Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accessories. Show all posts

Monday, 21 July 2008

MOST WANTED - Mischa Barton Tote Bag


Debenhams is stocking the new range of vintage inspired handbags by Mischa Barton. I love the detailing on this tote bag. And it is practical too. Dual handles help to spread the weight of its contents, and there are useful compartments for storing all the essentials. Plus Mischa is a bit of a style icon, so she is perfectly qualified to have a range of accessories.

Thursday, 17 July 2008

DESIGNER - Emma Gordon


Emma Gordon designs beautiful bags which are all handmade and sold from her fabulous website. The business was established in 2003 and Emma continues to make each piece herself from start to finish ensuring a great finish. You won't see her bags mass produced and on the arm of any old woman.

There are bags for everyday use or for special occasions, and the ranges take inspiration from all things ladylike. Perhaps you would even like to take advantage of the one-off made to order service. Vogue and Heat have already featured Emma Gordon bags so get in there quick and get yours.

Emma says; "My bags are quirky, girly and suitable for everyday use as well as special occasions. I team pretty fabrics with contrasting trims and add buttons, bows and frills to achieve that feminine style."

Get 20% off today. Enter 'summersale' at the checkout.

Sunday, 13 July 2008

VIDEO - Interview with Lulu Guinness

Legendary handbag designer Lulu Guinness talks about the history of her bags and current trends. Courtesy of Handbag.com

Monday, 7 July 2008

MOST WANTED - Wallet with Gift Bow

Maison Martin Margiela Wallet with Bow - Browns Fashion - £220

Imagine the delight of opening your bag to this gift bow wallet every day. I love the original detail and only wish I could afford it. I would have preferred a colour with a bit more excitement, but there is no denying this is a little treat. Of course, it is 100% leather, and I think that being well used would only add to its charm.


Monday, 16 June 2008

MOST WANTED - £1 Million Handbag

Would you spend a million pounds on a handbag? You might if it looked like this one...

Thursday, 12 June 2008

TREND NO NO - Fringed Fuss


Fringing and tassels are all fine and good if you are Pocahontas, but my guess is that not many people wandering round the UK are genuine native Indians. Dangling tassels are good for one thing... getting you stuck in closing lift doors, which isn't particularly helpful. I reckon we should ditch the fuss of fringing and swap for ladylike ruffles. Much more pleasing to my eyes.


Anyone care to disagree?

Tuesday, 3 June 2008

TRENDS - Gladiator Gets Glamourous


Gladiator sandals have been a celebrity favourite for a good couple of seasons, but this summer this sandal style will be everywhere. The look has hit new heights as straps get further and further toward the knee. Heels or flats are great, and try blacks, browns and all kinds of metallics to be really on trend. Have a gander at some more gladiator goodies below...


Tuesday, 27 May 2008

5 OF THE BEST - Summer Scarves



Scarves can be worn in summer too, carelessly thrown around the neck to add interest to a plain tee or draped around the shoulders of an evening to keep you warm. There are loads of great ones in stores and the distressed look is proving popular.

My personal fave is my yellow leopard print scarf which was a gift from South Africa. I can't show you where to buy that one, but I will say that prints are big news on scarves; checks, stars, ombre, animal print and tribal in particular. Throw in a few tassels and you will be the trendiest gal on your street.


Monday, 26 May 2008

MOST WANTED - Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets seem to drift in and out of fashion, but when you find one that is of superb quality you know it will last the test of time. Isis Jewellers have a selection of charm bracelets from Thomas Sabo, to suit most tastes. This is the grown up and oh so glamourous kind of charm bracelet. I would opt for the heavyweight bracelet and have chosen a few of my favourite charms below...

Heavyweight Bracelet - £39.95


Tuesday, 20 May 2008

TRENDS - Quirky Heels



Quirky heels are a sure fire way to get noticed, and there are plenty of different styles to choose from right now. Try contrasting colours, cut out holes, intricate details and crazy shapes. Anything goes with this trend, all you need to do is tone down the rest of the outfit to balance out a shoe the screams look at me. Have a look at some of these beauties...



Monday, 19 May 2008

MOST WANTED - Eiffel Tower Bag


Carrie Bradshaw is seen with this bag in the new Sex and the City movie, so of course everyone now wants one. The bag is by Timmy Woods in Beverly Hills and can be yours for $450. The ultimate cute and quirky accessory, you would have to agree that this little taste of Paris would not look out of place on the arms of the A list. If you ever get fed up of it, it would make a pretty good ornament!


Or how about the Swarovski encrusted version, at a mighty $3000. With over 6000 crystals this is a showpiece that is sure to stop traffic or at the very least, make you the envy of every woman around you.

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

TRENDS - Natural Nouveau

Straw hats, basket bags - Natural materials are where it is at when it comes to accessories this season. I must admit I am not a huge fan of the traditional straw bag, but things have moved on since they were first popular. You can get straw clutches and the perfect straw sun hat not to mention a little bit of raffia here and there for good measure. Some of the best on the web...

Wednesday, 23 April 2008

HINTS, TIPS & TRICKS - Bags of Style


There are bags for all occasions, but I am a firm believer that you should have at least one good quality bag that is timeless and goes with everything. If you are making an investment, then you really want it to last a while.

Check how the handles are secured. Handles that are well stitched will last much longer than those that are attached just at the edge. Even better are handles which are stitched part way down the bag or even all the way underneath. I have been a victim of broken bag handles, which are not ideal at all and you end up with the contents of your bag on the pavement for all to see.
Pockets and compartments are good. Looking for your keys amongst loose items in one large compartment can be a nightmare. Things like keys, and train tickets should be easy to access. Valuable items should be zipped away for security. Women are known to carry all manner of things in their bag and a little organisation can be extremely useful.

Avoid beading, and fussy details. These are likely to fall off or get damaged fairly easily and will make your bag look shabby far sooner than it should. Also remember that you will be carrying it under your arm, and anything bulky or sharp is going to make carrying the bag uncomfortable and can leave your arm covered in scratches.

Leather Plaited Handle Shopper - ASOS - £60

Carry a cotton tote. It takes up hardly any space in your bag but means that if you pop to the shops you can avoid taking a plastic bag, and yours will be stronger and more stylish to boot. You can pick these up almost anywhere at the moment, I carry a 'frock me fashion' tote, a bargain at just £3 including postage.

Be minimalistic. If you change your bag from day to day then it is good to have something to empty the contents into at home, like a little basket. This avoids missing needed items out when you swap to a new bag in a rush the next morning. It also helps to de-clutter. It's a great wonder the type of random things that get collected along our travels and homed inside our bags for evermore.

Good luck shopping, I hope you 'bag a bargain' (shameless pun alert)

Monday, 21 April 2008

MOST WANTED - The LapBag



Most laptop bags are pretty boring or just plain ugly. The range from Lin & Leo are far from bland. The styling is like any other designer handbag and the colours available are bright and vibrant. With ample space for a laptop, and accessories it is time to throw away that black boring bag that you used to use and say hello to stylish storage. Pre-order one now, new stocks are expected in May.

Wednesday, 9 April 2008

TRENDS - Bright Shoes


The right shoes can make or break an outfit, but at the moment it seems the right shoes are bright shoes! Yellow, blue, orange, pink and green or any colour of the rainbow will do. Bold block colour works best, but also try clashing primary colours. It will lift an otherwise plain ensemble and make you stand out for all the right reasons. If you have open toes I think it is best to go for a nude nail polish or a different colour, don't match shoes and nails. Wearing brights on your feet is a great way to wear a colour that wouldn't usually suit you head to toe. Get inspired with my options below...

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

TRENDS - Jingle Jangle Bangles

Sporting an array of bangles is a great way to jazz up a boring outfit. Celebs everywhere have been wearing theirs, you could say they are elbow deep in arm candy, quite literally. The key is to experiment with what looks good, you don't even have to stick to one style. Layer up different textures, colours and styles to create an individual look.

I am a fan of safari inspired jewellery but would mix this with some gold or perspex to bring the look right up to date. Try a mixture of wide and narrow bangles too but keep other jewellery to a minimum so as not to over-do it. Don't forget charity shops, as these can be a great place to find quirky and original items, and at bargain prices too.Accessorize Mop Mozaic Chunky Bangle - Oli.co.uk - £10.00

Monday, 31 March 2008

MOST WANTED - Guess Watch

Guess Prism Multi Dial Crystal Watch - ASOS - £129

I am loving the turquoise leather strap on this watch. It reminds me of tropical seas and summertime. Women's watches have become chunkier of late but this one also has a feminine twist, with the pretty colour and crystal detail. I don't know many women who can resist a bit of sparkle...



Thursday, 27 March 2008

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston Ltd.

With ditsy print tea dresses being a huge spring trend, it only seems right to spread the florals to other parts of your home and wardrobe. Cath Kidston prints are ultra cool whilst having that retro feel too. Plus, check out the sale items as we all could do with a good bargain. I love the umbrellas and kitchen accessories especially in the new star print, which is particularly on trend.


Cath Kidston Ltd.

Cath Kidston Ltd.

Cath Kidston Ltd.

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

TRENDS - Alice in Wonder-Band

Photo Credit: Lauren Hewings on flickr.com

Alice bands and headbands are popping up all over the place and work with the most casual of outfits right up to red carpet events. Paris Hilton, Peaches Geldof and Lily Allen are all fans. Wear with your hair in a messy 'up do' for laid back glamour, or with hair down and some root backcombing for style that others will envy. If you don't have a headband to hand, why not try a tied ribbon or scarf which can have the same effect. Here are some ideas for you...



Monday, 10 March 2008

MOST WANTED - Kurt Geiger Shoes

I just couldn't choose which pair of shoes to feature this week. I tried and tried but in the end just decided to give in and have both. I am a woman after all, and we are notorious for our love of shoes. Kurt Geiger stocks big brands and is a respected name in its own right. The latest season has some stunning shoes and I am especially loving these ones below.


KG - Halle - £95

I am a fan of chunky wooden heels, which makes 'Halle' just my cup of tea. Not to mention the fact that Gladiator sandals will be big news for summer. The vibrant tan colour of these shoes is much more interesting than bland brown.
French Connection - JoJo - £85

As for 'JoJo', grey can be a great alternative for black and the chunky buckle is a really nice detail. These towering heels will make legs look super long which is good news for people like me, being only 5'2''.


Click the link below for all the latest styles...

Kurt Geiger Ltd.

Kurt Geiger Ltd.