22 Mulberry Bags

I listen to you guys. I really do. And when a couple of you said that the quality of my videos wasn't great (I never watch them back, so didn't realise how bad it was), I remembered that little camera I bought about a year ago.

So whilst I still have all my 22 Mulberry bags, I thought I'd re-shoot the collection. 

Not sure if I'm telling you the same stuff or new things but here we go: all my Mulberry bags in one video!

My Mulberry Collection - June 2017 Snapshot

So I was having a bit of a tidy and also thinking about how many bags I have - and how many I actually need. I'm trying to decide which ones to move on and am finding it way harder than it should be. Their bags for goodness sake! This is not Sophie's Choice! 

Anyway, I will hopefully be able to decide soon and the collection won't look like it does right now for much longer 

- so I thought I'd give a quick peek!

Which one is your favourite? And what will I let go???

Pretty Versatile

I love a nice tote. For me, the ideal one will have some structure to it, so it doesn't just puddle when you put it down, have an optional closure, long enough handles to be carried on the shoulder and a little zip/secure compartment to keep valuables safe. As it is such an everyday style, I want it to be either really robust and not very susceptible to stains and scratches, or be made of the kind of leather which will age beautifully - and where scratches just add to the character.

Mulberry's Cecily Tote is ticking pretty much all of the above boxes: Sturdy and structured... 

 ...with a closure (which is pretty to boot)...

...and handles that are long enough for me to carry the bag on my shoulder. (And despite them being made from metal, they are actually comfortable.)

There is also a small inside zip pocket and the bottom is adorned by four cute, flower-shaped feet, which will protect the leather somewhat from scuffs.

But let's have a look what I can fit in...

The Nest - Access All Areas

I hope you enjoyed part 1 and part 2 of my interviews with Shian - here is the conclusion!

Do you have any ideas how many bags you have sold?

That’s a good question and would take quite a lot of archive delving to find out! I do know that on an average (non promotional) day at the Nest, there are usually between 3 and 5 purchases which for one person is quite manageable. It gets a bit manic at Sale time, when I draft in hubby to help me, as purchases can spike up to 50 in a single day. Thankfully he’s now a dab hand at gift wrapping, knows his way to the Post Office in his sleep and best of all, he’s free!

What were highlights for you over the last 11 years?

Probably the launch of the website, 5 years ago. It was a bit of a leap of faith setting up on my own as having the massive audience of ebay for so long, it felt like the Nest might be forgotten or overlooked. Thankfully, my lovely and loyal rock bed of clients gave me so much support that within a few months it was obvious that it was the best thing I’ve ever done. Getting on to the first page of Google felt fabulous too as this brings in even more bag-loving folk and lots of people find the Nest via Google images, (the lamps in virtually every Mulberry Search you can do!).

 
Do you have a funny/interesting anecdote to share?
 

Two rather embarrassing incidents spring to mind…..The first one was many, many years ago when I was just starting out on ebay and didn’t have the reams and reams of tissue paper and bubblewrap that I do now. I was photographing a little Mulberry Tyler bag and the closest things to hand to stuff the bag with was from my underwear drawer. I selected some non-holey socks and began snapping away. Of course, when the bag sold and I posted it out I soon realised I’d posted all the socks out with it! The buyer was delighted with the bag and thankfully was in stitches about the socks. (I was just relieved they were some of my better pairs!)

The other incident was shamefully only a few years ago now. The Nest’s Re-use / Recycling policy basically works on the basis that, like me, most people don’t like packaging waste and are happy to receive pre-used cardboard boxes when they buy an item. Being very lucky that my local corner shop saves all their boxes for me, I rather obliviously posted a clients very lovely new LV out in one of these and looked forward to hearing from the her, (as it was a really stunning bag!). The next day she got in touch, absolutely thrilled to bits with her LV…..but…..did I realise the box was from ‘Tena Lady’. Oooops. After much effusive apologies I think my client saw the funny side! (I do now make a conscious check of the origin of the boxes I use now and make sure none of the ones from the Chemist sneak in!)

Do you have any plans for the Nest?  

Just carrying on as I’ve always done really. The last 11yrs has been amazing and I’d love to hope the next 11 will be even better. :) (I might retire then, but I doubt it!)

Well, even if our bank balances (or husbands/boyfriends...) wish you'd close up shop, we sure hope you carry on, Shian! 

Check back for some top tips from Shian on how to make your bag look its best!

A Bit of Power from Knomo

I have been a fan of Knomo for quite some time. Most of my laptop bags have been Knomo bags and when my most used one broke, I had it fixed and am using it again.

These days though, I have gotten into the habit of carrying a "normal" handbag and then having my laptop in a separate sleeve (yes, that one is also a Knomo). A full laptop bag usually comes into force when I fly and I am already carrying a pushchair and little M's bag - another two for me would probably just kill me.

Anyway, my point is really that I hadn't browsed the Knomo site for a while as I simply didn't have the need to shop for a new laptop bag.

- And yet I am writing a covet post? Yep. It just so happened that Knomo have now brought out something that I really want: Powered bags. Using an iPhone6 (and with "using", I mean constantly being on it) means I have more than once experienced the dreaded "10% battery charge left" message. For my day to day life, I can usually be organised enough to charge it before I get to that. However, flying with little M really brings the need of having a fully functioning phone up a notch. If you have ever traveled with a toddler you will know what I mean and my iPhone is a crutch I am clinging onto rather gratefully.

Anyway, bags or purses with integrated power packs aren't anything new but the ones I had seen before just seemed purely functional, not very stylish and not really something I coveted before. The idea of combining a pretty yet functional zipped purse with a battery pack that extends my phone's life is really appealing to me and Knomo is offering three that I am considering:

Bond Charge Purse £119

Full grain leather available in 5 colours, I love the grey leather with pink power pack. Essentially a zippered pouch that will hold your phone and a few bits and bobs.

Dering Charging Power Purse £99

Similar to the Bond purse but made from stain protected fabric and trimmed with leather. Also 5 colour options. However, whereas the Bond purse features just one section, this one has two. Not huge though, so you'd just fit your phone and a few small bits and bobs.

Elektronista Digital Clutch Bag £249

Quite a bit of a hike in price, this isn't just a zippered purse. This is a fully-grown clutch bag, that opens up to reveal a number of sections and pockets where you can store not just your phone and heaphones etc but also your iPad, pens, money, credit cards and so on. It also comes with a long strap that allows you to carry it on your shoulder or even cross body, so actually really good for traveling.

So all I need to do now is decide, which one I want... hm...