Introducing the ela Handbag Collection (Gwyneth is Already a Fan!)

June 14, 2013

Ela Clutch Bags

I love discovering a new accessories brand, and truly exciting collections don’t come around that often. So I’m happy to introduce the Canadian-Swedish handbag label, ela. Co-founded by husband-and-wife duo, Ela and Martin Aldorsson, the sophisticated designs play with the idea of humble luxury. The ela collection started with the M.I.L.C.K (money, ID, lipstick, cell, keys) clutch [above] and now features an insanely impressive array of colourful leather pouches and cute cross-bodys.

Those of you in North America may already be familiar with ela, but they don’t have a European stockist yet*, so I didn’t come across their gorgeous clutch bags until Clinique kindly sent me one as a gift. Part of me liked having the clutch as my little secret, but it would cruel not to share this beautiful collection with you. Let’s just hope it won’t be long until My-Wardrobe, Net-A-Porter and Selfridges put in an order….

Ela Clutch Bags 3 Clutch Bags 2

And if you need further proof of ela’s awesomeness, Gwyneth Paltrow is already a fan. That says it all, really! Do you like the clutch bag designs? Which colour and style is your favourite? Let me know…

* for international shipping you can apparently email info@elabyela.com
Posted by Filed Under: Accessories, Handbags

5 of the Best Pink Sunglasses for Summer 2013

May 13, 2013

There was a time, not so long ago, when I couldn’t stop buying sunglasses. I had a serious addiction. Eventually I ran out of storage space and enforced a strict shopping ban. But I think I may need to allow myself one sneaky purchase, this season, as the Spring/Summer 2013 collections are filled with beautiful pink sunglasses. The style sounds slightly odd at first (why take a risk with pink shades when you can play it safe with classic tortoiseshell and black?), but there are so many cool options out there, so you’re sure to find a design thats suits your look. Here are five of the best…

Pink Sunglasses Spring 2013
Shop the Edit: 1. Cat eye sunglasses by ASOS, £12 // 2. Speckled square sunglasses by Quay Eyewear, £25 // 3. Rose sunglasses by Elizabeth and James, £123 // 4. Fifties-inspired sunglasses by Prada, £275 // 5. Coral circle frame sunglasses by Topshop, £16

Designer junkies should head straight towards Prada’s ’50s-inspired frames. The retro feel is perfect for summer and will add a feminine edge to casual, urban looks. If you’re on a budget try the cat eye sunglasses from ASOS instead, as they hint to the more expensive Prada pair.

Those of you who love to make a fashion statement should give Quay Eyewear’s bubblegum pink sunnies a try, but if you’re still not 100% sold on the trend Elizabeth and James offers a great compromise. Their subtle rose pink sunglasses are almost a neutral, and the shape is fairly timeless. If you’re looking for a long-term investment these frames are the best bet!

Catwalk image from style.com

Designing the Perfect Pair of Glittery Heels at Dessine-moi un soulier

April 25, 2013

Dessine-moi un soulier

Have you ever spent an afternoon traipsing around the high street in search of a specific pair shoes you’ve dreamt up in your imagination, only to discover they don’t appear to be a reality? If so I think I’ve found the solution. Parisian website Dessine-moi un soulier (meaning ‘draw me a shoe’) offers a brilliant do-it-yourself design service. Simply log on, select the style of shoe you wish to create – they offer everything from ankle boots to brogues – and get customising. You can adjust everything from heel hight to the colour of the shoe laces, and they have a wide selection of fabrics and finishes.

Just over a month ago Dessine-moi un soulier got in touch to ask whether I’d be interested in designing my own pair of shoes, and unsurprisingly I’d said yes immediately. It took me a week to come up with a style I was happy with, as there were so many options to try out. Eventually I went for classic round-toe pump with a chunky, 4-inch heel. I liked the fact they’d be easy to walk in, and decided to add glittery heels and matching cap-toes so they didn’t look too practical.

Dessine-moi un soulier Coco's Tea Party
My shoe design: round-toe pumps with a chunky, 4-inch heel in navy leather with silver glitter heels and toe-caps

The website is really easy to navigate (once you turn the English translation on) and no detail is ignored. Dessine-moi un soulier even offers half-sizes, which is a bit of a luxury these days. My only quibble would be that the colour chart is a little difficult to follow on a screen; so I played it safe with a navy blue, not knowing how some of the bolder materials would look in reality. But I suppose that’s the only disadvantage to having this technology available online.

Anyway, once I was happy with my design I sent the details off to Dessine-moi un soulier HQ and waited 4 weeks, while my shoes were handmade in France. When the package arrived at my door I was thrilled with the finished result – they’re so comfortable (that’s half sizes for you), and the glitter finish is really beautiful. Take a look…

Dessine-moi un soulier glitter shoes
The Dessine-moi un soulier shoes in all their glittery glory!

I’m now hoping it will be a rain-free weekend, so I can wear my glittery heels to The Vogue Festival! A huge thank you goes out to the Dessine-moi un soulier team for giving the chance to experience your fabulous design service. You can create your own fantasy pair of shoes HERE. Prices range depending on design, but are around the £230 mark. And until June 25th 2013 Coco’s Tea Party readers can get 15% off any Dessine-moi un soulier style using the code “COCO”.

Posted by Filed Under: Accessories, Fashion, Shoes, Shopping

Elizabeth and James Launch Handbags for Fall 2013

April 16, 2013

Did you notice anything different about the Elizabeth and James Autumn/Winter 2013 collection? Previously their models have always appeared empty-handed, but this year Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s contemporary label launches its first ever handbag collection. I got an early look at the handbag line, and can say without a doubt you are all going to love the designs! Elizabeth and James have covered all bases with this collection: there are shoppers, messengers, backpacks, hobos, cross-body styles, satchels (my personal favourites) and wallets. What more could you ask for?

Elizabeth and James Fall 2013 Handbags

Unfortunately I can’t show you the entire Elizabeth and James handbag collection just yet (although you can see most of the designs in the AW13 lookbook on style.com). But I am able to share close-up images of two styles. The sling bag is already proving to be the most popular design, and the leopard print shopper is an absolute must for anyone who carries 75% of their possessions around with them on a daily basis.

Elizabeth and James Handbags Sling Backpack
Above: Elizabeth and James cowhair sling bag, £374. Below: Elizabeth and James leopard print shopper bag, £473.
Elizabeth and James Handbags Leopard Shopper

The Elizabeth and James handbag collection will hit stores later this year, and price points will range from around £250 to £500. I think that’s the most exciting news, if I’m honest, as it’s impossible to find a gorgeous designer bag for less than £1,000 these days! And if you can’t bear wait, distract yourself with the SS13 collection, now online at Shopbop.

Are you excited about the launch of Elizabeth and James handbags? Which design is your favourite? Let me know…

Images courtesy of Elizabeth and James

The Louis Vuitton Autumn Winter 2013 Accessories {A Closer Look}

April 2, 2013

Louis Vuitton Autumn Winter 2013 Accessories Wallets

Louis Vuitton is famed for its iconic monogram print, but at the label’s Autumn/Winter 2013 show there wasn’t a single monogrammed Damier canvas bag in sight. Instead, Marc Jacobs and the Vuitton atelier focused on “luxurious quality” and experimented with a range of textures and materials. The Speedy, Pochette and Lockit handbags appeared on the fall runway in waxed crocodile, marabou, curled goose feather and mink. It may sound like something straight out of the J.Lo and Puff Daddy days, but the accessories were feminine rather than bling-tastic. Here’s a closer look…

Louis Vuitton Autumn Winter 2013 Accessories Heels
Louis Vuitton Autumn Winter 2013 Accessories Satchel Handbag
Louis Vuitton 2013 Accessories Necklace
Louis Vuitton Autumn Winter 2013 Accessories Fur Handbag

My favourite designs weren’t part of the runway collection, but are still deserving of a mention. I love the colourful leather wallets with the ‘LV’ fastening (you’d never lose them in the bottom of your handbag) and the classic, two-tone satchel. Both are worthy investments that will look fantastic for years to come. And if that’s not ”luxurious quality” then I don’t know what is!

Do you like Louis Vuitton’s A/W 2013 accessory collection? Which designs are your favourites? Let me know…

All images taken by Coco’s Tea Party

5 of the Best Minimal Collar Necklaces {Inspired by Jennifer Lawrence}

March 7, 2013

You all know that when it comes to jewellery – necklaces in particular – I prefer the bigger, bolder, brighter and blingiest styles. But for Spring/Summer 2013 there’s a minimalistic accessory trend taking over that I’m slowly starting to fall for. Bold metal collars and torque necklaces are the designs to be seen in, this season. Forget flashy pendants and layers of crystals, as collar necklaces were spotted on the Lanvin and Givenchy runways and are also a firm favourite of Jennifer Lawrence. The 22-year-old actress recently wore a chunky, silver Lanvin number to the Independent Spirit Awards. So simple and so very chic. Here are five necklaces available to buy online now which will help you get the look:

collar necklaces spring 2013 lanvin jennifer lawrence
Shop The Edit: 1. Silver box collar from Topshop // 2. Rose gold torque necklace from ASOS // 3. Chain collar from Made Jewellery // 4. Bib necklace from Yves Saint Laurent // 5. High gloss collar from Charles Albert

Keep the look simple and wear your minimal collar necklace with navy cashmere knits, simple white shirts and a classic LBD. I’m keen to give the trend a go, but am still a Tom Binns/Shourouk girl at heart…

Are you a fan of this Spring/Summer 2013 jewellery trend? How do you plan to wear the look? Let me know…

Images style.com and Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
«Older Posts