Packs a Punch

(Image via Deadly Ponies)

For the last year I have been loving my Deadly Ponies bag that I bought from my good friends at Found in Bath. (It is like the one above but a delicious burgundy colour.) However, in Bath I don't tend to lug around lots of stuff. Now that I am considering moving back to London I need to rethink things slightly. Because in London I like to walk. I like to avoid public transport as much as possible and that means Shanks' pony. You know, the plates of meat... Erm, you know, walking.

Old woman that I am I seem to have aches and pains most days so adding the strain of a bag slung over my shoulder while I pound the pavements doesn't exactly appeal. So the solution?

A backpack.

I have been using one for the last couple of weeks and it does mean that I can heft my stuff around in relative comfort. I would like to stress that I take it off when on public transport and endeavour not to make any sudden moves and knock people over with it. Both of which are a major bug bear of mine. But the bag I have been using also travelled with my around South East Asia. IE. it is very functional but not so pretty.

Soo, oops! I guess I'll just have to have something new. The good news is that Lady Fashion is having a serious flirtation with back packs at the mo, so there are stylish treats to be had.

Now I just need to decide whether I want stylish but mostly functional/practical/comfortable or be superficial and go for something that looks beautiful and stylish and will work with my look, particularly a more corporate look that will probably be necessary, and hope that function is also catered to.

Here are some of my options. What do you think, form or function?

3.1 Philip Lim

Alexander McQueen

Christopher Kane

Fjallraven

Herschel

 Jerome Dreyfuss

Longchamp

 Marc by Marc Jacobs

Proenza Schouler

(Images via Found, Net a Porter, Selfridges)

Less is More

I have long appreciated Sophie Hulme bags from afar. I have perved over them online, stalked them through many an online boutique, peeped on them in more than one fashion magazine, I confess. I'm not proud of my behaviour.

But I have never met one in person, never clapped eyes on their luscious leathery appeal, never run my hands over their beautiful minimal form, never beheld their true glory.

Until Tuesday.

I tell you, I might never be the same.

These bags are so heavenly I think I may have been changed on a fundamental level.

They are so clean and minimal and perfect, with glorious, interesting colours. The mind boggles as to why anyone would want a bag with loads of hardware or bag charms or anything that needs to be shout to be heard.

These bags are confident in their inherent quality. They know they'll seduce without having to cheapen themselves with frivolity. They are classic and elegant and oh so dreamy. Sigh!

The best part is that they are not insanely expensive. Sure, they aren't cheap, they don't compare with anything on the high street, but for a designer bag with this kind of quality, design, workmanship and materials they are an absolute bargain. I kid you not.

I am getting old. I want things that suit my age and are going to hang out with me for some time to come. Honestly, I would rather buy nothing and save to buy something beautiful that will last.

A Sophie Hulme bag is now top of that list. I think it's love.

(Images via Matchesfashion.com)

Bag of Tricks

I have been hauling round a neon pink canvas Baggu all summer, but it is getting cold and it is getting wet and I think I need to revert to leather. Now of course I have a leather bag, well more than one, but where would be the fun in that when you could lust after something new.

Now, when it comes to bags I am very particular. Not that it has to be super expensive and I really don't care about it bags, but what I do hate is a bag that looks cheap. And nothing looks so cheap as a cheap black leather or pleather bag.

So I saw the Comptoir bag at the top and I fell hard. Cross body strap, good size and lovely soft textured leather. It looks and feels like something beautiful.

(Images via Comptoir des Cotonniers, Marks and Spencer)

But then I saw the Marks and Spencer hobo and I was torn. Yes, the hobo style is a bit played out, but considering that it is less than a hundred knicker I have to say I am really impressed. The leather is nice and it doesn't look cheap.

Sadly it is nearly Christmas and I am trying to be really good with money so I won't be having either, but it is definitely good to know that it is possible to get a bag that isn't breaking the bank but also isn't cheap and trashy.

Truly, there is one thing about getting older that isn't so great (for our wallets at least) - it gets harder and harder to put up with poor quality, don't you agree?

Out Foxed

(Image via Hobbs)

I adore this handbag with a fox motif from NW3. Just the right side of quirky.

This Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze

I have been admiring the Celine Trapeze bag in magazines but I saw it in the flesh over the weekend, and swoon! it is now a love thing! It is so beautiful I can barely contain myself. Plus these real life shots show just how incredible it looks in various finishes and with various different styles. Could there possibly be anything more delightful?

(Images via Celine and Celebrities)

Pleats to Meet You

(Images via Net a Porter)

Aren't these dresses heaven? Look at how swooshy and huge those pleats are. Major crush, Ms Burton.

And while we are on the subject of McQueen, I would just like to declare my affection for the De Manta and heroine handbags. Just, you know, to get it off my chest...

A Bird in the Hand

I'm not a big one for sales. I feel they are a bit of a swizz. Encouraging you to buy things that no one else wants.

 And they turn even the nicest shop into a Primark style jumble sale.

Worst of all, for a Little Miss No Willpower like me, they monkey around with your natural ability to decide whether you want or need or even like an item. Because all you can see is what a bargain something is.

Well, yeah, a great bargain until it sits in your house for a year and never gets used.

(Images via Reiss)

I nearly had that urge just now looking at Reiss handbags. They are lovely, and they are massively discounted but I would probably rather save up to buy something that I really love at full price than buy something that I like but only at that price.

What about you? Are you sales aficionados or avoiders like me?

Grist to the Mill(i)

Handbags are well expensive, aren't they? You really can't buy leather for under £100 and even high end high street bags start at around the £250 mark. Then it seems to jump up to designer and the designer price tag.

But look at these lovely bags. From a company called Milli Millu. They are more than high street but less than designer and I think they are all quite lovely. Classic enough to last a few seasons but not dull.

(Images via Milli Millu)