Last of the Summer Sales - Boden

The summer sales have been going on for so long that by now you'd expect to be scraping the fashion barrel for any remaining items that are not only bargains but also actually wearable. I am trying to be really good as I think I keep creating a "need" where there truly is only a faint want but I still allowed myself a browse on one of my favourite online shops: Boden.

I generally buy knitwear, dresses and skirts at Boden and what I love is that they keep re-including certain favourite styles from season to season. Over the years I have now bought a few of those in different colours or prints. Boden's florals and other patterns were absolutely  gorgeous this spring/summer season but I couldn't justify buying lots of dresses and skirts - so now might be the time, especially with our summer feeling more like spring.

Earlier in the year, I already purchased the Eliza Tunic Dress in this Navy Leafy Trellis and have worn it lots. 










 
I also loved it in Lavender Grey Botanical but stuck to getting just the one. It's now down from £99 to £59.40, so I might just take the plunge.

Shortly after buying the dress, I got the Modern Pencil Skirt in the same pattern and as it fitted me so well I also bought it in Red Graphic Geo and am now tempted by the Green version of that colourway. That one is now down from £59 to £41.30 (or if you'd like the Red version, that's down to £29.50!).









The item I have been coming back for every season is the Cropped Cashmere Cardigan. Being petite, the cut is ideal for me as it ends above the hips and won't interfere with the waistline of a dress or a jutting out/voluminous skirt. The fact that it comes in lots of different colours, usually updated every season, just means you can pick one each season. They do machine wash, though I found they tend to shrink a fair bit after a while (even if you stretch them carfefully after washing), so after 2 years I bought another black one as my "older" one (left) black one is now *very* cropped and only fits over sleeveless topss. Normally selling for £89, the sale price dropped (depending on colour) to £44.50 - £71.20.
   
Are you still shopping the sales? And if so, what have you bought?

Covet Monday - Cara on Location

Ok, so I really hadn't planned on doing *another* covet post on handbags after last Monday's. Certainly not on Mulberry.

But being on holiday - and having a babysitter available (thanks mum & dad) - meant not only the possibility of having a play with  the newly landed Roxette (and to decide on size and leather) but also to check out the not before visited Mulberry store in Frankfurt.

Upon entering, I was immediately welcomed and offered help but then happily left to browse. A few minutes later the lovely sales assistant, who had greeted me initially, came back and cooed over my cabbage green Mini Aexa, which kicked off a long conversation about classic pieces and other bags in my collection. Both happy to chat, we talked about old and new bags and she was either a very good actress or clearly excited to talk to somebody who is slightly Mulberry-obsessed.

Meanwhile, I had a look at all Roxettes on offer: a blue printed small one and black and oak regular-sized. I dismissed the regular one straight away: just too big. I liked the shape and the cross-body-ness of the small one but wasn't as impressed with the leather as I thought I'd be. 

 The print on the blue wasn't as deep/pronounced as I would have hoped and the oak (Calfskin) was much more similar to the pebbled oak of Effie rather than the classic oak (Natural Leather) I have seen on Bayswater or Cara. I also slightly struggled with the buckle opening. All together a bit of a "Meh"-moment after all the build-up.







I totally surprised myself though by falling head over heels with a bag I had previously dismissed: the Cara. Specifically the Mini Cara ticked a lot of boxes:

• Dinky enough for my small frame yet probably just as roomy as my Ledbury as she is quite high. 
• Flexible carry options and with a bit of tinkering suitable for cross-body wearing.
• Perfect in finish: I would love to buy a NVT Oak bag from new and see her age. :)

  
So with a price tag of £795 she is also much more affordable than the Roxette (£995 for small oak) and would make perfect use of the voucher I have left to spend.







In re. to the store:

Setup:  

Like all Mulberry stores, it was light and airy, and even though it is quite "deep" and could have easily ended up being dark at the far end, it never felt that way. Fashion is placed at the end of the shop with a comfortable lounge-type area, creating a nice flow & resting point. Plenty of space to wander around and lots of class-topped cabinets afford space to have a play with the goods on show.

Stock: 

Good choice overall with core styles available in core and seasonal colours. 

Noteworthy for myself was also the small Jamie: I was surprisingly impressed by the conversion between short (shoulder) and long (cross body) strap and thought the size and was great. Closure with a non-fuss zip was a bonus.

 

A couple of exclusives, such as the Aligator printed Lily. (Beautiful and shiny, though a smidge out of my budget at over €12k)




 



Sales Assistants: I really can't praise them enough. They were welcoming and attentive and found just the right balance of giving you attention but leaving you to browse. I was offered a drink after a few minutes and encouraged to have a play with whichever bag I wanted. I also saw them take a couple of items outside for customers trying to decide on colour, to see the finish in daylight/sunshine. (Stark contrast: at Louis Vuitton I was stared down and followed around by security. I reckon, they'd have body checked me, had I asked to see an item right outside the store door. Did I look that dodgy?!)


Location:
The location is, predictably, on Frankfurt's high-end street Goethestrasse, with Louis Vuitton, CHANEL, Burberry and the likes nearby. Parking is available either right outside (if you are lucky) or in the Goetheplatz underground carpark.

 


I really should have taken lots more pictures of the store but feel I can now justify another visit soon. :)

So after all that spiel just to summarise - this week's covetable item is the Mulberry Mini Cara in Oak Natural Leather. And she might actually be mine soon. Watch this space!

Unicorn Satchel

I actually did this video review some time ago and then completely forgot to write up a blog post - so here it is now.

Another one of these fairly rare ones, Mulberry's Postman's Lock Satchel features the timeless styling that makes you wonder why they ever dropped the design. I'd say the PLS is like a slightly more grown up, less fussy and less rock'n'roll Lexie. Very pretty but not overly girly, the shape is pretty practical too. Oh, and you have a long (=cross-body!) strap in there too. :)

More Outfits - Sporty and Girly

I shall try and do a weekly post of this, so should you be interested, do pop by every Wednesday when you can see (some of) my last week's outfits. If you want to be really up to date (not that my clothes are) follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, where I tend to post what I wear on the day.  

 Top: Warehouse

Leather Skirt: Mango

Trainers: Converse

Necklace: Accessorize

 Top & Skirt: Zara

Cardigan: Boden

Trainers: Converse

Necklace: Matalan

 Dress & Shoes: Zara

Cardigan: Boden

Necklace: Topshop

 Dress: Zara

Cardigan: Boden

Leather Jacket: Topshop

Trainers: Converse

Top: Topshop

Cardigan: Mango

Skirt: Next

Shoes: Zara

Necklace: Topshop

Motivation Monday - She's Got The Look

Hotel Chocolate Salted Caramel Puddles.
A massage.
Boden's Cropped Cashmere Cardigans.

All things that I'd classify as little (or big) luxuries.

Even if you love your job, Monday mornings can be hard. So what better motivation than reminding yourself what you could do with some of your hard-earned cash. I am therefore introducing "Motivation Monday", where I shall feature things on my wish dream list.

And I'm starting with a pretty big ticket item: the recently launched Mulberry Roxette. Despite carrying the name of a rather successful, yet slightly overstyled early 90s Swedish band (for those who've never heard of them:  that's what the title of this article eludes to), the bag concerned is a rather unfussy and contemporary take on Mulberry's Roxanne. For me the main attraction lies in how her shape showcases the leather and I am currently swaying between oak (can you imagine how beautiful that would age?!) and midnight blue croc calfskin. I need to have a proper look at her in a shop (Spinningfields, here I come).

I am also undecided between sizes. The small one comes with that oh-so-practical long strap. (You know how I feel about being able to carry my bag cross-body.) But the regular sized one might give me more versatility.

The only thing that I have slight "concerns" about is the closure. This seems to be a small belt buckle, which you actually have to undo. Not sure I will want to bother with that much faff. 

The price tag of £995/£1100 (oak/croc) for small and £1100/£1200 for regular is enough reason to get this right. Or to wait for the sale.

What do you think?

Buying Pre-Loved (Mulberry and Other) Designer Bags

 
In a bid to making buying used/preloved Mulberry (and other Designer) bags easier and less daunting I am publishing a series of posts with lots of hints and tips - find them all under "what I learned". 

First part of the "series":  Trusted Sellers of Pre-loved Mulberry...or new at pre-loved prices

These are sellers of pre-loved, near-new or new Mulberry (and other designer) bags and accessories where you can be assured of authenticity. So no scary eBay bidding with hoping that what you receive is a) authentic and b) as described. As they are business sellers (and not, as most on eBay, private), they offer returns, so should a bag not suit, you can return it!

Naughtipidgins Authentic Bags

Also known as "The Nest", "NPN"

Shian who runs this site is fantastically helpful and knowledgeable about Mulberry bags and accessories. She has a real passion for beautiful bags, her photographs and description are always gorgeous yet never omit any flaws the bag might have. She truly lives by the shop's motto "Only Authentic. Only Lovely. Only Ever Honestly Described". 

When I purchased my Nightshade Blue Heritage Bayswater from her, she was fantastic in dealing with my queries re. the leather care etc. The bag was securely and beautifully wrapped. It was like opening a birthday present! Oh, and she always includes a NPN Passport, which acts as a certificate of authenticity. I also acquired a black printed Ledbury form her and did a quick video on the unboxing, should you be curious.

Shian also offers a great commissioning service, that would typically allow you to receive 75% of your sold item'sselling price . Considering eBay takes 10% commission and PayPal a 3.4% fee, this is a great option. You can also ask for a quote to have your bag bought outright from Shian though you will achieve less than selling it through commissioning.

Her site has a fab section on different leathers and their care, which is a great point of reference for any information re. this.

Shian does close the Nest for school holidays so do keep an eye on the dates publicised on her site. You can keep browsing during closure but will only be able to purchase when she re-opens. 

What's your favourite bag?
That's such a difficult question to answer and I don't actually think I can choose just one bag. Different occasions call for different bags and there isn't one single bag that can do it all. I'd still say the  2.55 Chanel 10" flap is my favorite style though... still the unbeatable classic of all time.

What's your favourite Mulberry?

Mulberry Bayswater in oak darwin with older style glossy postmans lock plate - smart everyday bag perfect for work, play or anything life can throw at you.

Papillonika Ltd 

Also known as "Aqila" ;)

Aqila who has recenly launched this beautiful webshop is another lovely and incredibly helpful lady. She sells mainly new or as new and very lightly used bags, all at a fraction of the new price and the bags and purses are sourced from authorised retailers. Find out more about her in my series of interviews with her.

What's your favourite bag?
Favourite bag at the moment is my Prada crossbody double zip tote in Nude with my 7 year old daughters hand made pom pom on!!! 

What's your favourite Mulberry?
Favourite Mulberry is definately the Del Rey and I don't know why Mulberry has discontinued this...xx  

Labels most Wanted

Also known as "LMW" 

Louise offers pre-loved bags and accessories in new/as new or excellent condition for a wide range of designer brands. She also offers a commission selling service, fees again around 25%, so well worth considering before you bother hitting eBay.

What's your favourite bag? 
Considering what I do for a living, I am actually not into bags which is probably just as well as I would want to keep them all! I use one bag at a time and then change before the outgoing one starts to show wear, so  whatever bag I am using at the time would be my favourite!
 
What's your favourite Mulberry? 
I would have to say the classic Mulberry oak Bayswater, as that is always a great seller!

All ladies above are, from my experience, very knowledgeable and approachable, so do not hesitate to get in touch with them if you have any queries. They will also be happy to pop your name on a waiting list if you're after a style that's hard to come by. 

More on buying pre-loved Mulberry in my guide on buying off Facebook groups!

Where do you shop for your pre-loved designer bags? Do you chance it on eBay? Or do you have a trusted shop you keep going back to time and time again? Do let me know! :)

Mulberry Roxanne - No Red Light Required

Don't tell my Alexa but I think Mulberry's most Rock'n'Roll bag is the Roxanne. The leather biker leather jacket of all bags. If she had a drink it would be a Jack Daniels & Coke. And you definitely wouldn't want to mess with her. Anyway, I digress slightly but I do have a point. 

Chunky, solid, no unnecessary frilly bits, her style is unapologetically rustic, yet she possesses that certain kind of je ne sais quoi that exudes confidence and elegance, all with a bit of comfort thrown in.

If you're after a bag that is robust and versatile, she could just be the girl for you. A real investment piece, whose leather will only get more beautiful with use and age - especially if you manage to find one in Darwin.

The only downside I could find is the weight, but with a wide strap or if you carry her in your hand, not really an issue. And because I don't want to finish on a downer - guess whose Samorga fits perfectly? ;)

Factfile:
Width 35cm, Height 22cm, Depth 18cm
1 inside zip pocket 
2 outside pockets

What I Wore - Roundup

Somebody asked me why I stopped doing outfit posts. Actually, I am still doing them. I just haven't published them on here but only via my Instagram, Facebook or Twitter accounts.

So I thought, I'll do a quick roundup of the last few and try to do a weekly one going forward.

Top: Boden

Skirt & necklace: Warehouse

Boots: Zara

Dress: Boden

Necklace: Marni at H&M

Boots: Something Italian

Boy: Own

Top: Topshop

Skirt: Boden

Boots: Zara

 

Dress: Sisley

Jeans & Top: H&M

Cardigan: Boden

Trainers: Converse

Dress: H&M

Necklace: Marni at H&M

Top: Zara

Cardigan: H&M

Skirt: All Saints

 Top & Skirt: Zara

Trainers: Converse

Top: Warehouse

Skirt: Zara

Trainers: Converse

 Top: Tesco

Skirt (well hidden): All Saints

Belt: Mulberry

Room for a Few (I'm sorry, I'll stop soon)

So you might have watched my attempt at passing off my Alexa as a baby bag. What better way to justify a Mulberry purchase with "it's for the baby, really"?! If you did watch it, you might remember that it was a rather cramped affair and whereas you might get away with using a regular sized Alexa to lug around your baby paraphernalia, it won't be big enough to serve as a baby bag. So when I recently got my hands on an oversized version, I couldn't wait to try...

Step back in time

So I have just re-written my "about me" section and deleted the following:

I do go to sleep thinking about what to wear tomorrow. Then I wake up and have forgotten it all, putting on an outfit that has been tried and tested or something I just throw together.

The best outfits are the ones that make me feel myself. That means they have to be a bit different - who wants to look like everybody else? - yet uncomplicated enough not to rule my day. There needs to be one detail that makes me smile - yet hopefully nothing that makes people laugh out loud. Having said that, depending on who laughs I really don't mind.

Having grown up a tiny bit, I still love dressing up. I want to feel stylish and up to date but it also needs to look like it took no effort at all. "Yes, I just pulled that out of my wardrobe." Join me on my musings on wearable fashion, stumbled upon inspiration, sought after shopping spaces and random pretty bits I come across.

I  still agree with all of that, though I have to admit that getting little M dressed is probably taking up more time than choosing my own outfit these days.

Chicken or Egg?

So if you've seen my post on the Ledbury conversion, you know that I essentially took an older model bag (Ledbury) and customised it so I was able to wear it with a strap, effectively creating a Small Bayswater Satchel - hence a newer model.

You could say it's ironic (though it's really just the logic precursor) that whereas I took the SBS as an inspiration to customise the Ledbury, Mulberry took the Ledbury as the inspiration for the SBS.

So what's better? Ledbury or SBS? There's only one way to find out...

Bloomin' Lovely

I don't do mega girly* stuff. 

Don't get me wrong: I like pretty things but I don't really do pink. I don't wear (much) make up. Lots of jewellery just annoys me and I end up taking it off after an hour. (Ever tried typing with a bangle on? Or running after a child with a long necklace?)

*I apologize right now for seemingly stereotyping girls. But I do actually mean "girly". Which is different.

Anyway, I always regarded the Mulberry Lily as one of those pretty but not very practical bags. Instead of a strap you get a long chain (uncomfortable). It's small. It's delicate. Do I need to go on?

I recently had offered one to me though and whereas I still maintain that it's not the most practical bag, its prettieness is so powerful (do I even hear myself?!) that it kind of makes up for it. I'll shut up now... (Oh, and sorry for kicking you in the head.)

Pidgeon Post

I remember somebody telling me about "unboxing" on Youtube. I had never heard about it before and, in all honesty, thought it was a bit daft when he told me. Whereas I could see the value in watching online reviews, do I need to watch others open their parcel and see what they ordered?!

When I thought about it though I thought that this could be quite useful: you get to see how a specific seller/retailer wraps and packs their goods. You get to share the excitement of a parcel received. You get a quick view on said ordered item.

So when I received a parcels from Naughtipidgins Nest, a name you may know or recognise from my "trusted sellers" list, I thought that would be a prime candidate. So without much further ado, here my first ever "public" unboxing.

Oh, and a bit of a spoiler, but this is in the box:

Manbag for Girls

When I unpacked this bag in the office one of my male colleages said "Manbag?" and raised his eyebrows questioningly (is that a word?). A female colleague said "Oooh, Mulberry!" 

I'd say that pretty much sums up the Antony: classic and simple shape, practical and functional design and a shape that works for both men and women. 

So I'm going to keep my usually Bayswater-sized waffle short and to the point - just as Antony does.

Not Another "Babybag"?!

I know I've gone on about babybags a number of times and, as much as I love the idea of using a Mulberry as your full-on mum & baby bag, I have been using a Storksak for most of the time as it's lightweight, has all the compartments I want and I don't have to be precious about chucking it on the floor. My lo is 2 1/2 and we are now at a stage where I usually just pop a couple of things in whatever tote I'm carrying if we're not out for too long.

However, I had been after a Mulberry Mitzy for the longest time and though I love my Sofie Messenger, which is very similar to Mitzy Messenger, I still thought it's not quite big enough to replace the Storksak on a longer trip. So when the opportunity presented itself to have a play with a Mitzy Tote, I thought we'd try to load her up with the kind of stuff I'd want to take on a daytrip...

Step It Up

Mummy & baby bags - all Mulberry

From the top

Bayswater NVT Printed Oak

Ledbury Printed Oak

Regular del Rey Deer Brown

Small del Rey Slate Blue

Regular Alexa Soft Buffalo Black

Mini Alexa Cabbage Green

Roxanne Darwin Chocolate

Blenheim Chocolate Darwin

With a Little Grace

I love my Mulberrys. I really do. I coo over them - or others I can't afford. I think they are gorgeous. But I use them and generally think they are "just bags" (*ducks and covers*) Gorgeous (for most of the time) but they are just beautifully crafted pieces of leather. But ultimately, they are attainable - even if aspiration is still a factor.

There are certain other bags that will command respect. Admiration. Awe. And aspiration isn't even in the picture for me. In my opinion Hermes and Chanel are definitely leading the pack when it comes to creating iconic bags that are recognisable across the world - even by people who have otherwise no clue or interest in handbags.

At the very top of that has got to be the Hermes Kelly or Birkin. Waiting lists and price tags that beggar belief mean "normal" people like me will never even consider buying one. 

Of course other designers have drawn inspiration from copied the style but usually that ends in rather nasty imitations. Imagine my amazement when I came across one that was not only beautifully crafted but also - and here is the real shocker (ahem...) - from Mulberry?! Created in the late 80s or early 90s Roger Saul stole unashamedly from Hermes and delivered a bag that didn't just look like a Kelly, it was also called a Kelly. So here we go.

 The longest intro ever... enjoy!

One Last Cup of Tea - Interview with Aqila 4 of 4

The last part now. Seriously - we did eventually shut up. Or rather the camera stopped rolling. As indicated in the write up of part one, we had a room full of bags and didn't take any pictures. But in this video you get to see a few of them. So stay with us and you will be rewarded! 

And as promised in the video, Aqila's contact details!

PapillonKia  

Webshop
Facebook page

eBay Shop

  
Here the other parts of the interview: part 1, part 2, part 3.

Even More Tea and Bags - Interview with Aqila 3 of 4

This is part four* of my interview with Aqila and whereas we were talking about personal favourites, kids and the hunt for *that* LV Ramage in the first two, the next two parts are about Aqila's business - aptly timed as she has just launched her webshop PapillonKia. What set her off on her journey of making women happy? What else has she got planned? And yes, there is another pretty bag to swoon over: *that* Louis Vuitton. I'll stop now and let you watch...

*yes, I know, I say "Part 2" - that's because I did not know I'd have to split the previous video in 2 as it was too long or that this one would last so long I'd have to stop to check my front door for imminently arriving guests.

 

Find the other parts here: part 1, part 2

Festival Bag - Mud Optional

If you're like me, then you don't want to have to baby your bags. You want to know that a regular treatment with Collonil products and some reasonable care will mean that you will be able to enjoy your investment in years to come (after all, that's what you told your other half, right?!).

I don't get the pictures, where you see the likes of Kate Moss gallivanting around a festival, Mulberry Roxanne over their shoulder, looking all boho and cool. Surely, you'd expect the bag to end up somewhere in a field, maybe being rained on excessively, possibly even being covered in mud?! (Mind you, I am sure the VIP areas are a bit short on the mud.) For that occasion I'd certainly steer clear of leather. And if it had to be Mulberry I'd turn to another one of their classic finishes: Scotchgrain. Have a look below and find out more...