It's all about the accessories

And so here I am, yet again, caught between a rock and a hard place.  The shops are full of delicious winter clothing yet I'm about to go and get dressed in shorts, packing a bikini to take the kids swimming outside this avo.  I will not be stripping off completely - the summer holidays have not been kind to me exercise wise.  They have however be over generous in their quota of alcohol, crisps, McDonald's and pizza.  That combined with gravity does not a pretty sight make. 

So it seems slightly futile when the weather is so stunning, to start buying things up now when I'm not going to be wearing them for the foreseeable future (I do of course know that by typing this, it will be snowing withint a fortnight).  At the back of my mind however (ok so right at the forefront if I'm honest, throbbing like an offensive looking vein) there is always that dilemma - do you buy early otherwise things sell out?  Or if you do buy early, do you then see, come Oct/Nov, a whole host of other gorgeous things you'd prefer?  Well let me tell you.  I have come to the conclusion that you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.  Whichever purchasing strategy you subscribe to, you'll be wrong.  Tis the Law of Sod. 

In an effort to thwart said Law, I am burying my head in the sand (for today....) and focussing on one of my favourite purchases - Bags. 

I am still completely in love with my Alexander Wang Diego which, along with my black Zara thong sandals, have really been the mainstay of my Summer wardrobe.  The two things together, I've found, have really made it easy to pull more seemingly random outfits together. I know that matchy matchy shoes and bag are probably the height of naff but, yeah, bothered. 

They work for me and I likey likey.  So, having focussed on black boots (and I still have oodles more black boots on my lust lists coming up.  It's definitely a year for the blackus bootus) and seeing how much I love my black bag, here are my fave ones out there.

Starting with some leather bargains from ASOS. 

Leather Duffel bag with tassels £45  Particularly loving the duffel bag shape and the combo of the suede and leather makes it look slightly less harsh than an all leather number. 

ASOS Leather Dr Bag £75  Again, more structured bags are making a big comeback. 

ASOS Leather Hobo Bag with padlock  £45 for real suede! 

ASOS Leather Folded Hobo Bag  £45

Mulberry Daria  £695  Now I am having a bit of an issue with the rather interesting inflation rates that Mulberry manage to apply to the majority of their bags (and actually I think that does include the Daria as well)  To say, this is good value, is clearly utterly bonkers and crass but as Mulberry bags go - well, it is. 

Michael Kors Large Bedford £320  A much more palatable price for a designer label. 

Hayley Bag - Collection by John Lewis £79  This definitely has a look of the Tom Ford's for me.  I love the combo of the structured look with the bold zips. 

Mint Velvet Black leather and suede bag - £159  This, however, is definitely my favourite.  The pics do not at ALL do it justice.  In life, this bag is a true true thing of beauty.  They also have it in a pale camel colour which I haven't seen, but shall definitely be tracking down.  It.  Is.  Stunning. 

Bronwyn Bag from Plumo - £229   Not sure what make this is (Plumo often do branded items but you have to hunt out the brand name as they're rarely forthcoming with them)  LOVE this though. 

Noir Carla Bag from Plumo  £129  And I've had my eye on this one for a couple of seasons.  It's just beautiful.  If I had tan boots and black boots, this for me would be the ideal combo. 

Of course there will be loads more out there so I'll keep my eye out and report back on any other beauties I spy.  Have to say, personally, I feel I could also have a navy bag shaped hole in my wardrobe......  They're always few and far between but I have spotted one or two lush numbers. 

Finishing with recent outfits.  Weekend was chocka block and so only have from Friday. 

Cream vest - Cos

Blush and khaki kimono jacket - Zara

Cut off shorts - Denim and Supply by Ralph Lauren

Silver starfish necklace - Tiffanys

Rockafella boots - Russell & Bromley

Chestnut bag - Campomaggi from Plumo 

Three days left of holiday.  I can officially say I am not ready for mine to go back yet.  The mornings - dear lord, the mornings....... And it means I have to go back to the gym.  Darn it.