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

Big Bag Lover’s conundrum is a valid one, even if she does drive her friends crazy. When going for a day out in hot weather (and today is a perfect example) you need to be prepared for certain eventualities. This means you need to pack a bag that will fit your essential items, which is where BagServant is here to help. And just because it’s Wimbledon, we thought we’d pick out a big white bag.

This Beck Sondergaard Painted Canvas Bag has the perfect balance of practicality and style and it has a rather sporty look to it, perfect for a day out at a tournament. And it will fit allyour sunny day essentials like your water bottle, SPF cream, sunglasses and baseball cap, and it’s only £52 now £36 at Farfetch. We also threw in a cute little Radley Border Heart Large Trifold Leather Purse in Ivory to match the bag, and because it’s on sale now from £60 to £39 at John Lewis. Just don’t forget your tickets in the process of packing!

So after making Sporty Luxe wait impatiently for Big Bag Lover to attempt to pack her life in a bag, they finally head off to the games in Wimbledon, which Big Bag Lover instagram-ed and tweeted for some reason, to her friend’s dismay.

Follow Big Bag Lover on Twitter!

Although, despite the delay, there was no shortage of cabs…

Although despite Sporty Luxe’s complaining, even she spent a fair bit of time deciding on a bag to take to the games the day before.  She took BagServant’s advice and went with a strawberry themed bag, but which one to pick?

First up we have the Marc by Marc Jacobs Shiraz Red Burge Box Satchel Bag, a beautiful sporty looking bag that would add elegance to any one of Sporty Luxe’s many outfits. For a semi-smart and posh event like Wimbledon (that’s how we British like our tennis) it’s sure to be a big hit amoungst the sport enthusiasts. £362 at Stylebob.

Next potential choice is the Freitag Reference ‘MacClaren’ shoulder bag, one of Sporty Luxe’s favorites for its neon colur and weathered look. It’s slightly smaller than the Marc Jacobs bag, but then when you’re whizzing through the crowds and sitting in the stands you need all the space you can find. £334 now £234 at Farfetch.

Finally we have a good old fashioned Paul Smith Folding Tote, a simple and casual red bag to fit all your essentials and has the option to make it smaller if carrying it around all day gets a little much. £92 at Farfetch.

Shop red bags.

To decide she took the advice of her fashionista friend, the Trendsetter…

Can’t argue with that…

So if you’re going to the games, or spending a day in the gorgeous sunny weather, remember that a big and practical bag is an essential item. And don’t forget to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun!

]]> http://bagservant.co.uk/content/wimbledon-tennis-2012-sporty-luxe-and-big-bag-lover-go-to-the-games/feed/ 0 http://bagservant.co.uk/content/handbag-trend-the-mini-maxi-handbag-double-trouble/ http://bagservant.co.uk/content/handbag-trend-the-mini-maxi-handbag-double-trouble/#comments Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:22:20 +0000 http://bagservant.co.uk/content/?p=18492182147 When it comes to handbag trends, or indeed most fashion trends, it’s always about having the statement bag. Your wardrobe always has to have one bag covered in jewels and sequins that will take center stage in your wardrobe. This can be bad news for neutral colour lovers or those who prefer a minimalist style and find statement bags a little garish. Well, at BagServant we appeciate that there are many different preferences for handbags and are always trying to find trends that appeal to a bigger audience.

And we think we’ve found one for just this fashion dilemma. Trendsetters, are you making notes? It’s called the Maxi and Mini bag trend. Basically, it’s where you carry two matching bags, one big and one small to create a twinset.Let me explain with this gorgeous neutral bag set from Victoria Beckham. All you Boardroom Perfectionists listen in!

Picture this, you’re on your way to a long shift at work and you’ve got your big office Victoria Beckham Shopper bag with all your essentials in, your lunch, your folders, your laptop etc. You get to your office and remember you have an important business meeting in an hour. Out pops your professional Victoria Beckham leather tote in the same colour but with a structured style to take with you to the boardroom, because let’s face it, the Shopper bag isn’t exactly going to impress any new clients anytime soon as it just wasn’t made for that purpose. Now you’ve dazzled them all with that, you’ve earned a long lunch break in town. Out comes your Victoria Beckham shoulder bag to take you on a stroll around the shops. All you need is your money and phone right?

Now it’s the end of the day and your friends are going to the bar for an after work cocktail. It’s your Victoria Beckham Leather clutch’s time to shine as you switch from day to night. The best part of all this changing? All these bags are the same colour and a similar style so they always go with your outfit.

Shop Victoria Beckham’s collection set

Get the picture? Let’s try another scenario.

Aubrey England’s set is your typical matching bag and purse combination. This Webber Tote is the perfect casual bag for daily errands with its spacious style and earthy colours. Combined with this matching purse, using them both together just gives off an aura that makes you seem very put together and organised without really doing much at all. It’s that simple. Aubrey England have also just launched their Crofton Family collection which contains matching sets. Check out the collection BagServant tried and tested here.

Shop Aubrey’s collection set

Now, I realise that I am asking you to buy more than one bag in one go. So I found some bag sets in the cheaper price ranges. You know a Cath Kidston bag when you see one with their signature use of patent floral prints, so it’s no surprise that they have some matching sets to use for our trend. These bags are to use at your leisure as I have seen women use them for casual days out, as well as with a smart outfit. I myself have a Cath Kitson purse that I use for every occassion. All I will say is that you’ll be spoilt for choice with this brand if you want to pursue the twinset trend. Our Sugar Delights usually have a sweet spot for Cath Kitson and the feminine prints. Although beware about going too over the top with the floral thing, there is such a think as too much.

Shop Cath Kidston’s collection set

Radley is another brand that offers beautiful bags at a reasonable price. With this set, which also comes in purple, you’re getting the mini and maxi choice and you’re getting structure and practicality. Confident Classiques would be wise to invest in this set with its minimalist look and timeless style. Here we have a combination of a smart casual small and large across body bag and a professional looking tote to transcend occasions.

Shop Radley’s collection set

Finally for this post we have this collection by Lulu Guinness. As you may have guessed already, there are a fair few designers that tend to create bag sets in similar styles, so you won’t be short of choice when trying out this trend. This collection keeps with the brand’s signature lip design to create these cute quilted bags that could be used in the same scenario as the Victoria Beckham collection I mentioned earlier. The professional look of the hobo bag will compliment an office outfit, as will the shoulder bag. The cross body bag will take care of your casual errands, while the clutch bag will transcend you into a night outfit with its quirky silver chain.  

Shop Lulu Guinness’ collection set

So if you’re looking for a handbag trend to try this summer, remember that one can be a lonely number. So why not pair up your bags for double the fun!

We want to highlight the huge hand bag sale going on at Reiss! They have big bags, small bags, clutch bags, purses, wallets, casual bags and bags for special occassions. They even have a fabulous Astra fabric evening bags with a gorgeous gold shoulder strap for only £77!

There’s something for all our bag lovers, whether you’re a Sugar Delight or a Boardroom Perfectionist, we’ll let you decide. Just be sure to get your Reiss bag quick before it sells out!

Read Reiss’ bag reviews

Shop the Reiss sale

Shop Reiss bags on BagServant

We love it because…

This is a bag for those days where you want to jump out of your dark corner and shout “everyone look at me!” It’s colourful, it’s shiny and it brightens up your day. We’ve had this little bag in the BagServant office for a while now and everytime we look at it, it brings a little smile to our faces. Maybe it’s the surreal shape or the raised surface of the mock croc texture which looks as though it’s about to burst into life. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bite. What it does do is fit very nicely around your shoulder with an ingenious fitted strap with a blue mock croc finish. Although the gold chain is a nice touch, it can get a little twisted and tangled, so don’t just throw it on the sofa at the end of the day.

It’s worth pointing out, if you’re not a fan of the shoulder handle design, that the pink version of the bag comes with a soft leather handle. Other than that it is practically the same in every way… except it’s pink!

It can fit…

Yes, it is very small. You can’t fit your life into it, unless you consider your phone to be your life, because that’s just about all it will carry. I tried to squeeze my keys in it and had to take apart all my key chains for it to fit and close. This is a statement bag for nights out when all your holding is this and a glass of wine, so really I would recommend anyone who lives a minimalist lifestyle to purchase this bag.

Interior..

Underneath the golden clasp is a lavender satin interior and the signiture Riki Rosetta tag. The shoulder strap is the perfect length for you unlock the bag and quickly whip out your phone without fussing about.

Perfect for…

As I said before, this review was written especially for our Sugar Delights because this is the kind of bag she would see in the shop window and give out a little squeak of joy. And why not? It’s a cute little item could find its way to any bag lover’s heart. Without sounding cheesy, it’s happiness that’s been downsized to be slung over your shoulder. If you need a little pick me up, this is your retail therapy, literally!

Carried by…

The cast of Gossip Girl

Leighton Meester

Shop the Riki Rosetta blue lizard bag

Shop the Riki Rosetta blue lizard bag in different colours

Shop Riki Rosetta

The BagServant team just adore the handbag designs by New Yorker Riki Rosetta. We’ve been totally spoilt by Riki who has sent us a few of her gorgeous designs to test out.

The Riki Rosetta designs are already a firm favourite with the glam fash-pack who star in the hit television drama Gossip Girl, with the likes of Blair Waldorf and Kaylee DeFer being ‘papped’ strolling through the streets of New York with their Riki Rosetta designs.

The Bella Tote is a lovely bag which comes in different colours and materials.

Colours…

Yellow, purple, python, blue, maroon. We adore the yellow with it’s blue soft satin contrasting lining.

Personality and occasion…

The bag is good for anyone who could consider themselves as the  Boardroom Perfectionist, Sugary Delight, and Confident Classique.

 While the design is structured and elegant, the tote has a deceptively small interior. It is ideal for going from the office to an evening event, or for a lovely accessory to a sugary pastel outfit for a garden party, or strolling along the Croissette on the French Riviera. Ideal for carrying sunglasses, iPhone, Kindle or your iPad, facial mist, SPF30, essential business cards for networking, and a snack when racing from the office to drinks with colleagues.

 Quality in design…

This style of bag is exceptionally structured in design. It has a single zip across the top of the square bag, along with two metal leather bound handles on either side of the bag making it a hand-held bag only. There are metal protective feet on this style of bag also making it perfect to sit on a table at a restaurant or cocktail bar where everyone will be looking at it with envy. It is not an overly large bag, and won’t allow for over-filling, however if you are very organised with the items you are taking out with you to suit the occasion, it is ideal. It is not an ideal bag for shopping, for example. There is a pocket inside the bag suitable for business cards, travel card or your mobile phone, and the lining of the bags is a very soft satin. That’s the bit you won’t be able to stop stroking.

 BagServant thoughts…

We love the attention to detail and the overall look of this bag. We love the quality of the stitching, lining and the leather tag which gives it a luxurious look.

This bag is perfect for lunching clients or meeting the girls for cocktails because the bag will stand on its own on the table, and will be a real WOW factor. You will be the envy of your friends and colleagues.

Shop Riki Rosetta’s Bella tote in Yellow, £248.

Shop Riki Rosetta’s Bella Tote in other colours.

Shop Riki Rosetta’s bags.

Raine Scalloped Edge Twist Lock Bag, £28

I replied,” buy me a Fendi handbag”, I did not even have the time to think about it and found myself sitting inside a small helicopter. To my surprise the driver wore slippers.

In that moment I thought to myself that I should have asked for the famous Berkin to make it worthwhile.

We survived the flight and for the rest of the holiday we spent searching for the perfect Fendi handbag.

To my surprise the shops in Hawaii did not have my dream bag. I was a virgin when it came to buying designer handbags.  We did not buy anything and was very disappointed when we left Hawaii.

However, a few years later I spent some time in Selfridges during a January sale. I was originally going to do window shopping only (as you do). However, after a few seconds, I spotted just the bag.

I called my husband who had to come to Selfridges to meet me after a long day at work.  In that moment I fell love with all designer brands. Since the honeymoon my husband never asked me the magical question again.

But I am waiting for the next special occasion.  The bag on my list is now the Chloe Sally Shoulder Bag. I just hope that the moment will come very soon.

You may remember her carrying a gorgeous orange tote in a summer themed outfit, and if you don’t, check out our magazine to remind you. That little beauty was a design by little-known designer Riki Rosetta .

Her style is an ecclectic mash up bewtween vintage housewife and splashes of colour and texture. She’s one of my favourite new finds, and that’s not just beacuse i’m so desperate to copy Blair.

Simple designs that combine vintage details such as kiss clasps and structured frames with modern pops of exotic colour, can easily transform an outfit.

Take the Gossip Girl favourite, the Bella. In a summery yellow tone, the bag instantly lifts an all black outfit (the go-to style for LFW) and yet its simple rectangular tote shape is so clean and unfussy that it’s, without a doubt, a timeless piece. Regardless of whether a splash of colour is in fashion or not, the beautifully luxurious dimpled ostrich effect makes it look classic instead of a one-trend wonder.

It’s not just their simple totes that have caught our attention either. The clutches make for a powerful and yet feminine accessory. Choose the Black Croco as your instant go-to clutch. As the name would suggest, it comes in a wonderfully glossy mock croc design which adds a layer of texture to any outfit, instantly spicing it up whilst still keeping you within your comfort zone.

Riki’s bags would suit almost any woman, but I think they’ll work especially well with a simple dress sense. Think well-cut jeans and trousers, little black dresses and a good pair of heels. It’s the perfect way of trying out colour if you’re a little bit scared of it.

Prices start from around £150 for a clutch, which I think, given the level of workmanship and the good quality leather, is an absolute snip. The amazing news is that Riki Rosetta is currently offering 20% off on all her bags. Apply code Spring12 at the checkout.

So if you’re after something with all the class of our best-loved designer brands, but something yet to be discovered by the entire fashion industry, try Riki Rosetta, you won’t be disappointed.

Shop Riki’s bags.

Apply code Spring12 at the Checkout.

Available in bright, wardrobe-changing colours, these bags were originally designed with children in mind, but as lovers of all things colourful and eye-catching, us women were quick to get involved.

I love the Cambridge Satchel because it’s easy to use as an oversized clutch if you opt for a smaller size. A great combination of casual and yet quirky elegance during the day which can easily be carried through to night.

The bag also comes in four different sizes, ranging from 11 inches to 15, so you can buy yours to fit your laptop, iPad or even A4 folders, which is one of my favourite things about the bag. So often designers forget about the functionality and need for everyday practicality both for work, college or for being a busy mother.

My favourite is the inky purple Cambridge Satchel. Purple is going to be huge this winter, and ok, so I know it’s only March and we’ve still got a while to go, but I love to be one trend ahead of the rest. Purple is a great alternative to black, and was once said to be the colour of the rich – a great excuse to snap it up.

If you want some inspiration of how to style the bag, take a look at lifestyle blogger Samantha Hadadi