Printed purse, Yumi
Printed purse Yumi
29th July: Yumi Direct antique photograph printed purse
\r\nA quirky little payday treat comes in the form of this enchanting purse from Yumi. Featuring beautiful Edwardian photograph print, this is like a mini piece of art for your handbag - the pressed flower zip pull is also a nice touch. This purse is a real conversation starter which will have you rushing to buy the first round of drinks, if only for an excuse to show it off...
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vivien of holloway, vintage, vintage reproduction
Vintage reproduction sarong dress Vivien of Holloway
28th July: Vivien of Holloway Rosa White vintage reproduction dress
\r\nFor anyone visiting the Vintage 2011 festival this weekend, its time to make sure you have your outfit ready to go. Whether you are a vintage connoisseur or a first time fan, Vivien of Holloway should be your first point of call for an authentic retro look. This long established company produces beautiful, glamourous clothing based on original 1940s and 50s patterns (which also means vintage sizing, so make sure you take your measurements before ordering a size 12 now is different to a size 12 sixty years ago.)
Viviens classic sarong dress design is very flattering, with a wide halter strap, subtle corset-style boning and a ruffle to create the perfect hourglass figure. This new Rosa White print arrived online today, and if you are in need of an emergency outfit for the festival, just use the next day delivery service!
\r\nVivien of Holloway Rosa White sarong dress, £99 (with bolero jacket, not shown)
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peekaboo vintage, cocktail ring, spider
Peekaboo vintage
July 27: Peekaboo New Vintage Spider Ring
\r\nEEK! Spiders usually give us the heebie jeebies, but thankfully we have found one that we can be friends with, in the form of this eight-legged ring from Peekaboo. Inspired by a vintage design, this black and gold ring has an enamel body and sparkling crystals, for added creepy-crawly chic. It\'s also available in a silver and black finish, but either way, it\'s a stand-out piece. For fans of oversized cocktail rings, this is an essential addition to your collection; fun, fashionable and not at all frightening! A great new take on the trend for statement jewels.
\r\nSpider cocktail ring, £30, Peekaboo\r\n
current elliott, current elliott leopard jeans
Current Elliott Leopard Print Jeans
July 26: Current Elliott Grey Leopard Print Stiletto Jeans, £214
\r\nThere is a common problem at Handbag Towers: a shared addiction to leopard print. Pretty much any animal print gets us going, but leopard will always be a fashion staple. However, for a slightly different take, cult denim brand Current Elliott have created these extremely desirable skinnies in faded grey. Perfect for the current changeable climate, these beauties will look great now with a simple white tee, and just as great with a big jumper come Autumn. A style statement with added grr...
\r\nLeopard jeans, £214, My-wardrobe\r\n
Butler and Wilson, skull bag, incoming, july, fashion
Butler and Wilson Skull Bag
July 22: Butler and Wilson Skull Clutch Bag, £58
\r\nSkull details have been a bit of a cult fashion trend ever since they became Alexander McQueens signature. Were loving Butler and Wilsons envelope clutch bag, made in black leather and stamped with rows of silver skulls. Its a very model-off-duty look. Were going to clutch it with our drainpipe black skinny jeans and a billowing white blouse à la Alexa Chung.
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Incoming, July, squid london, fashion, shopping
Squid London Colour Changing Umbrella
July 21: Squid London Colour Changing Umbrella, £25
\r\nWe hate to say it, but it seems summer is officially over. So much for the Great British Summer eh? But were not all doom and gloom here on team Handbag. Instead, were hastily pulling together our favourite transitional pieces to see us through until autumn/winter 2012 clothes land in stores. Case in point, are these fantastic and magical umbrellas from Squid London. Normally our brollies disappoint us; they break in the wind, they disappear when we need them the most, and they never keep us fully dry. But at least Squid Londons ones will brighten up your day! Inspired by Jackson Pollocks famous artwork, they have colour changing technology so your umbrella will transform in front of your very eyes. The rain has never been so exciting...Were particularly loving their splat design!
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Forever 21, incoming, july, fashion, shopping
Forever 21 Denim Cropped Blouse
July 20: Denim cropped blouse from Forever 21.
\r\nAmerican favourite Forever 21 is opening its doors in London next week, and we cant wait to see all they have to offer especially after glimpsing London cool kid Bip Ling on the adverts! Were fed up of the weather, so were going to be attempting to go trans-seasonal with our next purchases. Case in point is this acid wash denim crop shirt. With its three quarter length sleeves, its not going to be too chilly in the winter, and is going to look amazing with high waist coloured jeans whatever the season!
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Stella & Dot Renegade Ring, Incoming, shopping, fashion
Stella & Dot Renegade Ring
July 19: Renegade ring from Stella & Dot.
\r\nWe love a chunky accessory or two here at Handbag, so imagine our delight when we spotted this baby from Stella & Dot! Spiky jewellery has become a massive trend over the last few years, and no longer seems gothic or scary. Instead, it adds instead punkish edge to an outfit especially if incorporated with cute or classic details. We love the teeny diamante detail on this ring, as well as the almost flower-like shape it has. Team with some of Stella & Dots bracelets, and youll have some fierce accessorising on the go!
Mint Velvet Macrame Gothic Dress, Mint Velvet, shopping, fashion
Mint Velvet Macrame Gothic Dress
July 18: Macrame Gothic Dress from Mint Velvet.
\r\nSummer seems to have taken a few days off, and its feeling distinctly wintery here at the Handbag offices. But thats ok, because it just means weve started thinking about our winter wardrobe in advance! With new autumn/winter 2012 collections beginning to hit the high street, its only right we start planning ahead. This black macramé dress from Mint Velvet is pretty gothic perfection. The asymmetrical hem is very on trend, as is the textured fabric and sheer detail. Buy now and wear with bare legs before getting your tights out come October!
truffle shuffle, retro tee, 150711
Truffle Shuffle Breakfast Club Tee
July 15: Breakfast Club Tee from Truffle Shuffle.
\r\nIts Friday, and here at Handbag we are looking forward to shrugging off our heels and embracing our weekend wardrobes! In between the fun activities weve got planned, well also be finding time to kick back and catch up on some old movies. Some our favourite 80s classics are Weird Science (Beauty Ed Louise) Pretty in Pink (yours truly) and Junior writer Rebecca Copes, The Breakfast Club. To get in the mood, we recommend this tee from Truffle Shuffle; perfect for pretending you are in Saturday morning detention.
christian dior, vintage, susan caplan
Vintage scarf Susan Caplan
July 14: Vintage scarf from Susan Caplan.
\r\nSusan Caplan is the best place on the Interweb to find vintage jewellery, sunglasses and accessories its a veritable treasure trove! This 1980s monochrome scarf features the iconic Christian Dior logo, and would look brilliant worn as a retro headscarf. You could tie it round the strap of your handbag, or wear it in the classic ladylike style if you are going to a vintage event this summer. Either way, its just one of a massive selection on the Susan Caplan website, which has something for just about everyone (prices start from just £20)
topshop, pink jumper
Topshop jumper
July 13: Pink Angora Jumper from Topshop.
\r\nIt might be July, but its a little chilly today, and this morning we were searching through our wardrobes for something to keep us warm. Jackets and winter jumpers are too heavy for the changeable temperatures (seriously weather, what is going on with that? One minute hot, the next freezing!) Thankfully, Topshop are on the case with a solution to this sartorial dilemma; a light summer knit sweater, in perfect pastel pink. Its the kind of jumper that will become an absolute staple so snap it up now before the weather gets any worse!
aqua, maxi dress
Aqua dress
July 12: Psyche Maxi Dress from Aqua.
\r\nWoah look at this stellar space print dress from Aqua; its takes the simple maxi to a whole new galaxy of greatness. Its the perfect choice for those who want to dip into the maxi trend, but without looking too sugary sweet. It also taps into the craze for all things sheer, so could double as the perfect pool-to-party throw on number when you are on holiday. Green deliciousness.
office, sandals, 110711
Office Rafiki Sandal
July 11: Rafiki t-bar sandal by Office.
\r\nWhen the weather decides to behave itself, stylish flat sandals are essential summer footwear. If you are craving something a little bit more unusual than the strappy/gladiator versions that have dominated the past few seasons, feast your eyes on these t-bar beauties from Office.
\r\nFeaturing leopard print panels and the cutest of low heels, these sandals manage to be fashionable and comfortable. The best bit? A golden leopard head trim, for added grr factor!
eBay Fashion, Kookai, Incoming
Little white dress by Kookai from eBay Fashion Outlet
July 8: Little white dress by Kookai from eBay Fashion Outlet.
\r\nThe little white dress is the undeniable summer essential, and we\'ve spotted this fab Kookai number on the eBay Fashion Outlet, which launches its high summer collection this week.
\r\nLong our go-to site for second-hand fashion, eBay\'s Fashion Outlet hit our shopping radar fairly recently, and sells fashion and accessories direct from high street labels at a fraction of the original price - this dress, originally priced £69, comes in at just £27.60. Meaning change for the Pimms!
Elle Macpherson Intimates, Incoming, lingerie, bra
Vintage style lace lingerie by Elle Macpherson Intimates
July 7: Vintage style lace lingerie by Elle Macpherson Intimates.
\r\nWhile we might be committed to the big smoke of London, our heart will always belong to Paris, home of couture, good food, romance...
\r\nAnd the inspiration behind the Elle Macpherson Intimates autumn/winter 2011 lingerie collection, \'Postcards from Paris\', which includes this vintage-feel, lace-trimmed bra and briefs set. With its accents of electric blue, its an instant injection of excitement to your underwear drawer
\r\n\'Secret Song\' bra, £36, briefs, £21, Elle Macpherson Intimates.
Incoming, Clarks, platform wedge
Suede platform wedge by Clarks Boutique
July 6: Suede platform wedge by Clarks Boutique.
\r\nAt HB Towers, we are all about an investment brand, and Clarks, with all its heritage, is definitely one of those.
\r\nWe\'re particularly coveting its Originals styles (the granny-chic Kestral Soar sandal being surprise hit of the summer) and the Boutique line, which has thrown up these beauties. The wooden and suede platform wedge and cross-over front give them an impeccable \'70s-modern vibe, and we\'re betting they\'re comfortable enough to wear all day.
\r\nFab West Country-inspired name (Cheddar Gorge) too.
Incoming, Marni, The Outnet
Marni at The Outnet
July 5: Marni skirt from The Outnet.
\r\nWhen we first heard word about this fab Marni fashion sale, our Outnet insider was reluctant to divulge the details as it\'s a sure-fire sell-out.
\r\nA favourite in fashion circles for its unique take on style, Marni is one of the best wardrobe investments you can make. And this week you can get your hands on the label\'s fashion, jewellery and shoes (oh, the shoes!) at up to 75% off. Like this gorgeous Marni canary yellow printed skirt, now £70 (saving a whopping £210). We\'re there!
Incoming, Crumpet, cashmere cardigan
Cashmere cardigan by Crumpet
July 4: Cashmere cardigan from Crumpet.
\r\nAround half of us Brits are planning a UK holiday this year and, as promising as the July weather has been thus far, we reckon we\'re going to need lightweight knits to ward off the chill of an evening.
\r\nAs we\'re saving on plane fares by glamping on the Isle of Wight, we figure we can justify splashing out £145 on this super-soft cashmere cardigan from Brit label Crumpet. A versatile style as at home around the campfire as at a wedding, its nude hue makes it a perfect accompaniment to this season\'s colour-pop palette.
Incoming, mini-clutch, Tula
Hot pink patent mini-clutch at Tula
July 3: Hot pink patent mini-clutch from Tula.
\r\nNo doubt about it, this summer its all about the mini-clutch bag. Oh, and a colour-pop palette. So this fold-over, hot pink and patent Tula number ticks both boxes very successfully thank you very much. It\'s a perfect choice to inject a dose of summer happiness to your outfit.
\r\n£39 from John Lewis or House of Fraser.
Incoming, Cazal, Farfetch
Hexagonal sunglasses by Cazal at Farfetch
July 2: Hexagonal sunglasses by Cazal at Farfetch.com.
\r\nWe love online boutique Farfetch.com, one of the Handbag Online Fashion Awards nominees, which is a gateway to some of the world\'s best indy boutiques.
\r\nAnd we love it even more since its recent relaunch, which makes it even easier to root out gorgeous fashion goodies, like this pair of hexagonal, retro-feel sunglasses by Cazal, available from Mode du Vue via Farfetch.com, priced £117.
Incoming, Temperley London
Temperley for Twinings printed silk scarf
July 1: Temperley for Twinings printed silk scarf.
\r\n\'Posh\' is undeniably having a fashion moment, and Temperley, with its impeccable royal connections (Kate and Pippa Middleton are both fans) encapsulates the modern notion of the upper-crust.
\r\nFamous for its gorgeous, often embellished, dresses, and quintessentially English spirit,the label has teamed up with Twinings to design a scarf to celebrate the original Earl Grey tea arriving at the Twinings London store from China in 1831. And the results are this rather gorgeous, leaf-print silk scarf, available from today at www.twinings.co.uk, priced £115.
\r\nAnyone for a cuppa?!

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