All About J.W. Anderson

photo by PandaLovePhotography / CC BY

I first discovered J.W. Anderson whilst I was visiting Dover Street Market. Seeing as the brand had been establised in 2008, I was, admittedly, a little bit late to the party; however, it was right around the time when I was really "getting into" designer handbags and J.W. Anderson's designs struck me as something quite special. It was the J.W. Anderson Moon Bag that really did it for me - I just loved all of those clean lines and the alluring crescent-moon of negative space. It looked a lot like my very first designer handbag purchase (a Loewe Clutch Bag from circa 2000), and that coincidental likeness left me feeling closer to J.W. Anderson's aesthetic. 

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Clutch Bag with Printed Pony Hair

The 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Clutch Bag is a really well considered designed. Essentially, the shape is modelled on the classic "pouch", but the bag is modernized with a few simple changes. The 31 Minute Clutch enjoys a trapezoid shape, a wide base and a slim top, as well as soft rounded corners. The overall look is rather chic and understated, allowing room for the brand to play around with more adventurous colours or designs. 

Céline Nano Luggage Bag in Black

photo by Sarah Tirona via Flickr / CC BY / edited: cropped, sharper

The Céline Luggage Bag was first launched in 2009, and it has been incredibly successful. One sign of a bag's success is that it is spun into a whole range with different sizes and versions. This is precisely what has happened to the Luggage Bag, which is now available in this small Nano version as well as in a range of "Phantom" styles with a different gusset detail. Available in a range of colours and sizes - from truly huge to adorably dinky  -  there is a version of this designer handbag that will suit anyone's frame and wardrobe.

3.1 Phillip Lim Large Pashli in Bright Fuschia

Pink seems to be on the menu this week! First, I bought a gorgeous pre-loved Smythson bag in powder pink, and now I've just received this gorgeous bright fuschia 3.1 Phillip Lim Large Pashli. This is the second pre-loved Large Pashli bag that I've written about, but this one is a newer model (without the scalloped leather detailing) and features black hardware instead of the usual silver.

Smythson Envelope Bag in Powder Pink

Here is my latest designer discovery – a mini, bright pink, structured envelope-style bag from Smythson. I love this handbag, and have bought and sold some similar Smythson bags over the last couple of years. However, none of them have ever had this much… personality!

The Céline Belt Bag

photo by Carrie. A / CC BY / edited: cropped, sharper, brighter

The Belt Bag is one of my favourite designs from Céline's archive. I think that the bag looks both simple and elegant, and it is made available in a range of seriously dreamy neutrals.

3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli

collage made from: photo by Sarah Tirona (left) / CC BY / edited: cropped

photo by Sarah Tirona (right) / CC BY / edited: cropped

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli is available in three sizes; mini, medium and large. The mini and medium sizes are the most readily available to purchase, and they come in a wide range of colours. In London, which is where I live, I often see the medium Pashli being used a work bag. In contrast, I spot the mini Pashli a lot more on the weekends when I'm out shopping in central London.

Proenza Schouler: A Fashion Fairytale

photo by Maria Morri via flickr / CC BY / edited: resized, sharper, brighter

For a while, I really thought that Proenza Schouler (pronounced "Skool-er") was a German brand - I think it must have been something about the name. I was totally wrong, of course, that's where assumptions get you! Proenza Schouler is an American brand, with a lovely backstory that's well worth knowing.

All About Louis Vuitton's Twist Bag

photo by PandaLovePhotography / CC BY

Louis Vuitton's Twist Bag was first presented during the winter 2014 collection, and designed for the 2015 Cruise Collection. The Twist Bag demonstrates how Nicolas Ghesquière's (the creative director of Louis Vuitton) is drawing inspiration from the brand's archive, reviving the interlaced "L" and "V" lock that was first seen in 1988 on the Louis Vuitton Pochette Trapèze (see photos here).

What You Need to Know About Burberry (When Shopping Pre-Loved)

photo by Slayer / CC BY / edited: sharper, brighter

Burberry is a hugely successful British brand that has, slowly but surely, gone global. With more than 500 stores worldwide, and a flock of celebrity fans, it's safe to say that Burberry has become a household name - even if you don't shop there yourself. 

YSL Belle de Jour Clutch Bag Review

photo by Sarah Tirona via Flickr / CC BY / edited: cropped, sharper

Before it became known as Saint Laurent, YSL used to make a lovely little clutch bag called the "Belle de Jour". It has now, sadly, been discontinued, but it's a designer bag that I still see people talking about and purchasing on the pre-loved market.

4 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Designer Clutch Bag

photo by fervent-adepte-de-la-mode / CC BY / edited: cropped, resized, sharper, brighter

Are you considering the purchase of a designer clutch bag? I think that it's a marvellous idea, and here are the 4 reasons why I think you should bite the bullet and add a clutch to your collection.

Valentino Lock Bag Review

photo by PandaLovePhotography / CC BY

In 2010, Valentino had a second wave of success after Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciolo designed and launched the "Rockstud" high heels. Since 2010, Valentino's Rockstud accessories have apparently been responsible for doubling the company's sales. Although Valentino's 'Lock' Bag (pictured above and below) isn't technically part of the Rockstud range, you can clearly see from its influence on the Lock design.

What is a Royal Warrant? And Which Designer Bag Brands Have One?

photo by Jorge Donaire / CC BY / edited: resized, sharper

Royal warrants are issued by royal families, or family members, to companies from whom they regularly (over a period of years) purchase goods or services. In this way, a royal warrant indicates the patronage of a royal family or royal family member and allows a company to advertise this fact, thus lending them prestige. Obviously, royal warrants can only be obtained in countries that still have a royal family so this does limit the number of luxury brands that have attained a royal warrant. 

As this blog is dedicated to designer handbags, it seems appropriate to discuss the brands that have attained a royal warrant thanks to their designer bags. 

1 Simple Bag Update That Will Transform Your Style

photo by Wen-Cheng Liu / CC BY

My advice for anyone who is looking to trasform their style; buy less, and buy better. But what does "better" mean?

I recently watched video by a YouTuber called Alex - from HRH Collection - in which she discussed how even top-end (read: Hermès) handbags are starting to look 'basic'. What she means by 'basic' is that the market is becoming oversaturated with the same types of bags, and everyone is beginning to look the same. The designer handbags that you covet might actually only serve to make you look like everybody else, and that isn't actually going to help you carve out a style of your own. 

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Second OMG Clutch Bag

I've already featured a couple of 3.1 Phillip Lim's 31 Minute Clutch Bag before, but this 'OMG' bag is in the smaller 31 Second design. Both the 31 Minute and 31 Second models are still regularly produced by 3.1 Phillip Lim, with new quirky and colourful designs being released each season. This 'OMG' design is a few years old, and only ocassionally appears in the pre-loved designer bag market. 

About Coach: Stuart Vevers' New Direction

photo by scion_cho / CC BY / edited: resized, cropped, brighter

Founded in 1941, Coach recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Heritage is important to the brand, and Coach's current headquarters are located on the very same street where the business started - 34th Street, Manhattan.

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Pre Loved Designer Bags

photo by Zohaib Akhtar / CC BY / edited: brighter, sharper

Are you considering buying a pre loved designer bag?

Here are 5 great reasons why you should take the plunge and shop pre loved.

Givenchy Mini Pandora Review

photo by Sarah Tirona via Flickr / CC BY / edited: cropped, sharper

This is the Givenchy Pandora Bag in Mini (RRP £750), the smallest size (height 12cm, width 24cm, depth 11cm) available for this design. I discovered these beautiful photos over on Sarah's Flickr page - her blog is called Fashion Eggplant - and I completely fell in love with her designer bag. 

Delvaux Vintage Bucket Bag in Black and Brown Leather

It's no secret that I am a big fan of vintage Delvaux handbags. Delvaux is a top luxury brand that hand-makes every one of their bags, and when you pick up one of their pieces you can really feel the quality.

5 Popular Purse Brands That You Need to Know About

Do you keep up with all the popular designer purse brands?

When there are so many innovative designers there are always new brands to discover. I've gathered together 5 popular purse brands that I think you might not know about - and if you're into designer handbags then you need to check them out.

All About Gucci: The History Behind Gucci's Designer Bags

photo by Jon Gurinsky / CC BY / resized

Founded way back in 1921, Gucci enjoys a long history as a popular fashion house.

Guccio Gucci (whose name we have to thank for Gucci’s interlocking GG logo) kicked everything off with a single Florentine store. Over the years, Gucci has slowly evolved into a global brand name, with more than 278 directly operated stores worldwide.

I don’t think that I would describe Gucci’s trajectory as smooth – there were some super scandals in the 1980s-1990s – but it has slowly but surely motored its way to the top of the pile.

4 Reasons You Should Buy Mini Bags

Photo by Marianne Chagnon, 'Spy A Silhouette'

Have you been toying with the idea of buying a mini bag?
Are you looking for advice on whether or not they're a good investment?

I've got 4 pretty convincing reasons why you should go ahead and buy the mini bag of your dreams. 

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Bubble Clutch Bag in Black

Bubble clutches enjoyed a lot of success a couple of years ago, and a few big brands - including 3.1 Phillip Lim and Maison Martin Margiella - produced a take on the trend. As a longstanding fan of 3.1 Phillip Lim's 31 Minute Clutch Bags, this particular bubble clutch is a personal favourite.

10 Must Watch Designer Bag Unboxing Videos

 photo by j-No / CC BY

Designer handbags are often a big investment, so it's an exciting time when you bring a new (or new-to-you if you shop pre-loved) designer bag home. It's a growing trend on YouTube to share "unboxing" videos, where YouTubers will open their new designer bags on camera. I love these sorts of videos because, like myself, these women truly love designer handbags and it's wonderful to witness how happy they are with their new purchases. It's also a great way to see video footage of designer bags, and this can really help you to get a feel for the size and quality or various designs. 

One of the more difficult parts of YouTube is finding new content to watch. It's easy to stick with the channels that you already know and love, but it can be time consuming to find new videos that you like. Today, I've done the work for you and I've gathered together ten unboxing videos from some of my favourite YouTubers. I've also tried to make sure that there are a range of designer brands represented across these videos, so you won't see the same Gucci bag unboxed ten times! 

Furla Metropolis Bag Review

photo by PandaLovePhotography / CC BY

The Furla Metropolis Bag (in the mini size) is an incredibly popular bag.

In London, where I live, it's hard to go a day without seeing one of these bags - and they're worn by all sorts of people. Furla makes the Metropolis bags in a big range of colours, and many limited edition seasonal designs (like the bag in the photograph above). This means that whatever your style or your age, so long as you like mini bags, there's going to be a Metropolis bag that will work for you and your wardrobe.

Akris Ai Horsehair Bag in Cream and Taupe

Two years ago I bought a woman's entire designer handbag collection; it represented decades of collection, and demonstrated an exquisite taste in designer bags. Amongst that collection was an Akris Alex Tote (which I'll be blogging about soon) and I've had that bag in my own personal handbag collection for the last couple of years. That bag was my first introduction to Akris, which you can read all about in my blog post here, and it encouraged me to pay a visit to their Old Bond Street store in central London. 

6 Bags You Need in Your Handbag Collection

Photo by Marianne Chignon, 'Spy a Silhouette'

Designer handbag collections benefit from variety, but as far as I'm concerned there are 6 classic styles that everyone should consider adding to their wardrobe!

Loewe Vintage Shoulder Bag in Textured Brown Leather

This beautiful texture leather Loewe shoulder bag is the newest arrival in my studio. The Loewe bags that feature this sort of textured leather date back to around the early 2000s, so this bag has clearly been very well looked after! When I first received it I was really impressed with its condition - it looks like it might only have been used once or twice, and only demonstrates light signs of wear. 

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Pop Art Clutch Bag

3.1 Phillip Lim makes some of my favourite designer clutch bags. Season after season, the brand produce fun and innovative designs - and I usually want all of them. The preloved market makes it possible to buy designs from seasons gone by, and that's how I find most of my favourite designs.

Pony Hair: What You Need to Know

Pony hair is most commonly made from cow or goat hides, using the hair side of the animal. The hides are shaved so that the hair comes to resemble that of a horse hide. In this way, the name pony hair simply refers to the look of the pelt and no real ponies are involved in its manufacture. Pony hair is also commonly referred to as hair-calf, calf-hair or hair-on-leather, but the fashion industry uses the term 'pony hair' because it sounds a little bit sexier. 

About Akris: "The Biggest Fashion House You've Never Heard Of"

Akris is a big fashion brand, and it's the largest Swiss clothing producer in the world - but it's possible, even likely, that you haven't heard of them before. Akris don't really do much in the way of advertising, and for a long time they exclusively focused on their target customers - power-dressing business women. But don't let this put you off in the slightest; although the brand's aesthetic is still smart and minimalist, Akris is slowly expanding its design output. In 1996, Akris launched Akris Punto - a clothing collection with a smart-casual sportswear vibe - and in 2009 the brand launched their first collection of luxury handbags.

Rebecca Minkoff MAC & Mini MAC Bag Review

collage made from: photo by Sarah Tirona (left) / CC BY / edited: cropped

photo by Sarah Tirona (right) / CC BY / edited: cropped

Rebecca Minkoff's M.A.C. (which stands for "Morning After Clutch") and Mini M.A.C. have been a huge success for the designer, and she credits the style for propelling her brand into the spotlight. 

What is Suede? How to Care for Suede?

photo by fervent-adept-de-la-mode / CC BY / edited: resized, brighter

Suede (pronounced swayed) is a type of leather with a napped (fuzzy) finish. It is made from the underside of the skin, the part that would have been attached to the inside of the animal. 

Kwanpen's Luxury Exotic Leather Bags

Founded in 1938, Kwanpen is a luxury brand based in Singapore. Kwanpen specializes in making exotic leather goods from ethically sources skins, all of which meet the strongest starts set by CITES.[1]

Anya Hindmarch Pony Hair Shoulder Bag in Khaki/Green

This beautiful pre loved Anya Hindmarch bag is made from strips of ponyhair that are sewn together to create a really pretty fan-effect on both sides of the bag. It is an unusual piece that I haven't seen on the pre-loved market before, but the detail and craftmanship really caught my eye. Sometimes with designer handbags you end up paying quite a lot for the brand name, but with this bag I think that you can clearly see the very careful design and excellent workmanship behind this creation. 

3.1 Phillip Lim Large Pashli in Forest Green

I've already written a very in depth review of 3.1 Phillip Lim's Pashli Bags, and in that post I mentioned that I hadn't ever gotten my hands on one of the larger models. 3.1 Phillip Lim make this style in 3 sizes, with the smaller and medium sizes being the most popular (and the only ones available to buy new from department stores here in the UK). The larger model is sometimes available in the US, but these models seem to be restocked much less often. 

Smythson Maze Clutch Bags

Pre loved Smythson bags should be on every frugal fashionista's radar. 

Smythson is a very well known, and highly regarded, British designer brand that produce handbags, small leather goods and some seriously lust-worthy stationary. First-hand, Smythson prices are big - nearly Mulberry big - but if you're willing to shop the pre loved market then suddenly the brand's luxurious products are a lot more affordable!

Isabel Canovas Vintage Mini Bag with Feathers

This beauitful mini bag is my latest pre-loved Isabel Canovas find - and for a pre-loved designer handbag that's three decades old, it's surprisingly on-trend!

The Isabel Canovas brand was born in 1981 and enjoyed a great deal of sucess among the super-rich. All Isabel Canovas pieces were priced to compete with brands like Hermes, and people still snapped them up! Eventually the business folded in 1992, so this eleven-year window is when all of Isabel Canovas' designer bags were produced. Which means that this little tan-leather crossbody bag is anywhere from 25 to 36 years old - and it's still looking pretty remarkable.

Gerard Darel Red Leather Clutch Bag

Stored and Adored's latest sale is this lovely pre loved Gerard Darel Clutch Bag made from smooth red leather. It has quite a slim silouhette and features one large internal pocket, secured by a magnetic fastening, and a slim zipped pocket on the front flap. Quite a few Gerard Darel designs feature this zip-pull design (it can also be seen on the Le Buci bags) and I like that the brand chose this sort of leather detailing rather than anything metal, which would badly scratch any smooth leather.

Loewe Pre Loved Bag with Twist Lock

My first ever designer bag was a pre-loved Loewe clutch in black textured leather. It had been owned by a fashion editor at a magazine who had been given it as a gift and then proceeded never to wear it; meaning that when I bought it, the bag was still in fabulous condition. I don't know much else about my clutch, but I do know that it dates back to the early 2000s and that it was from the same collection, or series of collections, as this Loewe cream leather bag. Both my clutch and this trapezoid shoulder bag feature the same twist lock feature and enjoy a similar structured, boxy shape. 

Smythson Mara Clutch Bag in Purple

This pre loved Smythson Mara Clutch Bag is very similar in size and style to the Smythson Mara Travel Clutch (RRP £495). Both bags feature printed cow leather and an enamelled clasp closure, however, the pre-loved version does not come with any internal dividers and instead features one large internal pocket. 

Isabel Canovas: Shop Vintage Designer

Isabel Canovas is a name that you might not have heard before, but if you’re a fashion enthusiast then you should stop and take note.

Throughout her career, Canovas worked for some of the top fashion houses, specialising in the design of luxury accessories. She began at Hermes, before later moving on to Louis Vuitton, and then finally joining Christian Dior where she worked as head designer for nearly ten years. Aged 37, Canovas left Dior to start her own business with her husband, and together they opened the first Isabel Canovas boutique in Paris, on Avenue Montaigne.

Is Fast Fashion Bad? And is it Better to Buy Designer "Dupes" or Pre-Loved Bags?

photo by Maria Morri via flickr / CC BY / edited: resized, sharper, brighter

Thanks to the fast fashion industry - championed by companies like Zara, Topshop, H&M and Forever 21 - designer "dupes" are appearing faster than ever in our highstreet stores. One week you'll spot a trend emerge on the runway, and the next you'll be able to buy an affordable version which may seem a little bit more than "inspired by" the original designer creation. Although the practice of designers copying from one another is anything but new, fast fashion has changed the face of our high streets and the expectations of shoppers. Consumers now now expect to be able to buy into designer trends, at highstreet prices and quickly too. Although designer "dupes" are created with the intention of replicating trends, they can also bring with them their own noteworthy creative flair. In so doing, fast fashion can, ironically, work to sustain, and even revive, trends that would otherwise only enjoy half of their current shelf-life. 

Is fast fashion "good" or "bad", and should we be buying these designer "dupes" that highstreet stores churn out each season? Or is it better to invest in pre-loved designer equivalents?

Delvaux Vintage Leather Bucket Bag

Here at Stored and Adored we're ardent fans of Delvaux's luxury leather goods, and we take great pleasure in sharing and re-selling our vintage finds. Today we're focusing in on our latest discovery; this gorgeous Delvaux Leather Bucket Bag in two-tone grey leather with gold-toned hardware.

Smythson Virginia Shoulder Bag in Cassis

Smythson's Virginia Shoulder Bag was released in 2010 (during Samantha Cameron's reign as creative director of Smythson) and had a good reception, including a recommendation as a must-have autumn/winter accessory by Elle UK. Smythson's Virginia Bag was available in two styles; a shoulder bag (pictured here) and a strap-free clutch version. Both of these models were available in a range of colours, including black, grey, cream and the deep raspberry colour that is pictured above and below.

Gerard Darel Le Buci Bag in Cream

Over the last twelve months I've had the pleasure of selling quite a few Gerard Darel bags, including two other Le Buci models (in black and brown). The latest Gerard Darel Le Buci Bag to leave our storeroom - on it's way to a happy customer! - is in this gorgeous cream colour, which would complement many seasonal styles.

Smythson Gladstone Style Black Leather Bag with Shagreen Closure

This little Smythson number has stolen my heart. I don't quite know why I've fallen head over heels in love with this bag, but there's something about it's structure and size that speaks to me. Originally, this Smythson bag would have been sold with an accompanying shoulder strap, but I purchased this pre-loved from a friend and, unfortunately, she lost the strap during a trip abroad. Hotel rooms all over the world are responsible for quite a few missing treasures!

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Review

Photo by 木木 曉儀 / CC BY

3.1 Phillip Lim is responsible for some truly lovely bag designs, but the Pashli is definitely their bag-of-the-moment. The Pashli is often referred to as a satchel, but don't let this put you off, it's still very modern and trendy. It's produced in many different colours but only three sizes; the mini (pictured above in green and below in blue) the medium and the large.