... then obviously it doesn't pan out.
So, reporting back on my rather bad shopping trip the other day. Actually that's tush, it wasn't bad at all, we had the loveliest day ever, we really did. Although the shopping was pants.
I had intended to treat myself to two gems from Cos that I had seen the week before. I had papped them and had been exceptionally abstemious in not caving but waiting and seeing if I really did want or need them. Ok, so the need part of the sentence is clearly superfluous, however much I attempt to justify it, but the want aspect was large enough to convince me to go and give it a go. The Husband having work commitments and not being able to come on holiday may have pushed the "want" element into the "must have" category, I will admit.
More black. And accessories this time. A pair of shoes that I figured, since I can't make my mind up about Summer sandals at all, I could justify and would get lots of wear out of. I'll come back to these another day but they are in the photo and go perfectly with the "could easily be matching" bag.
I fell in love with this bag, hook, line and sinker. Do I need a black bag? Absolutely not. Can I justify a black bag to myself? Hell yes. Especially if I buy a pair of shoes to go with it, meaning that I would have even extra opportunities to use it. I appreciate the logic behind that statement to anyone bar the most hardened of shoppers, will be flawed. (prays that The Husband still doesn't bother to read the blog....)
This bag is the ideal travelling bag. It is the perfect, kids and holiday bag - throw everything in. I love the simplicity of it, I love the softness of the leather, I love the fact it's different from everything else out there. Ish.
Leather Shopper £135 from Cos
But.... sorry - took a moment there, polishing my halo... I got neither. It started going wrong when the shoes were out of stock. Which threw me somewhat. Common sense kicked in and I came home totally empty handed. I sort of remembered at the 13th hour that I had my Marc by Marc Jacobs bag that would work just as well. Also dawned on me that I was going to Kildare Village and then am off to Bicester in a week or two so am going to wait and see if there is anything else that catches my eye.
I will say that my Marc Jacobs bag over the years has been the most useful travelling bag ever and the size is ideal for holidays.
They don't make it any more but I found this at Mango and it is the most similar I've come across.
Pockets Hobo Bag £44.99
Staying with black - and a bargain at that, is this one from Atterley Road.
Black Karen bag by Pieces at Atterley Road was £37 now £18
This would have been perfect for my holiday actually - with the black and neutral theme. A reversible bag from Paul's Boutique. Two bags to take away - why didn't I think of this?
Paul's Boutique Reversible Amelie Snake Shopper £45
Black and navy together (what's not to love?!) at ASOS £35 and it's leather
Continuing with the navy theme at Mango - again leather, a great size and as well as navy, a selection of other colours (also grey online)
Navy leather hobo bag by Mango £59.99
Leather Hobo Bag by Mango £59.99
Another tote bag that is a tad (ok, a lot) more but is unbelievably gorgeous, is the Hart Tote Bag from Jaeger. Probably the most similar in style to the Cos one.
In guntmetal £250
In what they call Luna which is the most perfectly chic summer colour ever. Also known as pale camel to the slightly more ignorant amongst us.
Have to say, as much as I love the Luna, I have a special place in my heart for the Steel Blue.
Off piste now at Plumo but their bags are such classics. A rare green bag now but one that you would have year after year after year.
Var leather bag in dark green at Plumo 244.17 Euro
Back to neutral now and a grey (well I would say metallic actually...) version of the black bag featured earlier, alas not in the sale.
Grey Karen bag by Pieces at Atterley Road £37
As I said, I think the above does have a certain metallic sheen to it and there's more of that at Mint Velvet. This, if your wardrobe is consisting of all light colours (how lovely would that be?) would be jaw droppingly gorgeous.
Carrie Leather Shopper £149
A tan option at Warehouse - not quite as big as some but then some people might not want a huge one.
Warehouse Tassel & Zip day bag £40
So will I find something that I like as much as the Cos bag. At the moment, I am so in love with it, I think probably not, but I am stupidly proud of myself for having held out so far. Only only downsides to it are that a) it's such gorgeously soft leather, I'm slightly concerned that you may be able to see the outline of everything in it. I'm not going to say "kittens in a sack" as that would be massively inappropriate but I'm not sure that's entirely the look I'm going for in a handbag... and b) it will be the proverbial black hole. That handbag that as soon as you put something in it, it's never to be seen again. The only way to retrieve anything is to empty the contents on the floor whilst swearing profusely. It's a slight concern....
Do you have an oversized bag that you have as your travelling handbag? Any tips or recommendations?
Outfit from today over here in Ireland. Again, the weather is still amazing - took the kids swimming and to a park and the obligatory trip to the bookies and home for the Grand National. Suffice to say i won't be spending any winnings on a new bag any time soon. Seeing as there weren't any.....
Black vest - Black and White Denim
Jumper - Hush
Jeans - Zara
White cracked leather Stan Smiths - adidas
Yellow scarf - Hush
Black Faridah Hobo Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Tomorrow we're off to the Circus.....Secretly hoping I can maybe sell one of my children.