Cambridge Satchel Company

I have always been a fan of niche brand The Cambridge Satchel Company, ever since their launch a few years ago.

The humble satchel has become a fashionista's bag of choice. Chic, fun, stylish and understated. Designer labels such as Mulberry have created their own interpretation of the satchel, but brand The Cambridge Satchel Company have dominated the style all on their own.

Needless to say, I have wanted one for a while. I have never taken the plunge and bought one, but have sat and drooled over images online and in store many times. I was never sure whether to opt for a simple brown leather version, timeless and classic, or a block bright colour, or a fun print. The company have created new colours and prints each season, and the choice is amazing.

On the August Bank Holiday, myself, Darren, Elijah and a few good friends decided to take a day trip to Cambridge. While walking around the shops, we stumbled (obvs) onto a Cambridge Satchel Company boutique. Naturally, all the girls stopped and started pointing out the various colours and styles and choosing which one we would go for. Sadly, at £130 a pop, we walked away empty handed, but the thought of them lingered.

I was extremely touched when, 6 weeks later, I was presented with a gift from said very good friends at my birthday party (how babyish do I sound?!) I opened the wrapping paper and was faced with a dustbag. I flipped the dustbag over and there were the words "The Cambridge Satchel Company." Needless to say, I squealed with excitement, whipped open the bag and pulled out a stunning sunshine yellow satchel.

I LOVE it!

A beautiful, buttercup, sunshine yellow. The perfect colour to cheer you up on a grey winter's day and to compliment the sun on a hot summer's day. The satchel is sturdy and stylish and will be perfect for slinging over my shoulder and carrying around all day.

What wonderful friends I have with wonderful taste!

What do you think of the Cambridge Satchel Company? Have you got one of their renowned satchels? Enjoy x

Here is the satchel in three different light's, just so you get an idea of the colour in natural and artificial light.

with flash

without flash

in daylight

Sparkle Sparkle

I have always been a necklace kinda gal. When I ask for jewellery, it's always necklaces, when someone hints they want to buy me jewellery, I hint back, better make it a necklace. Besides my wedding and engagement ring, I rarely wear any other jewellery that isn't a necklace.

So you get it...I like necklaces :)

For a long time now, the type of necklaces I have always gone for have been long simple chains with a funky pendant or charm hanging from it. From a Mulberry fox head to a Star of David, a teddy bear hanging from a balloon to a peace sign, I have a pretty vast selection.

Recently however, my taste has been changing and I have been drawn to statement necklaces, bib necklaces, collar necklaces, whatever you want to call them. The kind that sit neatly below your collar bone and make any simple top seem fashionable and stylish. These types of neck candy are what is more in style at the moment, and I am really glad they came along to break me out of my long chain and pendant funk.

I have put below a selection of my favourites of the moment, those which I have been wearing non stop it seems. All high street purchases, mainly from Topshop, Primark and River Island. Hope you like them!

I know technically not a collar necklace, but it's such a statement I had to share it! £8 from Topshop (sale)

£5 from Primark (sale)

£8 from River Island

£5 from Topshop (sale)

£8 from Primark (last year)

Mulberry's AW12 Campaign Preview

Happy Saturday!

I'm so sorry I have been AWOL for the last couple of weeks. There has been a lot going on and I have had hardly any free time to blog...big fat sad face...but I am back now! Yay!

In the world of fashion, I am getting very excited, because it's time for designers to release their autumn/winter campaigns, and for the first drops of AW12 to start hitting the stores.

Already I have spotted a designer campaign that stopped me in my tracks and really caught my attention. Mulberry's AW12 is simply one of my favourite campaigns of all time. Photographer Tim Walker captures model Lindsey Wixson roaming around the woods in a dreamy setting, complete with two gorgeous Gruffalo style woodland creatures.

“Tim’s work is like a series of fairytales, single images with a strong, rich narrative and just the right mix of charm, romance and darkness: he’s a kind of alchemist and working with him is like being part of one of his fairytales. The campaign shoot, deep in the woods, surrounded by monsters and the doll-like Lindsey Wixson, was a magical experience that perfectly brought our Autumn/Winter season to life.” states Georgia Fendley, Mulberry Brand Director.

Of course the clothes and accessories look amazing, but more than that, Mulberry have created a campaign, which captures the fun, spirit and magical nature that fashion should be about. I am in love!

What do you think about the campaign? Enjoy x

Take a Look Inside Mulberry's SS12 Lookbook

I think I have probably expressed my love for Mulberry on here quite a few times already, and by doing so, have ended up with some lovely birthday and Christmas presents from observant readers! Well, this isn't a ploy to end up with another Mulberry something to add to my collection...maybe a little!

I received the Mulberry SS12 look book and was so excited by it, not only by its contents, but how it looked, that I had to do a little blog about it.

The look book arrived in a candy floss pink envelope, which in itself looked good enough to eat! upon opening it, the look book had the look, and texture of an old fashion ice cream waffle cone! Mulberry went full out candy-tastic for their SS12 collection, and, as they state; "Inspired by the great British seaside - piers, arcades, donkey rides and sticks of rock - our new season borrows the fanciful fun on Carry on Camping and fuses it with plenty of eclectic Mulberry charm, luxe detailing and kiss-me-quick chic."

In the lookbook, the products are joined with cute props like sticks of rock, handfuls of sweets and peppermint sticks. I do love a bit of kitsch! As for the collection, expect colourful takes of Mulberry classics, fun and retro inspired designs and a big helping of lust-worthy pieces.

I snapped a few of my favourite products from the look book below, along with my Mulberry inspired nails.

What do you think of the new collection? Enjoy x



the ice cream waffle cone inspired cover

the Lily in plaster pink wrinkled patent £495

the Holiday small Bayswater satchel £795 and Holiday Bayswater £895 both in lemon sherbet

Travel Day Bag £1,100 and Oversized Travel Bag £1,250 both in Oak Shiny Lambskin

Teddy Necklace in pale gold £175

Travel Day Bag in Natural Mixed Animal Print Leather £1,500

My Mulberry inspired nails!

All I Want for Christmas...

Happy day after Boxing Day everyone!

I hope you all had the most wonderful Christmas's imaginable, and are continuing to enjoy the festive season. I had a fab Chrismakah which included a festive get together with friends at my parents house on X-mas eve, which consisted of games, food and an improvised jam session with my dad. Chrissy day was spent with my family and the hubby's family...three xmas meals, bingo, secret santas and loads of fun.

I just wanted to share with you what I was fortunate enough to get this year. My amazing boy must have paid very close attention to the blog, as he treated me to a stunning Mitzi Hobo bag from Mulberry!! I love it so much. We were then very sneaky and discovered that the bag went on sale on Boxing Day, so after returning it and re-buying it...he then treated me to an amazing Vivenne Westwood purse with the difference! I am very, very lucky! I do whole heartedly believe in investing in designer accessories, especially timeless ones, as they last you years, and I'll be keeping these gorgeous pieces for a loooooong time!

I was also lucky enough to receive from my parents and brother and sister-in-law to be a variety of amazing things which I've been hankering after for a while, including 2 spirit hood style hats from River Island (got one from each...2 is so better than 1!), CDs and DVDs, Rose by Paul Smith, a gorgeous gold metallic jumper, studded black boots and gauze and silver skirt from Zara, a black silky maxi skirt from River Island, a beautiful Benefit make-up set and an amazing kit from Soap and Glory, which has about 15 products in it!

I feel very, very fortunate to have such a wonderful family with such great taste, and I've put some piccy's of my amazing hoard below. What about you?? What did santa bring you this year? Enjoy x

amazing Mitzi bag from Mulberry

the entire stash!

Soap and Glory kit

New Kelly Clarkson album and the Other Boelyn Girl

Spirit Hood style hoods from River Island

Vivienne Westwood purse

Jumper from Zara

Paul Smith and Harajuku Lovers perfume

SKirt from Zara

Boots from Zara

On Today's Wish List...

Dear Santa,

I hope you don't mind me writing again but I've got something else to add to my wish list!

Yes I know I'm being a little extravagant, but I would love a Mulberry Daria Hobo bag. I have a slight obsession with British handbag label Mulberry. I think they make the most beautiful bags and wallets. Always gorgeously crafted, perfectly slouchy and perfect to carry around with you all year round. They are truly timeless and I particularly love the slouchiness and roominess of the Daria.

So Santa, if you are feeling particularly generous, one of these bad boys would be fab!

What do you think? Do you like Mulberry bags? Enjoy x

Friday Fashion Flash

I am so sorry I have been AWOL for the last few days. I started a new job this week and my laptop decided to die, so I have been unable to blog...I've felt so helpless!!

On the plus side, I've had a great week and have been to a few awesome events, including the launch party for the new Desigual store opening in Oxford Street, which I went to with my friend and fellow blogger. It was an amazing party filled with some gorgeous fashion folks, fab goody bags and some reality show "celebs." what more do you need from a party?! Anyway, more on that another time.

I'm back in the driver's seat now, and to make up for not being able to post a Monday Must Have, I have decided to post it tonight as a Friday Fashion Flash! So, here is what I have been lusting over this week! A stunning knitted dress by Stella McCartney, an uber cute faux fur fox hat by River Island, a pair of stunning tan leather boots from Zara, and....best till last...the Daria bag by Mulberry...now, did I mention it's my birthday next week?? Enjoy x

Must Have Mulberry's Fox Charm Necklace!

I know I did a must-have list yesterday, but I just spotted something else that I am determined to make mine!! Mulberry's AW11 collection is one of my favourites this season - full of beautiful dresses, amazing bags (as always) and a stunning colour palette...and this; the Fox Charm Necklace!

This gorgeous necklace has found a special place in my heart, and is definitely on my bday list! I love long gold necklaces with unusually pendants, and this one is so sweet, I think I'm in love! This season, Mulberry;s accessories are inspired by woodland critters, and the countryside, and this is one of my favourites of their collection. At £150, for Mulberry, this is an absolute bargain and should be on every fashionistas wish list this season...sigh...I want! Enjoy x

New Season Fashion Update - The Trends to Try for AW2011

Just when summer has finally arrived and we’re actually getting use of our maxi dresses and gladiator sandals, in the world of fashion, we should already be planning our winter wardrobes!

If the thought of investing in a whole new wardrobe for the new autumn/winter season is leaving you flustered and unsure, then fear not...I have put together a fail-safe guide to get you ready for the new fashion season!

It’s an exciting season ahead with trends ranging from the ever-popular 70’s trend, maxi skirts, bright and chunky knits, animal prints, polka dots and androgyny.

With so many beautiful pieces flooding into the high street stores already, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice, and with my AW11 Fashion Guide, you’ll know exactly what to invest it, which trends to embrace and which ones to avoid. 

First, colour! Gone are the days when dressing for autumn and winter meant opting for black and navy, this season, designers had a field day and the catwalks were awash with beautiful brights! Reds added a contemporary edge to classic camels whilst vivid primary shades broke up black and brightened warm autumnal hues. Burberry showed amazing bright military coats, and Jonathan Saunders mixed every beautiful colour under the sun. Fancy a dip into the colour trend? Why not paint your nails a gorgeous shade from the rainbow.

Burberry

Jaeger, Roksanda Ilincic, Jonathan Saunders

Of course, the other huge colour trend, and something a bit better for the less fashion brave out there, was the monochrome look. When colour wasn’t dominating the catwalk, black and white took center stage. Julien McDonald swapped his signature jewel tones for crisp whites and gothic blacks, and Giles and Louis Vuitton took the gothic inspired black into their collections as well.

Julien Macdonald

Louis Vuitton

Fancy a break from the femininity of summer? Another huge trend for AW11 is androgyny. Suits and oversized tailoring where sent down the runway by the likes of Stella McCartney, Dolce and Gabbana and Celine. Oh boy!

Stella McCartney

Dolce and Gabbana

Feeling brave this season? Try the most out there trend of the minute, photographic prints. Birds, bird cages, flowers, feathers, skylines, you name it as long as its colourful and digitalized, it’s on trend! Erdem and Mary Katrantzou showed the trend best with their bright and punchy mix of prints and colours.

Erdem

Mary Kantrantzou

Although the 70s were huge for the summer (and were still visible on a few AW11 runways), for the new season, it’s all about two time eras, the 40s and Victoriana. Gucci and Mulberry showcased the 40s trend beautifully with tailored coats and Peter Pan collars, and Temperley London and Meadham Kirchhoff brought the Victorian times right into 2011 with lace, ruffles and pearls.

Gucci

Mulberry

Meadham Kirchhoff

Finally, the texture trend is one to definitely incorporate into your life. Sequins, faux fur, velvet, lace and leather were shown all together at Etro and Fendi, creating stunning luxe looks that begged to be touched. If the thought of wearing several textures at once isn’t for you, why not mix a sequin hat with a faux fur waistcoat – a perfect and subtle nod to the trend!

Fendi

Etro

So there you go! I hope you enjoyed my little guide. I know I am most excited about trying out the texture trend this season. What about you? Which ones will you be trying out? Enjoy x