The Bag Lady

Unique & Handmade: A Alicia accessories

AbiSilvester — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:12:10 GMT

Many of us would love to give our clothes the 'DIY look' but don't have the time to whip out a needle and thread and get creative with the pretty material. Fortunately thanks to sites like Etsy, its now possible to tap into the talents of those who do, and latest on my radar is A Alicia, which is a gorgeous collection of handmade brooches, necklaces and other outfit add-ons that will really transform your clothes.

Luella is 'latest recession casualty' - but can Twitter save it?

AbiSilvester — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:34 GMT

When someone asked me if I'd 'heard about Luella' yesterday I was initially stumped. The question almost always precedes bad news, and what could possibly be going wrong for Designer of the Year Luella Bartley and her and fashion empire that's currently enjoying huge success among a fiercely loyal army of well-dressed women? It only seems like yesterday that every fashion editor and her intern was fighting her way into the designer's long-awaited sample sale.

Jameela's Mulberry is the Apple of her eye...

AbiSilvester — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:34 GMT

It seems to be the week for celebrities proudly brandishing their handbags, and who can blame them? If I had such a fine specimen of a tote in my hand I'm sure I'd want to be holding it aloft at every possible opportunity, too.

Luella is "latest recession casualty"

AbiSilvester — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:51:09 GMT

Yay or Nay: Jimmy Choo's acid brights

AbiSilvester — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:06:12 GMT

Someone get that man a pair of sunglasses! (I've heard he makes his own line of particularly nice ones.) I mean, bright colours make a welcome change in winter and neons are definitely 'in', but I can't help thinking that Jimmy Choo is interpreting the trend a little too literally.

Guess pink and brown 'Rhonda' satchel

AbiSilvester — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:13:42 GMT

You would never 'Guess' where this bag came from if you didn't know! Joking aside, Guess is a label I tend to associate with 90s minimalism, so I'm always surprised to see it bringing out items with any colour or texture to them at all.

The Bag Lady Loves: New Smythson notebooks

AbiSilvester — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:42:37 GMT

No matter how many flashy gadgets and electronic organisers they invent, I know that I'll never ever stop loving good old-fashioned stationery. The excitement of that beginning-of-term visit to WH Smiths to buy new pencils and folders has really never left me.

Sienna Miller demonstrates the best use for an oversized bag

AbiSilvester — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:24:29 GMT

Sienna Miller loves her handbags but the way she chooses to employ them has been somewhat eccentric of late. Last year, she used one of her designer bags as a weapon, when a photographer papped her at a bad moment at the airport. But now she's been seen using her fleet of bags for yet more unorthodox purposes, and with slightly less violent intentions.

Bargain Tuesday: Half-price Pauric Sweeney

AbiSilvester — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:51:02 GMT

£345 for a handbag may not seem like a bargain to many people, but to Pauric Sweeney fans, that's practically free.

Topshop suede and leather woven shoulder bag

AbiSilvester — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:53:42 GMT

Woven accessories are going to be everywhere come spring: just trust us on this one. So why not be ahead of the curve and furnish yourself with a functional and eminently wearable shoulder bag that incorporates the style nicely?

Jewellery Picks: Vintage delights at Elsie Belle

AbiSilvester — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:29:46 GMT

I've only just discovered Elsie Bell, and have been something like a kid in a vintage candy store ever since. There are lots of labels doing vintage-style charms and pendants at the moment and some of the motifs here look awfully familiar - but that's why it's all the more important to seek out the good quality sellers whose stock is varied and interesting.

Fenn Wright Manson star print clutch handbag

AbiSilvester — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:15:59 GMT

Did you manage to catch any fireworks this weekend? Colourful starbursts are not only the best way to light up the winter sky, they work well on winter accessories too, and I love this slouchy clutch bag from Fenn Wright Manson with its dazzling stars.

Black zip detail 'Maggie' bag at Oliver Bonas

AbiSilvester — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:39:07 GMT

If you're looking for a practical and trendy handbag, this large, zip-embellished bag at Oliver Bonas is completely on trend for the season's exposed hardware look, and looks very practical too. It's similar to the Whistles biker bag I was lusting over a few weeks back, but it significantly less than half the cost.

Unique & Handmade: salmon pink ostrich print satchel

AbiSilvester — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:43:07 GMT

If you don't fancy shelling out upwards of £500 for a Mulberry or Hermes satchel bag in yummy leather, why not check out Etsy where you can currently buy beautiful and unique accessories like this delicate pink satchel bag by Ekaa. I love the embossed, ostrich-style texture on the leather, and can imagine making good use of all its compartments and pockets.

A little luxury: Smythson's cracked gold coin purse

AbiSilvester — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:45:24 GMT

Yup, I'm back on my small leather goods kick again, and have just spotted this rather lovely cracked gold-effect number, which I think would make someone a fabulous present.

Get organised for less at Jaeger

AbiSilvester — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:54:43 GMT

Since acquiring my beloved Filofax, I'll never under-estimate the importance of organisation, or of just how much difference the right accessories can make to your day-to-day tidiness and togetherness.

Something for the weekend: Jasper Conran at Tripp red Dangerous Weekend cabin suitcase

AbiSilvester — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:54:43 GMT

Travelling is so much more fun when it's done in style. This 'Dangerous Weekend' cabin case by Jasper Conran at Tripp has got the sense of adventure just about right, with a swanky mock-croc finish and a 'fun printed lining' I'll have to take their word for, because there are no internal pictures. Designed specially with

We love: Felix Rey's eye-popping accessories

AbiSilvester — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:41:37 GMT

New York design collective Felix Rey is coming out with some of the most eyecatching and original accessory designs at the moment, so The Bag Lady just had to take a closer look. Each featuring one simple and funky design including hearts, keys and currency symbols, the purses and keychains are all shimmering accessories in their own right.

Sale Watch: Tabitha 'Minx' shoulder bag

AbiSilvester — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:33:37 GMT

I've had my eye on the Tabitha website for a while, being rather fond of their super soft and squishable bags, which are often made in nice bright colours. Red is a good colour for a winter bag, so I was pleased to see that this 'Minx' shoulder bag is now half price.

Recycled hobo bag by Stella McCartney

AbiSilvester — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:44:41 GMT

This particular shade of 'biscuit' pink offset by smart black is a particular Bag Lady favourite, and I love Stella McCartney's use of the combination in this scrunchy, slouchy hobo bag.

Orla Kiely laminated teacup print wallet

AbiSilvester — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:31:33 GMT

How much do I love this new print from Orla Kiely? So much that I didn't even look at the price before I decided I just had to have it, that's how much, which was rather rash of me.

Celeb Watch: Leona Lewis loves ruffles!

AbiSilvester — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:44:18 GMT

Ruffles are a style trapping that The Bag Lady is particularly fond of, so it's good to see the look being endorsed by celeb-types too. Here's Leona Lewis at the airport with a Deux Lux ruffle bag in peach; a cult item that has prompted a mini stampede in the States, where you can by it for just $68 in Urban Outfitters. It's a larger-sized handbag that's as practical as it is stylish, and represents great value for money.

Bags of fun at H! by Henry Holland Debenhams launch

AbiSilvester — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:54:18 GMT

There's good news afoot if you're a fan of Henry Holland's unmistakable 80s-inspired style: launching in February is his new and eminently affordable range for Debenhams, H! by Henry Holland.

Oushka washed leather clutch in navy and passion fruit

AbiSilvester — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:45:21 GMT

Oushka is one of the Bag Lady's absolute favourite mid-range labels, as its small but well-formed range seems to hold so much more appeal than many comparable brands. The leather is always butter-soft, the colours vivid and always made with current trends in mind.

Dream Bag: Studded leather shoulder bag by Alaïa

AbiSilvester — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:56:14 GMT

We're all about Parisian style today, and fashion doesn't get much more achingly chic than Azzedine Alaïa. So if you've dreamed of getting your hands on an investment piece by the 'King of Cling' for some time, now could be your chance as The Outnet have cut prices on a stunning range of Alaïa items.