GUIDES

by Jen Labbett.

Woven Handbags and Accessories That Steal the Show

I’ve been perusing the designer selections for summer 2024 for some time now and, I’ve got to say, except for the capsule pieces that could jump from season to season, there’s nothing that is really rattling my cage; in fact, quite the opposite – want to know why?  The overabundance of straw!! That’s right, straw.  I’m not a summery, flowery girl who’s skipping the streets of London in heels and a sunflower frock with a large picnic style handbag suitably woven in neutral…straw.

Don’t get me wrong, the trend is useful, fit for purpose and really suits the summer style – considering with the weather forecast in London this summer being one where you will have to quickly up sticks and throw whatever you’ve brought with you in your over-large designer neutral handbag, it’s probably a really good idea.  But how do you make even the most desired designer straw bag something that really pops and lends itself to your personality?

The answer is, you don’t.  You have to look for other accessories to do that for you.  For instance, if you’re parading the streets sporting arguably the best of category summer 2024 bag in straw, you’re wearing the Dior Hat Basket bag in Natural Supple Raffia with Flowers.

Show Stopping Bags for Women

Dior

Hat Basket Bag in Natural Supple Raffia

At a pricey £5,000 this bag really should do the job all on its own, but pair it with a set of Christian Dior DiorSignature B71 sunglasses in Transparent Pink Butterfly, now you’ve got an outfit that is set for showing off.

Dior

Signature B71 Sunglasses

The theme even transfers from the butterfly style of the sunglasses to the flowers embedded in the design of the bag and this is no longer simply a straw bag, it’s a capsule outfit (not that anything Dior is ever simple and that’s why the weave in the Hat Basket bag is so intricate and to be admired).

Another clear example of one of this summer’s more neutral bags needing a little help from its accessory friends with a pop of colour and giving someone a reason to stare you up and down.  The Chloe Woody medium paper basket bag is definitely large enough to pack your whole picnic in and saunter to Hyde Park in style for a little late afternoon rose overlooking the sites of London, but something in me can’t help but think that this bag can easily get lost in its neutrality.

Chloe

Woody Medium Basket Bag

The real joy of the straw and neutral trend that we are seeing on the runways this summer is that they can so easily be complemented by an accessory that does all the work of a fully coloured bag.  For instance, this Chloe handbag can take on something as bold as the Weekend MaxMara Uberta Mythological Print Silk Square Scarf with its intricate patterns and striking colours, there’s nothing neutral about this scarf and the Chloe bag is really accentuated by the multi-coloured materials, adding dimension and appeal to what could be a rather dull affair.

MaxMara Weekend

Uberta Mythological Scarf

While the plethora of neutral tones is definitely having its moment during summer 2024, there is always one brand that never needs much help, even when it produces a rather neutral toned handbag that could easily be in need of having an additional accessory provide a jolt of colour or a little bit more dimension to an outfit.  One of my favourite handbags this year is the Neverful GM Tote Bag by the one and only house of Louis Vuitton.

Louis-Vuitton

Neverfull GM Tote Bag

It really is a masterpiece in how to elevate neutral colours to the next level so that the bag alone is the centre piece and while the wearer will obviously adorn herself with gorgeous accessories, the bag really does all the work on the wearer’s behalf. This unique handbag is crafted from fresh Damier Azur canvas with a natural cowhide trim, it is ultra-roomy yet never bulky, with side laces that cinch for a sleek allure or loosen for a more casual look.

This bag comes in rose ballerina pink, so very freshly hued for the summer and it also features slim, comfortable handles as well as being lined in colourful textile, it features a removable pouch which can serve as a clutch or an extra pocket.

All in all, while straw or beige is not my personal go-to in terms of colour or fabric, the runways of summer 2024 have definitely done a lot to educate me on the flexibility of the material and how intricate a design you can foster in the right hands.  Also, I’m always one for window-shopping for sunglasses, so looking for new pairs that will lift the life out of the neutral and into the now is something I treasure doing.

Noteworthy Handbags

Bottega Veneta

Handle Mini Intrecciato Leather Tote

Despite its mini size, Bottega Veneta‘s ‘The Handle’ tote stands out in a crowd. Crafted in Italy, it’s woven from strips of lightly padded leather using the brand’s iconic intrecciato technique. It comes with a shoulder strap allowing you to wear the bag handsfree.

Prada

Re-Edition 2005 Crochet Bag

Fitting right in with the summer trend, the re-imagination of this iconic Prada bag is Inspired by the iconic nylon mini-hobo bag and is presented in crochet with a light and summery mood. Thanks to its removable components, the versatile accessory can be personalised and transformed in different ways and fits perfectly with this summer trends.

Check out my “Colour Trends” series.

by Jen Labbett.

Prepping for My Trip to Portugal

The summer is officially upon us, even here in dreary old England, where we have suffered through yet another elongated winter only to be granted the “wettest summer in history” as something to somehow look forward to in 2024.  And that is why any wise person, I may or may not be included in this group, will have had no trouble picturing themselves in the sun yet not in England sometime mid-winter and booked a holiday accordingly.

And that’s just what I did.  Now my reasons were twofold – I was dying to see one of my all-time favourite bands and they happened to be headlining a festival in Lisbon, which made deciding where to book pretty easy, but now I’m confronted with the added headache of packing for a holiday slash festival, which I can’t say I’ve ever done before.

Given this year’s trend toward oversized picnic-esque handbags and pops of bright colour, I may forgo my original take on the “wicker” look to favour more functionality and more storage as we are travelling to parts unknown, in a country I know not a lick of the language and my husband is no help when it comes to these matters (speaking another language or picking out a handbag).

Now I’ve packed all manner of flip flop and brightly coloured t-shirt to soak in the Portuguese heat and I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a few pieces during my preliminary holiday shopping spree.  The first bag that fit the bill for me was the natural straw Beauty Spot Suzy Tote travel bag that really combines both elements of this year’s trends with its colourful art deco exterior and the sheer brazenness of the shade of red fabric that covers the interior of the bag, I think this handbag is festival perfect.

With comfortable shoulder handles and a drawstring closure feature that really appeals to me in terms of keeping my things safe in a crowd of thousands, this Lulu Guinness design goes above and beyond in terms of style and function.

Which Travel Bags to Choose

Lulu Guinness Tote Travel Bag

Lulu Guinness

Beauty Spot Suzy Tote bag

Another bag that caught my eye, for the sheer look and vanity of it, certainly not because it’s practical for a festival, but the Mini Valentino Garavani Escape Bucket Bag in canvas with chevron24 print & embroidery is definitely giving off the right vibes for music, sunshine & dancing.  Again, with the drawstring closure for keeping your personal items safe, this bucket bag is equipped with a removable shoulder strap and handle, but can also be worn as a crossbody/shoulder accessory or carried as a handbag depending on your mood.

Valentino Escape Mini Bucket Bag

Valentino Garavani

Escape Mini Bucket Bag

And speaking of moods, if I wanted to go full force with the flower child/hippy chic look, I couldn’t accessorise any better than going with the Jacksons Large Day Dreamer Tote Bag in green.  All the fuss, none of the muss, this extremely practical tote is speaking my language and it’s designed to be light and airy as you carry your festival essentials around from stage to stage.  Not only that but the story behind the brand really speaks to me as ​​for more than twelve years, brand founder Louise and her team have worked with 1,400 women in Bangladesh to produce its sensational collection of handmade totes.

The craftsmanship of each bag ensures that twelve women are fed so that their wonderful journey of empowerment with the brand can continue to thrive.  This is an investment piece that won’t break the bank (coming in under £90) and allows you to do a good turn while carrying a really stylish and useful piece with you on your adventures.

Jacksons Day Dreamer Tote

Jacksons

Large Day Dreamer Tote Bag

As I was doing my research, going from the sublime to the ridiculous in festival gear, I came across a backpack that I really feel might be the ultimate festival win for those of us looking to be stylish and get functionality out of our gear as well.  Let me introduce you to the Hackney 2.0 Large backpack from Kind Bag. This fantastic rucksack comes in a variety of different colours, from my favourite Lavender to Yellow Tuscan Sun to Burnt Orange, this bag is full of useful pockets and storage that is bound to make your festival experience that much more organised and accessible.

More than that, this Kind Bag is made from 100% recycled and recyclable water-resistant fabric, but it’s ethical credentials go way further than just being recycled, this backpack is actually made from 18 recycled plastic water bottles, which really impressed me.

This is the newest version of the bag, and it has roll-top closure with a zip and extra-strong magnets ensuring secure and easy access to your belongings. With long side pockets designed to hold your water bottle and extra padding for back support, this backpack is perfect for daily commutes, travel, or outdoor adventures.  At £65, I don’t think I could ask for a more eco-friendly and stylish solution to my prepping-for-Portugal needs.

Kind Bag Large Backpack

Kind Bag

Hackney 2.0 Large Backpack

I really love that designers are building practicality into the design functions of their pieces and while I’ve yet to make a personal decision on which travel bag to bring along, I can’t decide if I’ve made prepping for this trip easier with all the choice that’s out there or I’ve made what has already been a very indecisive trip (is it a holiday? Is it a festival?) that much more difficult to pin down?

Travel Bags of Note

DSQUARED2

Icon Clubbing Tote Bag

Kurt Geiger

Floral Couture Gardening Bag