Four of the Best New Season Handbags by Under-the-Radar Designers

February 22, 2013

Are you bored of seeing the same designer handbags hanging from the arms of every fashionista? I have nothing against ‘It’ bags or the classics (if someone wanted to give me a Pashli or 2.55 I’d be a very happy girl), but recently I’ve been desperate to see something new and different. For Spring/Summer 2013 it’s all about mini, over-the-shoulder handbags, and the very best designs happen to come from under-the-radar designers. Yippee! Take a look at my four favourites…

bags
Shop the Edit: 1. Loeffler Randall’s mint green snakeskin bag // 2. Shourouk’s bubble-gum pink jewellery bag // 3. Kzeniya’s leather and perspex satchel // 4. Opening Ceremony’s aqua over-the-shoulder bag

Granted, you can’t really call Opening Ceremony “under-the-radar”, but I don’t know anyone who owns an OC handbag (or if I do it’s not obvious), so I think it their aqua satchel deserves a place on this list. The dinky little design is a great day-to-night option and I love the fact it’s exactly the same shade as the Twitter bird!

The crystal embellished Shourouk design is my absolute favourite, though. It’s so blingy you won’t need to bother with jewellery, and it’s sure to get people complimenting you constantly. Just remember not reveal who it’s buy, as we need to make sure these handbags remain our little secret…

How to Wear Cashmere Knits in the Summer

June 25, 2012
It’s coming up to July and it’s still cold in London. Lightweight cashmere knits seem like the smart solution, but my collection only includes black and navy — perfect for winter but not so desirable in June. I’ve searched around for pretty pastel alternatives and discovered organic luxury knitwear brand, Muriee. Their cashmere is a tad pricey, so you wouldn’t bulk buy their knits, but the lemon and grey design, below, is definitely a worthy investment. Don’t you think?
Stick to a light colour palette when wearing the Muriee sweater. A pair of stone grey jeans will make a nice change from white (and also save you from any Elizabeth Hurley comparisons), while Marc Jacobs’ mouse flats with add a playful edge to your look.
Are cashmere knits reappearing in your wardrobe, this summer? How do you style them?

Fashion’s Latest Colour Obsession: Pretty Pink Shades

May 28, 2012
A few weeks ago you may remember a rumour started to circulate online, suggesting Anna Wintour had asked all Vogue editors to wear pink to the Met Gala. That may sound like a bizarre request, but pink is having a moment again, and Anna sure knows it! The Vogue staffers and celebrity guests who dressed in pretty shades of fuchsia, coral and cerise did indeed look fabulous on the Met red carpet. So the moral of the story? Wear pink, of course.
SHOP THE EDIT:

Pink was a key colour throughout the Spring/Summer 2012 collections (probably because it always looks great with a tan) and it’s sticking around for Autumn/Winter, as well. If pink is usually too girly for your taste try contrasting it with red, like Emma Stone, or take inspiration from Erdem and give it a gothic twist with black lace. There are so many possibilities…

Is pink currently one of your favourite colours to wear? How do you usually style it?

Catwalk images style.com

Shopping For: Energy Boosting Bright Colours

May 10, 2012
This week feels like it’s been going on forever, so I’m definitely in need of an energy boost. And we all know that a colourful wardrobe is the best way to lift the spirits. I’ve currently got my eye on Karen Millen’s beautiful lace skirt in yellow (which I spotted at the in-store event last night) as well as Rag & Bone’s tailored sky-blue blazer. Happy clothes make a happy girl!
B Brian Atwood suede pink pumps, £256 or $400 at Shopbop.com
Rag & Bone jersey blazer, £370 at Net-A-Porter or $450 at Net-A-Porter USA
Blue colour block clutch, £15 at Dorothy Perkins
Yellow lace skirt, £140 at Karen Millen or $225 at Karen Millen USA
Shourouk crystal cuff, £300 at Net-A-Porter or $455 at Net-A-Porter USA
Neon earrings, £4.50 or $7 at ASOS

What items are you lusting after this week? Would you wear any of the pieces featured above?

The Coco’s Tea Party Midweek Shopping List

October 19, 2011
Anyone in need of a midweek pick me up? Make sure you check out this gorgeous selection. I’m completely obsessed with the colourful crystal pendant necklaces by Shourouk, which are finally back in stock at Swarovski Crystallized. They’re at the top of my fashion-wishlist right now. I’m also loving Missoni’s suede ankle boots, which have a similar look, and Dorothy Perkins’ mustard yellow coat. 
Shop Now:
Alexander Wang box bag, now £288 at The Outnet
Floral print top, £33 at United Colors Of Benetton 
Yellow boyfriend coat, £69 at Dorothy Perkins
Shourouk necklace, £104 at Swarovski Crystallized 
Missoni ankle boots, £725 at Net-A-Porter

What have you been buying this week? Are any of these pieces on your shopping list?