Thursday, July 28, 2016

For Work and Pokemon Hunting

So Pokemon Go really sucks your iPhone battery dry. Yep. We're playing Pokemon Go. Little M loves it and whilst we go on monster hunts together when we can, I also pick them up on my way to work. (Can't believe how well he remembers them, pointing out all the new ones to me every evening!) 

Anyway. Back to the fact that my phone needs constant re-charging whilst we're out and about. You might remember that I pondered over power purses from Knomo in September. 

Reduced to just £59.50, this Bond pouch is a bit of a bargain, considering it's real leather, fully lined and includes the power pack.
Knomo Bond Power Purse
So I bought it a few weeks ago. Way before I never even thought of Pokemon. It just fits so nicely even in my smaller bags (here in my Mulberry Small Del Rey) that it's the perfect work companion.

Knomo Bond purse andMulberry Small Del Rey


And now I finally got around to do a quick video to show how I'm using it (apart from re-charging my phone during extensive Pokemon hunts).


The lovely people at Independent Fashion Bloggers chose my post for their Links à la Mode last week. Please check out some of the below!

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Hot Summer Outfits

Part of last week was so warm - it actually felt like proper summer! My parents were over for a visit and I was off for a couple of days and worked from home on a couple of more, so I only managed two outfit pics. Partly because I wore scruffy jeans and t-shirts for the rest of the time, partly because I was too busy and simply forgot to take any outfit photos. 

Next floral print retro skirt, zara shoes
Top: Topshop
Cardigan: Mango
Skirt: Next
Shoes: Zara
Necklace: Topshop

Warehouse t-shirt, All Saints skirt, Stella and Dot necklace
Top: Warehouse
Skirt: All Saints
Trainers: Converse
Necklace: Stella & Dot

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Alexa Gone Loopy

As I previously wrote in a pondering over which finish Mulberry Bayswater, that conundrum of 'which bag' does not stop when you found a style: it continues right through the choice of leather or finish. Sometimes you'll be purely considering colour and sometimes the choice of leather or material will depend on other factors. You might prefer a finish that isn't too sensitive to stains or scrapes or you might care most about one that gives your bag a sturdier finish.

I recently managed to track down a Mulberry Regular Alexa in Plum Loopy Leopard Quilted Denim and as I have the same bag in Soft Buffalo, I thought I'd do a quick comparison.

Sizewise, they should be the same. If I measure them as normal (and double check on Naughtipidgin's Nest), they come up with the same measurements: 33cm wide, 23cm high and 17cm deep (all approx).

Mulberry Alexa Loopy Leopard vs Soft Buffalo

Alexa Loopy Leopard next to soft Buffalo

And in both pictures above you can see that this is about right. Granted, the black buffalo Alexa slouches as bit and therefore appears deeper but not as high - so once you lift her up it is the same.

The slouch gives the clue though: whilst the denim quilted Alexa is stood up all by herself, my black Alexa is held up by the Samorga she hides inside.

Remove the Samorga and...


Mulberry soft buffalo is much softer than quilted denim
 ...my black Alexa...
Mulberry soft buffalo leather puddles and quilted denim stands up
...falls into a puddle!



So much so, that you could just fold her up and stuff her inside the quilted Alexa. (Not that I would!)

This is partially due to the quilted denim being sturdier and thicker but also the piping and other leather trim seems to be harder leather; I'd guess is harness leather.

One other difference worth mentioning is that whilst the black Alexa's top handle is just leather...


...the quilted denim Alexa's handle has been embellished with a piece of metal chain.


What else? I've always cleaned and protected my Alexa with Collonil Gel and Waterstop Spray. It's a pretty sturdy leather and I never had an issue with either stains or excessive wear. 

The quilted denim is obviously not leather but a cotton and potentially not as hard wearing but Mulberry does say you can protect it with Collinil Waterstop.




This was, of course, a very functional comparison - but you can see for yourself, that the loopy is all colourful and, well, loopy and the soft buffalo is black and glossy. Which one do you prefer?

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Seeing Double

You might have guessed by now that I have my favourites and comfort zones and it was only a question of time until that skirt and that dress in the same print would pop up in the same week. I did try a new outfit though: that first one is a new combo!

Stripy Zara Top, Pearls and wrap over skirt
Top: Zara
Skirt & Jacket: Warehouse
Necklace: Stella & Dot

Boden trellis print skirt and cashmere jumper
Cashmere jumper & print skirt: Boden
Boots: Zara
Necklace: Sainsburys

Boden skirt and Zara Sweatshirt
Jumper: Zara
Skirt: Boden
Trainers: Converse

Boden trellis print dress
Dress: Boden
Trainers: Converse
Bag: Mulberry

Warehouse denim skirt and Boden sweatshirt
Jumper: Boden
Skirt: Warehouse
Boots: Zara

Thursday, July 14, 2016

If Mulberry Did Schoolbags

I love satchels. There is something effortless and a bit tongue in cheek about the, Kinda like "I could be in school - I'm obviously not - but if I was, this is what I would carry!". Quite often though, they are a bit big and butch for me - mainly because they are often created for men. 

The Mulberry Tillie Satchel has "stolen" classic satchel elements, shrunk the proportions a bit and added a few tweaks of its own. Instantly recognisable by the mock buckles it is one of those really versatile and practical styles that you can use for work and play alike.


Well, if you carry about as much as I do... Have a look!


If you like the Tillie range, have a look at my review for the Tillie Hobo!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

More July Print Outfits

You know I like my prints, so I managed to have one in each outfit last week - even that last casual one, where I sneaked in some stripes...

Warehouse dress and Zara shoes
Dress: Warehouse
Cardigan: Boden
Shoes: Zara

Pink cardigan and 50s retro print skirt
Top & Necklace: Topshop
Cardigan: Boden
Skirt: Next
Shoes: Zara

Boden Cardigan and retro print skirt
Top: Topshop
Cardigan: Boden
Skirt: Boden
Shoes: Dune

Warehouse midi skirt and textured Topshop Tshirt
T-Shirt & long sleeve top underneath: Topshop
Skirt: Warehouse
Trainers: Next

Boden Cashmere jumper, Next Jeans and Converse Trainers
Jumper: Boden
Top worn underneath: Topshop
Jeans: Next
Trainers: Converse

Monday, July 11, 2016

Covet Monday - Sweet Maple

Of all the currently introduced new styles that Mulberry has on offer, my favourite has to be the Maple:

An open tote, with short handles,  a long strap and a clever little pouch that can be attached to the outside or inside of the bag - or carried separately as a clutch.


I think Coca delivered on his promise to design beautiful but practical bags: The size is just right for nipping to the shops or popping in your office stuff (though I'd be careful carrying it on public transport, as there's no closure) and the strap makes it really versatile. 


 The leather feels lush but sturdy and like it would wear well.


Prices start at £795 for Black Flat Calf but (as per usual) my favourite is slightly more. I really like the colour combo in the Burgundy Printed Goat with its purple pouch and (£895) but - being my predictable self - my favourite is the Black Polished Embossed Croc (£995).



What do you think? Have you had a play or maybe even bought one?

Thursday, July 07, 2016

Laptop Sleeve Mulberry Style

I have that vision of myself in a power dress, high heels with my laptop carried in an elegant sleeve. Burst that bubble because I no longer wear heels, think power dresses make me look ridiculous and I usually carry my laptop in a rather ungraceful fashion. 

So for now my MacBook has a lovely and posh bed...



And this is what fits in...


Wednesday, July 06, 2016

New Block Colour Dress

I know I'm repeating lots of outfits but a new dress and a new combo last week! And a new photographer on the last pic...

Sweathshirt: Boden
Skirt: Zara
Trainers: Converse
Necklace: Accessorize

Boden dress and Kurt Geiger shoes
Dress: Boden
Shoes: Kurt Geiger

All Saints mini skirt with Zara top
Should you wonder why there are two pics, with one being a bit more than wonky: the left one was taken by little M. "No, Mama! I do picture!"
Top: Zara
Cardigan: H&M
Skirt: All Saints
Trainers: Converse

Monday, July 04, 2016

Covet Monday: Clever and Gorgeous

It seems that at the moment I am constantly stumbling across new handbag designers. Well, maybe I am looking more than I used to. Anyway, after discovering Strathberry, Linjer and Rodtnes I have now come across VVA Bags and I am so tempted!

Whilst they produce just a few styles, they offer these in a large choice of leathers and - what I love most - the different elements can be swapped out and the bags can be customised to fit different uses.

The bags are made in Britain (apparently in "deepest darkest Lancashire") with the exception of the hardware but they are hoping to change this in the future.

My favourite model is the Dahlia, a good work-sized tote. Prices start at £350.

VVA Dahlia Tote Purple


It features a removable zipped pouch/clutch, that can also be worn on its own. (Yes, I know. Mulberry does that with the Willow but I've never been a fan.) This pouch even has d-rings for attaching a chain or strap, both of which come with the bag. It also comes with a removable tassel, which you can replace with a different colour one. So what you're getting is:

- the tote,

- a zipped pouch/clutch (called Ivy),
- a leather strap,
- a keychain/chain strap,
- and a tassel.




The bag measures H29cm, W40cm D11cm, so you can fit in A4 and even a laptop. 
You can carry it by the short handle or on your shoulder by the leather strap. 
You can avoid scrambling for your keys in the bag by attaching it to the keychain. 
You can detach the Ivy pouch and use it as a clutch in the evening or attach the strap and carry it on your shoulder with your essentials.

Oh, and it comes in a printed leather.

VVS Dahlia Tote Mock Croc

So, a smart looking, practical, high quality bag. Perfect for work and it ticks pretty much all of my boxes. I need help.

Sunday, July 03, 2016

Cheshire Oaks July Stockcheck

I promised a while ago I'd do another Cheshire Oaks stock check. So again, not a very funny, witty or stylish - just informative.

A flying visit with not much time to stop and stare but quite a lot of stock, partially due to the sales. Didn't get the chance to get all the prices but this is what I managed:

Tempted: by that small Cara in quilted oatmeal (again!)
Surprised: large bow purse for £99
Disappointed by: Blossom Pouch - I know it's a great pricepoint but it just seems a bit flimsy.

Prices at the bottom!
 


























Mitzy 
Messenger in oak & black £295
Tote in oak & black £350

Somerset 
Satchel oak, black & chocolate £315
Tote chocolate £385
Shoulder black £?

Bayswater
Printed NVT in chocolate, black & oak £625
Putty & Camomile £625
Mandarin, Jungle green, Hibiscus, Sea Blue £695

Small Bayswater Satchel
Orange £625

Blossom
Tote black & oxblood £295
Red, blue, orange, green £229
Pochette £137
Pouch £62

Daria 
Hobo oxblood & black £555
Satchel oxblood & black £555

Effie
Tote black & oak pebbled £525
Satchel black & oak pebbled £455

Cara
Oversized black & oak NVT £840; green quilted £695
Regular oatmeal quilted £900 (sub)
Small oatmeal quilted £695

Alexa 
Regular oak & black polished buffalo £770 & shrunken calf poppy £795

Del Rey
Regular oak NVT £750 (microfibre lined), glossy goat red £695
Small red classic grain £495

Lily
Mini from 199, metallic £187
Regular lamb nappa indigo blue £350, beige (?) £525, mushroom classic grain £485, ostrich £1200, rose petal £485
Medium indigo blue £450, buttercream £610

Willow
Small classic calf oak £810, jungle hibiscus £699, black £750
Large oak £799 , black wit deep embossed clutch £945 

Roxette 
Small & Regular in black deep embossed £Sales prices 

Bayswater Double Zip Tote
Red & blue £1050

Bayswater Buckle
Mini woven blue £770, woven white £599
Regular mixed £799

Tessie 
Satchel Small red £249
Satchel Regular white & blue £415
Tote white & blue £415

Primrose 
Small red poppy £499
Large mixed £599

Suffolk
Smallshrunken calf red £699

Delphie 
Small woven £429

Bayswater Clutch Wallet
various £345

Belts
from £50

Purses
from £95 for NVT printed
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...