A fringed handbag
I know, I know, I pontificated about how I wasn't going to down the fringed bag route. I genuinely thought they'd be a one season wonder and I hold my hands up and admit I was totally wrong on this one and as a punishment, I have *forced* myself to go and buy one. Yes, FORCED I tell you.
Ok so I haven't found one yet, but I have been doing extensive research. This is in between juggling all the balls aka my children on holidays. How is it every, single, time, I forget how all consuming school holidays are and how I get about 20 seconds every day to myself.
It's Wednesday and I am absolutely exhausted. From cooking, tidying up, washing, dropping kids off, picking other kids up, playdates and monitoring 11+ revision for an exam which is three days after we get back to school in September. Oh and I've thrown in dog walking this holiday too. Not really busy much then.
And the best distraction? Well for me, that would be a project. And what better project than something which I KNOW will make a huge difference to my wardrobe (ok suspend belief for a minute guys...) - a fringed bag.
So I did think about trying to justify this purchase and I gave up. (not the purchasing bit but the justifying bit) In my head, this is the answer to all my problems. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this? Right now, this is the best therapy I could get and thinking about packing for our holidays next week, this would be the best starting point ever.
What made me do the fringed bag about turn? Primarily this Jerome Dreyfuss number which I have seen cropping up all over the place.
Personally I am in the market for a black bag. I have come to the conclusion that you (well me anyway) can't have too many of these. This does come in other colours but for me, black is the winner.
The only only slight fly in the ointment is the size (and the price - yes definitely the price. I have no intention of spending this much money on one. Famous last words....) But it's definitely too small. I am looking for slightly larger. (or am I?)
Jerome Dreyfuss Mario Fringed Textured Leather Tote £495 It also comes with a much longer strap too.
On further research everyone is doing these this season. From Proenza Schouler, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin to Stella McCartney. Now the latter is an interesting one. Vegan Leather. For over £1000. You see, they call it Vegan leather.... and the difference between that and pleather is....?
Having said that, I absolutely love love love the bag - I really do. It's easily my favourite of all the fringed bags but over £1000 for non leather? You have got to be kidding me. (to be fair, I wouldn't pay anywhere near £1k for a fringed bag anyway)
See it and weep. Most likely with shock and horror.
Falabella Fringed Cross body bag by Stella McCartney £1,055
On the upside, this Gerard Darel bag now seems like a complete bargain (clearly this is all relative...) If only it was in a black. Actually that's neither here nor there as I don't want a bucket bag. Not that I'm fussy or anything.
Gerard Darel Indie Fringed Suede Bucket Bag was £455 (still is on GD site) now £370
And if that looks like a bargain well, hello... this one, which is definitely on the top of the list of contenders for me, seems relatively reasonable. (the subjective use of relative going on there again....)
I did really want a suede one but I have to say, the leather is growing on me.
Dolly at Russell & Bromley £295 - and I'm just going to throw it out there that the silver hardware would be a perfect match for my Toga Pulla boots....
However it doesn't have to be all out expensive. I had swooped over to Mint Velvet to nab one of their bargain sale bags - clearly they're all sold out. I am a tit.
But I've found some other options.
Western Style fringed suede bag from La Redoute £79 - but if you open an account you can get 50% off your first order... oh hello....
Pieces Suede Tassel Clutch bag was £60 now £18 at ASOS. Personally I'm looking for more swing and less flapper.
Leather and suede fringe bag £38.00 in navy people, in navy!
And a black one (even though, I'm now thinking, hmmm navy...)
Mango has some great options - now I am not bonkers enough to buy a suede bag in this colour and I am definitely looking towards Autumn and so I want a darker colour for sure (that'll be black...) but this is scrumptious and a great price for suede.
Fringed Suede Bag £53.99
Fringed Suede Bag £62.99 It also comes with a long strap as well. Total bargain and pick of the crop for me. Apart from the R&B one....
So has anyone seen any others on their travels? Clearly kicking myself that I didn't get the Mint Velvet one. FOOOOOOOOOOL. Which would be your choice? Or are you still no way jose?
Outfit from today - Summer, you can just do one. Autumn/Spring outfits are out in force.
Lobster sweatshirt - Leon & Harper from Cocaranti
Off white boyfriend jeans - All Saints
Champagne & silver espadrilles - Penelope Chilvers
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe
So yesterday, I had a nightmare outfit day (yes clearly there are bigger worries in the world but they don't make for shallow blog posts. Alas). It really got me to thinking - as well as making a holy mess of my dressing room/bedroom under the guise of "sorting out" - about packing, capsule wardrobes, being 42, Summer, Autumn, Winter outfits and I will be back with my chunterings tomorrow.
Great selection! Gotta love a bit of fringe! Gemma
ReplyDeletewww.jacquardflower.uk
I have finally come round to seeing it as an amazing thing..!
DeleteIt took me a while to get my head around fringed bags but I tested them out with the black H&M pleather one last year. I found I used it lots so stalked the black Mint Velvet hobo until it went into the sale and 'bagged' it at a bargain price. Love it and shall be using it lots this Autumn/winter. Hope you track down something you love soon. Absolutely love your blog Kat. X
ReplyDeleteYou see you are a clever lady. That's what I should have done but they were so ubiquitous in the H&M shape I thought, no, I'll keep away. BUt now there are so many permutations and it's the side fringed ones that are winning me over! (and thank you xxx)
DeleteJust bought a leather fringed bag on my jollies in Spain. £20! Husband and kids muttered something about cowboys and Indians!! Also bought a cross body bag that resembles a campomaggi for £20 and a gorgeous soft leather shopper that was more expensive but could have been 5 times more in the UK!! Loving the new sweatshirt. Xx
ReplyDeleteTHEY KNOW NOTHING! And whoop on your bargains, well done you! Am over the moon with my sweatshirt, thank you xx
DeleteI got a bargain browni one in the Zara sale back in January so am ahead of the curve for once. *punches air*
ReplyDeleteI love the navy Top Shop one and am in the market for a bag that size and style to replace a Next leather and ponyskin one which I used do much it is a bit threadbare. Thanks for the inspiration!
Whoop, well done you! The navy one is so unusual x
DeleteThe Stella one slightly makes me think of Dougal from the Magic Roundabout. I am not really feeling the fringe love but I could make an exception for the Jerome Dreyfuss one – gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOh ha ha ha!! Yes, you're absolutely right it does - as does the GD one now I think about it. I do think the side fringed ones - so the JD and the R&B ones are much more versatile.
DeleteGreat selection by doesmybumlook40, as always, perhaps I am a little biased but the Jerome Dreyfuss one is just fabulous, perhaps in brown or greige?..at www.luxe-layers.com
DeleteI'm so so so gutted you don't do it in the black!
DeleteTis a 'no way Jose' from me ... but never mind that - tell us more about your very interesting looking sweatshirt! x
ReplyDeleteoh you wait..... you'll be joining me on that volte face bench! Right, this is a Leon & Harper sweatshirt which is a French brand which I first saw on Instagram from the shop Cocaranti which is in Knutsford. I tried without success to source it locally or in London - hawked it like a crazy woman on their site and when it went to 50% (it's not cheap...), couldn't resist. Absolutely love it!!
DeleteLove the iconic metal edging on the Stella bags! Lovely
ReplyDeleteIt is gorgeous, isn't it? But not £1k plus gorgeous in my book...... (also you can get cheap knock off of it on the market which slightly muddy the water for me.. seeing as they're also not leather......)
DeleteSorry, my teenage daughters shrieked in horror at my hand even loitering over a Picohontas bag in Zara. It's not ok past 45 so your probably ok! Cross body bag - thoughts on a feature?
ReplyDeleteoh noooo age is nothing but a number!! But yes, a cross body bag is a fabulous idea - absolutely love mine, they are so so useful. x
DeleteI grabbed the Mint Velvet black fringed cross body in the sale and LOVE it but... I'm 53 and... I just don't care!! I think it's fab. 2 great styles in one. Bit on the small side but I have an ancient Matthew Williamson fringed bag which is huge so couldn't justify the hobo style. Inspired choices here - best is the R&B. Classic. But navy... I feel a new need! Good luck with the packing :(
ReplyDeleteAnd exactly - age is SO just a number. I bet you absolutely rock it. Yes, the packing will be beginning shortly.... Only issue with England is that you need to take for every single weather contingency!
DeleteThe fringed Falabella reminds me of Cousin It from the Addams Family
ReplyDeleteand that's saved me £1kplus!
DeleteRachel I'm glad it wasn't just me who thought Cousin It! Marie
DeleteLeibeskind have some lovely fringe bags :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of friends who have them but I think lots are sold out now! They are indeed lovely x
DeleteWell done for having the balls to say what everyone thinks..."vegan leather"? at those prices? that's what is not ethical!!
ReplyDeleteSo so true!
DeleteWill be interested to hear your 'chunterings' (your words!) on capsule wardrobes, packing etc. I've been feeling sartorially reflective too, having recently returned from a short break in Suffolk. Lots of women there looking totally fab - think good quality, classic cottons and linens in neutrals, navy etc. Coupled with fantastic grooming. Looking stylish, but not at all fashiony, in actually quite a European way. Made me wonder whether I'm getting almost too 'try hard' with my fringeing, flashes of neon etc. Who knows really, but anyway will be intterested in your thoughts! Thanks as ever, do so love reading your posts Elizabeth x
ReplyDeleteoh god WHERE did you go in Suffolk?!!!!
DeleteI too missed the Mint Velvet clutch which was so beautiful. And I resisted the fringes until this lovely tan number - clutch with a shoulder strap - won me over in Monsoon.https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRnkqXp8vIxt5OnY8quFOPyIy1ymqKht2TImAdzL_MFrpoN5v6a
ReplyDeleteLoving the navy one - may be worth a trip out this lunchtime. Speaking of capsule wardrobes, my navy, white and orange only mix for 4 weeks away was a truly liberating experience.
I am so with you there. I quite look forward to having a limited amount to choose from
DeleteAbsolutely LOVE your lobster sweatshirt. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteStella McCartney- love her designs generally but how can £££ be justified on her shoes and bags that aren't leather. As you said, the difference between vegan leather and pkeather is...? Look forward to reading your holiday posts and seeing whatever fringed beauty you end up with! xxx
I'll be back v shortly x
DeleteYour hair is looking gorgeous Kat & the lobster sweatshirt is so cool! I hope you find the bag for you! I love them! I have a tan one but would love a black one! Andrea x
ReplyDeleteThank you darling xxx
DeleteGreetings from Canada, Kat!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your frequent posts for the great fashion advice, obsessive research and especially for your wonderful sense of humour. I read your fringe bag recant and then clicked over to Nordstrom's site to peruse their anniversary sale offerings (on til Mon the 2nd). Lo and behold, I spotted some fringe bags on offer. There was a lovely black vegan one for around $100.00 US. Even with the shipping, it would still be reasonable(ish). Good hunting!
Oh thank you for such lovely comments. I will check it out thank you thank you xxxxx
DeleteI'm a vegan and love all things Stella McCartney. I saw the Falabella and laughed at it, because it does look like Cousin It. Of course, that meant that I had to have it and got to work late the next day so I could pick it up on my way it :) I just love it; it's really very versatile. It adds a kick to my wardrobe, which tends to be very classic and conservative.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that it can make a huge huge difference to a simple wardrobe, for sure. So pleased you love it. Enjoy xxxx
DeleteYES to capsule wardrobes. And a definitive list of shoes/handbags/accessories etc... I seem to have so much stuff and yet nothing to wear??
ReplyDeleteAlso, I saw that lobster top and thought 'ew' so never bought it. Now I see you wearing it I want it! Ha ha!!
ha ha ha!!! yes I shall be going through everything. First up - the white shirt.x
DeleteI love the navy one! Topshop are doing so much that I love recently.
ReplyDeleteThis is v v v true xx
DeleteHelllooooo! from the big apple - just spotted this little beauty on the H&M website http://www.hm.com/us/product/10333?article=10333-A
ReplyDeleteBy the way, they are calling the not-quite-culottes "jazz pants" here. Oh and kimono jackets seem to be big for A/W.
You'll be chuffed to know that its pissing down here too - hence me surfing not out there shopping! xxx
OMG how to put me off - JAZZ PANTS?!!!! Sheeeite! And I'm sorry you've got rain. It's actually not raining here.. MIRACLE!
DeleteThe Mint v one WAS lovely! R&B one???!! And yes, you can feast on all the goodies that will be arrivign soon. Must. Not. Peak. Too. Early....
ReplyDeleteI have an asos grey bag with tassels (have you seen the tassel keyrings at Mint Velvet - so cute!) which was a sale bargain last year, inspired by your Anya Hindmarch satchel as it has similar zips :). I do use it loads as it's not full on fringing. I have just bought some fringed suede skater-style boots for late summer/early autumn. Probably won't wear the boots with the bag ... too Pocahontas!
ReplyDeleteTanya
Oh I think there's definitely a "only one set of fringing at a time rule" to adhere to!
DeleteI found some interesting fringed bags on lamoda.co.uk (cheaper end of the scale) - they also have Aquazzura style fringed shoes for less than £30
ReplyDeleteHi, Really great effort. Everyone must read this article. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete