Early Summer Outfits

Last week felt really summery - look: three outfits without even my cardigan on! I have to admit to wearing one in the morning - though I did leave without a coat!

Dress: Primark

Shoes: Zara

Top: Warehouse

Skirt: Miss Selfridge

Trainers: Converse

Bag: Strathberry

Top: Warehouse

Skirt: Miss Selfridge

Trainers: Converse

Top: Primark

Cardigan: Boden

Skirt: Warehouse

Trainers: Converse

Head vs. Heart

Ok, so maybe I am over-dramatising a bit. (Me? Never!) But seriously: after I figured out only recently that the oh-so-coveted Strathberry Tote had a serious design flaw, which made it impossible for me to use as a work bag, I thought I'd step back for a bit and re-consider. 

Though said issue won't be as deal-breaking in the smaller-sized Midi Tote, I hadn't planned on jumping straight onto the next want-this-Strathberry story. And then they send me an email, which goes all "AW 2016 Preview" (*insert mocking voice*) and shows me this. 

 Strathberry Midi Tote Charcoal Tri Colour, £450 

This has to be my favourite: such a classy grey, inject a bit of pretty, whimsy and fun with a pastel shade in lilac but prevent it from going 00's 2-tone by adding navy. I'm already building an outfit around it. And I don't do that.

 

 Strathberry Midi Tote Metallic Dusty Pink, £475

Dusty Pink - whatever. That looks rose gold to me and rose-gold anything is a "yes, yes, yes!" in my book. Oh, and to top it off it's saffiano, which doesn't only add some weighty texture to prevent it looking all shiny and twee but also makes it more resistant to scrapes and smudges. My inner German loves it.

 

Strathberry Midi Tote Black Haircalf, £495 

Never been a big fan of haircalf when Mulberry did it. Usually that was done on slouchy bags, such as the Alexa and I just always thought it looks a bit like a cuddly toy you're carrying around but also that it's so unpractical as it will, eventually, go bald. No danger in thinking anything cuddly with this structured bag. It just is so perfect juxtaposed against the clear lines. And I don't care about the bald. I'll tell the inner German to shut up.

I mean, what am I even supposed to do?!

Don't answer that.

Not So Sensible Tote

That'll teach me to finally be brave and spend money on something I think would be perfect...

The objective was to buy a handbag that would look smart, yet pretty, be big enough to hold A4 and have a long strap so I could carry it on my shoulder or even cross body. As I am a big fan of my Strathberry MC Midi, I ordered myself a gorgeous Strathberry Tote in burgundy. It arrived and I was over the moon. It was so beautiful I wanted to cry. 

I then had a closer look and found one small detail that would turn it into a complete deal breaker...

Pros

Very well wrapped and packed: 

 big sturdy box,

 another lovely box for storage.

Wrapped and stuffed with plenty of silk paper.

 And, as you'd expect with a bag of this value, it comes in its own branded dustbag.

 
The leather is a gorgeous colour, the burgundy is a very rich and lovely tone.

The bag is nice and light (so much lighter than my Bayswater).

Good size (fits A4 and/or my Macbook and has enough space in the bottom, due to the depth of the bag and provides enough space for my purse, Planner etc. 

The strap length can be altered at either end, which is much nicer than (how Mulberry do it) with a buckle in the middle, which might dig into your shoulder.

As I already expected/knew: uncluttered design, nice quality, understated, good balance when holding by the handle, not overly fiddly to open, inside zip and slip pocket, though roomy not too bulky.

Cons

This I knew but was ok with: 

Manmade fauxsuede lining; at £475 I would maybe argue that for a brand that builds on "no brand name but high quality" I'd expect suede
Very light lining, I would possibly be worried about marking it, only small zip pocket (not big enough for even the smallest purse)

And now the dealbreaker:
Due to its uncluttered and sleek design, the d-rings are attached right between the top bit, i.e. the clasp will sit slightly between the bits that are supposed to close snugly (with the aid of two magnets).  

 
And now (for me) the big no-no: any sort of weight in there (I know on the pic it has my Macbook but I tried this just my purse and planner) and the long strap will pull the sides outwards. As this bag is not only styled but "statically" designed around its structure (i.e. it's hard and doesn't bend or slouch), I'd expect the sides to be bent outwards eventually and become "ears". 

If I was to redesign this bag I would move the the d-rings somewhere, where a the attached clasp will no longer sit between the top lip. As they fold down I would just move them up enough so - when folded up - they are clear of said lip. I understand why they were positioned where they are but for me this was a decision of looks over function. Good design ought to encompass both.

If I was happy to carry the bag just by it's grab handle, I would have put up with this but as I generally want a long strap on my bags. Also, the handle is so short you won't get it on your shoulder at all. I'm not one for just "holding" my bag.

Anyway. I'm absolutely gutted to have to return this bag. May the search for a smart, practical and pretty work bag continue! Any suggestions?

Pretty Sensible Tote

I know I have the habit of going on about stuff that I fancy getting - and then I never do. But every now and then I go beyond fancying something from afar and actually buy it. 

I've been intrigued by Strathberry since I discovered their fundraiser on kickstarter.  And I've been a big fan since I took delivery of the MC Midi. A satchel shape with a formal twist, it's the perfect work bag for days when I don't need to carry too much. Since starting my new job though, I have been wishing for a larger bag, which will hold A4 and can be carried on the shoulder. I love my Bayswater but find her too heavy for the everyday commute.
 
I had long been coveting a Strathberry Tote but had been unsure whether it would a) look too big on me and b) be practical. A quick search on Pinterest lead me to a Bethany's blog post with some lovely model shots and what tipped me over was her statement that she carries a 13" laptop in the bag. Perfect! After some dithering between colours I have ordered the Strathberry Tote in burgundy and it should be arriving tomorrow. Eeek!

So watch this space for the upcoming review!

A Very Special Delivery

I know I seem to be practically married to my Mulberrys but that doesn't mean I won't allow another brand in my closet - at least as a bit "on the side". In August I had discovered and then subsequently backed Strathberry in their Kickstarter campaign and my newly made MC Midi was delivered at the end of October.

Apparently I was remarkably restrained in my unboxing, so if you fancy seeing me carefully unwrap my precious new bag, you can watch it here.

First impressions:

Nicely wrapped and packed. Big box, inside which I find the Strathberry branded box. The bag comes in its own dustbag and I get a couple of envelopes, one which contains some info on leather care and the other one with a small credit card sized card with a 10% discount code for my next order.

Lovely quality. The stitching, the leather, the soft gold hardware, the subtle branding. Everything quietly, yet confidently whispers quality, craftsmanship and understated style.

I'm surprised though to see that two different hides seem to have been used, the grain is slightly different between the main body and the zip pocket on the front. Not really something I'd even have noticed a while ago - goes to show that I am getting a tad to obsessed with this whole handbag stuff.

Smaller than I thought, feels a bit like an Anti-Tardis, as the outside is reasonably big but I can't see myself fitting a huge amount in. Maybe I am just too used to soft-sided bags - this one is certainly very structured.

The outside pocket with the beautifully running zip will be really useful for bits and bobs that I want to access quickly though I won't be able to put anything bulky in there.

When I open the bag, i.e. its top flap, the leather creases and wrinkles. It will be interesting to see whether these wrinkles will settle or affect the design.

The style looks formal but quirky enough to juxtapose with a casual outfit. I probably still prefer the look of the Nano or Mini though those would be prohibitively small.

Measurements:
Width: 34cm (13.5"), Height: 24.5cm (9.5"), Depth: 8.5cm (3.5"), Handle drop: 7cm (2.75")

All in all very happy with my purchase - I am really picking to find fault here - and I shall report back after I've used her a few times. 

One of my Five a Day - Strathberry

Ok, so you know I like handbags. Usually expensive handbags. Usually Mulberry. Though every now and then I come across another designer whose bags make me swoon just as much. If not more.

Strathberry of Scotland, who recently ridiculously overachieved their Kickstarter goal by 390% (!) describe themselves as an "independent luxury brand and design house". Their emphasis is on classic designs and craftsmanship and the video of how their signature style tote is created is pure bag porn.

I would be happy with pretty much any of their models and had initially pledged - via said Kickstarter project - for a MC Mini but then changed it to a MC Midi. I just think I'll use her much more and she won't compete with my Ledbury or Alexa. Whereas the Mini I would have liked in Powder Blue (which strangely wasn't offered), the Midi I went for in the end was a navy one.

I believe production will start shortly and delivery is planned for October - which makes this a perfect subject for my covet Monday - can't wait!

Image from Strathberry