Tag Archives: Mulberry

Shopping: Moncler Cheval Gilet

Shopping: Mulberry Brynmore Messenger Bag

Recently my Mulberry family gained a new member in the form of the Mulberry Brynmore messenger bag. Words really cannot begin to describe how happy my first Mulberry bag made me and this happiness has not dissipated as I am now on my fourth. Emma Hill and her design team can do no wrong as far as I am concerned.

Mulberry Brynmore (photo from the Mulberry website)

The Brynmore is a classic bag which embodies all the best bits of quintessential Mulberry DNA. I find the trio of postman locks particularly eye catching. The bag contains two inside compartments (brushed leather inside); a main compartment and a slip pocket which has a small pocket and pen holders. It is the perfect size for a standard laptop and is quite a spacious bag (approximately 12.5 litres). You can wear the bag across your chest with the attached canvas strap, or just hang it on your shoulder (which is what I do). The bag also has a metal Mulberry fob on the side with the serial number on the underneath.

Mulberry Brynmore messenger bag in natural oak

Front flap on Mulberry Brynmore bag

Trio of Postman locks on Mulberry Brynmore

There is something effortlessly stylish about a classic Mulberry bag, the slouchy soft natural leather, and the traditional brass hardware. I tend to always go for oak when it comes to Mulberry as I love the way it ages gaining a natural patina that only gives items more character. I first fell in love with this particular bag in 2008, 5 years later I am still very much in love and so happy that I finally have a Brynmore to call my own.

Mulberry Union flag/jack pouch

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One thing you can always rely on in my life is my penchant for Mulberry and clearly someone is taking note as I had a little Mulberry surprise on my birthday (Mulberry surprises are one of the best kind). Has it really been a year since I got my Mulberry Seth bag for my birthday last year? Apparently so! So allow me to introduce you to the latest addition to my Mulberry collection:

A Mulberry pouch celebrating all that is British. This commemorative limited edition pouch is in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and all things British. The classic Mulberry postman’s lock is updated in this limited edition with the union flag/jack and on the inside tag as opposed to Mulberry it has icons essentially saying Mulberry loves Britain – well I love Mulberry and Britain!

With a suede interior and supple natural leather this special pouch makes a welcome addition to my ever expanding Mulberry family and it will serve to me as a reminder of what a great year 2012 has been for Britain (and myself for that matter!) – well it has been quite remarkable year really hasn’t it?

Whilst this limited edition pouch is now sold out you can still pick up an ostrich Union flag/jack Lily bag on the Mulberry website. In the range originally was this pouch, a natural oak Lily bag, an ostrich Lily bag and a Bayswater bag. All items in the range are of course made in England (my Mulberry locked cosmetics pouch was made in China) just to add that extra special touch. All Mulberry items used to be made in England but as the branded has expanded it is not viable to make everything here now so it is great to have a piece from one of my favourite English brands that is actually made in England.

What I wore today, and what’s in my bag

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I decided to show you what I wore to work today seeing as I have not done an outfit post in quite a while:

My faithful Gucci brown suede moccasins

Mulberry Elkington brief case

Shirt – Reiss
Knitwear – Topman
Belt – Mulberry
Jeans – Nudie (from Matches)
Watch – D&G
Bag – Mulberry
Shoes – Gucci

…and because I always find it interesting when others do the same I thought I would show you what I had in my Mulberry Elkington bag today:

What Mulberry bag isn’t complete without a few Mulberry items inside? I have my Mulberry wallet, Mulberry locked cosmetics pouch, Mulberry horseshoe coin pouch, Mulberry Dan pouch, and Mulberry iPad case (with my iPad inside naturally). I love how due to use, and age each piece is a slight different hue due to the natural patina, and wear.

Smythson pocket diary,notebook, and Cross pen

I always like to have my Smythson pocket diary on me so that I can scribble down important occasions, and pencil in lunches, dinner dates, and the like. I opted for orange as it stands out, and is always easy to find at the bottom of a bag. I also have my Smythson ‘Style Icon’ notebook in case I have to write anything down. Of course I also have my Cross pen because what’s the good in having a notebook, and a diary without a pen.

Jo Malone 154 cologne, Elemis hand cream, M&S gum, and breathspray, L'Occitane shea butter.

A few loose things which should probably be in my Mulberry locked cosmetics pouch… I love Jo Malone’s 154 cologne, and as this bottle is only 30ml it is great for just throwing in my bag. The miniature of Elemis Spa@Home Pro-Radiance hand and nail cream is because I have found my hands quite dry with the current schizophrenic weather here in England! I always throw L’Occitane’s miniature shea butter into my bag as it has so many uses from lip balm to an actual moisturiser. The M&S gum, and breath refresher spray ensure I always have fresh breath on the go.

Harrods umbrella, Amazon Kindel, Apple iPod Nano, Smythson iPhone case

With the current weather you would be mad not to have an umbrella, and I just use this simple black Harrods one. I love music, and I would be a little lost without my Apple iPod Nano – the size makes it ever so convenient. I also love reading, and my Kindle makes it easy to have a quick read when I get chance. Last but not least is my Smythson iPhone case which I actually adore – when it started raining earlier I just threw it in my bag (my BlackBerry, and iPhone tend to live in my pockets).

…what’s in your bag?

Mulberry Simple iPad sleeve

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Say hello to the latest addition to my ever expanding Mulberry family. I got the Mulberry Simple iPad sleeve in green, I already have it in natural oak leather but I fancied a change (I love dressing up my iPad). The unique green colour really appealed to me (green is one of my favourite colours), and the glossy goat leather has a really soft unique grain pattern.

My two Mulberry iPad sleeves together

The case has a brushed leather interior perfect for protecting your beloved iPad, it fits all iPads from the original generation to the iPad 3. It is a great option whether you hold it on it’s own, or throw it in your bag. I much prefer sleeves for my iPad as opposed to cases that enclose it – that is just my personal preference I suppose.

It is the understated nature of Mulberry that adds to the charm. The unopposing Mulberry tree logo, and the simple stitch detailing together with the quality leather, and craftsmanship result in a charming piece you cannot help but enjoy.

Mulberry Dan Pouch

Matches Haul

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I had a little Matches spree online over the bank holiday, and it was waiting for me when I got home from work this afternoon. It always puts a smile on my face when I have a big DHL box waiting for me! Seriously who needs Xanax when you have Matches? One thing I love about ordering from Matches is the packaging by the artist Ann Muir, and as I have mentioned before I use the boxes in my wardrobe for storage – they are excellent, and very chic!

The last time I bought a pair of trainers I was still in high school (Adidas Superstars II in white, and gold – I thought I was so cool…). I do not tend to wear very casual footwear, but I found my lack of casual footwear rather limiting so I decided it was high time I bought myself a new pair of trainers. I found myself particularly drawn to this retro Dolce & Gabbana pair. I am so glad I bought them – they really are the most comfortable shoes ever. I love the pop of colour, and the mix of leather, suede, and rubber. As opposed to a typical dust bag they come with a plastic shoe bag for your trainers.

Dolce & Gabbana retro trainers

Dolce & Gabbana retro sneakers

Inside of my Dolce & Gabbana trainers

Dolce & Gabbana Athletics dust bag/trainer bag

I also treated myself to a new keyring, as one of the keyrings attached to my keys had started to rust so I needed to replace it. The neurotic part of me could not just have two keyrings, I like groups of three, and besides it makes it easier to find my keys at the bottom of my bag. I picked a simple Dolce & Gabbana leather tag with a metal plaque to join my Mulberry, and Paul Smith keyrings. I’ve had key rings come in boxes before but never with a cloth, and a card of authenticity like this one haha.

My Dolce & Gabbana keyring

My key rings: Paul Smith, Dolce & Gabbana, and Mulberry

As I said I like things in threes so I also ordered a Gucci sweatshirt. I do not normally go for things with the brand blazoned across the chest however being a sweatshirt it is excusable, and I rather like how the typography is subtle, and intentionally weathered. This jumper is precisely what I needed; a slouchy garment I can just throw on – it is ever so soft, and perfect for those downtime days.

My Gucci grey jumper

Me wearing my Gucci sweatshirt with Nudie jeans, and my Dolce & Gabbana trainers

This is probably the closest I will ever get to sports luxe for me haha, I guess I just needed an Italian injection into my week .

A Spring Day

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What I love most about this time of year is coming home, and it still being light out. It makes all the difference to my mood, and gives me an extra spring in my step (and it makes blog photography easier!). I thought I would show you what I wore today (not too exciting!); just a casual relaxed look for a mild Spring day.

Full length shot of what I wore today

My Gucci moccasins

My Links of London bracelet

My Balenciaga Day bag (mens)

Me in my Oscar Magnuson glasses

Shirt – Burberry London
Jeans – Nudie
Shoes – Gucci
Belt – Mulberry
Bag – Balenciaga
Glasses – Oscar Magnuson
Bracelet – Links of London
Watch – D&G

To match my mood today I was wearing Jo Malone’s 154 Cologne, however I think Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell would been more apt – I must get some! 154 Cologne, named 154 after the street number of the first Jo Malone boutique in London is a classic with notes of mandarin, grapefruit, lavender, basil, nutmeg, and vetiver. It is a sophisticated warm masculine scent; the perfect mix of woody, and citrus notes.

Balenciaga Men’s Day Bag

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I finally caved in, and bought myself the Balenciaga bag I had been lusting after. I went for the Balenciaga Day bag – the mens version is different from the woman’s although they are quite similar. I have wanted one for quite some years now so it only made sense to buy myself one when I got back from Spain to cure my post holiday blues (the constant rain back here in England really is not helping matters!) – or at least that is how I justified it to myself. Needless to say it certainly brightened up my day when it arrived.

What I love most about Balenciaga bags is how unassuming they are yet to anyone ‘in the know’ they are instantly recognisable with the tell tale Balenciaga trademarks such as the distressed leather, the stunning hardware, the appliqué leather decorations, and leather zip tassels. Balenciaga make beautiful bags, and they do not need to put their name on them in big letters just to sell them. The only place it says Balenciaga is on a leather patch inside pocket, and the zips have ‘B’ subtly on the one side.

My Balenciaga Men's Day bag, front

My Balenciaga Men's Day bag, back

The distressed leather is lambskin; it is perfectly supple. I cannot stop stroking my new bag. I am really excited to see how this bag will age, I imagine it will only get better as the leather wears in time. Another incredible thing about the leather is that although it is thin it is unbelievably tough. The bag itself is lightweight, and weighs practically nothing. The biggest dilemma I had when going to buy this bag was choosing which colour to get – Balenciaga bags come in a delightful array of colours from your standard black to a delightful azure. I really loved the ‘biche’ brown colour, and I thought that ‘anthracite’ was another great choice however I went for black in the end. The reasoning being that my Mulberry bags are brown, and up until now I did not have just a black leather bag.

Different views of me wearing my Balenciaga bag

I found the bag surprisingly spacious – I was not expecting to be able to fit so much inside. I would not want it any bigger, or smaller however it is just right. What appealed to me about this Balenciaga bag is the slouchy casual look of it, it is perfect for every day use. The bag itself has a front zip pocket which is actually quite deep. The inside is accessed by a zip across the top. Inside the lining is canvas, and there is another zip which is also quite deep. It is a messenger bag, and the straps are adjustable. Much of the bag is hand stitched. The bag is made in Italy, and the hardware is palladium plated metal.

My Balenciaga Men's Day bag, inside

Although the leather does have a sheen to it my photographs make it look shinier than it actually is. The lighting in my room is rather rubbish for photographs; so I had to use my camera’s built in flash.

My bag collection is slowly growing, and I can honestly say I love each, and every one of them!

Hola!

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Where have I been lately you may have been asking yourself? Okay, well perhaps not – but regardless allow me to enlighten you. I have spent the past just over a week in Spain holidaying with my family; generally relaxing, soaking up sun, eating far too much food, catching up on some books on my Kindle, and having some down time. Turns out my recent purchases of my Mykita sunglasses, and my Burberry Brit shorts came in handy .

The ‘infinitesimal’ problem I have with going abroad is packing; I am not a light packer at all. When I have stayed at friend’s in the city just for the weekend some of them have been astounded at the plethora of bags, and things I appear with. However most now just take a insouciant attitude, and emanate shock when I sporadically pack lightly. To watch me pack is apparently comic as I just sort of throw things in, and then extra things just for luck. So it was no surprise when my suitcase had a ‘heavy’ sticker attached at the airport check in oops (yes I did need two Mulberry bags, all those shirts, and more!), however in an attempt to pack lighter I have taken to minimising my toiletries.

I seem to have quite a collection of miniatures, and samples/testers, be it from GLOSSYBOX, through shopping at Space NK, or just generally freebies I have acquired somehow. It only makes sense to save them up, and use them abroad. I also bought some miniatures from Elemis (really digging Elemis at the moment!) as I it saves me hauling huge bottles of shampoo, and conditioner around.

Elemis minitures

In addition to this I had a huge helping hand from Bodhi (thank you Elijah!) who sent me an ‘Intrepid Traveller’ set to take away with me. The set comes in a classy tweed travel/toiletry bag, and consists of three bath, and shower gels (Ylang-Ylang Incensa, Pep Noir, and Galangal Spice 50ml each), two body moisturisers (Pep Noir, Ylang-Ylang Incensa 40ml each), and a bamboo eco-luxe body, and face flannel (simply gorgeous soft cotton on one side, and a textured bamboo side for exfoliation).

Bodhi eco-luxe bamboo cotton body, and face flannel

Bodhi Intrepid Traveller set contents

I am a massive believer in Bodhi – both the brand, and the product are nothing short of superlative. I swear by Bodhi, and I thought this set was great as it is the perfect size for travelling. My favourite Bodhi therapy is Pep Noir (such a great invigorating concoction!), however Ylang-Ylang comes a close second it is so sensual, and relaxing – the Galangal Spice is a great uplifting choice too. Bodhi is casual luxury that anyone can indulge in; on holiday there was nothing quite like kicking back in a bubble bath with Bodhi, a glass of Sangria, and my Kindle to keep me company. Bodhi is available from http://www.bodhi.uk.com/, and various stockists including Harvey Nichols.

I am already missing the sun, and not looking forward to going back to the real world, and rat race tomorrow now that I am back in England. I suppose tans fade, but memories are forever, and there is always time to make more memories, and get another tan! I leave you with a photograph I did not even realise my Mother took of me which I like my Mulberry Seth bag in:

Lorien.Me

My affaire de cœur with life, fashion, and anything that may fascinate, or astound me.

Tag Archives: Mulberry

Shopping: Moncler Cheval Gilet

Shopping: Mulberry Brynmore Messenger Bag

Mulberry Union flag/jack pouch

What I wore today, and what’s in my bag

Mulberry Simple iPad sleeve

Mulberry Dan Pouch

Matches Haul

A Spring Day

Balenciaga Men’s Day Bag

Hola!