Mulberry Muse

This Mulberry Edie is a bit of a deja-vu bag if you've seen my review of the Postman's Lock Satchel. Well, it is pretty much the same bag, just done in a different leather and with the more quirky guitar style strap - which I actually prefer. 

 

Size wise it's very similar to an Alexa - but see for yourself!

Yay: New Work Tote!

So I'm back from my week's holiday (don't they always fly by too fast?!) and whilst my newly planted dahlias in the garden have been been decimated by snails and slugs, my newly acquired VVA Dahlia Tote looks just as lovely as she did when she arrived a few days ago.

So far so good. I packed her up for work and off we went. Want to see what fits in and how I got on?

Pretty Pastel Purse

Maybe you saw me unboxing a this Mulberry purse last week alongside a Small Bayswater Satchel and a bracelet and fancied having a closer look?

Not just a lovely colour but lots of space inside - check it out!

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???

Bag Logic

Passing through these pages I would completely forgive you if you said I was bag-mad. A bit obsessed. And if you thought that I just bought handbags on a whim. Of course, if you read my back and forth with the Roxette and Cara, you'll know that I am probably more the exact opposite. That I overthink my purchases at times.

The truth is, that I do both. Sometimes I think and analyse to the nth degree. Then a bag, which I loved and would probably work very well, becomes almost unfeasible and I abandon the idea altogether. Then again I might see something that I just pounce on. Usually (and thankfully) the impulse buys tend to be comparatively affordable. Well, everything is relative...

Anyway, I thought it might be useful for me to share the reasonable levels of consideration that  give a bag purchase. I think buying your first designer handbag can be quite daunting - even if we don't consider questions around authenticity, where to buy and budget. 

When considering a bag for myself (or advising somebody else on a purchase), I would always consider the following:

1. Lifestyle
What kind of bag would you use most often? Do you want something for a night out, a special occasion or day to day? Would a bag that's suitable for work be the best investment piece?

2. Size
The above will make you think about which occasion you want your bag for. So how much would you want to carry on those occasions? Just a purse, phone and key? Or maybe even just lippy and a credit card? Or will you want to lug around snacks, a change of clothes, dummies, toys..? The bigger the bag, the more you might try to carry, whilst a smaller one might discipline you into thinking what's important and what can stay at home. Also, don't underestimate how much all your stuff weighs.

3. Use

How do you like to organise your bag's contents? Do you prefer a boxy style that retains its shape? Or something lose and casual. Do you hate rooting around your bag and want to be able to find everything quickly? How do you want to carry your bag? Do you need to be hands free? (Maybe because you're chasing after a toddler or carrying something else.) Do you have any issues with your neck or back that would make it uncomfortable to be carried a certain way? Or would a heavy bag cause any issues? Are you fine having to baby a bag or do you need something you don't mind getting wet, e.g. because you commute and might have to walk in the rain.  
And then I'd decide on what I do and don't want from the below:

Size

Self explanatory, right? How big is the bag - what does it hold?
Big - holds your kitchen sink
Medium - typical handbag size
Small - fit in your key items (purse, keys, phone, tissues...)
Mini - essentials only (key, credit card, coin purse)

Strap
How can you carry this bag?
Very Short - handheld or crook of arm only
Short - maybe just about on the shoulder
Medium - carry on the shoulder
Long - carry cross body (or usually: adjust to taste)

Weight
Closely linked to size and strap is weight. A big bag will most likely weigh more than a small one - as will its contents. A long strap can make carrying your bag much easier, if it's too heavy it might still prove a struggle for everyday use. Then there is the choice of leather, that can make a real difference. Especially important if you have issues with your shoulder(s) or arm(s). The below are all relative to yourself, of course. What's heavy for some, might be no problem for others.
Light - no problem to carry
Medium - no big issue if carried for short times
Heavy - best to sit on a chair or the car seat next to you. Not really a daily commute bag. (My Roxanne falls into this but I can make her somewhat easier to use with a wide guitar strap.)

 

Structure
How boxy or slouchy is this bag? Will it fall into a puddle if empty?
Slouchy - yep, this one puddles
Boxy - will hold its shape

Care
How sensitive is the leather/finish? Will two drops of rain have you run for cover or is it one of those bags that you can chuck in the corner without worrying?
High Maintenance - take outside at your own peril, order an extra chair at dinner
So so - treat her with respect, treat with Collonil and be a bit careful
Bomb Proof - well, maybe not quite bombs but raindrops, baby dribble or even a drop of wine 
- as long as she's been Collonil'd you don't have to worry.

Colour
I'm a sucker for Mulberry NVT Oak and think it kind of goes with everything. But then again, I also never match shoes and belt or bag. For me, function always comes first. But maybe you're looking for a specific colour, or for one that will go with an existing outfit? I If you are, you might already exclude certain styles, that simply didn't come in your desired hue. If you're not looking for a specific shade, it's still worth considering the following choices:
Neutral light - nudes or oak, I think goes with everything
Neutral dark - black or very dark blue
Pop of colour - punchy, you have to be happy for your bag to either stand out or have the wardrobe to match/harmonise

Accessibility
I like doing the "queue test": Imagine you're stood in a queue and have to fish out your purse, travel ticket or passport quickly without setting your bag down. Does it work? How quickly? I like bags I can work cross body for that reason but have found other bags that I expected fiddly to be ok - and others that I thought would be ok don't work quite as well.
Fiddly - yep, takes me a while and/or I have to worry to drop something (or maybe I look like an idiot doing it?)
With Practice - might seem fiddly at first but once you get the hang of it, no problem.
Easy - open, retrieve item, close. That simple.

Occasion

Are you looking for a bag for every day or for a (fancy) occasion? I personally don't do any matching of shoes with bags and am happy to carry something sparky with my jeans - but you might think differently.

Dressy - something very pretty, maybe sparkly, probably best for a special occasion

Everyday - goes with a day outfit, doesn't look too dressy

What I do now, is exclude all bags that contradict what I would select as a 'must have' from above. And look closer at those that tick multiple boxes - or at least those that are most important. And then I have a pretty good shopping list. (If you're new to (vintage) Mulberry, have a look at my review archive, where you can find reviews of lots of Mulberry models - and match them against your shopping list.) What's your absolute must have?

My Bag Collection: Mulberry Small Bayswater Buckle

"My Bag Collection" feature is really just about the bags that managed to stay in this whirlwind of buying, trying out and selling. So far I have only featured my Alexa (my first new and bought from Mulberry direct) and my Mini Alexa (with me on every holiday) as these were the only two I was  100% sure would be staying.

My Small Bayswater Buckle is a fairly recent addition and I only started using her a couple of weeks ago. And yet, I am pretty sure she's going to stay. How come? I absolutely love her!

Model
Mulberry Small Bayswater Buckle

Size
ca 30cm - 43cm wide, 27cm high, 15cm deep

Features
Interior zip and slip pocket, postman lock closure.

Style
Relaxed formal, i.e. not as formal as a classic Bayswater but more so than a tote. Quite boxy and therefore roomy. Works well as a workbag (though not really A4 compatible) but also as a cute weekend bag - as long as you don't need a long strap to remain hands free.

When I use her
Mainly for work. She's a perfect size to get all that stuff that I lug to and from work (excluding laptop), more lightweight than my Bayswater and surprisingly easy to carry - despite the short handles.

Fits
All the following in a Love Lolo liner: Purse, Naked Cow Fauxdori with 4 Fieldnote-sized inserts, Mulberry Multizip Pouch, 2 shopping bags, handcream, inhaler, car keys, phone (normally x 2), tissues, Boden leather pouch, work pass, Mulberry train pass holder.

Recommended Care
Use Collonil Gel for cleaning and nourishing and finish off with Collonil Waterstop spray to protect. For more info, check out my full video review here. 

So there you go - an incredibly fast acceptance into my little bag family! 

Love at Second Sight

Sometimes you need a couple of tries to fall in love...

My last Mulberry Roxanne had been sitting in my wardrobe for way too long, I just found her way too heavy and unpractical. I ended up selling her. And then I kinda missed her - so bought a new one. Only this time I soon after bought a long strap that allowed me to carry her on the shoulder or even cross body. And suddenly everything that seemed fiddly and unpractical before, worked really well: the closure, the two front pockets, the size. Even the weight didn't bother me that much anymore, as the strap is wide and comfortable.

So a couple of weeks ago, I packed her up as my daily work bag - and I've been using her ever since. Have a look what fits in!

Shrunken Workhorse

"That's a big box!" Sound familiar? That's how I regularly greet our postman or the comment I get from Mr. G or little M when rocking up with the last Post Office collection. Usually the box is massive but holds, predictably, a not too tiny bag. Like a Bayswater. Or the rather large Rodtnes bag - which I did return, as it was simply too big. 

And then I receive a padded envelope, probably about A4 size. Quite heavy though. And something rattles..? It couldn't be..?! Yep. The point I was trying to make (besides that fact that somebody sent me a Mulberry bag in a padded envelope!) is that this Mulberry Brooke was rather smaller than I expected. Did you realise it was closer to 'dinky handbag size' than to 'regular satchel size'?

Well, it was. Curious what I could fit in?

PS: Tell me; are my titles getting too tedious? Brooke is an international animal welfare charity helping improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules. I almost called this post "Shetland Pony" - but that might have been one step too far..?

Little Mushroom

There are always those bags where I don't get what the fuss is about. Like the Mulberry Willow. I don't know why but it just never appealed to me. 

On a different note: I always kinda liked Metallic Mushroom leather but have never been as enthused about it as some of my friends. On closer inspection though, it is rather lovely.

I also always kinda liked the Mini Bayswater Buckle but never really tried it out. Until recently when I picked up one of these little gems at Cheshire Oaks.

Prior to sending her off to her new owner, I did a brief unboxing and review. Have a look!

Everyday Satchel

Yes, I know. When it comes to handbags, I am a bit of a one trick pony. Apart from the odd dabble with other brands, be it highstreet or slightly higher end, my day to day bags tend to be Mulberrys. That's partially because I just love Mulberry but also because I have not found any other model that worked really well as an everyday lug-my-stuff-to-work-bag. 

Well, after a recommendation by a lovely lady who follows me on YouTube, I picked up this Fossil Sydney Satchel.
      Actually, "picked up" is way too simple an explanation. Try "hunted one down online in Germany, luckily a city nearby my parent's place, located said seller and handed over cash at his bachelor pad to obtain".

Aaaanyway, I have since then been using it off an on and whilst it doesn't make my heart jump as my Mulberrys do, I genuinely like it and - more importantly - it really works for me.

Little Miss Perfect

Do you remember me falling in love with the Mulberry Cara? And then the back and forth that followed? Well, you know I finally went for the Cara but (honestly) I've been thinking about whether I could justify getting a Mini as well... So when I came across this one, I snapped it up - and I have to say, I love the size!

 Fancy having a look what fits in?

Three Of a Kind

Last week I promised you a comparison between Mulberry's Roxanne, Rosemary and Blenheim. Whilst the Roxanne is quite big and a bit heavy, the Blenheim is pretty small and does not not always fit all my bits and bobs. I found the Rosemary to be a perfect size for myself - but then I am usually very happy to sit in the middle...

Do you carry lots of stuff or just essentials? Do you mind carrying a heavy handbag or does that not bother you? Which one out of the three would be your favourite?

Raspberry Tote

Just when I think I now know pretty much all Mulberry bags, I come across another one I've never seen before. This Leigh Tote is from around 2008 and surprisingly spacious. Not only does it hold a fair amount, it also holds A4 format with ease - and is comfortable to carry on the shoulder!

(And because of the colour I have Prince signing Raspberry Beret in my head...)

But have a look what I've fitted in!

Royal Mulberry

I had never seen this style of Mulberry before: a Henley. Granted, you look at it now and might think 'it looks a bit dated' - but does it really? Imagine if that style had been picked instead of the Bayswater to be re-born every season in new leathers and new finishes. The practicality should have ensured longevity. But instead it kind of disappeared into obscurity. Which is a real shame as it is a lovely and truly usable bag!

And talking about useable - let's have a look what we can fit in!

Classic Mini Tote

Possibly my last review of a vintage Mulberry. At least for now. Well, I think I'm pretty much up to date as far as my current collection is concerned - but you might know that it does change from time to time...

This Mulberry Hellier ticks many boxes for me: robust printed leather, easy access via zip - and the option to carry it with a long strap!

...and how much can you fit in?

Mulberry Roll

After my ramblings about 'good old Mulberry' and that Rampling Tote review, I am still in the land of vintage - though I was reliably informed that the one I'm showing you this week is merely 10 years old and therefore not truly vintage.

Well, this Mulberry one's look is quite far from the bags of past years and current styles alike and Scotchgrain is one of those things you either like or not. I kind of like to think of it as the Louis Vuitton Canvas version: bomb proof signature style. And this bag's shape is even  similar to the Speedy...

PS: Apparently it is called a 'Bauletto', which is Italian for 'vanity bag' or 'traveling case'. Or 'filled meat roll'. They all kind of fit - don't you think?

Saturday Tote

Talking about recent changes and the "good old Mulberry", there are some styles that will remain loved whether they're considered to be "in fashion" or not.

This Rampling Tote in Olive Kenya is a timeless, practical and mercifully robust style - perfect for running weekend errands!

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!

My Bag Collection: Mulberry Alexa

It might look like I have lots and lots of bags but many of them come and go. If you know me and/or my blog you will be well aware that a bag is really only allowed to stay if it is practical and if I get good use out of it. Ok, exceptions apply, but I tend to think that it's pretty pointless to have a bag sat in your wardrobe. Get it out. Use it. And if it doesn't work for you: move it on.

This is the second post in my series of giving you a bit more info on the bags that are "keepers". After showing you what's so great about the Mulberry Mini Alexa, I am now going to tell you why the regular Alexa is one of my most used bags!

Model
Mulberry Alexa (Regular) in Black Soft Buffalo Leather

Size
33cm wide, 23cm high, 16.5cm deep

Features
Postman Lock and magnetic strap closure. Fully lined. Interior slip and interior zip pocket. Removable and adjustable strap.

Style
Heavily inspired by the traditional satchel shape (though deeper), the Alexa is probably most known for its slouchy shape and rock'n'roll style. This is my ultimate "just throw it on" bag, due to its size, long strap (you know how much I like to carry my bags cross body) and low maintenance leather. More casual than a typical workbag, I use it for work nevertheless and think it works absolutely fine - especially in black.

When do I use her
At the moment this is my daily work commute bag. (My laptop doesn't fit, so that goes into a separate, simple sleeve.) As I said above: this is my go-to bag and if I can't decide which one to take, I usually end up taking my Alexa.

Fits
Samorga insert for Alexa, Van der Spek Nomad (TN-sized Midori) with pen, Naked Cow FN-sized Midori with 4 inserts & pen, pencil case, Mulberry French Purse, travel card, access card, various charger cable, tissues, handcream, lip salve, inhalers, ibuprofen, various letters & paperwork, compact shopping bag, keys*,  work phone* & iPhone*
*yes, I forgot these in the pics

Recommended Care
Use Collonil Gel for cleaning and nourishing and finish off with Collonil Waterstop spray to protect.

For further info (including how to convert it to a rucksack!) have a look at the various reviews I've done on the Alexa
Alexa - general
Alexa - with Samorga 
Alexa - as baby bag
Alexa - strap conversion

Which one is your go-to bag?

Mulberry Being a Bit Chanel

Is it a purse, it is a bag?

Mulberry's Bayswater Clutch Wallet clearly took (ahem) inspiration from Chanel's famous Wallet On a Chain - or WOC as it is often called. A large purse with enough space for a phone a couple of essentials but also a zip pocket (for chain) and some credit card slips. Carry it underneath your arm, clutch-style or attach the chain and wear it on your shoulder or even cross-body - super versatile. And you know what I'm like when it gets to finding pieces that are practical and useable!

Want to see it in action?