Saturday 25 October 2008

The Ultimate Handbag Guide- Part 1

Handbags are a girl's best friend- practical, pretty & the ultimate impulse purchase with no trying on necessary, they can instantly transform an outfit & there's something about an amazing handbag which just makes you feel FABULOUS!

In tribute to this most wonderful of accessories, I've decided to introduce a Handbag Guide to my blog, with different areas of handbags looked at in each part. Part 1 will look at the best day bags this season in a spectrum of colours to brighten & add interest to even the most muted winter outfits. Although these bags are seasonal, I'm confident that they are styles worth investing in which you'll love for years to come.

RED handbags are made to make an impact and this Aspinal of London Barbarella bag in patent leather fits the bill perfectly. £375



CREAM- Donna Karan Modern Aries bag from the new Zodiac range is a relaxed hobo worth investing in for years of enjoyment. £1,185






PINK needn't equal Jordan style tackiness. This structured Marc Jacobs Klein Patchwork Tote with a delicate hint of blush is the ultimate in ladylike chic. £840
BURGUNDY- this Miu Miu Woven Leather Tote screams luxury. £800


ORANGE looks fab with brown. If you're going to brave an orange bag, really go for it with a large style such as this Marni Oversized Crinkled Tote- I love the textured detail & it's roomy enough for an umbrella & spare jumper. £554

TAN should feature in every girl's handbag wardrobe as it's a wearable tone which goes with everything. I love the elegance of this Anya Hindmarch Brady shoulder bag which contrasts tan ponyskin with chocolate patent trim. £895








YELLOW may be a little bright at this time of year so instead, choose a mustard tone such as this Smythson Maze bag. £775.




WHITE needn't be reserved for Summer. The Jimmy Choo Lara Shoulder Bag will look fabulous with jeans & a chunky knit. £1,100



GREEN, particularly dark almost-black tones, can add intrigue to an outfit. I'm loving this Anya Hindmarch Brando Bag in patent bottle green. £545





TEAL is a gorgeous jewel tone for autumn winter and this Yves Saint Laurent Patent Trapeze bag is perfect. £720



BLUE might not be the obvious choice when it comes to choosing a bag but it's a colour which lends itself well to showing off interesting textures, as this Fendi Studded Suede bag shows. £1,110
BROWN bags are classic & worth investing in, particularly as quality leathers tend to look even better with age. This Givenchy Distressed Leather Tote is the ultimate in effortless cool. £769






GREY- the patent Chloe Bay Tote adds interest with its toughened styling & high gloss finish. £1,072



NEUTRAL bags work year-round. Keep things interesting by looking out for unusual textures as on this Miu Miu Nappa Patch Tote. £720




PURPLE reigns as THE colour of the season & it's easy to see why with this stunning Botkier Morgan Satchel. The fringing detail adds interest & a fun rock chic vibe. £456


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GET THE LOOK- SATC STYLE

Everyone has a favourite character or one of the girls to which you most relate... here's how to steal their style!
There have been numerous "pap" shots of the movie being filmed & one floral outfit which Carrie wore really stood out. Her volumous top & shorts ensemble might raise a few eyebrows off-screen but this POPPY PRINT VINTAGE-STYLE DRESS FROM OASIS £85 is perfectly girly for a Summer's date or dressed up for a wedding.


Miranda always dressed conservatively for her high-powered career as a lawyer but actress Cynthia Nixon wowed at the premiere in a plunge-front black maxi dress similar to this FRENCH CONNECTION BLACK MAXI DRESS £95

Outrageously sexy Samantha's clothes always reflected her confident personality. She'd love this TIERED SATIN HALTER DRESS FROM LIPSY £50

Feminine Charlotte would love the pink of this dress as well as its classic style, evocative of that other US style royalty, Jackie O. PINK SHIFT DRESS FROM LK BENNETT £149

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...

I'm loving REN shower gels with my favourite being Neroli & Grapefruit Zest Body Wash. Its sweet citrus scent is refreshing and uplifting and it's 100% natural with no nasty parabens, petrochemicals, etc... At £14, it's more expensive than your average Boots own brand shower gel but I think it's important to invest in a treat for the shower as it makes me smile first thing every morning!

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara in Black is a desert island essential for me- the chunky wand really coats every lash and adds volume. I'm also totally hooked on YSL Easy Liner, again in black. It's a liquid formula in an applicator which is reminscent of a felt tip pen- so easy to use, even for those with a less than steady hand- I've been known to use it on the move!

New Yorkers are renowned for their high-maintenance grooming and perfect manicures are an absolute essential. I'm loving NY brand, Essie, for its fab range of colours, fun names, long-lasting finish and great packaging. Check out http://www.nailsbymail.co.uk/ which stocks my favourite colours, "Mademoiselle" for a natural finish or "Sole Mate" for something vampish.

O.P.I is another brand worth checking out (nail station in Selfridges)- why not wear the wonderfully named, "Chick Flick Cherry Red" especially for the movie?!




Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil from This Works £32

I love everything about this product- from how sleek the packaging looks on my bathroom shelf, the texture of the oil, to the amazing scent & of course, how soft it leaves my skin feeling! A wonderful pampering treat!