Spring-Summer Bag Edit

With the  Spring season literally upon us, I know, I know it doesn't quite feel like it is upon us what with this delightful weather gracing us, but my mind is for all intensive purposes in the floral's and pretties zone. I'm done with dark and dank and layer upon layer of fabric. I'm craving splashes of bright colour and pretty prints and a touch of fun that only comes with sunshine (winter = no fun).

I find with simplifying my wardrobe the best way to inject some oomph is via the accessories. Fun, easy and can be as cheap or expensive as you can afford.

It's a lovely easy way to update any outfit and bring it up to date. Plus accessories shopping is the best.

Bags don't judge if you've gained a few pounds and they fit regardless.. thank god for lovely bags I say, as this body is faaarr from bikini ready. And when I say far I `actually mean never. Never ever ready.

With an update in mind (that's especially not bikini shaped, no surey bob) I got to thinking and a looking as to what kind of bags I would like in my life this spring and summer, the practical, the fun and everything in-between. I set off to my usual stamping ground of Lyst for some inspo and ideas. Great place to read up the bag edits and to see what's 'in' for the season.

So after much (way too much) research, here we have my Spring Summer Bag Edit.

Starting with the crossbody

My favourite type of bag, as it enables the all important hands free when out and about. 

Crossbody bags are vast and varied. you can have slouchy or structured, neutral or pop of colour.

For me this season is all about the pop of colour with my crossbody.

I absolutely love with all my bag loving hear this Rebecca Minkoff Mini Sofia tassel bag. 

Tan neutrality which is perfect for summer, but with the added magic of the tassels for that little fiesta of colour... Isn't it divine?

 I will also be constantly using my Red DKNY mini bag which I love for adding a pop of my favourite colour. People will often think that red is a winter colour (or save it for festivities such as Christmas or valentines) but it's such a great trans-seasonal colour, it works well all year round. 

If you don't fancy red, orange is a great alternative, I have a beautiful bright orange Fossil bag I pull out each Spring and love, pair it with khaki, denim, all the neutrals, and pretty much anything. It just works.

And finally the trusty black crossbody. When all else fails you, a classy chic little black number will never fail you and of course you'll get years of wear with it. My absolute favourites are by Marc Jacobs  and Kate Spade, soft leather, unstructured and a little slouchy.. Lovely!

Next up we have the Large Bag

Here we're talking holdall's for weekends, tote bags, backpacks and shoppers, general carry everything bar the kitchen sink around with you, type bags.

I've said it before and I still am yet to invest, but this year I will be sporting the backpack. Yes I am returning to my youth with sneakers and now the backpack. Full on Dora the explorer style (to the point where all I can hear in my head is that irritating song "Backpack Backpack" a la Dora) But yes for practical reasons, summer holidays etc, I am investing in the backpack. Wet wipes, snacks, random lego can all be chucked in and my hands can still be free to grab small children and assist where needed. Why have I not thought of this sooner (and previously rammed way too much stuff in to an inappropriate cross-body bag)? 

Again my preference is the Rebecca Minkoff Black Julian (Rebecca Minkoff is KILLING it on the bag front!) which is the beauty above. Julian, you shall be mine!!

Other bags for the season include a pretty blush tote that would be a lovely addition, the idea of blush as a summer neutral is such a great update, Kurt Geiger has some pastel pretties that really just scream Summer at the top of their pretty little voices.

Lastly the all important 

Clutch Bag

Now, if I were to live off beans for the foreseeable and I possibly wanted my husband to get really really mad at me, I would go for the beautiful Floral Alexander McQueen De Manta clutch, slightly pricey for a clutch that you may drag out a couple of times a month, but wow... What a piece right?

Its like a piece of art.

On the more purse (or clutch ..snort..) friendly price range, a little jute number is summer personified, add some embroidery and a tassel and you have beach to bar perfection. Mango Clutches are wonderful for this and they have a vast array or colours ans styles that I hope to bag (ha, I just can't help it) for myself this summer.

House Of Fraser also have an array of lovely clutches too.

So there we have my weapons of choice for the summer.

I shall be investing over the next few weeks!

What bags will you be buying this summer?

Spring Wardrobe Update

Well, it's literally just started sleeting outside as I type this. Spring where the heck are you? I got woken up by a crazy storm last night and then attacked my golf-ball sized hail stones on the school run.
Spring has not sprung here I can tell you that.
But I for one am done with winter, come the end of February I am ready to shed the thermals and start looking towards lighter layers, weather permitting or not, sometimes you just gotta do what you want. Granted no bare legs just yet, but adapting some Spring pieces and adding them in now sounds like a plan to wet the spring-wear appetite.
So transitional pieces it is then.
I'm kind of in love with all the pieces I've chosen below for the simple fact of wear-ability.
If I were to finally take the plunge and commit to a capsule wardrobe (and I am so so tempted, but i keep nancying out like a big scaredy cat) this would be a large portion of the capsule.
Style is most definitely simplifying for me, but I am actually the happiest I've been in years.
Simple to me means great pieces, just less of them.

(side note: Hells bells, I thought my house was just going to blow away.. A huge gust and those blasted golf ball size hail stones attacking my window.. evil, evil weather!!)

With Shopbop's Super Spring Sale now seems as good a time as any to treat myself to some much yearned after spring wear.

Clothing:

The throw-on Khaki Jacket ,
Beautifully cut Ankle Grazer Jeans(Loving the brand Frame),
The Wear everywhere Dress,
The perfect Kahki chino's,
The obligatory stripe top,
Dress up or down black skirt,
and the handy slogan swetashirt

Shoes:

Bright red pumps for fun kicks,

Sandals in-case it gets warm enough

And a block heel for smart-casual

Bags:

Keeping it simple with a much lusted after, rather trendy Backpack

and a classic leopard print clutch for a smarter look.

I love , love ,love all these pieces. The reason they're all from Shopbop (apart from that I love that store, I swear their deliveries from America arrive faster than some of my British orders, it never fails to happily surprise me when the UPS man knocks my door a mere 2 days after ordering, its like magic!), is because their sale works on the more you spend the more you save. Plus with a good pound to dollar rate, it can be save save ;)

Spring Sale details here

Is there anything you like up there for Spring? And have you started your Spring shopping yet?

Shopbop (sale!) Wish list

Ohh i LOVE a good discount sale so when i got the email from Shopbop to say they were having a 3 day discount sale, well i headed straight over to my favourites list and had a look what purchases i would perhaps treat myself to.

First up

 I have a new found love for Free People. 

I first started looking through their collections last month as their shoes are to die for, but after swooning over their shoes i found myself looking at their clothes. 

There are so many good items. 

My favourites are the above maroon Tree Swing top, the Sleepin' in Stripe shirt and the Herringbone Coatigan. 

How sweet would the little swing top be with some faux leather trousers? Ugghh Love!

Next up is Equipment.

The star blouse had me hook line and sinker as soon as I laid eyes on it.  Equipment is renowned globally for its modern well fitting shirt, and well.. it has stars all over it. What's not to love?! Wear on its own with some leather trousers and heels or layered under a marron sweater and dark wash jeans. 

Then a firm favourite for me. Zoe Karssen.

The bat motif sweater. Contemporary day wear. My favourite type of clothing.

I'm sure it would be well worn and loved this winter and make me a firm favourite in my sons eyes, haha!

Next up.

Rebecca Minkoff Bags

I have been banging on about Rebecca Minkoff bags for months now. I feel like they're only just gaining momentum here in the UK but mark my words, i think they will become really, really popular here. Great styles and colour ranges, excellent quality and good price point for an entry level designer bag.

I'm also in desperate need of a nice new purse.. the black stud wallet is divine.

And finally some footwear: 

Ash Sneakers

Sorel Boots

Splendid Navy booties

I think these three boots could quite easily see me through autumn and winter.

Ash sneakers.. perfect for the school run

Sorrel boots: Snow? No problem, plus perfect for doggy walks.

Navy boots. I have established lately i have a navy boot shaped whole in my wardrobe. A number of outfits lately could have done with being finished off with a navy bootie. These Splendid boots would work perfectly.

Don't forget your code.. (you can click the image to take you through.. yes i know, i'm a terrible enabler, but if i'm shopping,. i'm taking all of you with me ;)

So there we have my wish list...
Can you guess which items i've bought? Let me know in the comments below!

Is there anything you're lusting after? 

With 25% off it would be rude not too, right?!