Back to Work Handbag Treat!

My poor Radley and Osprey black handbags are on their last legs, I have had both for 8 and 9 years respectively and the time has come to think about replacing them, something which makes me feel quite sad as I do get attached to my bags.

With that in mind, I have a few weeks off work coming up and in an almost 'Back to School' type thought, I think a new handbag is the perfect treat for returning back to the office.  Whenever I buy a new handbag, I always think about what I need to carry in it as opposed to what I always shove in there and this is what I have come up with:

Michael Kors Rhea zip grey stud backpack which I absolutely adore the design of. It is a lovely shade of grey and the studs really stand out and capture the attention, more so than the name 'Michael Kors' even though it is present. It is deep enough to house most of my needs and almost colourful enough not to be bold and brashy.

Coccinelle Blue mini hobo bag is such a beautiful shade of blue that I am almost tempted to buy it for that reason! I love the design of Hobo bags and whilst this one is called a small bag, it would still just about everything I really need to have with me on a daily basis and would stop me adding items to fill the space.

The sensible options comes with Radley and this black Millbank shoulder bag. I like Radley bags because they are strong, reliable and dependable and pretty indestructable. Most of my handbags are, as I have said been black, it is a colour that goes with everything, doesn't really stand out amongst the crowd and is just a beautiful bag. 

The final option is a cross body bag, perfect for London life, doesn't make people hate you on a packed tube as you cram into that precious space in rush hour and they comes in all shapes, sizes and colours. Ted Baker Ellen purple cross-body bag is just beautiful and I love everything about it - the purple pink outer shade, the interal leopard print design and even the gold clasp is stunning. Again, perfect for fitting in the essentials with no room for extras and a great travelling companion in London during rush hour.

The question is, which one is the most practical or does that really matter?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise/collaboration

Summer Handbags

I am sure I am not the only person who changes my handbags with the seasons right? I do, more so because for work, I like to be able to chop and change, I carry more in the winter than I do in the summer oddly.  

With that in mind, i've been looking at handbags for the Summer (hopefully the Mister isn't reading this) and there are a few that I have got my eye on and they range in style, range and colour:

Summer Handbags by beautyqueenuk 

Top Left is BeckSöndergaard pink handbag which retails at £57and is from Asos.com

Top Right is Red Dune Handbag which costs £55 and is from Asos.com

The Middle handbag is by Ted Baker and it retails at £149 from Selfridges

Bottom Left is a Salmon-pink Dune Handbag which retails at £75 from Asos.com

Bottom Right is the Cath Kidston blue handbag which you can find in John Lewis for around £30

The first thing I do before I purchase anything online is look around for money off coupons, discount codes, offers and whether or not I can purchase items through sites such as Quidco.   It really is worth looking around to see if you can find something, or even ask on Twitter because it is amazing how many ways there is to save money or even get cash back on some of your purchases.  Over the last year I have managed to save myself over £500 with shopping around and using sites like Quidco and discount vouchers.

The bags featured above are from ASOS, Selfridges, John Lewis and of course Cath Kidston and because in the summer I am not so brave when it comes to wearing brightly coloured clothes, I instead opt for brightly coloured accessories which may include handbags, purses, cardigans and necklaces and beads.

Do you choose handbags based on each season? Do you have a summer bag already picked out?