All year round essentials
I would say "the all year round essential" but the thing is, that wouldn't be entirely true, as I will admit it's definitely "essentials" - plural as opposed to singular.
But this is something - one essential - that I've realised is a must have. It is always useful ANY day at all, whatever the weather. And all year round.
A black handbag.
So to that end, it is something that one could justify investing in, if you consider it on a cost per wear basis. It's also one of the items in your wardrobe that you can guarantee will have longevity on its side.
However there are loads of amazing options for every budget. And yes, whilst I would usually purchase a leather bag, there are some other great options out there (I won't be able to find any now - you wait and see!).
Two things made me realise that this was definitely something worth writing about - first off, the fact that I've been using my little APC bag a lot this Summer, secondly, I had forgotten how much I loved my Balenciaga bag until I used it yesterday and thirdly (so that will be three and not two things), I saw someone with the amazing Warehouse bag that has aged so incredibly well, I can't tell you.
VOILA!
This is definitely one of my favourites.
HEADS UP! If you're looking for a present, or an every day bag - this this this this this. It genuinely looks designer, the quality of the leather is superb.
Another that can be worn as a clutch or a cross body. Suede from Next.
Black Suede Whipstitch Clutch £40
Messenger in leather from Next again £36
Next on fire with their leather bags.
Black Leather Bowler from Next £55
Leather all round perfection at Mango.
Knot detail leather bag £69.99
Similar shape from Gerard Darel. A classic designer bag at a not super super designer price.
Gerard Darel Le 24 GD Leather Bag £305
Staying with the designer theme at The Outnet.
See by Chloe mini bag was £189 now £113
I'm very partial to a tassel bag so this is right up my strada...
Collins tasseled leather bag from See by Chloe was £295 now £178
Woven leather at La Redoute in a slightly larger size.
Shopper in woven leather was £99 now £49.50
And now some cheeky treats that aren't leather. But the price reflects that....
This is a great quick season update. In the sale.
However this could definitely have a bag off with the one above for my bargain of the day.
Leila Clutch bag (which you can also wear cross body) from Topshop £18
And here I am with a bag that's black that I use a LOT. It's also a tote. I haven't done totes today but they're coming up this week.
Dress - Topshop (current)
Shoes - Apiedi (gift ss17)
Bag - Gucci from Bicester Village (3yrs ago)
I hope you're all having a fabulous weekend. That photo above is actually from Friday. Yesterday we went to a party at a friend's house for the football which was amazing and WARM. No photo as my dress was one big wardrobe malfunction (strapless dress and me not wearing a bra - totally my fault - meant the poor young soul restocking the bread counter got rather more booby on show than he had anticipated!) MORTIFIED.COM.
So rather than leaving you with an image of my nipples dangling amongst the crumpets, I just wanted to let you know about a TSV on QVC that I did a paid promotion for on Instastories yesterday.
I am under absolutely NO obligation whatsoever to post it on here - but it's such an amazing deal, I thought you might like to know.
Elemis 4 Piece Pro Collagen Anti-ageing heroes collection £64.96 (EDITED TO ADD. This set is now £95.. it was only £64.96 on Sunday 7th as the TSV on QVC. Still a great saving mind you!).
You save almost £150 by buying them in this offer as opposed to buying them separately! I haven't used the eye product before but the oil and cleansing balm I use daily and if I am looking for a light moisturiser (light but one that is also rich without being claggy), it's the Pro-Marine cream that's one of my favourites. Used it every single morning on holiday recently.
Hope that helps someone.. dare I ask how we're all coping with the heat?!
Woot! Loving these looks, fashion on a budget and still looking high class, perfection!
ReplyDeleteWest Brothers
Some great options there! I'm considering saving up for the Loewe puzzle bag, but that's one for the future. Who knows I may have changed my mind by the time I have enough money, but I have been dreaming if it for a couple of years now!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem to be going anywhere...!!
DeleteI have the warehouse monogram bag and it's one of those bags you reach for when not one of your too large bag collection will go with your outfit. This bag seems to always work. I have seen that mango bag sported by Emma hill and I have to say I'm very tempted at such a bargain price.
ReplyDeleteIt's leather as well, isn't it? (the Mango one?) And yes, the Warehouse one is perfect when you want something bigger than a purse but don't want to lug a whole bag around. Isn't the leather amazing quality?
DeleteLoving the striped Topshop dress! They only have size 12 left but they look as if they are quite big. Any advice on sizing before I launch into buying?!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so so so sorry, I've only just seen this! Ok so I got the 10 and it's definitely roomy.. they do come up big. It's also apparently dry clean only. I've handwashed mine (thank GOD - didn't even look at the label jsut threw it in as I was doing a handwash) and I'm now too scared to look at it. A dry clean dress from TS for £85. Sod. Off.
DeleteThe QVC Elemis deal looked amazing, but the price when I followed your link is £95 rather than the £64.96 that you quoted. Has there been some confusion somewhere?
ReplyDeleteNo sorry - the £64.96 was when it was a TSV price... which was only on Sunday. The usual price for the set is £95. If you bought all the items individually, you still do make a huge saving though! I will amend the copy above to say that it was only a TSV on that Sunday. So sorry, I just assume that everyone has as big an obsession with QVC as I do!!
DeleteGreat post, you have pointed out some excellent points, I as well believe this is a very superb website.
ReplyDeleteCircle Crossbody Bag