My Top Handbags for a Brighter Season
by Jen Labbett.
The sun is a-shining and suddenly the birds are singing, there’s an extra pep in my step, I’m shaving my legs every morning now that the possibility of wearing a skirt is becoming real and I’m quickly filling the diary with all the long-anticipated spring and summer time activities I have waited so long for. This winter has felt particularly painful – we’ve all said it – when is the rain ever going to end? Now I’m not saying that we’ve got the keys to the summertime castle yet, but it is time to get that sun-kissed wardrobe ready and start ear-marking handbags for the plethora of brunches, picnics in the parks and pub lunches that are inevitably on the horizon.
There’s nothing like the feel of walking expediently through central London, hair slightly tousled and appearing to be on a mission like all the other over-busy businesswomen in the city. I liken tourists in London to pigeons, they seem to walk around in ever decreasing circles, from one side of the pavement to the other, purposely holding up my impressive stride and there’s nothing that irks me more than trying to pedestrian dodge while remaining focused on the important things in life: Whispering Angel and bottomless brunch.
My first brunch of the year was at the world-renowned Ned private members bar in Shoreditch. Under their expert team, the Ned provides a high-end brunch with a high-end crowd, so my handbag choice for the day had to be in line with my surroundings and I was toying with two options. The first was the Gucci Diana small shoulder bag in cream.
Gucci
Diana Small Shoulder Bag
This elegant handbag combines recognisable elements of the House, the Gucci Diana is defined by its bamboo handles and Double G hardware. Crafted from white leather, the piece is further accentuated by a contrasting red leather shoulder strap. Roomy enough for an iPhone Pro Max/Plus, Airpods, long wallet and lipstick, this little number matched perfectly with the cream linen set I’d chosen for the day.
My second choice was the Mini Green Alice Tote from Fable with a similar frame to the Diana, this handbag also uses its handles as the focal point of the design.
Fable Endland
Mini Green Alice Tote
Made here in the UK, the Alice is a classic tote of playful proportions, so compact, it strikes the perfect balance between a bag and a purse, ideal for popping out with your most wanted essentials. In terms of price, this bag is the epitome of having the luxury look without the luxury price tag – priced at only £60, this beautiful handbag is made from sustainable materials so you can feel good about getting a bargain as well as being environmentally friendly.
In the end, I decided to go with the Gucci – the Ned certainly warrants a bag of that prowess; however, the only issue I didn’t consider was my innate clumsiness and the resounding possibility that I’d come back with a smudge of maple syrup or drop of hollandaise sauce in an inconvenient place. I wish I could say I walked away unscathed, alas, I did not, but the Gucci came back in pristine condition and that’s what counts.
One of my favourite London summertime activities is picnics in the park. Whatever your local common ground – the vibes in the parks as the sun starts to perk up is undeniable and a fabulous place to meet up with friends and family for a slapdash charcuterie board and some sparkling rose served in a plastic cup. There are a number of types of bags that fit the occasion, but the first that comes to mind is the all-important tote bag – with ample room to hold sandwiches, bottles of wine (ok maybe just one) and a good book or iPad, the tote is the go-to picnic in the park bag and the one I’ll be wearing to my first tree-lined picnic in the park will be the Kasbah Toile De Jouy floral-motif cotton tote by Sandro.
Sandro
Kasbah Toile De Jouy Tote
This pretty little number screams summertime with its floral motif and light, 100% cotton design. With its rectangle silhouette, double top handle, frayed trims, logo patch at the side and one main compartment, this bag can be conveniently wiped clean with a wet cloth, making it a picnic favourite.
Another ideal bag that I fall back on for summertime events is the classic backpack. If I’m perfectly honest, I use my backpacks more frequently than I do my handbags as I’m always on the go to a meeting and, frankly, needs must – in this case one must carry one’s MacBook with them. But whether I’m heading to a meeting or heading to the common, I can always elevate my look with my trusty Prada Re-Nylon backpack.
Prada
Re-Nylon Backpack
While on the pricey side (£1,580), the re-nylon backpack comes in three colour choices (black, light blue and desert beige) and it’s a sturdy bag with plenty of storage space. Part of Prada‘s heritage since the ’80s, the nylon backpack reflects the main characteristics of the brand: innovative materials, a utilitarian approach to luxury and a reinterpretation of the classics. This modern accessory with a minimalist design is made of Re-Nylon, produced from recycled, purified plastic material collected in the ocean. It’s a great bag and will lift your outfit to the next level while continuing to be practical.
It’s fair to say that all backpacks are not made equal, and this is certainly the case for The Row’s Puffy medium leather backpack. While best not to be throwing this beautifully crafted piece around the common lawns, this backpack elevates backpacks with its soft calfskin leather craftsmanship on full show – I don’t know whether to stroke this bag or put my makeup in it.
The Row
Puffy Medium Leather Backpack
Backpack, tote or crossbody, brunches aren’t the red-headed stepchild of dining anymore and we ladies should take note and dress appropriately. Either way, it’s clear to see that there are loads of choices for the Londoner who’s been trapped inside this whole winter long and is dying to get her bags out (no pun intended).
Bags of Note
L.K.Bennett
Lorena Wicker Shoulder Bag, Natural/Tan
Made from wicker for a natural feel and with an adjustable strap for the perfect fit, this is a budget friendly handbag with a country feel to it.
Louis Vuitton
Alma BB Bag
The Alma BB bag traces its pedigree to the Art Deco original introduced in 1934. Signature details impart a timeless elegance to this model made from graphic Damier Ebene canvas. Note the golden padlock and keys, twin Toron handles and chic leather key bell. Equipped with a removable and adjustable strap, this charming small bag is perfect for cross-body wear.
Chloé
Woody Mini Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag
This bag has a unique take on design with its wood feel 100% cotton canvas design, it’s got a single compartment, logo-print, double top handles & tonal stitching.
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