Bags of awesomeness from Bagable

Last year I tried downsizing to a Whistles clutch. Great for a night out and a day out but not so great for a client facing day when I have all my bells, whistles and the kitchen sink of wardrobes to carry around. The Zara bag I was using couldn't handle the pressure and the bag straps are somewhere between useless and broken so I was in desperate need of a new season bag when the awesome peeps at Bagable sent me the Fiorelli Chelsea Tote Bag. 

Delivery was quick and painless (I know some of you are still hesitant about ordering online) and so you know exactly what you are getting the Bagable peeps give you the dimensions of the bag on the website so you can double/triple check your requirements AND you get a return label in case in need to send it back. It comes double wrapped so no danger of any damage, the handles are also protected in transit plus there is even a handy 10% off leaflet for your next order. 

                           

                           

Here's why I love the Fiorelli Chelsea Tote Bag: it is the size perfect for my wallet, phone, Ipad, pen, notebook (I am still in the old school of actually writing things down), diary (see previous parenthesis) plus my trusty lippy, keys, chewing gum...my life is literally in my bag. I've cracked it out already to rave reviews and I love the fact it has two handle options: to crook arm or not to crook arm, that is the question. 

You can order online at www.bagable.co.uk and tweet the bagsters on @BagableLtd. Here's how I styled it all ready for winter: 

You'll find in this blog post for whatever reason, I decided not to look at the camera much. 

                       

Outfit: Silk Shirt from River Island, Necklace from H&M, Coat from Cos, Trousers from Preen, Shoes from ASOS. 

A client's partner has a few kind words to say...

2 years ago my most gorgeous girlfriend (Ali) made the move to being self-employed. Although we had spent a great deal of time looking at the pros and cons of starting our own business we never really gave much thought how our personal image would be effected. From an early age society tells us what we should wear, whether that be in school or walking down the high street. We enter the world of work and although we have choices the expectation is clear, to look professional you must follow the corporate code. Suits, dresses, black, white & grey and although we all add our own little embellishments here and there no individual breaks the rules.So what happens when you take that away, no dress code… no one telling you what you can and can’t wear? Well, that is when you start thinking about your brand and what your clothes say about you.

Ali works in the learning & development industry and in in front of people on a daily basis, attending meetings and delivering presentations. In each of these circumstances your appearance is key. In meetings you must look business like and professional whilst in presentations you must also look approachable and relaxed. Having spent the last 15 years in a corporate environment makes it hard to get your head around your look and the impact that it has. Especially when someone takes away the rule book.

Enter the Wardrobe Angel!!

When Stephanie arrived Ali was not in a great place, business was slow ( as most new businesses are) and she was struggling to find her identity. The pencil dresses and suits just did not feel right anymore, we had tried shopping for new outfits but nothing seemed to work. Stephanie arrived at around 9am and spent the day with Ali going through her entire wardrobe, putting outfits together and advising her on what cut’s etc. best suit her figure. By the end of the day, there was light at the end of the tunnel.

It is all about colours and cuts. Wear the cuts/neckline’s that compliment your figure and the colours that compliment your skin tones and you are away. Within hours Ali had three or four outfits that were perfect for work, she looked amazing. Colourful, smart, professional and best of all created an impact that matched her values and beliefs.

A few days later and Stephanie had sent us a picture board of styles, colours and suggested outfits along with were to buy them. This made shopping so much easier, being able to understand that certain prints don’t work and that some designers actually specialise in making clothes to compliment your body shape. Seeing Ali looking through the Pepperberry website was like seeing a 6 year old on Christmas morning, a revelation!!

6 months later, I am stood waiting for the 5pm train from London to arrive at Wakefield train station. The train pulls in and I start to scan the platform looking for Ali. Through the hordes of grey and black corporate conformists I spy a splash of unexpected colour.  My jaw drops… walking down the platform in a blue Pepperberry dress that perfectly shows off her hourglass figure wearing a smile that would stop traffic was Ali. 

I cannot recommend the wardrobe angel experience enough. If you are struggling with your style and need help or just want to refresh your wardrobe, Stephanie is the one to call.

Swish Leeds

SWISH, Swap, Wear, Love

Team Swish with the staff of Armani Exchange at the Corn Exchange, Leeds.

They came, they saw, they swished! 

On Thursday 19th September The Corn Exchange in Leeds was transformed into the first of its kind swishing event - over 75 women came, swished, networked, ate, drank and had FUN. With volunteers from Batley School of Fashion, food from the very lovely Masterchef finalist Tom Rennolds (@TomRennolds) and fashion from Manor Drive Dress Agency, Phase 8 and Topshop the night was awesome. 

The next SWISH LEEDS March 27th 2014 so get the date in your diary!