Image: Zeny Rosalina/Unsplash |
OK, so here's the deal. I'm stuck at home for an indefinite period, but I've finally got my blogging mojo back. So while I can't blog about the latest afternoon teas (god, I miss scones), I'm taking the opportunity to blog about some of the things in my own home, for anyone who wants to get to know me a bit better.
First up, one of my long-term obsessions - novelty clutch and shoulder bags. I've never been the sort of woman to obsess about handbags (though I wouldn't kick a Mulberry Bayswater out of my wardrobe...), and I've got a reputation in my family for never travelling light, stuffing my Mary Poppins-esque bags full of books and knitting wool and other objects whose presence confuse everyone else but make perfect sense to me.
That said, I've always been fascinated by items that look like other items, if you can untangle my trail of thought to see what I mean. So I'm inviting you to have a rummage through my novelty bag collection.
Clock face bag
The founding member of my novelty clutch bag collection, this shoulder bag was an Accessorize special, long enough ago now that no-one else seems to have the same one. Clock faces are another of my obsessions, and although the hands don't move on this one, it's an elegant bag that works for smart and casual occasions.
Milkshake shoulder bag
This one probably has the best story behind it, as it wasn't originally destined for my own wardrobe. I spotted it at a fair a couple of years ago, and it immediately reminded me of a friend, who I knew would love it. I'd just handed over the dosh to pay for it, and was stuffing the handbag into my overflowing shopping tote bag, when who should pop up behind me but the aforementioned friend? She clocked the bag straight away, and loved it.
"I know you do" I thought, " that's why I'm buying it for you". So the surprise was ruined and I had to find an alternative Christmas present for her. But on the plus side, I kept the bag for myself.
Mickey Mouse disco ball shoulder bag
Mickey and Minnie Mouse sequin bag
*An actual thing that I've been known to do. To be fair, most parties I go to these days are in London, which involves an hour train journey to get there, and I'm usually trying to save my phone battery.
Mickey Mouse shorts bag
Fox clutch bag
Toucan clutch bag
Summer bag
'Novelty' might be stretching this one, but it was love at first sight when we crossed paths in TK Maxx in Harrogate. It was an unusually warm afternoon in April, and summer was pushing its way to the front of everyone's minds. Nevertheless, I resisted. I resisted my way out of the handbag section, I resisted back out of the shop and halfway down the escalator before shopper's regret kicked in, and I went back for it.
So there you have it - the way to my heart is a novelty clutch or shoulder bag, the more outlandish the better. If you're looking to start your own novelty bag collection, Kate Spade is one of the most creative brands out there (the Kate Spade Taxi Bag will always be the one that got away), though Vendula London has some cute offerings at the more affordable end of the market, and for absolute bargains, I've noticed recently that online brand Shein has some unusual bags, if you have the patience to wade through the site. Otherwise it's a case of keeping your eyes peeled in high street stores, and at vintage, charity and thrift stores for the more unusual finds.
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