Totes Amaze Tuesday ~ Back to School

One of my most favourite parts of Autumn starting, is the whole Back to School vibe. During my teens the best part of Back to School was the a new bag and stationery for the start of the Autumn term!.... it's something I don't seem to have outgrown from my teens and still now love a new bag for the autumn. This year is no exception and I have been using this gorgeous Mulberry Del Ray which I picked up in the sale in the summer. It has been languishing in its dust bag until now.

I fell in love with the Del-Ray when it launched because it reminded me so much of my favourite old school bag, with a hefty price tag I just coveted it from afar. However this became affordable in the sale along with my team discount and I just had to have it!...

Inside my Del-Ray, its been mostly filled with my gorgeous Christian Louboutin continental wallet, Mulberry notebook, Moleskine diary, DVF usb key, and Louboutin nail polish in red & black, Laura Mercier lip glaze in Sangria, Ipod, keys (complete with mini del-ray key ring) and an apple!
As with many mulberry bags, it is fully lined with its signature design, silver stamped hardware, padlock and multi storage facilities.
As with all Totes Tuesday posts I have styled my look for this month for work & play;


Work Styling has looked a lot like this: ~ black suit & pussy bow blouse and statement heels.
This bag is so functional for work, but I  have also enjoyed using it casually after work and at weekends.

Play Styling has looked like this ~ cream trousers, black chiffon shirt, black birkenstocks.... perfect for lunchtime treat.













I do think this may be my last Mulberry (I can hear the bank manager rejoicing from afar)... it seems that I have fallen a little out of love with the recent collections.
As with every Totes Tuesday post I would love to hear what's been in your Tote this month and what Handbag are you coveting?

Totes Tuesday ~ Orange is the new Black!

So with summer fading I am determined to cling on to as much of I as I possible can with injections of  colour!.... predominately Orange! As the TV keeps telling me Orange is the New Black and I am embracing it fully!
This months Tote Tuesday is a fabulous Orange Tote from Pauls Boutique. Normally PB is not a brand that I would actively seek out as it is usually quite 'blingy' and much more suited to a younger audience, however this bag is quite plain and versatile in its styling.
I picked this up in the sale a couple of years ago for £20 (75% reduction + staff discount ~ win win!!) and is great for the summer, from work through to play it ticks lots of boxes. With a very small pink trim and a detachable strap it's colour palate is straight out of this seasons Roksanda Ilincic collection . The PB logo's are very discrete, with it only visibly stamped on the gold hardware and although not lined it has a couple of inside pockets to secure travel card & phone. The unlined leather enhances the style of this Tote perfectly.

As always I've accessorised my tote and its been a perfect opportunity to use my orange Michael Kors purse, Longchamp make-up bag and Kate Spade "Eat Cake for Breakfast" tech accessories (both KS were birthday treats from my team)



This bag has taken me from work to play throughout August and Orange has been a colour worn lots.  I picked up a great orange blouse and orange & black top (both from Asda!) which work both well with my white trousers from my summer capsule along with black suit for work. Orange Birkenstocks worn frequently on commute, as compliment navy as well as black.
A must in my bag this month has been the new Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling) hardback Silkworm, which has kept me highly entertained on my commute (blog post to come).
I've also spent lots of time commuting between London & Birmingham to lots of note taking in Moleskin notebook and very cool stationery.
As with all Totes Tuesday posts I have collaged my styling for the month... here's what Work & Play have looked like:




Work Styling looked a lot like this;

Play styling was much like this:

What's been in your Tote this month and what Handbag are you coveting?

beauty treats

I don't often blog Beauty posts, and Selfies even less, however after 3 great beauty experiences of late I decided to share ...
Working in a department store like the one that I do, I have a host of amazing goodies, treats and indulgences at my finger-tips when the bank manager allows!
Last weekend on Sunday I had an invitation to a friends 65th birthday soiree, as I was working prior I made the decision to get a helping hand from work to get ready, before heading into the Essex countryside to the celebrations.
Nails

First stop was a much needed manicure at the Paint shop where I got some TLC to my nails and a coat of Tom Fords fabulous Viper polish... gorgeous. I love this colour polish, and have learnt that dark colours suit my nails much better than lights & brights.
The nail bar is perfect from the Express through to the Gel manicure, catering all options for lunchtime stops to leisurely visits.

Hair

The next stop for me was a quick blow-dry at Hershesons ...I've used this service a few times now and love it, I have long thick hair and the luxury of someone  styling it in half hour is just perfect for me. Maurice is my stylist of choice and is a master with the brush and dryer!
I recently had a colour refresh and really loving the red & purple slices that I've had added, these were showcased to their best from a 'big 'blow dry adding volume & curl. If I could I would get him do it every week!
Face
Final stop for me was a make-over. Day look for me is quite minimal, however needing a little lift I opted for a party make-over from Bobbi Brown. This was my first make-over from Bobbi and I really enjoyed it.

Favourite products used were the CC cream, and Long-wear even finish Foundation which were both gorgeous and now on my pay day buy list. Suffering with combination skin which is prone to shining, these 2 products combated this lots for me, and as I am always looking for the perfect foundation, this is definitely worth a try for me. Bobbi's concealer also worked miracles and has been added to wish list.
 I stuck with my Chanel waterproof mascara which completely works for me. This completely accentuated the glimmer sticks (Golden & Violet Plum used on my eyes, which worked miracles on making my eyes appear very blue! .. all framed with fabulous brows. My make-over stylist was Cesar who was fun, very knowledgeable and put me at ease which is much help for a novice. I left with a Pink Beige lipstick in my pocket which is the perfect nude from day to night, perfect for touch-ups during the night.
My make-over was complete with the perfect handbag accessory for the evening which was a Victoria Beckham clutch, complete with Lanvin pouch and a little beauty help from Chanel, Bobbi, & Tom Ford... delicious.

 

All services are available from Selfridges and can be booked at the following;

Nails - Paint shop experiences



Hair - Hershesons blow dry bar
Make-up - bookings currently available via the Bobbi Brown app (coming to Selfridges website soon)

Totes Tuesday ~ July

Having missed last months Totes Tuesday post I was determined to share some handbag love this month. However not realising where the moth had gone I had to snap a quick pic on phone & light wasn't great! (cardinal sin for an budding photographer!)
This month I am sharing the love of my gorgeous Kate Spade Cobble Hill Ellen turquoise cross body bag. With the signature stripe lining, hidden pockets, its perfect for trips on the tube and wandering around London in the sunshine. I picked this up in Kate Spade's sale a couple of summers ago and love it.
This month I have styled this bag several times with Kate Spade Manhattan map tote. Perfect for carrying picnic treats, camera & water cup. My KS manhattan scarf made a great impromptu picnic cloth.
Accessorised with white linen trousers, blue birkenstocks & loose top... perfect style for a hot summer in the city.

Totes Amaze Tuesday - May

Its that time of the month when I share my handbag love for the month. With sporadic sunshine and showers sprinkling through the days I injected a little colour into my workday wardrobe by wearing the gorgeous Mulberry Mitzy as arm candy.

I picked this bag up in the sale a couple of years ago because I just loved the colour. At the time I thought that it would only really be a summer bag, but now use it lots in the winter to brighten the dull grey days. I wear a lot of Navy and this is a fantastic accessory to complement. I am searching for the perfect Navy bag as its one colour palette that so far eludes my handbag collection.  I have a gorgeous Navy & pink Mcq graffiti scarf which is a great accompaniment to this bag.
The mitzy tote is a versatile little number, it can transform from a tote to a slouchy crossbody. The zip isn't just a design feature, you can turn the top of the bag inside and then use its functionality.
As with many mulberry bags, it is fully lined with its signature design, silver stamped hardware and multi storage facilities.
As with all Totes Tuesday posts I have styled my look for this month, opting for the casual look with jeans & pink birkenstocks. This has been one of my favourite looks this month and is my usual style of a weekend. My kate spade notebook, iPhone & laptop have been key staples in my mitzy, switching the jeans & shirt to a navy suit an easy transformation from casual to workwear.

New season collections for Autumn/Winter have started to arrive in work this week, I will be sharing some of my favourites and wishes in the next few weeks.
What arm candy have you been loving this month?.....

Totes Amaze Tuesday

Its that time in the blogging calendar to share my handbag heaven for this month. With blossom in the trees my capsule wardrobe for the month has featured lots of berry & pink hues, leading to handbag styling from mulberry. This months picks feature a Berry Dorset Tote and a fabulous little dark maroon/purple Daria clutch bag.

 I picked the Dorset tote up in the sale a couple of years ago before Mulberry hiked their prices up and the Daria clutch was a steal sale purchase a few years ago.
I love this clutch bag, its big enough to hold all the necessities, with some great security features, including a great fold over flap, inside pocket and zipped enclosure. I use this bag lots, more often in a casual environment, perfect with jeans, heels and a good jacket. I have a berry spotted mulberry scarf which matches perfectly... making my supermarket jeans look fabulous! Its one of my most envied bags by my friends and all have dibs on it in my will!

The tote is a great carry all, I was a little nervous that the handles wouldn't take the weight of my crap, but its perfect for throwing a book, lunch and make-up bag into for my commute. My only bug bear with it is that its not lined, but unlined leather bags are on trend and its not uncommon now, regardless of the price for a bag not to be lined.
Accessorised with one of my mulberry notebooks, a Michael Kors berry phone holder my Berry capsule collection is complete. I did have a little help when styling this post, Darcy loves a handbag and jumps in any if left on the floor!... this time he settled for just photo bombing the picture.

What's been your arm candy of late?....
Previous Totes Amaze Tuesday posts have featured Mulberry Effie Tote, Kate Spade Melinda and Victoria Beckham Liberty.

Totes Amaze Tuesday

Its that time of the month where I share what handbag has been my arm candy for the month. I swap my bags around lots... but this one has been a favourite for a long time and it got dusted off  to compliment my new patent shoes.  I am referring to my Kate Spade patent Melinda. I love this bag, this style has been a favourite of mine since my school days and I get lots of people ask where I got it when travelling on the tube.

Kate Spade has always been a favourite destination of mine when travelling to New York, especially their little store in Soho. A couple of years ago they opened stores in London and an outlet at Bicester Village, however as gorgeous as they are, its not the same as NY!. Last year Selfridges launched a pop-up KS for the holiday season which was very dangerous for a lady with a discount card!.... hence the addition of my fabulous KS New York phone case and Manhatten map scarf (can be utilised to keep me warm, and not to get lost!!!! - justification for spending!)
Alas the Melinda is no longer available in this colourway, but the bowling bag is a staple style for KS so if passing Covent Garden, Sloane Square or Bicester village check them out... the stores are a feast on the senses, a cacophony of colour, the grown -up girls candy store!
This month I have been styling my bag with wide leg black trousers, and a black cashmere jumper, suitably accessorised with my yellow, white & black NY scarf, and my gorgeous black patent loafers

... I am so happy that flat patent loafers are making a comeback to the catwalk .. these are perfect & comfy from Clarks!.... This month I have taken my inspiration from the lovely daffodils that have been sprouting and swaying in the breeze across parks & gardens... love daffodils, so simple but brighten the dullest of days.
What bag has been making your month, and how have you been styling it?
Here's a recap of my previous months Totes Amaze Tuesdays!

• January - Victoria Beckham -Liberty
• February - Mulberry - Effie 

Totes Amaze Tuesday

Welcome to my 2nd Totes Amaze Tuesday for 2014.... If you missed the first one, check it out here. This month with the weather having been so miserable for such a long time, I needed to inject a little colour into my daily commute to brighten my days. With it being February I opted for my gorgeous red Mulberry Effie Tote.

This tote is a perfect for commuting. It can be carried as a tote over the arm or alternatively across the body. It also has lots of compartments inside and holds lots!!... perfect for me. As with every bag change over,  my bits & bobs inside get a make-over. Kate Spade, and Michael Kors have assisted with the styling. Clarins has been invaluable with its Hand cream and beauty flash balm and my must have accessory for each day has been an umbrella!
Mulberry is a fabulous British brand, and I really hope with its new changes at the top it doesn't loose its British heritage. This video details what it does best.

 So many people have commented when I use this bag, accessorised with a red Alexander Mcqueen scarf, with  a black coat and boots its made me feel fabulous on the wet, grey February days. Here's how I've been styling my bag during Feb.

I am very fortunate to be able to but such gorgeous handbags with a very generous discount, however a large number of red handbags are featured on the high street. I highly recommend a red bag as an instant 'pick'me up... its as effective as the red cups from starbucks at christmas... it gives a little red glow from the inside!!

Totes Amaze Tuesday

Welcome to my first Totes Amaze Tuesday post. Today I'm sharing my latest handbag love. My friends are probably thinking that I will start with a Mulberry, but I'm not!.... another bag has captured my heart this month. The beautiful, gorgeous Liberty by Victoria Beckham. This bag was a gift from Santa and Mr Selfridge ..... and I love it.
This bag can slip from a slummy saturday with jeans and a jumper to heels and an uber stylish dress in moments. Having coveted VB's handbag collection lots over the past couple of months since its arrival at work, I can say there isn't one in the S/S collection that I wouldn't mind hanging off my arm, the lady does know her handbags!
The Liberty comes in a range of colours, including a gorgeous orange, however I opted for the classic black. The bag can be an open tote and a closed tote dependent on how you style. It has a rigid base and comes completely lined, with inside pockets big enough to secure valuables, including space for an ipad.

As you can see it's big enough to hold a multitude of my bits & pieces..... umbrella & scarf are 2 essentials I cant leave home without during January, along with my moleskin diaries.
I am sure that this style bag will soon be copied up and down the highstreet, it is one of the most versatile bags that I have.... here's one look that I've been sporting with it at the weekend.

Skinny jeans, boots, jumper & wool coat.... effortlessly styled with a trilby & VB tote... perfect!
What arm candy has stolen your heart this month, and how have you been wearing it?