And yes it's my favourite topic

So as I did say the other day, it's definitely a toss up between these and ankle boots.  Yes I'm wanging on about the good old handbag. 

I love a handbag.  My 12yr old's first word was "bag" (of which I am inordinately proud. Ok so this is after the obligatory mama and dada - and yes obviously dada was first, little traitor) - I clearly ooze bag love.

Is there anything better (in the first world shallow sense) than a new bag - seeing it sat next to you on the car seat? (Normally on the lap of a small boy as he eats sweets and I hyperventilate at the thought of sticky fingers and a stray haribo getting stuck somewhere it shouldn't.)

I will hold my hands up and say I do spend a lot of money on bags.  As I apply the cost per wear theory which makes them a great investment.  It's horses for courses but these have always been my achilles heel when it comes to shopping.  

And currently I'm upping the ante size wise.  Last year, I couldn't get enough of a little cross body number - this year, it's back to nappy bag size.  And no I am NOT broody in any way shape or form.  Actually I'm definitely broody for a bag... you can keep the babies, I love a cuddle with a tiny one but I love to be able to hand them back.  

The bigger the better for me.  Although I did see someone the other day, double bagging it (I shouldn't say that, should I.. I'm pretty sure I did NOT want to type that, but I'm too scared to google it to find out.  I'm just going to move verrrrrrrry swiftly on). 

Using two bags - a little cross-body and a larger handheld tote.  Which also goes over the shoulder if needs be.  Genius or what?

And like I said the other day, with the sales on, now is a great time to bag a bargain (lordy I'm sorry) - definitely something for all budgets.

DKNY Hybrid Leather bag was £380 now £190

John Lewis Morgan Leather Tote bag was £79 now £39.50



Classic Black with plait detailing from Modern Rarity at & Other Stories. 

Modern Rarity Rowena large tote was £259 now £129.50



Smaller black tote at See by Chloe was £370 now £185


And the large Chloe version in a tan... (not sure exactly what the size difference is, as I swear I'm numerically dyslexic when it comes to to acurately predicting how big something will be from the sizing.  Am I the only one who still measures everything against an old fashioned school ruler which was 12inches/30cm?  Please say it's not just me....). 

Janis large textured leather tote from See by Chloe was £425 now £212.50



Tassel Leather Tote from & Other Stories £145 now £102 in cognac



Classic Leather Hobo Bag from & Other Stories was £145 now £102



Black with studs at 3.1 Phillip Lim from My Theresa.  There's also an extra 20% off all Sales for a limited time (although it is off order values of £600 plus which may be handy or could be as much use as a chocolate teapot).

3.1 Phillip Lim leather shopper was £885 now £531  


However this one is over £600 so go forth and get another 20% off. 

Balenciaga Papier Snap Tote bag from My Theresa was £1125 now £675



This one isn't in the sale but it's too good not to include at this price.

Leather Ruffle Tote Bag from Topshop £45


Ditto this one and moving onto suede, also from Topshop. 

Sienna Leather Slouch Hobo Bag from Topshop £38



Hobo again at All Saints and this time in navy suede.  The perfect alternative to a large bag in black if you find it too heavy. 

All Saints Kanda Large Suede Hobo Bag was £248 now £173



Or in the mustard, again £173



An alternative brown shade from All Saints in a slightly smaller size, but still large enough to cart most of the kitchen sink around in. 

Mori Nubuck Hobo Bag in £278 now £194 in chocolate brown.




Or in the cement grey again £194



And then the colourful options.  The ones that really bring a smile to your face. 

Henni Leather Tote Bag from Finery London was £129 now £77



Or in the grey and yellow was £129 now £64



Slightly different shape but colourtastic at Boden for 50% off. 

Luxe Leather Shopper was £160 now £80




Or full on green was £160 now £80



Bright yellow at Balenciaga 

Janis large textured-leather tote was £1125 now £562


Bright pink at Lanvin

Leather Shopper at Net a Porter was £750 now £450



Maje Printed Canvas Tote was £209 now £125.40


Verity Bag from Boden in leopard was £200 now £160






But I'm finishing with the creme de la creme.  The "my husband always forgets my birthday so I'm going to treat myself as I'm worth it" bag.  The ultimate Leopard Bag that will make you happy every single day, I can guarantee.  It also comes with a cross body strap.  It's like the school bag that you will use FOREVER.  And it's leopard so that is basically a neutral.. any other justification needed?

Hill & Friends Happy Satchel in Leopard was £1450 now £1015 




Life is short.  Buy the bag.  It's an easy justification (assuming you do actually use a handbag every day) and just depends on your budget.  Hopefully there is something there for you BUT if you're not a tote bag gal and prefer something more dainty, fear not, I can't look at bags and not consider all sizes.  

Speaking of all sizes - here I am with another of my sales purchase.  This is a slightly random one - it really isn't going to be for everyone but I was ridiculously drawn to it and don't regret it for a minute. 

For last night in the pelting rain.  Seriously it was build an ark time.  I got ridiculously damp just running from the car to the station and then proceeded to smell of damp dog all evening.  Which was nice... 



Tee - Isabel Marant
Belt - Weekday at ASOS
Phoebe jeans - Mih
Blazer - Zara
Boots - Tabitha Simmons
Bag - Clare Vivier

And I had forgotten to post this from Saturday night.  This dress has been burning a hole in my wardrobe and I thought there was a party that I wanted to wear it for but couldn't for the life of me remember.  Then I did - it's a big dinner out next Friday night.  GAH!  Will still definitely wear it I think.  Pretend you haven't seen it...



Dress - Rixo London 
Sandals - Burberry 
Clutch bag - Tory Burch

So tomorrow - inspired by my blazer purchase the other day, I am on it like a rocket.  THE best investment coat wise.  I have had two nights out on the trot and the husband has been on Daddy Day Care duty and he is HARSH with them.  They do as they're told.  I have the backbone of a mussel and go from wimp mum straight to Cruella de Vil.  There is no inbetween.  Bedtime is going to be a challenge... wish me luck.