I’m a firm believer in the idea that it’s worth spending money on the stuff you use on a daily basis. At least that’s what I told myself before I handed over my credit card at the Mulberry store in Heathrow for the Alexa that I’d coveted ever since I’d seen Ms Chung toting her namesake bag.
Even duty free it was still eye-wateringly expensive but, as I’ve had it for years and still use it almost every day, I reckon it was worth the investment.
Soon after I bought the bag I won some vouchers in a quiz and treated myself to the matching purse. It might look smart from the outside but inside it’s a jumble of receipts, the cards I pick up from restaurants and shops (I can’t help myself!) and other random stuff.
I live in fear of being on my own with nothing to read, so my iPad is always loaded up with my favourite US magazines. You get them way before they make it to the UK newsstands and they’re much cheaper to buy on iPad than in print.
My iPad sleeve’s from Mulberry too. Are you noticing a theme here?!
When it comes to tech I’m team Apple all the way. My favourite iPhone apps are Hipstamatic for taking photographs, Instagram for sharing them, Pinterest for pinning on the go, Authentic Weather for sweary forecasts and Sleep Cycle for sending me to sleep.
I’m forever dropping my phone and broke numerous plastic cases before I found this rubber one on the Free People website. So far, so good.
Beauty-wise I’m pretty low-maintenance but I’m never without a lipbalm and a tube of handcream. Maybelline Baby Lips Intense Care and Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Handcream are keeping my lips and hands soft this winter.
Until I own a coveted 2.55 I get my Chanel fix in perfume form. Coco Mademoiselle is my go-to fragrance right now.
I’m currently reading Wild, the true story of what happened when Cheryl Strayed decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother died and her marriage fell apart. One of those books that makes you laugh and cry, I’m desperate to find out what happens but, at the same time, I never want it to end. I hope the film (out later this year and starring Reese Witherspoon) lives up to this brilliant book.
My sister gave me a subscription to Condé Nast Traveller for my birthday. As someone who’s always dreaming about my next trip, a year of travel inspiration is pretty much the perfect gift.
Even though I’m a tech addict I always carry a notebook with me for jotting down ideas and keeping on top of my to do list. This one from Smythson was a gift – I love the colour and the reminder to live in the now.
I like to have my appointments written down and Moleskine’s pocket planners are a great carry-everywhere size. I couldn’t resist pimping mine with some Chanel stickers.
After one too many biro leakages, I switched to Muji pens and never looked back. I have a couple in my bag at all times.
Note: this is what the contents of my bag looks like at the beginning of the day. By the end of the day it includes all sorts of other rubbish too…
What do you think is worth the splurge? What do you carry with you at all times? And what should I read when I finish Wild?! Do share.
So, Mulberry envy right over here!
I love the Smythson notebook. I really like orange, a lot of people don’t…so yay you for rocking a lovely bit of colour in your (beautiful) bag.
That book also sounds fab! I will get onto it…currently have 6 waiting on my Kindle to be read (?!) and almost at the end of Dark Places by Gillian Flynn so I can get cracking onto the next one.
Also, brill tip on the pen leaking issue.
x
I can’t stop recommending Wild, it’s so good. How’s Dark Places? As good as Gone Girl? x
I always wanted a Roxy but then they stopped making them…..sad face.
How very annoying. Sad face indeed.
I do love my Alexa but I’m currently giving it a rest as I don’t want it too get too battered too quickly! Currently using my bright pink Michael Kors tote bag to brighten up my winter outfits and it’s a great size. You can tell I think handbags are worth the splurge! Always inside – Vivienne Westwood purse and oystercard holder (again worth the splurge as used everyday), comb, lippy, keys, iPhone, Lucas Papaw Ointment, headphones, mirror (from Kitson and makes me think of LA whenever I use it!) and usually a battered copy of Gazia!
I love the idea of using a bright bag in winter. Hmm, maybe I need to add to my bag collection?!
Always add to your bag collection! They are a great investment! x
Love a good hoke in another woman’s handbag!
I’m more high street than designer when it comes to my choice of bag (get bored v easily & like to switch it up). That and my husband would probably go into cardiac arrest if I came home with your divine Mulberry Miranda.
But we do share three essentials… Lip balm, hand cream and Moleskine. I refuse to buy so much as a clutch if it doesn’t fit my Moleskine diary.
I like my bags to be big enough to fit a book, clutches included. Cant’t do the tube journey home without some reading material!
Ooo, handbags! I am currently alternating between the Michael Kors Selma tote in darkish purple – a 30th birthday present to myself from a trip to New York – and a navy with white polka dot backpack from Cath Kidston – which I use when power walking to work.
My must haves other than phone, purse and keys, are headphones, Kiehls lip balm, Nivea hand cream, Mac Blot powder – a god send for anyone troubled with a shiny nose! – and a book. I am a crazy reader and am currently reading Ian McEwan latest called Sweet Tooth. I’m loving the book recommendations on here though and will be adding some to my always overflowing Amazon basket right now! Xx
Ooh, I haven’t read Sweet Tooth yes, it’s going on the list! x
Love your Alexa! I’m using my deep purple one I bought a few years ago at the moment but I think it might be time to switch it up with spring on the way! I agree with you that a bag has to be big enough to fit my iPad (mini) in – (and a bundle of receipts, hair bands and about 10 pens).
Love the idea of a spring bag switch Kate, I tend to stick with the same one all year round. I start out with about ten pens but the number soon mysteriously dwindles to two, I don’t know where they go!
Ohhh handbags! I am also a fan of a bright handbag and have a Lauren by Ralph Lauren Orange tote. I love all things orange too 🙂
In my bag … iPhone, Hermes baby pink purse (my new baby), always an umbrella, make up bag with basics – Lucas Paw Paw, No. 7 concealer, Chanel blusher, Touché Eclat and Benefit double end lip gloss I got for Christmas. Right now there is also a woolly hat and gloves at the ready!!
First time browsing through the new site – me likey a lot 🙂
Loving the sound of your bag and purse Lynn and happy to hear you’re liking the site! I really must start carrying an umbrella around with me too. It seems like every time I step out of a building it starts raining…
Hello
i <3 m u l b e r r y
in fact, I also love Moleskine and Chanel and Apple! A girl with expensive taste my husband says! I respond with 'quality dear, it may be expensive but you pay for quality!' I just want to ask which Alexa that is? the original size or is it the oversize? also… I am loving rockmystyle.co.uk, after getting married 2 years ago I still follow rock my wedding and now this is added to my favourites! Thank you 🙂
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Another Apple fan here. Just got a shiny new iPhone 6 and (after much dithering) have put it in a rather pretty mint green case. Have you seen the Bloglovin app? I use it to read all the blogs I follow including RMS.
I haven’t read Wild but I have a book by the same author called Tiny Beautiful Things. It’s a collection of agony column answers and it’s great, just really wise and insightful and beautifully written.
I have never splurged on a statement bag but it would be an investment!