Handbag blog | Bagsyitsmine

Treasures from France

2011-11-15T02:15:00.002Z

France has offered us many beautiful things over the years, but there is one creation which I deem as one of my all time fashion favourites, the Hermes Birkin bag. Available in a variety of sizes and a price range which can make your eyes water, this classic and chic bag is one of the most sought after accessories in fashion history.

Inspired by the British actress and singer, Jane Birkin, Hermes Chief Executive Jean-Louis Dumas first created this iconic bag in 1981 (based on a 1892 design) and ever since it has found its place on the arms of some of the world most influential fashionistas.

I have to admit, I can see why this beauty is a firm favourite with the likes of Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Sarah Jessica Parker, Katie Holmes and even the music supremo Pharrell Williams, as its elusiveness to the public and high price screams wealth and exclusivity.

Prior to 2010 Birkin lovers could have had to wait on a list for anything up to 6 years to receive this hand crafted gem, however now on average within 48 hours this iconic bag can be amongst your very own collection of handbags. I love the fantastic array of colours and hides it is available in and it even comes complete with its very own lock and key, and features beautiful metallic hardware.

It’s no wonder that Hermes even offers a ‘spa treatment’ service to keep this beautiful creation in tip top condition. As a devoted handbag lover myself, I can honestly say that the Hermes Birkin has done France proud.

Somerset's Finest

2011-09-08T21:33:00.001+01:00

The moment I laid eyes on this creation, I new it was going to be a treasure and each season I find myself falling more and more in love with this contemporary, chic yet versatile and trendy handbag. Inspired by the television presenter, model and fashion icon, Alexa Chung, the Alexa bag is one of Mulberry’s most infamous creations to date.

This cool British designed satchel style bag has kept me hooked with its constant reinvention, whether it be the various colours or the beautiful prints, either way Mulberry has made sure there is something to tickle everyone’s fashion taste buds. Many would classify this bag as a fashion trophy and I would have to agree, as it is something to be desired by everyone who deems hangbags as more then just an accessory and more of a personal statement. Made from soft buffalo leather, the slouchy feel keeps it casual however it is also structured enough to be used professionally too.

Featuring a perfectly crafted postman's lock (featuring the Mulberry embossed stamp) and a detachable shoulder strap, this beauty can be worn both across the body or hand held making it versatile and perfect for multipurpose wear.

Ladies, whether in the classic oak or in the more jazzy leopard print colours, this amazing British creation is a gem of luxury for every woman’s collection.

Envelope Clutch Bags

2011-07-08T23:01:00.000+01:00

Celebrity fashion includes the much loved envelope bag - a mini-tote without handles, these practical but pretty bags hold so much more than your lipstick.

Eva Longoria - sporting a silver envelope clutch bag

How many times have we tried to manouever all our worldly goods into a tiny little space, feeling half naked when we have to admit defeat and omit half of our beloved possessions.

Gwen Stefani clutches mink coloured envelope bag

Envelope bags solve that problem by being large enough to hold most of what is contained in a tote. May the trend long continue!

Ashley Olsen showing off her Calvin Klein envelope clutch

This structured leather bag in bold red is wonderfully large.

Zoe - red leather message bag - £75.00

Tuscany Leather Audrey - purple leather - £69.00

A Riot of Colour

2011-03-18T00:12:00.000Z

A season of sophisticated and vibrant 70’s chic combined with an array of animal inspired prints create the riots of colour for SS11. Stripes, block colours and bold patterns are a must have this season, with metallic finishes and also clinical white adding a fresh and crisp elegance to seasons collections.

Opting for something more calming and tranquil, the ocean inspired blues and corals also make huge waves this season with cerulean and cobalt both cascading through many designer key pieces. And for those feeling a little fruity this season tangerine and peach are flavours captivating the pallets of designers across the globe.

Happy shopping...

Byron Gordon

Black Bag

2011-02-05T19:28:00.000Z

I spent yesterday thinking up descriptions for some new handbags. I'm not the greatest on thinking up descriptions and wonder if I should give all my handbags names to make it a little easier when describing them. Some come ready named but the cheaper ones don't.

I sat for ages staring at one black bag thinking what can I call this one. 'Black bag', 'black bag with zipper', 'plaited, buckled thingy', etc... The only problem with that is after listing 50 different 'black bags' or plaited buckled thingys, that idea doesn't really work!

Zipper - £24.50

Why can't manufacturers name all their bags making it easier to list them?

After much deliberation, I came up with the boring name of "Zipper"! Why? Because it has a zip on each side of the bag and I was tired of staring at it trying to get some inspiration!

I won't surprise myself if during the coming weeks, I rename it once my brain has clicked into gear and I think of something a little more exciting.

Would you Fake It?

2011-02-03T07:06:00.002Z

Some women just love designer handbags!

I have listened to women, who can clearly afford an expensive handbag, admit to picking up a very good copy costing hundreds but maybe saving themselves thousands.

Obviously, the thinking behind this is that they do not wish to spend exorbitant amounts of money on just a bag but they love the style nonetheless.

Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Range

I could never quite understand this obsession. It seems weird to me to carry a fake handbag. It is still a fake no matter how well made it may appear. There are always slight imperfections which an expert can pick up.

Being the over the top person I am, my imagination sometimes runs away with itself and I have visions of walking along a street, my handbag burdened with all my beloved personal items, and the handbag police - spotting my fake bag - stopping me, insisting that I empty the contents of my fake purse onto the pavement so that they can whip the offending item away for destruction! Oh the embarrassment of wondering if anyone saw!

I'm not into designer labels and won't choose a bag just because it has been created by someone famous. I choose my bags for colour, texture and style. Boring, I know but it works for me.

I've seen the most unbelievable copies of handbags which should never have seen the light of day! What may well have started out as a truly remarkable handbag ends up as an ugly, replicated mess.

I'll definitely be sticking to my unbranded bags, trying not to give pitying glances to those ladies who are deluded enough to believe their fake Gucci or LV is passing for the real thing!

Handbag Guilt

2011-01-31T22:30:00.000Z

Ooops! I nearly committed the cardinal sin of stocking fox fur handbags until I remembered that most people think the fur looks better on the fox rather than on a person!

No, I wasn't on the warpath after spending Sunday clearing up all that fox poop in my garden!

It's funny to see just how used to humans foxes are nowadays. I left my house the other morning to walk down to the station. Half way along, I looked across the road at another pedestrian who was walking on the other side and in the middle of us was a young fox who looked disdainfully left and right checking us out then continued trotting next to us as if we weren't even there!

One of my first memories as a child was recalling that my mother sometimes kept her fox stole in the fridge. I'm not sure why, but I do remember that whenever it rained, the thing gave off a scent so awful it would guarantee a seat on any train!

Faux fur is so well made these days that if you like the thought of handbags made from fur take a look at this. Little difference and it certainly won't stink when it rains!

Real Fox Fur Handbag

Faux Fur Handbag

Autumn Showers

2010-09-25T19:11:00.000+01:00

What a weird week!

A hot summer's day greeted Londoners on Monday. Almost bikini weather! By today, all thoughts of a bikini had been wiped away. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.............. Autumn is definitely here! Cold, rainy days and dark nights are back!

I'm so pleased that handbag colours have decided to remain bright and cheerful. Purples, deep reds, greens and pinks all remain.

As yet, the leaves on the trees are still lovely and green.

Before you know it they start to turn beautiful colours such as burnished coppers, reds and browns,

eventually turning into crisp golden pavement décor as Autumn wanes into Winter.

Handbag Hooks

2010-08-17T14:57:00.001+01:00

Anyone seen the new handbag hooks?

A friend passed me an email the other day asking me to guess what "this" is. After a few guesses of luxury handcuffs, strange pendant or keyring holder, I was informed that in fact, it was a handbag hook. This was the first time I had seen one but typically, after signing on to Facebook that evening, I saw an advert from Swarovski for the very same thing. The picture showed a beautiful glass and chrome design which secures onto a table allowing you to hook your handbag onto it. The supposed benefit of this is that your handbag is in your eye view at all times.

Swarovski Handbag Hook

Critter Hook

Anyone having had their handbag pinched will think this is a great idea. There is nothing worse than at the end of an evening out with friends, you bend down to retrieve your handbag from under the table to discover that someone has made off with it.

Handbags are mini houses - in some cases, mini temples! It's not just the loss of a handbag which is devastating, it's what they hold.

I recall once having had my purse taken out of a backpack and how emotional I became because, even though the money and cards were replaceable, I was disappointed that I was never going to see my purse again! I loved that purse. I was even more annoyed because the thief had been so obvious but I'd been too embarrassed to check my suspicion that he may have been going down my bag!

I'm not sure how useful these hooks will be in a crowded city bar, but they sure are cute!

Average handbag day

2010-07-13T07:15:00.001+01:00

On average, I change my handbag every few weeks. I don't have to match it with every outfit on a daily basis. So different to my daughter. She changes her handbag daily according to what she is wearing. I hate the thought of forgetting something in my old bag. What is that? You clear out the contents of your handbag only to discover that you've left your train pass in the other bag.

For weeks I've been wearing the same pastel blue soft leather bag which I absolutely adore. I know I have to change it soon or the handles will begin to look worn.

I have a favourite red Cynthia Rowley handbag where the handles have begun to show wear and tear. I've put off retiring it even though in my heart of hearts I know the time has come...sob, sob! This is when I wish I'd worn it less and preserved it more.

My Top Five Summer 2010 Handbag Styles

2010-06-06T17:06:00.017+01:00

The large clutch bag!

We start with the big clutch! Clutch bags large enough to hold purses, cameras and other items we normally cannot take with us on a night out.

Farfalla Clutch Bag

The Faralla gold clip top clutch bag is nice and roomy and is a soft metallic clip top clutch bag with hideaway chain link handle. Interior pocket, satin lined (W22 x H10.5 cm).

RRP: £19.50

Grommets, Zips and Pockets

Detailing is the key word. Plenty of pockets, zips, grommets. The more a handbag has, the more popular it's going to be. We want places to put our keys, travel pass and blackberry.

For this reason I'm a great fan of the American designer, Cynthia Rowley. Cynthia Rowley handbags offer pockets galore. Just as I think I've discovered every minute detailing of my handbag, I'll open a section to discover another hidden pocket where I can slide a pass, my keys or my second mobile.

Cynthia Rowley 'New Survivor' Tote

Twin Link-Handle Satchel Bag

This twin-handled satchel has a detachable shoulder strap. Detailing includes twist lock exterior pocket, link chain twin-handle, shoulder strap, zipped top closure, mobile phone and blackberry pocket, double zipped interior pocket (L42 x H30 x W16).

RRP: £26.99

The Slouch Bag

The slouch is almost becoming a classic. Every year, the slouch in some form or another makes a reappearance.

Easy to sling over our shoulder, the slouch bag can hold nearly everything you can load into the kitchen sink! Great for college kids, the slouch bag can hold all those cumbersome books but also looks good on an evening out.

As one of the few bags to still look good half empty, the slouch bag is a popular choice for many women.

Pompom Brown Suedette Slouch Bag

Suedette slouch bag with faux leather strap and bag charm, zipped top closure with zipped inside pocket (W43 x H30 cm).

RRP: £10.50

Day to Night

Sometimes we need to have a bag that can easily be converted from day to night. With the flick of a clip, shoulder bags can become large clutches or alternatively, a hidden gold chain can jazz up a sombre handbag.

Nature Trail Patent Bag

Twin-handled patent bag from Nature Trail with adjustable/detachable shoulder strap, zipped top closure, zipped back pocket, zipped inside pocket, mobile phone pocket (w43 x h36.5 cm).

RRP: £24.99

The Classic Handbag!

Classic handbags never go out of fashion. As much as we all love our fashion bags in zany styles and colours, we have to always have one classic handbag to fall back on. A bag that will go with anything in our wardrobe. It's dependable and practical.

Dominique Black Leather Single Strap Shoulder Bag

Leather single strap shoulder bag, zipped top closure, zipped back pocket, zipped and open inside pockets (W24.5 x H24 cm).

RRP: £45.00

Quilted!

2010-05-02T21:12:00.001+01:00

Chanel make a quilted lambskin handbag which is just heavenly! Unfortunately, few of us can afford it! This season I've noticed much cheaper variations of this beautiful style. Obviously, they fail to have the craftsmanship but they can still look special teamed with the right outfit.

The beauty of this style is that it looks fabulous both with jeans or an evening dress.

Crafted Skinny Jeans
£34.99

Beatrice from Nancy Dee
£73.00

South
£18.00

Quilted cross body bag at Bagsyitsmine - £14.50

Finding a Handbag for a Spring Trench Coat

2010-03-27T09:49:00.006Z

Spring sees a burst of colour not only in the garden but also in the shops. Trench coats are particularly colourful this season and move away from the natural beiges, browns and blacks.

Here we feature some of the latest trench coats and the bags we think will look great with them!

Pink Single Breasted Raincoat

M&S is definitely the place to start if you are looking for a reasonably priced trench coat. With an array of colours from aqua, black, petrol blue, green, pink, pebble and lime, this single-breasted, above the knee, waterproof coat is a top buy.

Pink Single Breasted Water Resistant Raincoat

Available at: M&S

Price: £35.00

Where to get it: Instore and online

You don't always have to have a contrasting handbag when wearing a brightly coloured item of clothing. Sometimes it's okay to go all out and wear the same colour handbag as long as all your other accessories are toning the two down. Black trousers/dress, scarf and shoes contrast wonderfully with a brightly coloured coat.

Big Flower Handbag

This is a funky, fun, faux leather medium-sized, top handle bag in startling pink with a lovely spring flower design.

Big Flower Leather Look Bag

Available at: Sixty Bags

Price: £25.00

Orange Double Breasted Trench Coat

This is a double breasted, belted trench coat which rests slightly above the knee.

Orange Double Breasted Trench

Available at: Wallis

Price: £70

Black Double Zipped Leather Hobo Handbag

This is a soft leather handbag with gold hardware, two zipped front pockets, one zipped back pocket, interior includes one open mobile phone pocket, one open pocket, one zipped pocket and one central divider, fully lined.

Black Double Zipped Leather Hobo Handbag

Available at Bagsyitsmine

Price: £59.99

South Magenta Trench Coat

This double breasted trench coat has bow detailing at the back. Other colour on offer is stone.

South Trench Coat

Available at: Very.co.uk

Price: £27.00

Guess Calgary Jacquard Hobo Handbag

A cotton and polyester pewter handbag by Guess with zipped interior pocket, mobile phone pocket and double pocket organiser.

Guess Calgary Jacquard Hobo Handbag

Available at: John Lewis

Price: £135.00

Yellow Trench Coat

A belted broad lapelled fashion trench coat resting just above the knee.

Yellow Trench Coat

Available at: Bon Prix

Price: £37.90

Limited Collection Leather Tote Bag

This large, brown leather tote is fashionable and fabulous!

Limited Collection Leather Tote Bag

Available at: M&S

Price: £69.00

Orla Kiely Butterfly Stem Print Handbag

This matt laminated across body bag is distinctive Orla Kiely in a beautiful olive.

Orla Kiely Butterfly Stem Print Handbag

Available: John Lewis

Price: £165.00

On the Fringe!

2010-03-23T22:23:00.001Z

Fringe bags are back! Next time, I'm keeping mine in the wardrobe. As fast as you throw it away thinking it will never make a reappearance, the fringe bag makes a comeback.

Marc Jacobs Boho Woven Hobo

Unveiled at Marc Jacobs' spring 2010 runway show, this boho woven hobo has the look of a summer straw tote and a fringe bag.

The body of the bag is a pretty, woven blend of leather whilst the strap is a form of nylon webbing.

Still to appear in London shops, this bag is available online from Neiman Marcus and currently retails at $1,795.

Valentino Garavani Stone Fringed Bag

Similar to a shaggy dog, this luxurious leather handbag retails at Stylebop.com for £1,787.

If you think the above-mentioned bags are just a tad out of your price range, look out for these high street offerings:

Oasis Studded Fringe Cross-body Bag sold by Asos and which retails for £50.

or the Bulaggi fringed bag at £16.99 for sale at T.K.maxx

A little more understated is the Ri2K London bag in beautiful, calf leather. For sale at Very.co.uk at £99.00

Finally, we have the Zara leather fringe bag. For sale at Bagsyitsmine priced £67.99

End of Summer Handbag Blues.....or Reds!

2009-08-31T09:13:00.007+01:00

As the summer season draws to a close, colours for the autumn become more sombre.

Once again, we put away our summer favourites and think about the darker, sometimes duller colours for autumn handbags.

I don't know about you but nothing makes me sadder than the thought of covering up in dark, drab colours so I'm always looking for splashes of colour to lighten the mood.

I personally love reds and electric blues that look fantastic on a dark dull day with a black raincoat and matching scarf. A pair of earrings, a dash of lipstick and suddenly I've managed to transform a nondescript outfit into something that looks a million dollars!

For the love of a good bag!

2009-07-11T23:47:00.006+01:00

There are some days when the contents of a handbag provide me with a squeal of delight - discovering the favourite lip gloss I thought was lost forever, or the emergency £20 I kept in a side pocket on a night out. Then there are other times when the contents are completely irrelevant. Putting a gorgeous new bag on my arm sends a shiver of delight through me - the feel of soft Italian leather as I pick it up, catching a sniff of the strap sitting on my shoulder as I turn my head, the reassuring click of the clasp as it smartly snaps shut. Somehow I resist the temptation to lick it, otherwise it's a multi-sensory experience.

This, my friend, is one such bag. It's for when you want to feel truly special. It's the handbag equivalent of a great haircut, or catching that cute guy on the tube smiling at you. You may not be able to bottle it, but you sure as hell can carry your purse and keys in it!!

Bagsy's Handbag Choices for 2009

2009-06-13T16:53:00.000+01:00

Bagsy's Shopping Bags

For 2009, big bags still rule. This year's colours remain primary reds, black and white. Also featuring strongly, are golds, emeralds, fushias, purples and beiges.

The Yummy Mummy Bag

Nappy / Diaper Bags

The nappy bag or diaper bag, depending on which side of the pond you are from, has undergone a radical make-over. No longer are young mothers expected to carry cute little bunny decorated nappy bags (diaper bags). Nowadays women are opting for chic, comfortable, fashionable nappy bags (diaper bags) that carry all necessities for babies but still look chic enough to drop into your favourite restaurant with.

The Tote

Tote bags remain popular choices as totes are large and roomy enough to fit most kitchen sinks! The tote comes into its own when using it for airtravel. Not only does the tote bag fulful your fashion needs, it doubles as a mini suitcase holding such valuables as a laptop, camera and all things one would not dream of putting in an out of sight suitcase. When asked 'would you like to put that in the hold madam?' one can always reply, 'no, that's just my handbag'!!

Shopping Bags

The love affair between a woman and her handbag has probably outlasted many a male/female relationship! So much so, we've convinced ourselves we now need to carry two of them! The lowly plastic bag has become almost extinct. In its place, we have adopted the new and trendy, "tote" or the designer "shopping bag". No longer do our sandwiches and favourite book reside in our local supermarket's throw away plastic, we now spend tens of pounds ensuring they are securely snuggled into the latest designer shopping bag. The upshot of this is we have now burdened ourselves with carrying two bags, one main bag and one shopping bag, and we still can't locate our keys!

Evening Purses

Prom Bags

Prom evenings are fairly new to the UK. It is a night when graduating teenagers dress in their finest clothes and attend the school dance for the last time.

Proms have been popular in America for many years and although new here, we are fast catching up with the tradition. Prom evenings tend to be pretty lavish affairs where it is not unusual to see girls turned out in ballgowns with the obligatory prom purse tucked under their arm. Prom purses tend to be small, compact bags made of various types of material such as satin, silk, leather and various other materials. The glamorous prom purse is a must for every prom evening!

Prom purses are bought to match a chosen dress and shoes and have to be large enough to carry the necessities such as tissues, money, phone and makeup.

Clutch Bags

Whether they are satin clutch bags, beaded clutch bags, leather clutch bags, silk clutch bags or any other type of material you care to name, the clutch bag has remained a popular accessory for evening wear. Clutch bags come in a variety of colours and styles but one thing is constant, is that they are small and handleless.

Wrist Bags / Wristlets

Wrist bags (wristlets) are not much different to clutch bags except they conveniently have a strap which slips over your wrist securing your wrist bag to you. Wrist bags are smaller versions of the clutch and are almost purse sized. The great thing about wrist bags is that they can be attached to a larger bag as an additional accessory containing your valuables.

Small Top Handle Bags

Clutch bags with hidden link-chain handles are popular because a small clutch bag can be quickly turned into an over the shoulder or cross-body handbag. The popular handles for this type of bag is the chain link as it is easily hidden within the bag without taking up valuable room.