Mint, Strawberry, and Viola with this latest restock.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch, $545

When we asked the brand why this particular bag has taken off, a rep told us (besides the silhouette being as unique as it is), “The Mini Cloud Clutch is versatile and perfectly sized in that it’s compact yet holds all your essentials.” Plus, wearers have their choice of how to tote the bag around: “An adjustable strap allows the bag to be worn as a clutch, over the shoulder, as a belt bag, or as a crossbody.” For the Cloud collection, Mansur Gavriel used lamb leather, which has a supple handfeel and poses a stark contrast to the more structured bags that the brand is known for. “The leather is unbelievably soft,” adds the rep.

We know this clutch doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re going to splurge on a surprisingly versatile investment handbag in 2022, we implore you to consider Mansur Gavriel. After all, it’s a brand that truly straddles that thin line between “trendy” and “timeless” masterfully. (If you need further convincing, the iconic Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag collection, which put the then-new brand on the fashion map back in 2012, inspired countless imitations and is still a bonafide closet staple ten years in.) May the Mini Cloud Clutch be your latest obsession. It sure has been for us.

You never want something until you can’t have it. So, each week in The Sell-Out, we’re getting the scoop from your favorite retailers on what’s selling like crazy. Watch this space to find out what everyone’s buying, sign up for waitlists, and keep tabs on restocks.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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The TikTok Famous Binder Alternative From Girlfriend Collective Actually Works

TikTok has become an online destination for all the need-to-know fashion tips, tricks, and hacks you weren’t expecting. Depending on your For You page, you may already know about the now-famous Girlfriend Collective sports bra being touted as a binder alternative. My own TikTok algorithm has been serving me up lots of trans and non-binary folks that seemingly can’t get enough of this surprising hack. Recommended by and for those with bigger breasts, for whom traditional binders may be uncomfortable, the Dylan Tank Bra seemed perfect for me. I’m a 38H, and, while it would be impossible for me to ever be completely flat, I was curious and excited to try a binder alternative that could be super compressive and actually pleasant to wear. I also decided to try another less-compressive sports bra from GC, the Mia High Neck, to see how it stacked up.

For those not familiar, Girlfriend Collective is an online destination for athleisure and loungewear that’s equally beloved for its sustainability (all made from recycled water bottles) and size-inclusivity. (The brand currently carries sizes XXS-6XL.) While it’s been an R29 editor go-to for years, the binder angle was completely new to me. According to their sizing chart, I’m supposed to be an XXL, but I’ve tried GC sports bras with that size and they were too loose. And since I wanted these as a binder, sizing down to XL made sense. That was ultimately the best decision for me and my breasts, although I do get a fair share of side boob.

“We’re beyond thrilled that people are finding a comfortable binder alternative in our compressive tops. We’re always striving to create pieces that serve a variety of body types and this has taught us so much about the needs of our Trans and Non-Binary community members,” Girlfriend Collective’s Chief Merchandising & Product Officer Justine Liu told R29.

It can be incredibly disheartening when your body doesn’t match the vision you have of yourself. For trans and non-binary people, how others view us — and how we view ourselves — means everything. The main non-surgical solution for many AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) people is to use binders to flatten their chest. But binders are often infamously uncomfortable, especially for larger-breasted folks. That’s why sports bras are an amazing alternative, and why so many people were excited by the Dylan sports bra. Does it work? How did I feel? Keep on reading to find out.

Dylan Tank Bra $42

Size Purchased: XL

My Rating: 5 out 5 stars

The viral sensation on trans and non-binary Tik Tok, the Dylan Tank Bra is what started it all. And for good reason: when I first tried it on (I ripped open the package as soon as I got it), I cried. I loved how I looked in the mirror. This is probably as flat as I can be without it being painful and hindering my breathing. I was in awe. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.

I wouldn’t use this for two full days in a row, though. I’ve never used a binder so I can’t compare it to that, but it definitely constricted me a little (although not enough for it to be unbearable or painful, just uncomfortable). I’ve had way worse and more uncomfortable experiences with sports bras that weren’t meant to flatten me, and those I couldn’t handle for more than an hour. I wore the Dylan tank bra, on the other hand, for a full workday at home and for a trip to Target, and I was more than fine.

[The popularity of the Dylan Bra] has taught us so much about the needs of our Trans and Non-binary community members.

JUSTINE LIU, Girlfriend Collective’s Chief Merchandising & Product Officer

Mia High Neck Bra $42

My Size: XL

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Mia High Neck Bra is another binder alternative from GC. This doesn’t have as much flattening power as the Dylan Bra, but it’s perfect for when you want a lighter option. I use it mainly for when I have a full and busy day, am walking around somewhere, or when I’m wearing loose-fitting t-shirts and tops. It’s definitely more comfortable and less constricting compared to the Dylan, although you do get the occasional mono-boob and adjustments are required (only once or twice a day).

All in all, these are an amazing and comfortable alternative to binding. For the first time, my vision of myself aligned perfectly with what I saw in the mirror. I could not recommend these enough. If you’ve been curious about binding, try these. You won’t regret it.

@refinery29 Take my money immediately 💳💥💳💥 #girlfriendcollective #binder ♬ For Everyone-JP – Klaatu Verada Necktie

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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12 Must-Have Winter Wardrobe Staples For 2022, According to Fashion Insiders

Every season, a new selection of soon-to-be bestsellers hits our favorite fashion retailers. With so many products and trends to keep up with, it’s hard to know what to “add to cart” when the time comes. In our New Arrivals series, we consult the buyers, editors, and fashion insiders at our go-to shopping destinations to find out their best bets for the season’s MVPs (most valuable products).

If the beginning of a new year has inspired you to clean out and streamline your closet, you may have found some gaps. But just because you’ve committed to a capsule closet this year doesn’t mean you can’t still be on-trend. With that in mind, we tapped editors and buyers at some of the biggest fashion retailers to find out the must-have wardrobe staples for winter 2022.

Many pointed to novelty sweaters as one of the most-popular cold-weather trends that can instantly boost an otherwise-drab winter look. “Statement knitwear in uplifting colors and prints are key for this winter season and are a great way to uplift your everyday wardrobing pieces,” says Cassie Smart, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion. In the outerwear department, it continues to be all about puffy jackets. “Padded coats are a winter wardrobe staple and a great investment piece. They are super versatile and easy to style in a modern way,” Smart says.

Below, get to know these and the other trending wardrobe essentials that you should invest in this season, according to fashion insiders.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Winter Whites

“We are seeing winter whites trending this season — combining mixed textures in shades of whites, creams, and neutrals is an easy way to achieve an elevated look. If you are going for something casual, think white denim jeans, neutral chunky Chelsea boots, a simple white turtleneck, paired with a sleeveless white puffer jacket. Accent with tan accessories, such as a crossbody bag and leather belt, to complete the look.” — Libby Page, Net-A-Porter Senior Market Editor

Balaclavas

“The balaclava is 2022’s newest addition to the beanie family. I personally love that they serve as a neck warmer and can also be an added layering piece on top of a sweater and under your coat, and we’ve been seeing that for customers, it’s a great chance to add a pop of color or some added interest to any look.” — Caroline Maguire, Shopbop Fashion Director

Elevated Basics

“Stuck in our houses, we turned our attention to streamlining our wardrobes and lifestyle to the essentials. We’ve seen a huge uptick in the success of ‘elevated basic’ lines like Frankie Shop, Toteme, and the FARFETCH-owned and recently launched line, There Was One.” — Harriet Hawksworth, Farfetch Editor-In-Chief

Snow Boots 2.0

“There’s so much newness and fashion relevance happening in cold-weather and snow boots. From puffy volume to exaggerated shearling, there’s a multitude of ways to both stay warm and look on-trend.” — Kate Bellman, Nordstrom Managing Fashion Editor

Varsity-Inspired Fashion

“Varsity-inspired sweaters, plaid pants, and mini skirts paired with tights are perfect updates to your winter wardrobe.” — Holly Thrasher, Anthropologie General Merchandising Manager

Wide-Leg Pants

“It’s all about the wide-leg trouser this season, and the slouchier the better.” — Divya Mathur, Intermix Chief Merchant

Clogs

“Styled with socks or tights, the flat clog is a fun and casual footwear option for winter. They are super versatile, too, and look great styled with dresses as we move into the warmer months.” — Cassie Smart, MatchesFashion Head of Womenswear

Novelty Knitwear

“Brands like Saint Laurent, Elder Statesman, Alanui, and Aisling Camps are creating interesting silhouettes that are very lean and often cropped or exaggerated in some way. These brands use a variety of colors and techniques that are super statement-making. A special knit is a great way to adapt for cold-weather dressing, without dulling one’s style.” — April Koza, FWRD Vice President

Quilted Outerwear

“Quilted outerwear is the must-have coat style this season, and depending on the material it also transitions nicely into spring. Leather and faux leather is the newest way to pull off this look.” — Kate Bellman, Nordstrom Managing Fashion Editor.

The Great Outdoors

“We are increasingly seeing our customers consider functional and practical pieces to add to their wardrobes. Be that an oversized raincoat or anorak, a puffer jacket from the likes of Gucci X North Face, or even the return of the retro fleece.” — Libby Page, Net-A-Porter Senior Market Editor

Showing Skin

“All that time spent in lockdown has made everyone desperate to dust off their glad rags, so what we’ve been seeing is a return to skimpy, glamorous going ‘out-out’ styles. Designers like Nensi Dojaka, Dion Lee, and Isa Boulder have developed really interesting ways of countering the body and showing skin with techniques that feel fresh and new, such as off-kilter straps, sheer panels, corsetry, and knits.” — Harriet Hawksworth, Farfetch Editor-In-Chief

Shearling Details

“Shearling is a huge trend we’ve already been starting to see on everyone this season — from coats to bags, boots, and even unexpected places, like on sandals and slides. We have found that shearling accessories add an extra layer of fun to any outfit — whether it’s a mini bag with shearling details or a sandal worn with warm cashmere socks underneath — these are great ways to sport the winter staple in new ways.” — Caroline Maguire, Shopbop Fashion Director

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THE YES App Will Transform The Way You Shop

When looking for a new fashion item, how do you shop for it? Maybe you first do a general Google search for “black puffer” or “wedding guest dress.” Inevitably, that will lead you to random, non-curated results. So then maybe you go to a few popular clothing retailers to endlessly browse their selections to see what’s out there. But, shoot, maybe what you want is sold out in your size and preferred color. Or maybe it’s not in your price range. Maybe it’s back to the drawing board. Maybe you need a nap.

If shopping feels like a time-consuming scroll, there’s a new-ish app on the scene that’s designed to make the process a whole lot easier — and a lot more fun. THE YES is both a desktop platform and smartphone app, but for the purposes of this story, we will be talking about the app experience that you can download for iOS.

“THE YES is the first of its kind — an e-commerce platform that creates a personalized shopping experience and actually learns the more you use it,” Taylor Tomasi Hill, Creative & Fashion Director at THE YES, tells Refinery29 over email. “We’re combining the best parts of online shopping (access to a wide variety of brands, sizes, styles, and price points) with leading AI technology to create fashion-meets-tech harmony. And the best part is the longer we go the more fine-tuned our algorithm and shopping recommendations will be. Like a fine wine, people!”

A search for “duvet coat” on THE YES

Creating an account with THE YES is as intuitive and easy as signing up for a dating app — and even if you’ve never used a dating app before, you’re likely familiar with the motions of liking and disliking options on your phone screen. You’re first prompted to enter your sizing details and complete a short personal style quiz, which includes fave-ing brands and designers you love and selecting “yes” or “no” on certain fashion trends. Do you wear bike shorts? Do you wear floral minis? Do you wear kick flares? Do you wear camo print? Do you only wear black? With every tap, the app gets to know more about your personal style, which allows better-curated shopping picks for you.

For instance, say I wanted to buy a new pair of gloves. A search for “gloves” yields results from hundreds of retailers with the top picks culled from both my favorite brands as well as glove styles that THE YES predicts I’ll love. So, in addition to being served options from tried-and-true favorites like &Other Stories and Bottega Venata, I’ll get to shop options I might not even know to look for based on my own personal style.

A search for “gloves” on THE YES

For me, the aspects I love most using THE YES include the fashion discovery element (THE YES currently has over 250 brands on its roster) and how the app functions as an easy-to-use, well-designed search engine (though the app doesn’t sort low-to-high pricing). It also helps you compare and contrast items faster and more reliably with all of the products available on the same screen. Free shipping is offered both ways, which means no surprise fees on top of the price you see, and shoppers get 10% back on every purchase as YES Funds, which can be applied towards future purchases or donated to a charity that THE YES has partnered with. “It’s a really easy way to help support some of our favorite causes, including Planned Parenthood, Doctors Without Borders, Clean Air Taskforce, and Good+ Foundation,” says Tomasi Hill. It’s all part of a new loyalty program initiative that co-founder and CEO Julie Bornstein has rolled out for 2022, which is like getting an automatic discount on anything you buy via the app. You can also find and connect with fashion-loving pals for feedback. And, finally, THE YES will also send occasional, non-spammy emails about emerging brands I should check out based on my algorithm, items I’ve yes’d that are now on sale, and reminders of any YES Funds that I should take advantage of.

A search for “wide leg black trousers” on THE YES

While shopping on THE YES can be transformative, it should be noted that as a straight-sized shopper, my experience has been extremely effortless and streamlined — but that may not be the case for those who wear extended sizes. And it’s likely the area where THE YES may need more fine-tuning as the app continues to iterate. For example, a filter for plus-size may include results that aren’t actually plus-size-friendly — which, of course, is dependent on the brand itself. A brand that offers clothing items in size 14 or XL might come up in a plus-size search, but that’s not exactly the same thing as a brand that specifically caters towards plus-sized folks. And default images on the app are mostly of straight-sized people (which is also dependent on a brand’s model images and what’s being shown).

But, all in all, THE YES is a shopper’s dream app — and the free download is only a few taps away. As Tomasi Hill succinctly sums up, “To be able to shop runway Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta, cool brands like Kule and Ganni, and athleisure from Madewell or Alo all in one cart is a real feat.” I would have to agree.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?