The Summer Accessory I've yet to master

The blinking beach bag.

Even though most years we don't tend to take the children on foreign beach holidays, we do spend at least a couple of weeks on the beach here in the UK.  And carting all the guff needed for three kids and now a dog means that a bag the size of a Nissan Micra is actually required. 

Now I have (unsurprisingly) failed in my mission to find a bag of that volume with any iota of style in years gone by.  Actually not true, I did have the most amazing basket bag from TKMaxx - a total one off that has served me well over years and years.  But it died a death last year and I had to go on a mission to find a replacement. 

I did purchase a bag from Monsoon which definitely did the trick last year.  It was so cute that the 10yr old has purloined said bag for her own use.  As much as I am lamenting loss of lovely bag, this has in fact been a bit of a result.  One, she gets to carry her own detritus round (bless her, in fact she only really carts books around.  LOVE her) and I get to choose another bag. 

But what to go for.... what texture, what colour, what style?  To be honest, I'm a bit meh about the whole Summer wardrobe shenanigans at the moment.  I feel like I'm being jack of all trades and master of none.  This, however, I will address on another day. 

For the moment, I'm looking at what is out there Beach Bag wise and seeing if there is anything that inspires. 

I would say, from the research that I've done, that the current trend is a bag with colour.  Think embroidery, think woven, think texture but definitely think colour.  

And you can also think expensive to buy The Beach Bag of the season which would be a Sophie Anderson one.  Handily if these are your thang, they're in the sale at Matches.  Personally as much as I love them and maybe if I had a super special holiday coming up (not that all holidays aren't super special - so let's say an especially glam one.) I might consider one.... and then again......

Luz Woven cotton tote by Sophie Anderson - was £408 now £285

However a cheaper version (and I have to say, I prefer this one) from Mango.  And probably the best bargains are to be had there with their code - 6VIP11 gives 40% off more than one item (30% off one)
Boho Jute Bag £35.99 (you could always add your own pompoms.....)



Mango are on a serious roll with their beach bags this year - another amazing jute number (and check out further down for their canvas ones).  It's probably wrong to admit, having given it a bit more thought, that I way prefer all the bags at Mango compared to their much more expensive counterparts at the likes of Matches, Selfridges and Net a Porter.  I just don't get them.  And yes, this is me typing this, the blog has not been hijacked.  I repeat, the blog has not been hijacked.  I don't think I've ever seen a beach bag that costs oodles that I think - yup, that's worth shelling out for. 

I should have that bit cut out and laminated for The Husband.  Let's move swiftly on before I change my mind and see the other "bargains" I've hunted out.

Jute Bag £31.49 again at Mango - so 6VIP11




Pompom straw tote from Topshop £25  How can you tell the difference between this and one that costs ten times as much?



Pineapple Straw Tote Bag - £25 from Topshop  This I absolutely adore but it's not the biggest beach bag I've ever come across (get the kids to carry their own junk - that would be my advice)



Straw pineapple clutch £20 from Topshop Clearly someone else would have to carry my junk if I were to just have this but it's another little cute addition to your holiday wardrobe.  This is just too twee (in a good way) - perfect if you're jetting off somewhere super glam that has one of those fabulous beach bars you swan over to for lunch whilst leaving your belongings on your lounger being closely watched by a keen little man.  Oh those were the days....




Aloha Straw Duffle Backpack £25 from Topshop A touch of kitsch. 




And moving now onto what I would call your more classic beach bag.  These scream Aldeburgh to me.  Anyone who's been there will know exactly what I mean.  How I love the English beach (certain resorts anyway......I'm not going to lie - there are some I've been to over the years, that I have no desire to ever return to...) 
Pimkie Canvas bag £12 Yes, that's TWELVE POUNDS



Similar at Mango (don't forget your code...) 

Striped Panel Bag £31.49




Stoupa Stripe Shopper £22 from Oasis 



In red £22




But I think my favourite would be the silver straw version - also £22 still at Oasis






Jute Cotton-blend bag £22.49 in khaki  Back at Mango now.



A black and white striped version



Sand stripe as well - great price with 40% off £22.49



A fabulously plain version with leather handles from East.  

East Hobo Bag in Pebble £25



And plain straw but in a different style from John Lewis. 

Collection WEEKEND by John Lewis £29




Or even more unusual in the navy version 



If you're looking for something with a bit of impact though, Boden have come to your rescue.  There actually aren't that many out there that are a print but fear not, if you want something that little bit more interesting with a definite British seaside edge to it - either to use here or be a beacon of all things Brit on the beach abroad then this is the way to go (as opposed to tats and a footie kit - of course the choice is all yours)

Beach bag from Boden was £49 now £34.30 in the multi souvenir print



And in a floral print - the multi painterly floral.  Also £34.30 having been reduced by 30% 




Have to say I think this one is my favourite - especially with denim and white  in the bright cyan mosaic



Ok so I'm going to be honest.  I am now super confused.  I love most of these and don't know which one would be best..... I have to say I think my top runners might be the Oasis silver straw shopper and the East Pebble one.  Thoughts anyone?

So here we are today when I thought it was going to a lot warmer than it actually is.  And then it was warm... and then it wasn't.  GAH.