MyBag's Pre-LFW Party at The Alchemist, New York Street

Hey,

Last week I got to know some beautiful handbags from one of my favourite online retailers a little better.

MyBag invited a few of us Manchester bloggers down to The Alchemist on New York Street in the city centre to see some key pieces from their latest collection.

The Alchemist is renowned in Manchester for its amazing mixology -  I've certainly had some of the best cocktails in town there! 

The drinks on the evening did not disappoint, as we were greeted with the most gorgeous refreshing cocktail on arrival - Peaches and Cream, which came with a side of prosecco. I'm a big fan of the similar but more well-known Pornstar Martini, even though I'm not keen on pineapple, so this peach-based drink was a dream. 

Above: the beautiful Chyaz and Lauren demonstrating the pour

Surprisingly, the food at The Alchemist was just as good as the drinks! We were treated to some exciting and delicious canapés which included pulled pork bon bons, skewered chicken and cheese quesadillas.

I'd never actually think to head to The Alchemist for anything other than cocktails but after checking out their menu, I'll definitely be going back for food - the brunch options sound especially appealing.

The Bags

Oh, the beautiful bags.

The main event of course was getting to check out some of the beautiful pieces on offer from MyBag. 

The spread of brands carried ranges from indulgent heavy hitters like Karl Lagerfeld, Lulu Guinness and Aspinal of London; to more affordable luxury from the likes of Grafea, The Cambridge Satchel Company and Ted Baker.

The bags on display had a decidedly transitional feel, in pretty shades of pale pink and deep burgundy. Rich burgundy is one of my favourite shades and is perfect for Autumn - my favourite season! 

While I could quite happily see myself carrying any of the stunning bags on display throughout the evening, my absolute must-have would have to be the classic Lulu Guinness lips clutch.

I'm a massive Lulu Guinness fan (my last visit to the store resulted in me having to prise myself away with just an umbrella) and while I already have a patent zip top clutch, I'd love to own one of the designer's trademark lips box clutches.

This one is in a beautiful dark red with a matte finish - the perfect pairing for an Autumnal makeup look!

Which piece is your favourite?

  

MyBag Spring/Summer'16 Preview

Hey,

So it's officially Spring - and while everyone gushes over the pieces of clothing they plan on adding to their new season wardrobes, my thoughts haven't turned from getting my hands on a new piece of arm candy after attending MyBag's SS16 Spring Preview recently!

I've always been a firm believer in the idea that it's the accessories that make an outfit and MyBag certainly deliver the goods in that department; not just curating an enviable selection of handbag brands (would you believe it) but also offering a beautiful range of sunglasses, watches, scarves and more.

Being a big fan of the online retailer already, I was definitely giddy to see what MyBag had on offer for the Spring/Summer'16 season.

Their showcase was held at one of my favourite Manchester haunts, Artisan - a casual but classy restaurant filled with interesting design detail. Did I mention the most amazing cocktails, too?

On to the bags!

Photo credit: Garry Finch

Photo credit: Garry Finch

It's difficult to pick out a favourite range! Lulu Guinness has long been a favourite accessory brand of mine (I'm lucky enough to own an LG clutch already) and the new pieces on show from MyBag didn't disappoint with lots of lilac and quirky details. I can't begin to tell you how incredible the lipstick clutch is, there's even a little mirror inside the lid!

I loved the new range from Ted Baker, especially the drawstring bucket style and teeny shoulder bags that would be perfect for the summer's festivals. The large totes from Karl Lagerfeld scream 'fashion' and are certainly eye-catching enough to satisfy the boldest fashionistas. 

However the bags from Grafea were top of my list. Made in beautfiul leather in traditional, minimal shapes but with fun details like metallic finishes, multi-coloured fringe and fur pompoms - I was in love! I particularly adored the baby rucksack in lilac, perfect for spring. I'm soon to become a bonafide commuter a and am on the hunt for a great backpack and Grafea's have definitely caught my eye.

 

We were lucky enough to come away with an amazing goody bag filled with products from the likes of Real Techniques make up brushes, Vita Liberata tan and Wet Brush Pro.

Though I was completely blown away by this gorgeous personalised luggage tag from The Cambridge Satchel Company. I can't wait to take it on my travels!

Which bag trends are you loving for spring?

McArthur Glen Accessories Challenge: Part Two

Hello!

So, in my previous post I wrote about my trip to Cheshire Oaks designer outlet as part of McArthur Glen's spring accessories style challenge. I was tasked with finding two accessories under £250 which I could style up in different ways for the spring season.

Well here it is; the big reveal. I am so in love with the accessories I chose!

Lulu Guinness 50:50 Lips Hug and Hold Clutch*

Prada Poeme Sunglasses @ David Clulow Eyewear*

Before my trip to Cheshire Oaks, my heart was set on getting a bag from Lulu Guinness. I've wanted one of her acrylic lips box clutches for ages, though the one I got in the end changed my mind! It's an oversized clutch in patent leather and I love the classic design and neutral colours - with the signature Lulu Guinness lips motif, of course.

I wasn't planning on buying sunglasses but after trying on these amazing Prada shades, I couldn't think about anything else for the rest of the shopping trip!

I was so impressed that I was able to buy both of these designer accessories for less than £250. The Lulu Guinness clutch has an RRP of £195 but was just £78 in the outlet shop. The sunglasses retail at £250 and are available current season everywhere, including Selfridges - they were £143 which I think is a really great discount.

I've snapped five different looks with these accessories, below.

Look One: All Black Errthang

Longline black coat - Boohoo

High neck ribbed crop top - In The Style

Midi skirt - Banana Republic*

I feel like this look is a bit Kim K! This isn't really a trend; it's no secret that I love black and this is just a really simple but chic outfit that I'm totally comfortable in.

Look Two: Suede and Floral

Black suede fringed jacket - vintage, from Amsterdam

Floral cut-out dress - Forever 21

Suede-look thigh high boots - Public Desire

Something a bit more boho! I don't really do girly so if I'm wearing something like this floral dress, I'd normally throw a big jacket over it. This fringed suede jacket of dreams is a recent buy from my trip to Amsterdam. I picked it up in a really cool vintage shop for only about £18. I could have bought so much in there but had to think about my hand luggage space...

Look Three: Sports Luxe

Longline blazer - Monki

Cropped Ellesse tee - Bank Fashion

Jeans - Primark

Trainers - Adidas (Stan Smiths)

I wear this Monki blazer all the time; it has to be one of the best things I've ever bought. It instantly smartens up any outfit and is great to wear as a light coat for the spring. I picked this bright Ellesse top in the Bank closing down sale recently for just £10. I used to wear Ellesse clothes all the time when I was younger so the brand has a bit of retro nostalgia for me.

Look Four: Evening Out

Leopard jacket - vintage via charity shop

Velvet high neck crop top - River Island

Earrings - Susan Caplan @ ASOS

Gold collar necklace - Primark

Gold chain belt - Blitz Vintage

Riding pants - American Apparel

Heels - Vivienne Westwood X Melissa

This is the sort of thing I'd wear on a date night with Chris. This vintage leopard print jacket is another one of my all-time favourites - I picked it up for around £3 from a charity shop back home! I'm also wearing my new Vivienne Westwood shoes which I got in the January sales; I was praying that they'd be comfortable but sadly not, great restaurant shoes though.

Look Five: Glam Grunge

Leather jacket - vintage via Mum

Chokers - eBay (tattoo) and ASOS (tartan heart)

Checked shirt - vintage via Reading Fest

Ribbed crop top - Topshop

Moons and stars leather belt - vintage via charity shop

Ripped jeans - Ragged Priest
Boots -Vagabond

It had stopped raining by the time I got around to my fifth and final outfit (typical Manchester!), so I decided to venture outside for photos. This was my favourite outfit of the five so I was glad to get some good shots of it. My style (at least on the weekends) is quite grunge-y but I really like how my shiny new accessories glam this look up a little.

What do you think of the accessories I chose and which is your favourite look?

McArthur Glen Accessories Challenge: Part One

Hello!

I had a really exciting shopping trip last weekend as part of McArthur Glen's spring accessories blogger challenge.

McArthur Glen own several of the UK's biggest and best designer shopping outlets, as well as many more around the world. With up to 70% off top designer brands, there's no wonder than these outlet malls have become a real shopping destination.

My nearest McArthur Glen outlet is Cheshire Oaks, which is actually the UK's largest designer outlet, with more than 145 stores and restaurants. I've lived in Manchester for almost four years (around a 40 minute drive from Cheshire Oaks) and have been meaning to visit the outlet for ages; so when McArthur Glen invited me to take part in the spring accessories challenge at the outlet, I couldn't wait to get shopping!

Tasked with finding two perfectly versatile spring accessories for under £250, I hit the shops with, if anything, too much choice!

McArthur Glen Gift Card

There are so many great stores at Cheshire Oaks, from high street retailers like Warehouse and Gap, to top end designers like Mulberry and Burberry. With the huge choice of stores, I had a mental hit list of where I planned to look first; these were Lulu Guinness (gorgeous bags, well known for the cult lips clutches), Daniel Footwear (branded shoes retailer) and Reiss (dreamy on-trend minimalism).

I took some snaps of my trip and favourite finds below.

Above: amazing glittery black and pink Air Max's at the Nike store

Above: Bag heaven at Fiorelli

Above: Lulu Guinness lips clutches

After a whole lot of browsing, we decided to stop off for lunch and were spoilt for choice with the selection of restaurants available. Though massively tempted by Ed's Diner, we opted for Yo! Sushi as a slightly healthier choice as we'd just got back from a break in Amsterdam and had eaten a bit too much over the previous few days!

Above: lunch at Yo! Sushi

After an amazing lunch and time to mull over the accessories I'd seen, I headed back to Lulu Guinness and David Clulow eyewear to make my purchases.

Sunglasses - Ray Ban

Black longline coat - Boohoo

Fluffy jumper - Fashion Union

Jeans - Primark

Trainers - Adidas (Stan Smiths)

Come back soon for part two - the big reveal on what I bought and to see me style up my buys five different ways!

Have you ever visited a McArthur Glen outlet?