With the new season comes the thrill of new wardrobe staples and, for me, items that are always top of the list include a great coat, a day bag and an evening bag, and a pair of can’t-live-without-shoes.
In this post, I bring you two out of four: this lush Jasper Conran at Debenhams coat (yep, the one I’ve been raving about lately), along with this zebra-print ‘Berney’ bag by sustainable brand, Mooi. Based in New Zealand, Mooi bags are made using by-products of the food industry (what the?) – the brand supports fair trade and environmental responsibilty, so each of their products are designed with this in mind, and handmade in South Africa.
This particular bag is chocolate in colour, with a hair on hide panel – so stroke-able! Inside, it’s spacious with plenty of room for all my crap (iPhone, Mulberry organiser, Canon camera, Moleskin notebook, iPad, tissues, lip balm, hand cream, keys, flats, even lunch… need I go on?) without compromising on style – it’s eye catching but not showy, modern and yet timeless… it’s just a great all round day bag (which can be worn on the shoulder or in hand), and is a must for the new season (although it would work just as well in summer time, tapping in to the safari chic look that is always on trend).
As for the Debenhams coat, well, you guys know how I fell head over heels for her a few weeks ago. The colour is rich without being too bright for the time of year; the shape is relaxed but tailored; the outer fabric is soft, while the lining is impeccable; the almost cocoon shape is totally on trend without being restricted to just one season. It’s a wise investment if you need a new coat for the workplace – that said, it will work just as well thrown over a 90s-esque slip dress for any Christmas parties you might be planning.
I like that very much.