Gerard Darel's Easy Charm

Photos by fervent-adepte-de-la-mode / CC BY / adapted into a collage

Compared to some of the other designer brands that I've written about so far, Gerard Darel is a much younger, newer and more French. The brand began in 1971, with their first store opening in the heart of Paris in 1987 - since then, they've charmed French and European women with their classic and chic bag designs and slowly began making more and more appearances on the arms of celebrities. In my home town of London, you can now find not one but three Gerard Darel stores, and I can say from experience that they're most certainly worth visiting. 

7 Must Watch "Best and Worst Designer Purchases" YouTube Videos

Photo by Tyler Pruitt / CC BY

If you're "into" designer fashion then you'll know from experience that it can helpful to get recommendations and read reviews before investing in something expensive. Magazines have been pointing us towards designer purchases for years, but there's something a lot more fun and informative about the YouTube video format - where savvy shoppers talk you through their favourite purchases, as well as their shopping errors. This is what you'll find in "Best and Worst Designer Purchases" videos, a series of in depth recommendations and warnings that give you a much better perspective on those bags, shoes or clothing items that you've had your eye on. 

Today I've gathered together 7 of my favourite "Best and Worst Designer Purchases" videos, from some of my favourite YouTubers. Whether you're a die-hard designer shopper or just wanting to live vicariously, these videos are all fun to watch as well as giving you some much needed advice on what items to avoid altogether! 

What Makes a Classic Designer Bag?

Photo by Marianna Changnon, 'Spy a Silhouette'

What makes a classic designer bag? I think that's a good, juicy question - with a lot of room for interpretation. Today, I'm going to try and tackle it, and in the process you'll hear some of my thoughts about what I think it takes for a designer bag to reach "classic" status.

A Loewe Love Affair

Photo by Jun560 / CC BY

My first ever designer handbag was a vintage Loewe clutch – and I stumbled across it completely by accident. It was a weekend and my dad had asked if I’d mind picking up a vintage clock that he’d bought online, and by a stroke of luck I said yes and headed out the door. Once I got to the sales venue I discovered a room full of gorgeous antique furniture, and a wall of designer bags on consignment.

Pre-Loved Smythson Bags & Why They're Worth Buying

Photo by SteveDexterUK / all rights reserved, used with express permission

Smythson is a British designer brand, with their flagship London store located on New Bond Street. Founded in 1887, Smythson have over 125 years of experience in producing high-quality leather goods and their general style is simple and classic, with the occasional pop of colour. From my experience, the quality of Smythson's designer bags is pretty good as I've handled models with over fifteen years of regular use that still look and feel pretty fabulous. 

5 Amazing Handbag Collection Videos for Designer Bag Obsessives

Photo by Tyler Pruitt / CC BY

Whether you have one designer bag or twenty, once you're on the designer handbag bandwagon it's hard not to become obsessed. If you're anything like me then you'll positively love having a nose around other people's collections, especially when they're inviting you in! 

There are countless designer handbag collection videos on YouTube, but they're not all made equal. There's something pleasing about seeing a variety of brands and colour and, of course, the YouTuber themselves can make or break a video. 

Today I've gathered together give of my favourite handbag collection videos, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!