Handbag Experience 

This bag has the kind of style that transcends fashion trends and encourages that universal desire that every woman really wants: to look posh and expensive. This isn’t just because of the gold features that come with it, although they do add a touch of high class glamour, it’s because of the structured luggage leather and elegant way it doesn’t draw too much attention to itself but somehow manages be an item of envy to onlookers. Although if you did want to draw a little more attention to it, this bags comes in a variety of different colours. The other great news about this bag is that it can be carried as a traditional tote or also as a shoulder bag. This gives you many options when you are out and about.

When and where is it perfect for?

The large Hamilton tote is a bag that could fit something like a laptop, an iPad, notebooks or any other items you carry around with you, and you could quite easily organise your possessions with the different compartments. To give you an idea of just how big this bag is, I managed to fit my old chunky Dell laptop in it, which I usually have to carry around in a ruck sack. Watch out if you go for the small Hamilton tote to fit tech gadgets like a laptop and an iPad. Because of this, the Michael Kors Hamilton tote is the ideal office handbag – great for Boardroom Perfectionists and Big Bag Lovers. However, many of our bag personalities would adore having this bag in their collection. Miss Practical would love this bag for its convertible styles with the two handles, which can change from a casual slouchy look to a more professional style. The Confident Classique would find this bag a smart investment for its minimalist style that adds high class glamour that she could take with her from day to night.

Interior

The purpose of the gold padlock is to loosen the straps of the bag to give you better access to the inside, which has many different compartments including one specifically for your mobile phone, although the leather is a little stiff at first. There are five compartments in total and a handy clip for your purse to prevent it getting lost. This bag has a smaller cousin, the Hamilton mini messenger, which comes with all the same features but if you’re looking for a bag that could fit a fair portion of your life in then this would be a smart investment.

Material

The great thing about the Michael Kors collection of Hamilton totes is that they come in a variety of materials that changes with the seasons. From Bordeaux stud-trim leather, woven leather, burnished leather to calf hair – there is a material to suit everyone. Our personal favourite this season is the new Saffiano leather. Soft, durable, slick and clean we can easily see why it is this season’s must-have material for bags.

Best colour to pick

The Michael Kors Hamilton totes are available in such a wide selection of colours and patterns it is almost impossible to pick a favourite. Black, white, grey and beige are all perfect for your everyday office handbag. But, if you like a bit of colour in your life to add some sunshine to that rainy day try the purple. orange, pink or leopard print.

BagServant’s thoughts

Many Hollywood A-listers have been spotted with the Michael Kors Hamilton tote including, Emily Blunt, Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Lopez. And if it’s good enough for style queen J-Lo it’s certainly good enough for us! The polished and professional look of this bag combined with the trendy colours, materials and patterns make it the PERFECT handbag for any woman. Carrying a tote like this you just ooze style, sophistication and class. We just can not wait to get our hands on the new Michael Kors Saffiano Hamilton Tote!

Ratings: Stars 1-5 (5 being the best)

Value for money 5
Practicality 5
Wow Factor 5
BagServant love 5

Shop the Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote Tan.

Shop the Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote in different colours.

Shop Michael Kors.

Handbag Experience 

Channelling the sleek curves of the namesake jewellery collection, Lara Bohnic’s python skin Lunar clutch is a master class in high end luxe. This statement piece has a striking python skin and red logo lining – do we need any more reason than that to love it? Metal detailed accessories add instant glamour to evening ensembles for an ultra modern look.

When and where is it perfect for?

Ideal for an evening out with girls, a smart dinner, casual drinks on any special occasion where you want to add the WOW factor to your outfit. Instantly recognisable as a designer piece, the Lara Bohinc Lunar Python Clutch is the ultima luxury accessory. Glamourpusses will love the sparkle and fun element of this clutch, whilst Trendsetters wouldn’t dare not to have one of these in their wardrobe. Additionally, Little Miss Labels will adore the exclusivity of the extravagance of this sexy clutch!

Interior

The red logo lining is a pure statement of luxury and the size of the bag is ideal for all those evening essentials (Width 26cm-10.25″xDepth 5cm-2″). There is a large internal zip pocket, perfect for loose change and credit cards. Closure is with a secure zip and a flap over magnet so there is no doubt your possessions will stay safe and sound all night long.

Material 

Made from elegant python skin there is no doubt this Lara Bohinc Lunar clutch bag was made with care and consideration. The strap is made from puff leather, as is the loop closure on the front. The lining is made from soft fabric ensuring every single part of  this unique bag feels super special.

Best colour to pick

Available in gold, nude and black the Lara Bohinc Lunar Python Clutch bag is ultra sleek in all three colours. The gold is ideal for a more glam and night-time look, whilst the nude is more neutral for dinner or casual after work drinks. For more subtle and demure taste we recommend the black! For statement glamour queens (like most of us here at BagServant!) you should opt for the metallic gold!

BagServant’s thoughts

Yes this bag is a bit more than the average person may spend on a clutch bag (£950) but it really is luxurious. A favourite brand amongst A-listers, the bag is pure quality and it shows on every detail, seem and curve. This is a bag you’d have forever and ever and would surpass all the latest trends and still look as elegant and fabulous as ever. If you are looking for the ultimate extravagant purchase and want to give your bag collection a little boost – buy this bag!

Ratings : Stars 1-5 (5 being the best) 

Value for money 5
Practicality 4
Wow Factor 5
BagServant love 5

Shop Lara Bohinc Lunar Python Clutch bag

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Handbag Experience 

When we first saw this bag we instantly fell in love with the bright red colour and the creamy  polka dots. This Cath Kidston Spot Washed Messenger bag is a relaxed style that looks great worn across the body. This design features the classic Cath Kidston Spot print, with quirky Mini Riding print lining and fully adjustable rainbow coloured handle. There are also some handy pockets, perfect for your phone or purse – two on the inside and two on the outside! The bag is light-weight, comfortable to carry and strong.

When and Where is it Perfect for?

A perfect day bag, this Cath Kidston Spot Washed Messenger Handbag is ideal for the ultimate Chic Yummy Mummy. Additionally, Miss Practicals will love the functionality of this cute bag and those who consider their style to be Sporty Luxe  will love the way you can squeeze in your plimsoles, bottle of water, umbrella and map/book when out and about. It is also the ideal school/uni bag!

Interior

With it’s original and fun lining, this bags looks as great on the inside as it does on the outside. There are two inside pockets (without zips) – which are ideal for notepads/pens/diaries. As mentioned, it is roomy enough to fit your everyday essentials. Cute, cheerful and quirky – inside and out.

Material 

Being 100% cotton this Cath Kidston Spot Washed Messenger Handbag really is ideal for busy mums on the go. It’s machine washable and SO easy to care for – with cotton there’s no need to worry about scratches or stains.

BagServant’s thoughts

From high-flying executives to yummy mummies, every woman has a bit of a ‘thing’ for Cath Kidston products. We think this Cath Kidston Spot Washed Messenger Handbag is incredibly cute, practical and fun. At £40 it’s also a bargain! Being able to wash it in the washing machine makes it even more functional and ideal for those on the go. It’s also bigger than it looks from the outside so fits in everything you may need on a day out. We know we can rely on Cath Kidston for great quality too, this bag is an all round winner.

Ratings: Stars 1-5 (5 being the best)

Value for money 5
Practicality 5
Wow Factor 4
BagServant love 4

Shop Cath Kidston Spot Washed Messenger Handbag

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Handbag Experience

Just like the Liliyang Sianna Tote, the Liliyang Ida Bag incorporates two bags in one, giving the ultimate amount of storage, as well as forming a timeless and classically stylish look. With a delicately crafted Liliyang hardware logo on its front, and the Ida bag’s trademark removable light gold chains, the result is a standout, glittering piece, different at every angle and forever moving with the light around it, sure to be noticed and admired.

When and where is it perfect for? 

The Liliyang Ida bag is great for Boardroom Perfectionists as it fits a 15″ laptop – a rare feature for most stylist bags these days. With it’s ample storage and double compartments, any busy professional will be able to organise her life easily and find that pen/notepad/wallet without having to rummage around at the bottom of the bag. So, Big Bag Lovers will be in heaven!

Interior

As mentioned, the bag is divided into two compartments – making it uber easy to keep your treasures organised. All Liliyang bags are made with this feature, a distinct and unique element that ensure their collection stands out from the rest. The two large compartments additionally feature a zip pocket, smart phone holder, and slip pockets.

Material

The Liliyang Ida Bag forms part of the Liliyang ‘Coco’ leather collection. The collection features the use of an extraordinary leather technique, using a luxurious dark brown calf leather, layered and overlapped at random with foils in shades of shimmering milk and dark chocolate with sparkling gold and silver shining through. All of this is then cut, by hand, into an intricate python skin effect. We love this effect and think it is the ultimate fashion statement.

Best colour to pick 

The Liliyang Ida bag is available in Ebony, Port, Crystal Blue, Dove Grey, Coco Python effect, Iced Vanilla and Olive. Our personal favourite is the Coco but the Ebony and Iced Vanilla are great colours to pick for your office handbag. The Port and the Crystal Blue are both fab colours to choose if you want to add a splash of colour to your everyday suits.

BagServant’s thoughts

The ultimate stylish and practical office accessory we think the Liliyang Ida bag is superb. And, not many bags can fit a medium size laptop and still look feminine and chic. The python effect gives the handbag a trendy feel and adds a touch of glamour to an elegant trouser suit or black dress.

Ratings: Stars 1-5 (5 being the best)

Value for money 4
Practicality 5
Wow Factor 4
BagServant love 5

Shop the Liliyang Ida Handbag in Coco Python Effect

Shop the Liliyang Ida Handbag in all colours

Shop all Liliyang

All Liliyang handbags are currently being offered with an exclusive 10% discount for BagServant customers. Just enter ‘totes123′ at the check out.

Handbag Experience

This smart Liliyang Sianna Tote is a timeless and practical handbag that will remain stylish season after season. Split into two compartments the bag allows you to keep organised and still look fashion fabulous! With its beautifully crafted Liliyang logo clasp, the Liliyang Sianna Tote is instantly recognisable and the ultimate city accessory. AND, we’re not the only ones who think this bag is super special – celebrities such as Rosie and Gabrielle from Made In Chelsea have been spotted parading this gorgeous tote around London recently. So, with some colours already sold out, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on this bag before it’s too late!

When and where is it perfect for?

The Liliyang Sianna Tote easily fits an iPad, making it the ideal size for the office. Add that to it’s unusual ‘double bag’ feature, the bag is a Boardroom Perfectionist’s dream! But it doesn’t stop there, any Trendsetter who wants to make a statement about their style will want to carry this bag! It’s the ideal ‘day-to-night’ handbag as it’s not too big or clunky to be carried to a restaurant or bar and would add a dose of elegance to a casual outfit.

Interior

With a suede effect interior this bag will last the test of time. Unlike silk linings, suede linings show-up fewer stains and are easier to keep in tip top condition. As mentioned, the bag is divided into two compartments – making it uber easy to keep your treasures organised. All Liliyang bags are made with this feature, a distinct and unique element that ensure their collection stands out from the rest! The two large compartments are divided by a third storage space – this bag may look compact from the outside, but inside there’s room for EVERYTHING! Additionally, in each compartment there is a small zip pocket and smart phone holder and at the back of the bag there is another easy accesible zip – so no need to dig deep to find your Oyster card!

Material 

The Liliyang Sianna Tote is made from soft calf leather, giving the bag a cool and chic croc-skin effect. The logo and detailing on the bag are made from light gold, making it easy to team the bag with either silver or gold accessories. The bag also has four protective hardware feet on the base – ensuring this smart tote is always kept on it’s toes!

Best colour to pick 

The Liliyang Sianna Tote is available in grey, navy, emerald, crystal blue, ebony, olive, lavender and port. The grey is currently the collection’s best-seller as it can be matched to almost any outfit and is right on trend this season. At BagServant we love the port colour (above) as it adds a splash of colour to a dull office suit or to a smart black dress. If this wasn’t enough, the collection also offers cute card-holders in all the same colours!

BagServant’s thoughts

Whether it’s the original ‘double bag’ feature, the pastel colours or the luxurious quality of this tote, there is something very special about this bag. Created by fresh new designers Lily Yang Li and Lucy Dyer, this bag has definitely been missing from the market. Not only are we impressed with the design, shape and materials, we were absolutely speechless when we discovered that each bag is made from hand and takes around 170hours to make! Having a bag that unique in your wardrobe is enough to send shivers down your spine….! The Liliyang Sianna Totes range from £720 – £780 – a relatively small price to pay for all those man hours!

And – for a limited time only, BagServant is offering an amazing 10% off Liliyang handbag! Just enter the code totes123 at the checkout to receive the discount.

Ratings: Stars 1-5 (5 being the best)

Value for money 4
Practicality 5
Wow Factor 4
BagServant love 5

Shop Liliyang Sianna Tote in Port

Shop Liliyang Sianna Tote in all colours

Shop all Liliyang handbags

See the brains behind these designs: Designer of the Week: Liliyang 

1) Alexander Wang Rocco Shoulder bag – £728

2) Anya Hindmarch Maxi Across-body Bag – £850 

3) Stella McCartney Falabella Tote Bag – £609

4) Lara Bohinc Apollo Python Shoulder Bag – £1,520

5) Tory Burch Bombe Patent Clutch – £215

As you can see by this lovely display, Delvaux offer a wide selection of unique looking bags all in the same alternative tote shape, a perfect style for our Confident Classiques. The brand itself originates from Belgium and is one of the oldest luxury leather goods companys in the world, with its business dating back to 1829. Delvaux prides itself on the quality leathers they use to make their products, which range from calves born and bred in Italy and France to exotic leathers from alligators and ostriches. These materials are tested for resistance to colour fading, water droplets and your average wear and tear. These bags are also hand made, and only 15,000 are made every year. In fact they are so exclusive that the signature of the craftsman who made your bag comes with your order with more options to add your initals on the front or on the tag or choose your own colour combinations, which will take at least six months to make. Furthermore, they offer a repair service if your bag is ever damaged. It’s all rather posh isn’t it?

This blue version, and in fact all of their coloured leather Delvaux bags, are exclusive to Selfridges. We tested them and found that the buckle to open the bag is a bit stiff and difficult to use. However, this could work to your advantage as it is very well secured and provides security for your essentials. Plus, it is real leather and like buying a new pair of leather shoes, you do have to be patient and let the material give slightly. We also found that this bag is not gadget friendly, so we wouldn’t recommend using it for carrying a great deal around with you. This would be an ideal bag to take with you for a dinner with a client and could easily be used for a night outfit after a day at the office.

This orange number is the most expensive version they had, which is made of alligator skin and is priced at £9,565. The colour would definatley appeal to our Sugar Delights and our Little Miss Labels who would enjoy showing this bag off for a long time as this is the sort of style that is consistently fashionable all year round.

Finally we have the bigger version of their signature handbag. Do not be fooled by the size, it may be a little difficult to fit a tablet computer into it and a laptop would definately be out of the question. They do offer a model called the Madame bi-coloured shoulder bag, which appeal more to our Sporty Luxe because of its sporty look as opposed to the classic look of the tote handbag.

We love the brand and the style and we see it as a potential to be a long term statement bag. Is it going to replace the Hermes status?

Shop the selected collection at Selfridges

Lulu Guinness The Tote line-up:Don’t be dissapointed by the lack of Lulu’s Lip Clutch Bags, as these gorgeous totes more than make up for it. My first pick of the collection was the Librarian Doll Face Large Wanda Tote (£275), a super cool combination of beauty and brains and just a little pinch of attitude. This bag is structured and has a gorgeous red interior and is very gadget friendly with a phone pocket and enough room for a laptop or an iPad, perfect for a spunky Boardroom Perfectionist. The next pick is the Black Book Shop Medium Edith Tote (£325), probably my favourite out of the whole collection. It’s design is inspired by Charing Cross station in London and is described as having the perfect balance between wit and sophistication. Couldn’t agree more Lulu. Carry this gorgeous bag over the shoulder or on your elbow to carry your essentials on a stroll through town.  Next up we have the lovely curvacious Red Cross Hatched Leather Medium Eva (£450) which would be a perfect addition to our Vintage Queen’s wardrobe. You might think, ‘it’s not real vintage’, but with its black and white stripe interior and 1940’s style inspiration, I’m sure that you’ll fall in love with it like I have. Finally in our Tote line-up I’ve picked the Black Quilted Lips Lily Tote (£125), which is a new style for Lulu’s season (Trendsetters take a note). Lovers of the signature lip design will love this bag and will be getting a spacious and sporty companion to an outfit in the process. Sporty Luxes who are into darker colours will enjoy this bag especially.

Shop Lulu Guinness Featured Bags

Shop Lulu Guinness

Yves Saint Laurent

YSL Chyc Large tote £1,395 – Our first stop was Yves Saint Lauren and their tote bag, a simple and practical bag with buckets of space and a very attractive Y clasp to fasten the bag. We discussed the name change of  Yves Saint Laurent. We learnt that the “Y” is one of the reasons why the bag is in demand.  Changing the name but keeping the YSL logo? Bit confusing. We were also told of a little trend, or rather a trend that is dying out, which is the demise of the cross body bag. Women seem to be buying more clutches or totes as a practical choice rather than something with a long strap. Big Bag Lovers listen now. Ladies apparently tend to go more for a middle sized bag rather than the large option.  We wonder if Big Bag Lovers are really happy with this new trend?  I have to admit that the middle sized bag looked better and it can be taken from the day to the evening, especially when you are on the way to your client dinner.

YSL Belle de Jour patent clutch £495 – This clutch is the crowning jewel of Selfridges’ YSL collection. Their absolute sell out colour is this baby blue clutch, which sold out in a very short amount of time. This clutch is far bigger than it looks on their website and can fit a fair amount more than the average bag this size. The Bag Heaven clutch for Big Bag Lovers going out in the evening. This clutch comes in other colours. Personally, I think there are other colours which I would pick as the first choice. I do admit that this colour was amazing!

YSL Muse bowling bag £1,350 – This bowling shape bag is another practical piece by YSL and has revealed another interesting trend at Selfridges.  As mentioned above, apparantly, women are buying more medium size bags than large ones. Does this mean that people are carrying less with them and downsizing their essentials? We were also told that YSL is profiting because women are more interested in investment bags than impulse buys. Women are spending more wisely and spending more time thinking than buying. The status comes from a lovely bag and shoes, however, we think that women should stick to the impulse buying. Why to stick to one bag when there are so many lovely bags.

Michael Kors

Michael Kors Hamilton Woven Large Tote £390 – This bag is a lot like the one we reviewed a few weeks ago except for the woven design. Michael Kors Hamilton Tote bag also comes in other type of leather. When you decide to buy this bag make sure that you pick the one which suits to your style and preferences. One of is in fact a type of leather which is used by Prada to make their bags (very popular), so it’s incredibly easy to care for. All you need is wet wipes to rub off any marks with ease. Although, after seeing this particular collection, we became uncertain about the thinking behind the padlock design as it doesn’t offer much function other than to look interesting. I think we can forgive to Michael Kors on this one. The padlock has a very nice design which adds the nice stylish cool look to the bag.

Tory Burch

Tory Burch Kipp Hobo Bag £425 – This mustard coloured bag was much more of a bright yellow than the online picture but was still a gorgeous bag nevertheless. We were told this bag could fit a laptop, but only if you put it in the other way round, and it would loose its shape if you did. So it might not be the best bag for the office, but it could be a fantastic bag to have for casual outfits or to take with you while traveling to keep your essentials with a suitcase. This bag also comes in other colours (red and black).  Those who like to follow the new mini & maxi handbag trend you can also buy Tory Burch Kipp flap across-body bag (again this bag comes in different colours).

Tory Burch Kipp flap across-body bag £325 – We tried out the red version of this bag and it was very comfortable as a shoulder bag. It has the same design as the Stella McCartney foldable tote bags with the pocket on the end of the flap. If you like nice soft (calf leather), you may pick this one against Stella McCartney. Personally, I have not been sure about Tory Burch before. Having touched, felt and smelt his bags, I am a big fan now.

Thank you to the Selfridges team, espeically Beth, Sanjee and Michelle but also other staff who were very helpuful. We love online shopping but sometimes it is important to touch, smell and feel the bags to get the real feel of them and pick your new favourite bag. After visits like this ( a window shopping only  for us this time), you may change your mind which brand is your favourite or you add a new bag to your wish list!

Shop New Collection of Selfridges Bags including Mulberry, Tory Burch, Givenchy, Michael Kors and others.

]]> http://bagservant.co.uk/content/selfridges-tour-the-best-out-of-the-new-selfridges-collection/feed/ 0 http://bagservant.co.uk/content/aubrey-england-the-crofton-family/ http://bagservant.co.uk/content/aubrey-england-the-crofton-family/#comments Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:55:53 +0000 http://bagservant.co.uk/content/?p=18492181557  

We are pleased to say that we were given the privilege of visiting British brand Aubrey England and we came across the Crofton family. The collection is made up of neutral shades of luxury leather and suede. We were totally spoilt, as we were given the opportunity to get to know this family on a personal level…

Meet the Crofton Handheld. This member of the Crofton family is extremely gadget friendly, Ideal for carrying your laptop, iPad or Kindle.

It is very spacious, making it a must-have for Big Bag Lovers. It has multiple compartments in the interior and has an easy to use design.

Boardroom Perfectionsists and Confident Classiques would love it because of its ultra sophisticated design and classic silhouette.

Panels of suede and opulent gold fittings make this bag luxurious and stylish.

This member of the family is the Crofton Shoulder Bag. This bag oozes style and sophistication. The shorter handle makes it easy to carry, so you can look chic and feel comfortable at the same time. Confident Classiques and Boardroom Perfectionists, this one is for you.

Be part of the trend and double your style by pairing one of the larger bags with a smaller one.

Shop the Crofton family

Shop the Crofton Handheld

Shop the Crofton Shoulder Bag

Shop the Crofton Across Body

Shop Aubrey England