DKNY Saffiano Quilted Black Tote Bag & Black Card Holder

Today's blog post is about the second of my new bags - a DKNY evening bag and matching purse. For those of you who don't know I am trying to build up a new collection of higher end bags. I decided I wanted to create a good solid collection that can meet all my needs without having to rush out to Primarni to find something for an outfit that evening. In building this collection I decided to use higher end products that would last and could maybe one day be passed onto someone special. Plus I'm enjoying my ever growing collection of dustbags!

When planning for a weekend away that would involve an evening out with friends, I realised I needed a simple evening bag that I could also throw in a suitcase. I wanted a small black bag that I could throw on my shoulder but also use as a clutch. I found the DKNY Saffiano Quilted Black Tote in the House of Fraser near my office.

It has two removable straps which allow you to use it as a clutch, a little shoulder bag and bonus a cross body bag too! Multifunctional items like this one are an excellent way to build up a collection to meet all your needs.

With the shoulder strap the bag fits neatly under my arm and I feel comfortable that the bag is secure, particularly in a overcrowded bar. With the longer strap the bag offers two options either as a long shoulder bag or a cross body bag. I haven't used the bag in these ways yet but I can see that it would come in handy at perhaps a friend's party where you need both hands free for your food and drink or would look elegant with a fancy outfit for a night out at the theatre perhaps.

The design is simple and elegant. The plain but beautiful black means it will go with everything and the gold hardware is a kind of muted colour, meaning I think you could get away with wearing this with silver jewellery without it being too obviously mismatched.There is a small DKNY logo on the front which is far from in your face but a quick designer name drop if you like that kind of thing (yes I admit I do!). The attached DKNY key chain is a bit more obvious but this is removable.

The size of the bag is just what you would expect from an evening bag with ample room inside for your evening necessities. To make a bit more room for myself I picked up the matching DKNY Saffiano Black Card Holder, also from House of Fraser, to use on evenings out. It can hold up to 5 cards and some cash - I carry my ID, a debit and credit card plus some cash and it all fits in fine. The clear card holder on the back is a great place to fit your ID so you can easily flash it if needed (an occasion that is happening less frequently for me now - not sure if this is good (less hassle) or bad (I'm looking older)). It's also nice to carry a matching purse and bag set.

Other than the purse I can fit my keys, my travel pass, a lipstick, powder and mascara. Not sure you need much else on a night out so it's a perfect fit. There is also a slip pocket on the back but I haven't really found a use for this yet.

Finally the price was not cheap but nor was it astronomically expensive. The handbag cost £89 and the purse £35. Whilst there are cheaper evening bags in the shops, I think this has the added benefit of having multiple options for wearing it. The bag also feels and is good quality and will definitely last for many years.

Do you have a go to bag for a night out or do you prefer to find a new one for each outfit?
Keep well
Xx

Love Moschino Bowling Bag

As promised here is the first of my new bag reviews. I'm starting with my Love Moschino bowling bag, I'm not sure of the exact name and I can't find it on House of Fraser at the moment but I'm sure many of you have seen this bag before.

 

Who doesn't love a bag that comes with it's own bag?

I bought this bag back in the January sales at House of Fraser. I believe I paid about £100 for it, getting maybe 30% off but I'm sorry I can't remember exactly.

I was looking for a work friendly bag, that could fit quite a bit in but was not too laptop case/brief case in style.

I am very pleased with this find. In terms of room, you could not ask for much more from a handbag. On an average day I carry my A4 notepad, my work pass, my keys, my travel card, my filofax, my make up bag, my emergencies kit (a handbag kit filled with everything I need day to day), my phone, my kindle, my large purse, a pair of heels (I commute in flats), my lunch, a drink, a can of red bull, sometimes a cardigan and the kitchen sink (just kidding!).

Size wise it really is the perfect bag for carrying lots of everyday items, but not so many that you feel justified or bothered to take an extra tote. I have also used this bag on a weekend away as my handbag carrying my Nexus 10 and keyboard, some work to do on the train, snacks for the journey, a scarf to keep warm and my regular handbag junk.

There are three useful pocket spaces in this bag; the main one on the front which is really useful for items you need to grab quickly - I normally keep my keys, building and travel passes, keys and lip balm in here. There is a zip pocket on the inside to keep things secure which is quite roomy and a narrow pockets in front of it which can keep cards, tissues or make up items.

The only downside of all this room is that I have a tendency to overload it making it quite heavy. This can cause the chain straps to dig into your shoulder which is a bit uncomfortable, but this is only a problem when I carry too much heavy stuff.

Other than that I really like the gold hardware and details on this bag. The logo and lock on the front tab are secure but easy to undo. I keep my work and travel pass in the front pocket and they're always really easy to grab, especially when I'm in a hurry.

I really like the look of the bag too. The black and gold is a classic combination that goes with everything. The sleek and understated look is perfect for work whilst avoiding being a boring choice. It looks and is functional, but is pretty too. I get several compliments on this bag, in fact I've had two in just the last week and its always nice to feel validated!

What do you think? Have you tried any Love Moschino bags or are they're others that you think are great for work?

Keep well!
Xx

Quick update upon return

Howdy there! I know, I know a very long time since I last posted. I have had a super busy start to the year with work, some professional exams, a leak in my ceiling and a break in! But alas, I have finally found a spot of time to start blogging again. (Although I am meant to be going for Sunday lunch in 45 min, probably should get dressed!)

For now I thought I would just post to say Hi, I'm back and I've re-jigged my blog. I'm quite proud of it now, I think it looks simple and pretty.

So  I have a lot of purchases to update you on, mainly handbags including Love Moschino, DKNY and, wait for it..... Mulberry!!! I also have some new shoes from LK Bennett. Look out for some posts and reviews on these coming up shortly. I'm going to Bicester Village next week, so hopefully some more exciting finds coming soon.

Is it only me who gets equally excited by the carrier bag...?

Btw, when adding the links to this page I have spotted some amazing sales which are worth checking out:

• Mulberry
• DKNY
• LK Bennett
• House of Fraser 

...now I'm off to start shopping!

Hope you are all keeping well!
Xx

My new Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha Crossbody Bag

I have been coveting Classic Q Natasha Crossbody bag from Marc By Marc Jacobs for over a year and it has long held a solid position on my handbag wish list. This year, while on holiday in Chicago I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. Hehe us girls can always rely on holiday spirit to splurge!

I purchased my bag at Nordstrom for about $400 with tax, but you can purchase the bag at Harrods for just over £300.

What can I say about this bag... I am in love. I went with the black, classic and beautiful, and goes with everything. The shape is gorgeous and you can fit a fair bit in.

Short strap ** Long strap ** Cross body

 The adjustable strap is great, meaning I can wear it short as a shoulder bag down to about my hip (I'm 5ft 6inches). I can also wear it comfortably as a cross body bag by lengthening the strap.

The hardware is beautiful and chunky and I like the long pull on the zipper. The zipper reveals a long pocket which goes the full length down the back of the bag. I wouldn't really keep much in there because I think it would affect the shape of the bag and potentially damage the bag. But its a useful hidden pocket for keeping things safe, like a passport.

There is also a zipped pocket in the back of the bag and two open pockets at the front. You can easily keep a smart phone in one and the other is handy for keys or hand sanitiser.

The bag fastens with a magnetic connector which works fine. I do worry sometimes when I'm closing it that the clasp scratches sometimes as I try and get it in the right place.

I love this bag. It was an investment and something I considered and saved for over some time. It was however, towards the more affordable end of high end handbags and worth the money if you are looking for a one off special purchase.

I'd love to know what beautiful bags you have purchased recently.
Keep Well Xx

My New Winter Coat from Zara

It’s that time of year again when the weather is turning bitterly cold and it just doesn’t seem to stop raining (I believe this may be a British thing). However, there are two good things about this: there is nothing cosier than sitting with hot chocolate on a Sunday night watching the X-factor results and there are new winter coats to buy in all the shops!

I made my necessary winter coat purchase last week on a trip to Westfield Stratford (never been – AMAZING!). I found mine in Zara. It is gorgeous.

I wanted to purchase a grown up, black, smart, on trend coat. I wasn’t asking for much huh? But I did indeed find what I was looking for.

The cut of this coat is flattering, the belt nipping me in at the waist; the straight shape creating a smart silhouette and the neck creating an air of sophistication, with the added benefit of keeping my neck warm. 

The gold hardware is smart yet fashionable and adds a gentle nod to the military style without detracting from the smart, sophisticated design of the coat. The zip pockets are very secure but are a tad annoying as you can’t keep your hands warm in your pockets – this could be a great excuse for purchasing some new gloves this winter!

Sorry about the poor quality photos, not sure what happened to these but hopefully you get the gist!

The only criticism is the coat is not that thick and I am concerned that come full on winter, it may not be as warm as I might hope. However, I think thick arctic ready coats are not likely to appear in a smart, refined form. I am therefore happy to keep this coat for the pre and post arctic conditions of autumn and spring.

 

I am in love with this coat and it was an absolute steal at £119. When I bought it home my partner thought it was easily £250 - £300, so it looks a lot more expensive than it is. 

Let me know what winter coats you have your eye on!

Keep Well Xx

Fashion/Life Observation: The second handbag (the tote)

Some of you may have gathered from my previous witterings that I commute to work by train. Every morning and evening I see thousands, ok exaggerating but probably 100 people. I'm always nosey and looking at what women are wearing and my keen eyes always dart toward shoes and handbags!

I've noticed over the last few months that the majority of women are commuting with not one but two handbags. The second bag is often some form of tote, while the first is the, not always that small, handbag. I am currently on the hunt for a new tote bag and decided to share with you a few of my favourite web-window shopping finds...

This I had to include...the Butterfly Print Canvas Bag from Warehouse. As you may have guessed from the title of my blog I do indeed love butterflies. I've seen this in store, its super roomy and has a zip, so the bag can be done up for extra security. Such a good deal for just £30.

Butterfly Print Canvas Tote - Warehouse

There is of course always the light canvas tote which you can pick up anywhere from Primark to Jack Wills. However, I like this more structured alternative, the Faux Nubuck Shopper Bag from Topshop. A bit more expensive at £36 but with all the inside pockets it could easily be used as a weekend handbag too. Plus the long shoulder strap will make it easier to carry if you wanted to bring home some heavier folders or your laptop.

Faux Nubuck Shopper Bag - Topshop

Moving into a heftier price bracket, I have two bags I have been eyeing up lately. The first from DKNY is the French Grain Tote. A tad more expensive at £260. However, I love the sleek classic design, all the pockets and compartments plus the added features of the bag charm and scarf. This wouldn't be as practical as the bags above and probably couldn't carry your laptop, notepad, lunch, water bottle plus random junk. But it's just so pretty!

French Grain Tote - DKNY

The other bag I have been looking at is the Hamilton Tote Bag from Michael Michael Kors. In the shops I always love this bag, its a bit more practicable than the DKNY as it has less pockets and is quite roomy. However, the thing that puts me off is whenever I see anyone with this bag it always look so worn and misshapened. I don't know if this is because the bag is not hard wearing or whether the people I have seen just don't look after their bags, but I am a bit reluctant to lay down £285 for a bag which doesn't look great after a few uses.

Hamilton Tote Bag - Michael Michael Kors

And finally, the creme de la creme. I couldn't decide between a Louis Vuitton or a Mulberry for this coveted position in my tote bag wish list. Alas, I have a big case of Olympic/I Love Britain fever at the moment so the golden crown goes to the homegrown Mulberry Bayswater Tote. Unfortunately, its way out of my price league.

Mulberry Bayswater Tote

So there are my top five Tote bags of choice. I'm currently on the hunt for a new tote bag so if any of you have any suggestions or a favourite tote, I'd love to hear from you.

xoxo

What have I been up to - July 2012

Heylo there! Wow, I've had a bit of a busy month, but I've had so much fun I thought I'd share it with you. We actually had some sunshine finally in the UK so I've been out and about and having some fun with our summer of sport here in London.

So just a few snippets of my summer so far, including the Wimbledon final, a sunday lunch at the pub, raspberry picking in the glorious Kentish countryside, a bit of Judo at the Olympics followed by a quick ride on the Emirates Cable Car to the O2 to grab some lunch and watch "Ted" at the cinema. A great film, which I would recommend if you want a couple of hours comedy.

That's all for now folks! Hope you're having a great summer and I would love to know what exciting things you've been up to!

~xoxo~