The utility bag is the new it bag

Just catching up on some fashion news and it seems that the "it bag" is no longer the bag to have.  Now what you want is the utility bag.  Harriet Walker in her article “Why those in the know are no longer in with the It Bag“, says that the it bag has now been replaced by the utility bag.   According to her Independent News article, "such a bag is likely to be quiet, casual, anonymous and – of course – staggeringly expensive”.

The utility bag can be anything from a “simple plastic shopping bag”, a ruck sack, gym bag whose only attribute is that it is associated with a designer label and was shown on the catwalk. So style, fashion and overt label when it comes to bags is now replaced by practical, purposeful and no label with the only remaining characteristic being astounding prices.

Can you believe that it bag - the designer handbag that you simply had to have with the overt designer label is now firmly out of fashion?  What do they mean no labels?  What's the prestige in that for label lovers?  So how then can you spot that elusive designer made utility bag.  Price is a sure indicator. But you have to wonder when next buying your utility bag – is it genuine designer bag or a knock off? So pay special attention to your fashion news and what’s on the catwalk.

Buying designer fashion ia always tempting but do be careful that you don't end up like Rebecca Bloomwood (played by Isla Lang Fisher) in “Confessions of a Shopaholic”  running up enormous credit card bills outfitting herself in the latest Louis Vuitton top, Vivienne Westwood skirt , Miu Miu pumps and Judith Leiber belts to name a few fashion designers and all for the sake of fashion. She later sadly realizes that in many instances she was buying labels and not necessarily quality.  That movie gives new meaning to the term follow fashion.

Whatever happened to uniqueness and individuality over renown designer labels and buying quality unique handbags and handmade bags from talented artisans?  When people ask you where did you get that you know that you are doing something right don't you? 

That's why my utility bag this summer is no other than this 70’s inspired, colourful and versatile barrel bag well made by Where from 100% cotton. This shoulder bag is a stylish and funky bag for all occasions. – yoga, gym, shopping, carry on, and best of all as a beach bag for the summer. With handles, zipper and side trim all made from leather, I know that quality is built-in and that it does not cost the earth at £30.

Sadly it does not carry the price tag of the “utility bag” but it certainly serves it’s purpose.  I just love the  100% cotton inner lining in the same tone of turquoise as on the outside of the bag.  Buy online now at http://www.thesymphony-life.com/products/utility_barrel_bag.php  

5 day sale event - massive 50% discount at Munique

Don't miss the 5 day massive 50% sale event at Munique Fashions starting today.  Use discount code - sale - at checkout and get 50% off any purchase from Munique Fashions.  Offer ends July 11, 2010

Choose from our unique range of handmade jewellery including leather jewellery, flower jewellery, semi precious jewellery, handmade bags, leather sandals and much more. Hurry whilst stocks last  shop now http://www.thesymphony-life.com/

Summer handbags - handmade or designer?

I am not in the habit of constantly changing handbags only because I always manage to forget something I need in my old bag.  But there's something compelling about spring summer that says colourful funky shoulder bag, beach bag, straw bag, basket bag which I seem only to find in handmade handbags.  Sometimes I can find a designer handbag that ticks those boxes but I want something earthy and not clinical which sometimes only handmade bags can deliver.  It reminds me of food and the difference in taste between street food and sanitized restaurant food in exotic destinations like Thailand.  The joy of tasty food on the faces of celebrity chefs Ainsley Harriott, Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein as they sample street food in asian countries is priceless.  When I visited Thailand, I had two nights of restaurant food.  But when I found my way to the night markets, I was only having street food henceforth and did not mind the trip to get to the market.  And when it comes to summer handbags, the same applies.  

Mind you handmade bags are designer in their own right as they have been lovingly crafted by an artisan in a unique design that is not mass produced.  Thankfully for me I do not need celebrity endorsement or tradional designer brand name to know when a bag looks good.  Some people carry their Mulberyy Alexa, I carry my designer original handbag.

What do I go for in a handbag for summer?  Quirkiness, different shape, colour, material, unusual design which I can on occasion find in a designer high street brand.   One of my favorite bags is an Isabelle Fiore, a quirky leather handbag with crotchet and jewels.  Can't tell you the number of times I have been asked "where did you get that bag".  But I never tire hearing it.   Let's see if I get the same reaction with this summer bag.

Unusual handbags - mother's day gift ideas

Make your mum feel special with a unique handmade bag from Munique. Uniqueness is different for everyone and there are lots of designer handbags out there and fashionistas or label lovers who simply must have them to be trendy.


There's absolutely nothing wrong with being trendy but there is also a lot to be said for the fashion innovators - those who chose not to follow fashion for fashion sake but to develop their own style and have the fashion audacity to even mix haute couture with simply well designed quality fashions accessories. Now there's a woman who exudes confidence in her.







So what type are you? Innovator or follower. Me I look for the unique and unusual in most fashion accessories, handbags included. Shape is probably one of the first feature in an unusual handbag that grabs me. The bag must draw the eye and when my friends, family and perfect strangers ask me "Where did you get that", then I know that I am doing something right. What better endorsement do you need than the fact that you are turning heads. I guess that is the dramatic personality in me.








Other than shape, I am a magpie for ecletic design, colour and the use of unusual handles or what some may call funky handbags

You may well find that handmade bags offer that individually design element that you are looking for when shopping for yourself or a mothers day gift. Nothing says I have made an effort more than finding a gift that is exclusive, fashionable and quality.

Handmade bags by Jhasper

Every woman should have at least one handmade bag in her wardrobe. When it comes to bags made by hand, I look for neatness and attention to detail and most importantly uniqueness. Jhasper’s bags tick all those boxes for me and offer that individual look that I’m always going on about.



Jhasper’s unique handcrafted bags are made from upholstery and home furnishing fabric of the highest quality. Rich textiles like suede, woven fabrics, classic paisley print and luscious colours like turquoise and brown, all come together to create a desirable designer bag.

With attention to detail, designer Chris not only uses quality fabric but you will find that the finish is exquisite with the use of quality handles and lining. Often times I buy coats, jackets and even jeans because of the quality lining inside which gives a luxurious feeling. Jhasper’s bags look as good on the inside as they do on the outside and they are practical too as they are designed with an array of pockets, closures and fitting to suit today’s woman.


You will be spoilt for choice in the selection of styles available as Chris creates a variety of styles including totes, handbags, shoulder bags and evening bags. Even better, why not create your own unique custom bag in the style and fabric that you desire using Jhasper's tailor made service?

Click here to view Jhasper’s beautiful and unique handbag range.

Fabulous custom bags by Becky Oh!

When talking about bags I am reminded of the old adage from Shakespeare “…… That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Well this does not apply to bags. A bag is a fashion statement and even if you are not looking and feeling your best, when someone says to you, “I like your bag”, then that’s a personal endorsement to your fashion sense. When you are complimented several times on the same bag, then you know you are doing something right. According to Trini and Susannah in their book entitled - What your clothes say about you
– “A unique handbag shows that you have a great eye for fashion rather than a magpie’s eye for a fancy label”.



Bags of appeal
I was immediately drawn to the shape of Becky Oh!’s bags. The designer Becky O'Neil is a trained sculptor and this really comes across in the dimensions of her bags.


You cannot help but be captivated by Becky Oh’s eclectic use of coloured and patterned fabric. Like a kid in a candy store she mixes and matches textured fabrics ranging from luxurious silks to cottons, twills, corduroys, suedes and satins. Between the shape, textures and use of fabric you have what I like to call wearable art. Imagine strutting down the street with one of Becky Oh’s handmade originals on your arm. You are sure to turn heads not to mention perfect strangers asking you “Where did you get that?”



One of a Kind
Becky Oh’s bags are one of a kind as even if they have the same shape, the fabric is different since she only purchases small quantities of each fabric. To add even more quirky appeal and charm to her bags, Becky distinctively names each design to match with the ending o sound in Becky Oh! For instance intaglio, cheerio, Ex & Oh ……. I would love to do a blog article entitled Mrs O and Becky Oh! - Mrs O being Michelle Obama who has been very supportive of innovative fashion from new designers. I hear that the first lady's main style advisor is Ikram Goldman owner of Ikram boutique in Chicago should you be interested in giving it a go Becky.




Designer Becky O’Neil hails from Manchester - not Manchester, England but Manchester, New Hamsphire. However she sells many of her bags online http://www.beckyoh.com to customers in various countries. Becky Oh!’s bags can be as bespoke as you like as she creates bags for all occasions (including weddings)to match her customers’ unique styles. Click here to see more fabulous custom bags by Becky Oh!