bags

Dude, where’s my mask?



Lemaire vegetable tanned molded Taco bag

The accessory of 2020 may have been the Covid mask, but a close second was the mini hands-free bag. I was very lucky to receive a Porter Yoshida & Co Force bag* (below) for Christmas; a compact crossbody bag with adjustable strap that can be worn inside or outside your jacket.

It’s what I currently use for my walks or coffee runs as it fits my mask (in a clear Ziploc), phone, earphones, keys and cash without bulking out. If I wanted to, I could fit in a mini umbrella as well. (more…)



On my radar: anti-leather bags



Rue de Verneuil

I used a tote bag for the first time in months last week. Like practically everyone else, I’ve not commuted since March, so I’ve been getting by with pockets for my daily walkabout, or a compact J&M Davidson camera bag if I’m going further than the coffee shop at the end of my road.

But last week I went to meet up with a friend and needed a bigger bag for the mask-brolly-sweater gubbins I had to carry with me. (more…)



Transitional neutrals: camel and red



Mat de Chanel Clair Obscur les 4 ombres
We may have experienced 23-degree temperatures and cloudless blue skies this weekend but the leaves have turned claret and the forecast is cooler. Time to shift into my autumn default mode of camel and red. Chanel is on board to ease the transition with its Le Mat de Chanel collection, including Clair Obscur, an all-matte quad of browns, complete with matte-black casing. (Is it me or is everything matte at the moment?)

Anyway, this fudge-y quad is a no-brainer if you’re going for classic grown up grooming (more…)



Straw bags and London life are a tricky combination



straw bag

I wish I was the kind of person who had a use for straw basket bags in my everyday life. Alas, I’m far too pragmatic; my default is a sensible leather tote that holds an umbrella and a ton of other practicals, rather than a bikini and a lip balm.

Some London-dwellers do it really well though and I salute them (more…)