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?

January Loves

Buying: I still have a thing for floral pants, and these perfect Rag & Bone pants – which will take me through to Spring, Summer and beyond – are set to be my next investment piece.

Beauty note: In England at least, January is notoriously the greyest month; nothing very exciting happens, the temperatures hover around zero, and everyone is too busy attempting to stick to their resolutions to have much fun. I’ve been making a point of countering the dull skies as best as I can, if only in the beauty stakes. A healthy dap of illuminator on the cheekbones (I would be lost without Benefit High Beam) and a pop of pink lipstick and I’m instantly more radiant (even if the skies are not).

For the home: I love a month-long New Year organising session! I’ve been sorting out my wardrobe, de-cluttering my space & making a concerted effort to be more organised. My endless ‘to do’ lists are a lot prettier with this Rifle Paper notepad.

Sparkling: I just adore whimsical golden charms, and this Kate Spade bracelet is too darling for words!

Wearing: Leopard print pumps seem to possess that elusive magic wardrobe power: the ability to work with almost any outfit. Mine (seen here) are from Kurt Geiger, but as they’re proving to be such a wardrobe staple I’m thinking of upgrading to one of these perfect versions from J. Crew or Christian Louboutin (swoon!).

On my wishlist: It’s my birthday in a few weeks, so I’m thinking of buying myself this classic + chic blush pink quilted Miu Miu clutch as a present to myself (one should always buy themselves a birthday present, in my book!)

Small pleasures: I like my underwear to be decadently beautiful, and I’ve been partaking in a big re-stocking of my lingerie drawer; out with anything that is tired, uncomfortable or unflattering and in with a big pile of beautiful new Elle McPherson, Stella McCartney and Agent Provocateur sale finds. I love these sweet Stella McCartney days of the week knickers from here or here

Watching: Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in How to Catch a Thief and dreaming of diamonds and the French Riviera circa 1955 (oh, if only life could always look this chic!)

Listening to: Let’s face it: getting out of bed when it’s still dark and cold outside can feel like one hefty challenge each day (or is that just me?). But daily playlists of Motown whilst I’m getting ready help me feel a lot perkier each morning!

Play: In preparation for my second trip to Morocco this weekend, I’ve been swotting up on my Wallpaper Guide to Marrakech. I am absurdly excited for a few days of sunshine, camel rides, wonderful food, the exotic smells and colours and the hubbub of the souks!

What are you most enjoying this month?

Love, Miss B xx

November in Pictures

Falling more and more in love with New York each time I visit. Old-world romance at the New York Public library. Pretending to be Eloise at the Plaza. Bouchon pumpkin pie macarons, chai lattes and ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre. Mast Brothers chocolate bars. Hopping from one teeny tiny Williamsburg eatery to the next; each more homely and wonderful than the last. Rowing on Central Park Lake. Stopping to listen to the sounds of a jazz band floating on the breeze at sunset. Gallery-hopping and peering in the windows of mansions on Upper East Side strolls. Collecting treasures at my favourite American stores: J. Crew, Anthropologie, Bergdorf’s. C. Wonder, Catbird and more. Jumping in giant piles autumn leaves. Pumpkin pie, apple cider and s’mores. Cat sweaters and haunted fun in Sleepy Hollow with Nicolette. The glorious view of the Manhattan skyline from Williamsburg.

Flying back to a wintery England. Cambridge looking like a postcard from another era under foggy grey skies. Preppy collegiate students in tweed blazers riding their bikes through the cobblestoned streets. Champagne truffles, pearls and gorgeous lingerie beneath wintery layers. Hot chocolate and good books for cosy evenings indoors. Jazz tunes at cocktail hour and a house that smells of Diptyque candles. My favourite Anthropologie owl vase and glittery brooches brightening my desk. Homemade smoothies and Lula at breakfast time. Twinkly jewels, cashmere jumpers and gorgeous perfume on cold days.

Glittery ballet flats and big bunches of cheering pink roses. Lunchtime walks along the Thames. Winter sparkle and burgundy lipstick. A family of gnomes at the Mulberry HQ (surely the funnest fashion office in the world). Feeling like I’m at Hogwarts with dinner dates in the Kings College great hall with my sweetheart. Glittery manicures and cocktail rings. Afternoon tea, inspiring talks, sparkly shoes and dancing until the small hours with London’s most beautiful and glamorous at the secret pop-up Miu Miu member’s club at the grand Cafe Royal. London all dressed up for Christmas.

I hope you all had a wonderful November!

Love, Miss B xx