Little Tardis Bag

I have a thing for Tardis like bags. Not necessarily big ones - rather small ones that hold more than you'd think. Like the Fossil Sydney Satchel. Or Mulberry's Mini Cara. 

I also like bags that you can carry cross body. You have your hands free to dig for your train ticket/phone/purse and it avoids bag straps constantly sliding off your shoulder.

This little Mulberry number might tick both boxes: it's compact and it comes with a long adjustable strap. Apparently it is called Double Pocket Drawstring and somewhat reminiscent of the Tilly Drawstring, don't you think?

Anyway, it is really a rather small bag - but does fit a fair bit. Have a look!

Is Winter Over Yet?

Looking back at last week, my outfits still feel distinctly 'winter': monochrome, knits, woolly textures... It may well have been the last week of 'proper' winter outfits - we shall see how this week pans out.

Worth mentioning: I really don't like the last outfit. Top doesn't work with skirt. And actually, I find the skirt too blah. And too similar to other skirts who do that look better. Will see if I give it one more go or give it the chop alongside some other items I've sent off to eBay or Depop.

Can't wait for spring - but it will mean no more black tights, so I will have to remember what to wear with nude ones... 

I love this dress and don't think it will work without the black tights, so this might be its last outing...

Dress & boots: Zara

Necklace: Stella & Dot

I know: I keep showing you things that I pulled out of the back of my wardrobe but this skirt is actually new! 

The picture doesn't do it justice, it's much more swishy. :) 

Top: H&M 

Cardigan: Boden 

Skirt: Rumour London at Wolf & Badger 

Necklace: Topshop

One day (when I think I won't lose my cool if Me G takes my pic) I will show you the back of this dress. Only by then I might have built it up to be something so wondrous that you'll be disappointed by the two tie-like appendices. "That's what she was on about?!" We shall see... 

Dress: Jesire

And then there are the outfits that just don't really work... nothing terribly wrong but the skirt is blah, the textures grate on each other and there's no real detail of interest. Admittedly rushed in the morning (well, I always am) but back to the drawing board with this one... 

Top: H&M 

Skirt: Hallhuber

Not So Conventional Classic

I actually rarely go for the "conventional handbag style". What I mean with that is the type of bag I remember my mum buying years ago: with one handle that goes over the shoulder. No long strap - nevermind crossbody. I also don't remember seeing much that had one or two short handles to carry in the crook of the arm or by hand. Anyway, my mum now has some lovely handbags. But yes: that one strap, carry over the shoulder model never appealed to me. But then I found this little Mulberry Elly and thought it was rather lovely. With that drawstring closure, she is, of course, a bit more quirky than her zipped up cousins...

And though it's quite small - and nicely compact - it can hold all your essentials!

Something Old and Something Blue

Nope, nothing to do with a wedding. At all. Just something old (a skirt that had been hiding in my wardrobe) and something blue (my trusty denim shirt). Do you have pieces hiding in your wardrobe? What do you do with them when you find them? Wear, chuck, put away to hide for another couple of years? I am trying to be ruthless: wear or chuck! Or wear, then decide...

"Denim shirt that goes with everything..." she hums... Actually really glad I wore this skirt with it and not my little tartan one, as somebody else wore that one yesterday - and she looked amazing in it!

Shirt: Laredoute

Skirt: Topshop

Necklace: ZARA

Another magic trick out of the "create the illusion of a waist" box: slim fitting dress with loose, cropped top. This dress does it all for me! :)

Dress & necklace: ZARA

Here's a skirt you haven't seen before. But you guessed it: been in my wardrobe for years! Keep or not to keep? 

(Note: have the same one in a different green fabric...)

Top: H&M

Skirt: River Island

Jacket: Warehouse

Necklace: Stella & Dot

There is that "I can hide in the garden" print again. And a slightly more severe haircut... 

Top: H&M Skirt: Boden

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.

Late Winter Favourites

More old favourites. Reasons? 

1. I don't have time in the morning to faff around and decide on an outfit and therefore tend to default to a few trusty combinations.

2. I'm trying to be good and not spend money, buying new stuff. 

3. I'm trying to wear the stuff I own - and to cull the pieces I don't wear.

 ...ok, I *am* trying to change it up for you guys...

  Remember that power shoulder top from last week? Here it is again in a purply blue. 

I thought this was just the right amount of colour clash for the mustard skirt...

Top: Karen Millen

Skirt: Boden

Jacket: Warehouse

Boots: Zara

Necklace: Oria

I still love this Boden print. I also regret not having bought more of their gorgeous floral prints one spring summer season - think it was SS14? I gotta confess: not feeling the love at the moment for their prints. Normally I buy at least this skirt in an update but nothing that excites me AW16 or SS17. So you'll have to bear with me parading my "old favourites"... 

Jumper: Topshop

Skirt: Boden

Boots: Zara

Necklace: Sainsbury's

Seen this before? Not surprised, I do wear this print a lot, be it this dress or the skirt. 

Still love it! 

Dress: Boden 

Necklace: Marni for H&M

Not worn this dress in a while, bit of a wild theme going on - too much of a tedious link with the necklace? 

Dress: Topshop

 Necklace: Stella & Dot

Scottish Rugged Elegance

Mulberry Darwin. I keep coming back to it. There's just something about that chunkiness, weight - and the smell! It also usually makes bags feel robust and gives them a bit of structure. I do like that.

So here we have the Mulberry Elgin in a pretty nude-ish pink-ish hue. The name sounds rather Lord of the Rings, though I believe it's a city in Scotland...

And what can we fit in..?

The Favourites And The Forgotten

In the spirit of wearing something that I haven't worn for ages, or just letting it go, I dug out that Karen Millen top - and I'm quite glad I did. Definitely a keeper. The rest are pretty much favourites, though I have to say, I don't think I'll wear that Boden sweatshirt with a mini skirt again...

The neckline of this dress always makes me think if Hitchcock vixens. I might not be quite Grace Kelly but we do have a connection of sorts: 

her grandmother was born in my hometown Heppenheim.

Dress: Boden

Boots: Zara

I'm hoping Spring is on its way, so I'm wearing my warm and fluffy jumper whilst it's still cold enough! 

Jumper: LaRedoute

Skirt: Warehouse

Boots: Zara

Necklace: Accessorize

This top must be around 8 years old, I think I bought it a year it so after Balmain's power shoulder graced the catwalks and fashion mags - do you remember? And did you ever do the power shoulder? (I kinda did in the early 90s but was a bit young to really know what I was doing...)

Top: Karen Millen

Skirt: Topshop

  You still here? I know, I'm being very quiet. Haven't completely forgotten you though. Xx 

I love how this dress gives me a waist where there isn't much of one...

Dress: Reiss

You know I don't have much of a waist. You know it makes me happy when I find an outfit that magics me one. So why am I trying to hide it here? *eyeroll*

Sweatshirt: Boden

Skirt: Topshop

Dinky Boybag

The small Mulberry Antony is one of those styles that is understated, yet unmistakably Mulberry. Whilst the larger Antony looks a bit big on me - and actually holds more than I needed it to hold, the smaller size feels just right. I have owned a few over the past years: usually bought one, briefly used it, moved it on, missed it - bought another one...

But why? Why didn't I just keep it? I always loved the style, how it looked and the idea behind it: rugged, substantial but compact. So what works and what doesn't work for me? Find out!

A is for Aspinal, B is for Birthday

I blame myself for giving my mum the handbag bug. I really do. But don't tell my dad!

Last year we got her a lovely Mulberry Small Double Zip Tote. We then went shopping in Frankfurt and she picked up a lovely Aigner tote. And she recently said, she was looking for "something in a similar size as the Mulberry, something nice in black". I instantly thought of this Aspinal Brook Street Bag - and as she loved it, we got it for her birthday. 

And as she's now received her "surprise", I can share with you the moment I had unboxed it...

A Week for the New

Back into the swing of things! Not only am I wearing a new dress and combining it with something that had been hidden in my wardrobe for years, I am also donning a pair of heels! Don't get used to it though, as much as I like how it looks, my poor feet and back just can't take them anymore...

A very, very rare occurrence of me wearing heels. Well, I had to drive into work, so didn't mind carrying an extra pair of shoes. Had the skirt for years but not worn it yet as it just doesn't work that well with flats. And the belt was a last minute addition as the waistband of the skirt didn't sit quite right. A bit of an accidental outfit... :)
Shirt: La Redoute
Skirt: Zara
Shoes: Topshop
Belt: Reiss

I bought these leggings when those leather-look ones were all the rage and paired them with my new AllSaints dress. Too much?
Dress: AllSaints
Leggings: Topshop
Boots & necklace: Zara

I think I can totally get away with wearing this spring/summer skirt in winter because the pattern contains a dark colour and doesn't clash too much with black tights.
Jumper & skirt: Boden
Boots: Zara
Necklace: Oliver Bonas

This is fast becoming my semi-casual go-to outfit. I just love grey marl tights when it's cold (instantly make me feel warmer) and this tunic dress is so easy to wear. 
Dress: Boden 
Boots: Hallhuber 
Necklace: Topshop

Kitchen Sink Tote

One of my favourite things about the Mulberry Roxanne is that rustic, chunky feel to her, which only Darwin or NVT leather gives. It just works perfectly on the size and proportions - even if she is notoriously heavy in that heavy leather. Yes, I know other leathers were added, such as an antique glace leather, but I still think Darwin or NVT defines her.

When it comes to re-imagining the style into a tote shape, I have to say I much prefer the leather, in which this one is fashioned. The lightweight antique leather makes this rather hefty bag much more manageable - I think she would be prohibitively heavy in a Darwin. Her capacity is so big though, that you'd soon reach that "oooft" stage if you're not careful. Thankfully the wide straps are pretty comfortable... Anyway, if you're looking for a really large tote, then this one could just fit the bill!

But don't just take my word for it - have a look what I fit in!

Monochrome Week

Last week was my first week back in work after Christmas and then being off sick for a couple of weeks. After those two weeks in pyjamas, getting dressed in an office-appropriate outfit seemed like a real challenge. I defaulted to monochrome - maybe we'll throw in some more cheerful shades next week!

I adore this top and the fairly high-waisted skirt makes me think I can get away with wearing a crop.

Top: Mango

Skirt: Warehouse

Boots: Zara

Necklace: Accessorize

This dress is sleeveless but I never really wear anything sleeveless in the winter. Works really well with a black jersey top underneath though - 

and a cardigan on top because, you know, winter...

Dress: Oliver Bonas 

Cardigan: Boden 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

The necklace is probably a bit summery for this dress but I fancied something a bit pastel...

Dress: Jesire

Necklace: Stella & Dot

This dress has a distinct retro feel and I love the shape of the sleeves - though it's kind of hard to see on the picture...

Dress: Zara

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Cooee Chloe - Tempting Tote

I've forever been looking for a chuck-it-all-in-tote. Something leather but lightweight, roomy but not too big. This Chloe Alison seems to tick all the boxes. Her full name is actually "Chloe Alison East West Colourblock Tote in Ocean Mermaid" - bit of a mouthful, eh?

And not only is it big enough for a weekend trip to the shops, it would make a handy carry on for a weekend trip away.

Check out how much exactly I am fitting into it!

Compare My Caras

As a bit of an extension on my Mulberry Mini Cara review I did a quick comparison between my Mini Cara and my Regular Cara. 

So do which size do you fancy?

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?

Outfits Out Of Sync

I'm completely out of sync and should have posted these yesterday. Christmas kinda does that. "What day is it? How long have I been off? Are the shops open?" You could swear we've been cut off from civilisation for weeks. Anyway, below a couple of outfits from my last working week of 2016.

I love the overlay on the top of this dress but ended up wearing the jacket over it pretty much all day because I was just too cold... I did get a lot of "oooh, very Chanel!" on the jacket though. :)
Dress & necklace: ZARA
Jacket: Warehouse

Best pic out of a very bad bunch - so doesn't do this dress any justice! It's a total Vivienne Westwood rip off - and I love it (ssshhhh...) 
Dress: Primark 
Top worn underneath: Next 
Necklace: Topshop

Good Pics, Bad Pics

Remember me going on about what you should and shouldn't do when selling on Facebook Groups? (Or more specifically handbag groups, such as the one I co-admin.)

I promised a follow up on all 7 Rules and after my ranting about why to read the pinned post, here some tips about taking pics to sell your bag.

First, a little disclaimer: I am no photography expert, merely somebody who thinks that if I sell a bag for a sizeable sum, I want to a) represent it looking its best and b) make sure potential buyers get a good idea of what it looks like. As mentioned above, I also admin a page and see what can happen if adequate pictures aren't supplied: at best your post won't get approved. At worst you will find yourself at a dispute with a buyer.

1. Include all pictures as listed in the Pinned Post
   
   Yes, I know, you're sick of me constantly referring to the pinned post, but - honestly! - it's just there to help you!
   Essentially, these pictures are there to fulfil three functions:
   - proof that your bag is authentic
   - illustrate its condition and
   - simply for showing off your bag.
   For authenticity you will typically be required to supply clear pictures of the Mulberry imprint, fob (front and back) and made in label (front and back).
   For more info on showing its condition have a look at 2. below.
   For showing off how lovely it is just think about what is no nice about your bag. Does it have some fab internal pockets? Is the colour beautiful? Can it be worn multiple different ways? Showcase these features!
    
2. Show all details and flawsYou're asking for somebody who has never seen the bag to part with their money so you want to make sure they know what to expect. Make sure you not only mention any flaws in your description but you photograph them as well as possible. This applies for example to stains, scratches or marks on the leather (especially any damage to piping), scratches on the hardware, any damage to inking and any stains on the lining/interior. Believe me when I say you don't want to omit anything: firstly that's not fair and secondly it's not worth the hassle. Paypal (which should always be used for payment) will most likely side with the buyer if you weren't quite honest.
   
3. Use daylight where possibleThis is a tricky one for me, especially in the winter: leaving the house in darkness and returning after sunset, means I could really only ever take pictures at the weekend - and on dull days not even the daytime will afford great conditions. In that case I try and use multiple, non-harsh light sources to avoid glare and shade. This is really most important if you want to show off a not so well known colour. Always good to point out which in picture the colour is the closest to what it looks like in real life. If you're really struggling I'd advise to do all your pics and add a stock photo of the colour to refer to.
    
4. Stuff your bag
   
   Potential buyers want to see how your bag looks when being carried - and presumably that would be with some stuff inside it. So, especially if your bag is slouchy or not particularly structured, show them. Nothing quite as sad as a deflated Alexa... It's best if you store your bag stuffed anyway, so you might have tissue paper or maybe even a Pilo from LoveLolo, if you don't, just get creative with some scarves, socks or cuddly toys...
   
5. Remove distractions
   
   You want to show off your bag, not your busy carpet, kid's toys or kitchen paraphernalia. If you think you have a gorgeously patterned duvet or wallpaper you could, of course, use this to your advantage and add a bit of style in the background but I'd say keep it simple.
    
6. Provide clear pictures
   
   No-brainer really: blurry pics are rubbish, as are those that are so tiny you can't make out any detail.
   

So... don't do this...

 Deflated Alexa with bonus Lego.

 What am I even looking at..?

 Blurry details.

Unclear imprint.

But do this instead:

Stuffed Alexa without distractions

Hardware flaws

 Clear pics of imprint...

 ...and fob.

Clear pic of made in label front...

...and back

...and I'll shut up now... ;)

Skirt Combos

After last week's bumper post with five outfits, only a couple of them for this week - but I do rather like these two: one that's a bit of a throw-the-rulebook-out-the-window and one that's new. :)

I still totally love the colour of this skirt. 

I still find the length challenging. (Well, it's not like I've suddenly grown a couple of inches.) 

But I also think "screw it, stop trying the pretty and just go for clash" - and I had lots of ppl comment on the trainers! 

Top & skirt: Warehouse

Trainers: Kurt Geiger 

Absolutely love this new top from Mango; it has such an effortless and even slightly ethereal quality to it. 

(At least until I dangle the sleeves in my food. *sigh*) 

Top: Mango 

Skirt: Warehouse 

Boots: Zara

Necklace: Accessorize

Slouchy Boot Week

Bit of a bumper week, with five (!) outfits posted. And I managed to hit my weekly objective of using an item that hasn't been worn for ages: the overknee boots. So five outfits and four pairs of boots - makes a change...

I've had these boots in my wardrobe for years and I rather like them. I think suede and slouchy is the way to go if you want to do thigh high boots in a classy way. Only problem is that one of them keeps slouching down - and the other one doesn't. Ah well, can't have everything... 
Top: Hallhuber 
Skirt: AllSaints
Jacket: Warehouse
Boots: somewhere in the back of my wardrobe... no idea where I bought them originally...

This dark green plain dress with pleather trim and pockets (I love pockets in a dress, don't you just love pockets?!) makes this necklace really stand out. There actually used to be a chain strand on the necklace, which i had to chop off as it got hopelessly tangled up. 
Dress: Mexx 
Necklace: ZARA

Love this slouchy Whistles dress. It's only thin t-shirt material so I always layer over opaques and black long sleeve top. The Vivienne Westwood inspired boots work really well with it, I think.
Dress: Whistles
Cardigan: H&M
Boots: Marks and Spencer
Necklace: ZARA

I'm so totally behind posting these! Normally not a fan of pleather (bit of a leather snob) but this one feels lovely - and it's animal cruelty free. Thought it might be a bit too much with the necklace but I must have had the most compliments that day I ever had on any outfit - and all from girls (which are the best kind of compliments if you like clothes). 
Dress: ZARA 
Top worn underneath: Next 
Boots: Zara 
Necklace: Stella & Dot

A few things about this dress:
1. It's at least 6 years old.
2. It's from Jesire, a high street label that went bust in around 2011. Kate Middleton was seen wearing a few of their pieces soon after and there were speculations that it could be saved but it then just disappeared.
3. The print totally makes it. They had a simple grey one as well and when I tried that on it looked so "bla".
4. One of its nicest features is hidden: two long "scarves"/ kind of tie shaped thingies hanging down the back. I tried to capture them a few times but just can't.
5. I think this was the first dress/skirt with pockets I ever bought - and I was hooked.
So there, 5 things before 9 you really didn't need to know...
Dress: Jesire
Necklace: ZARA