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

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

The answer to that could be anything, I couldn’t care less. What Marc Jacobs has created is the sort of concoction that I am desperate to stroll down the street with and just watch the odd expressions I get back. It is the bag that the average onlooker would sneer at, but the fashion elite would squeal with delight at.

Why do I love it? Well it all starts with that charming block colour. Not quite grass green and not quite emerald, it’s the perfect shade that somehow manages to work its magic through both summer and winter, which I suppose makes it a investment buy. Secondly, I love the fact that it can be worn as a crossbody bag or a wristlet clutch depending on mood or occasion. But lastly it’s the whole simplicity of it, it’s such a statement bag in such an understated way. It will probably always look odd, but it will probably never ever quite be out of fashion. It’s everything you look for in a bag without saying as much.

I for one can’t wait to have one in my collection, buy the Marc by Marc Jacobs Blocky Party Cube Bag.

There’s something about a DVF clutch that makes me feel like a sophisticated, upmarket girl. Diane’s love affair with box clutches, such as the Lytton, and this Tonda is one of my favourite relationships in the handbag industry, because season upon season she creates these little pieces of luxury.

This Tonda Snake Print Clutch in a pretty sea blue, is not only perfect as a holiday bag (it’s basically made to be teamed with an elegant flowing dress and strappy sandals), it’s simple classic shape makes it an ideal go-to for any formal occasion.

I like a showy clutch, one that begs for attention and completely creates an outfit, and for me, this Diane Von Furstenberg one does just that – in a grown up, graceful sort of way. She has managed to take a completely simple design, one that I would still have probably admired even in a matte black, and team it with feisty texture, glamorous gold hardware and a pop of on-trend pastel blue, and instantly make a bag that everyone wants.

I like my bags to pack a punch, and so this is how I’d wear my Diane Von Furstenberg Tonda. It’s dramatic, oh yes, but it’s perfect for sipping on a strawberry daiquiri on the French Riviera.

Crisp white Theysken’s Theory double-breasted blazer, with statement fuchsia Burberry London silk-georgette dress, completely over the top  Jimmy Choo Marlene feather heels, and a tribal-inspired sparkly Valentino Swarovski gold-plated bib necklace.

The bottom line is, I’m in love. Everything about this bag is screaming buy me, and I feel like it’s a physical mission to restrain from buying this DKNY bag, until payday at least.

I’m a huge crusader for the oversized clutch, because medically, they’ve reduced my backache (due to my new minimalist approach to packing), and visually they’ve transformed me into a glamorous style icon, because the oversized clutch completely lifts your outfit even if you’re wearing jeans and flats.

This DKNY colour block envelope clutch is just so alluring because it ticks all of my boxes. Not only does it colour block (a trend that’s far too addictive), but it has that yummy strawberry pink shade that’s melts my heart, and the envelope popper flaps are secure yet easy to use.

DKNY have done me proud because this clutch has two sections. That’s one for my phone, slim purse, keys and notebook, and the other for my beauty essentials, which adds to my organisational streak.

At £265, this colour-blocking clutch feels within reach, and for a design that can be used for both day and night, it’s a sure fire winner. The pop of colour means that for me, it’ll be teamed with dark trousers (either skinny jeans or straight-legs for work) and a simple creamy t-shirt to bring out the neutrals.

Buy the DKNY colour block envelope clutch

This Gucci Diana bag is my favourite example. Not only is it bright and simple (and reminds me of the Caribbean sea) but it has the ultimate holiday detail: the bamboo handles. Now, these are usually something I might sniff my nose up at, something I’d associate with cheap-looking beach bags, but Gucci have managed to make me fall in love with them (possibly more than I’ve fallen in love with sheer maxi skirts, and that’s pretty outstanding).I love how simple the shape is, how un-try hard it is, and yet how beautiful it is to stare at (as I’ve taken to doing). But most importantly it creates an illusion, and not just that I have a few pennies in the bank. It says to my peers that i’m a jet-setter, that I’ll spend the weekend in Dubai, before hot-trotting it to Brazil, having a stop-over in Barbados before ending my month in the south of Italy. For me fashion is a way to show-off, not only with my personality and creativity, but to create an illusion for the benefit of other people. I truly love this handbag, I love the colour, the design and the functionality (because let’s face it, it is the perfect size for everyday) but I also love what it says about me to everyone else.

So if the tangerine trend isn’t really your thing, I recommend you snap up a blue handbag, because they look great not only with summer dresses, and all the exotic prints about to explode into the high street, but with your timeless work wardrobe. My blue beauty from Gucci will look perfect with my favourite ankle grazing work trousers and block colour blouse. I can’t wait to team it with a coral lipstick, for a really summery feel.

Buy the Blue Gucci Diana Bag