Colour Me Happy with McArthurGlen

To celebrate the arrival of Spring/Summer collections at McArthurGlen’s six UK designer outlets, we are set to launch a Europe-wide accessories campaign, Colour Me Happy, from April 5 –May 3.
To launch the campaign, fashion’s most sought-after accessory brands have designed a series of exclusive products for McArthurGlen. Renowned British handbag designer Lulu Guinness is launching the exclusive ‘Katie’ clutch in cobalt blue, whilst Kurt Geiger have created two sandals in vibrant shades of lemon and coral. Links of London have worked on an ornate ‘Tapestry’ cuff, whilst Folli Follie have created a tote in striking red, available in two sizes. Luxury leather manufacturers OSPREY LONDON are launching a range of leather handbag mirrors in a kaleidoscope of colourways, and renowned sports brand ASICS, will introduce an exclusive line of trainers in an array of seasonal hues.
With over 250 brands including All Saints, Church’s, Ted Baker, Reiss, French Connection, Jaeger, Kurt Geiger, Lulu Guinness and Nicole Farhi offering year-round savings of up to 60%, McArthurGlen is a haven for savvy shoppers looking to update their new season wardrobe with lust-worthy accessories.
To celebrate the campaign I was invited to take part in a Blogger Style Challenge which involved creating three different looks all involving two bright and beautiful accessories gifted to me by McArthurGlen. I was super excited to be picked for this and SO up the challenge, especially when last Saturday two rather large boxes appeared at my door- one containing a stunning blue L.K.Bennett. Handbag and the other some rather snazzy orange suede brogues from Hobbs.
Click the images to enlarge.
Look One: I wanted to go with something casual to prove that smart looking accessories don’t need to be reserved just for workwear. I really liked how the colours of the bag and shoes worked against the camoflague jacket which came from Glamourous. The pinafore dress is that £5 Primark job I always wear!
Look Two: The second I saw the two accessories I knew this Zara shift dress was going to have to be involved. This is such a simple outfit really, but makes quite a statement as every colour appears to compliment the others. I think this was my favourite of the three looks I put together.
Look Three: This one was a bit random, but very typical of what I’d wear on a work day or after work if I’m doing something other than lounging around the house. I am so in love with these brogues, they are the softest suede imaginable and so comfortable- usually shoes like this cause me great pain to begin with but I didn’t want to take these off! I’m very much in love with the bag too, as are most people who see it. I’m going to have to watch very carefully to make sure Mum doesn’t wander off with it.
So those are my three looks. They may not be high fashion, but I see the accessories I was sent as classics and better suited to my every day style than something I wouldn’t actually wear. I didn’t see the point of getting all dressed up and extreme for a challenge when it’s not a true representation of who I am. I hope you like how I styled the pieces…I’d love to know what you’d have worn with them!

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Mad about the Bag

Since setting my heart on a Mulberry Bayswater bag some years ago (and fingers crossed one will be purchased this year) I’ve always had bags on the brain. Not quite as much as I do shoes; that would be quite impossible, but enough so that I’m often drawn to the handbag section of a website before I browse any other part (unless shoes are involved of course).
The other day during my daily browse of the sales I came across Diffusion Online and their beautiful bag selection. I’ve put together a little wishlist, just because wishlists have been lacking of late, really…not because I secretly want to buy all these for myself.
I’ll start with the most affordable (and possibly my most coveted. The Minkpink Modern Love satchel at £39.00, perfect for chasing off those winter blues.

This little beauty is by Ted Baker. I have a real soft spot for Ted Baker bags- a legacy passed on from my Mother, I’m sure. It costs £150 which isn’t toooo bad considering what you can pay for some bags and will never go out of style.

I probably don’t need to introduce the designer of this bag, the signature orb gives it away straight off. The Dolce Vita in Crimson is another one of those bags which has long been on my most coveted list, and at £417.00 in the sale it’ll have to stay there for now, sadly as my money is going towards the Mulberry.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is very similar to one I own already. An impulse sales by a couple of years ago that I never regretted. Sadly the strap has broken and we are yet to find somewhere who will repair it (the brand themselves won’t as it’s past season). It was a brilliant bag though and if this should ever go in the sale (currently £325.00) I’d seriously consider getting a replacement.

Another from Ted Baker and not strictly a handbag. Mum already owns one of these Umbrella Ikon bags in pink (this one is £34.00) and they are invaluable for carrying around handbag overspill. Umbrellas, bottles of water, spare shoes. You name it, it’s been used for it. I love the floral print of this and might pop one of my own on my birthday list.

What are your weak spots when it comes to accessories? I can take or leave most things, but bags and shoes I just can’t help oogling even though I own more than enough already!
xxx

Boots and Bags at Brantano

Sorry folks, yet another shopping list for me. If I can’t hit the actual shops then you can guarantee I’ll overindulge in some online window shopping instead. Today’s most browsed website was Brantano– a store I once associated with the tortuous trawl for school shoes is now somewhere I regularly browse when looking for good value footwear.
As much as I adore ankle boots lately I’ve found myself drawn to the higher leg style, with flat heels (of course). There is something about them that scream timeless chic and I don’t really own any so I thought a little wishlist couldn’t possibly hurt!
Being me, I soon tired of browsing just shoes (ok, that’s SO not me) and moved on to something else Brantano are good at- handbags!
I’m actually getting ready to take the plunge and buy myself a Mulberry Bayswater next year but I’m a true girly girl and can’t help but look at bags wherever they are available. Brantano do some pretty gorgeous styles and pretty perfect prices.
So once again my opinion on a brand has very much changed over the years. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve mentioned this on my blog but I’ve eaten my words time and time again. Bravo Brantano, bravo.

Gift Guide for the Bag Mad

I know, I know…I’ve gone well and truly OTT with gift guides and all things similar this year but outfits are still a no go- not when it takes someone else to get shoes on for you and your left leg only partially wants to work. Maybe next week, maybe…
So for today’s gift guide I’m bringing you affordable, bright and fun bags from a personal favourite of mine; Satchels and Shoes which will satisfy any bag addict you know (yes, that does include yourself)
None of these bags cost over £30. Bargain.
Nude Pastel Satchel Bag- £24.95

Emerald Classic Buckle Satchel Bag, with long strap- £29.95. This style comes in a whole rainbow of colours.

Emerald Satchel Bag with long strap- £27.95 (this one is my favourite I think, a fun colour for a classic shape)

Black Tote Bag- £29.95

Brown Ladies Grab Handbag- £26.95
This is just a small selection of what Satchels and Shoes has to offer, so if you’re thinking of giving the gift of a bag this Christmas then do check them out, there really is something for everyone.
Which bag from the website would you pick?
xxx

Bag Lust- Brit Punk from Cambridge Satchel

Think Satchels and you don’t instantly associate the word “Punk” with them, do you?
Cambridge Satchel are out to challenge this with their latest release the Brit Punk Collection compromising of two toughened up black leather Satchels to perfectly accentuate the tough AW leather and black fashions (so basically they’ve created my ideal bag!)
13″ Black with Studs- £150

14″ Black with Tartan- £159

My personal favourite is the black with studs as to me it seems the most long-wearing of designs in terms of seasonal versatility. My love of all things tartan means I am also seriously coveting the slightly larger version with that fantastic front pocket.
Sadly for me, both are out of my price range, dammit.
Fancy a closer look or been tempted to make a purchase?
The bags are available right here on the website.
Which do you prefer?
xxx