Inside my Bag: Illustrated Edition

It seems to be a universal truth amongst women that we love having a peek inside other women’s wardrobes, beauty cabinets and handbags.* It is nothing short of nosiness, but I love getting to see what other women use, how they organise things, and exactly what it is they tote around with them each day. Perhaps it’s just me, but I always think you can tell a lot about a woman from her handbag (and the state of its contents).

So in the spirit of our sartorial nosiness, here are a few things you’ll currently find tucked inside my handbag, as illustrated by the super talented and lovely Kristina Hultkrantz (you may recognise her work from the pages of Matchbook Magazine) who so kindly sent me this drawing (isn’t it just darling?); my beloved blush Mulberry Lily bag and bow heels, my signature long pearls and Chanel brooches (there is always an assortment of spare jewellery in my bag, just in case…), a golden Anya Hindmarch lucky sixpence coin purse, Anna Sui mirror, Chanel lipstick (there are always at least 4 lipsticks in there at any time, because a girl never knows when a red lip may suddenly be required) and nailpolish, my business cards and a collection of miscellaneous lucky charms, tokens and little things I collect throughout the day (magpie tendencies).

Not pictured, but always present; Chloe sunglasses, Miu Miu bow purse, Moleskine notebook and a pen for jotting down ideas as they strike, gum and orange blossom pastilles, Clarins concealer pen for touchups, ipod, hairclips and a Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume rollerball.

I’d love to know what you carry around inside your bag each day?

Love, Miss B xx

* Please tell me it’s not just me?

Rob Ryan: The Stars Shine All Day Too

On a dreary Winter’s day, there are few excursions I love more than an afternoon spent exploring one of London’s grand galleries or museums. But while such a visit is like the prime Wagyu fillet of the cultural world (satiating and filling), sometimes, when pressed for time or in need of a spot of fun frivolity, all we want in the way of (cultural) nourishment is a sugary delight from Laduree.

Feeling in need of such a bite-sized dose of artistic culture, I hopped over to Dover Street the other day while en route to various fashion press day events. There, at number 32, TAG Fine Arts are playing host to an exhibition of works by one of my favourite London-based artists, Rob Ryan.

For those not yet acquainted with his work (though I’m sure many of you are), Ryan wields a paper scalpel like no-one else, creating whimsical papercut fantasy worlds from a single sheet of paper. The incredible detail just begs for a nose-right-up-to-the-glass type closer look, and his words are reminiscent of fantastical and romantic storybooks from our childhood.

So should you find yourself in W1 this week, I insist you pay a visit to Dover St for a bite-sized dose of culture, Rob Ryan-style. It will remind you that in life it is important, as often as possible, to stop and enjoy the extraordinary pleasure that can be taken from the simple things that surround us (moments gazing at the sky with loved ones, making daisy chains in the countryside and conversations with wise, chirpy birds of course!).

So tell me lovelies, how do you get a cultural fix when you only have minutes to spare?

Love, Miss B xx

Rob Ryan ‘The Stars Shine All Day Too’, TAG Fine Arts, 32 Dover Street, London w1s 4NE. On now until Saturday 20th November (admission: free).

Papercut maps by Famille Summerbelle

As I discussed here, I have a huge thing for globes, vintage maps, whimsical souvenirs and momentos gathered on my travels. This love extends to my walls, and I love foraging antique stores and flea markets for antique postcards and maps of cities that are special to me.

The sudden arrival of late Autumn’s short days and frosty weather have me craving cosy nights in, which of course triggers my nesting urge and the desire to fill my home with things I know I’ll love to look at each day (the past week I’ve been all about masses of scented candles, lovely baking smells, piles of good books, and gorgeous flowers in every room of the house).

These papercut maps by Julie Mirabelle of Famille Summerbelle are simply perfect for decorating one’s wall – whimsical, fun, and brilliant souvenirs of one’s travels across the globe. Moreover, I have fond memories of making papercut garlands and decorations with my mother when I was younger, and so these brilliantly combine happy memories with my love of travel.

The London version is at the top of my current list of things to collect – my only problem is deciding which colour to get! Also be sure to pay a visit to Julie’s gorgeous blog – one of my favourite Sunday-morning-with-a-cup-of-tea reads.

So tell me, what do you love collecting for the home or on your travels?

Love, Miss B xx