My 'go to' bags when travelling and out & about

My thoughts this week, as the sunshine starts to hang around (at long last!), are definitely more focussed now on summer arriving soon, and along with that, planning the odd day out and about with family and friends or even a trip away. So, if you may be doing similar, and starting to think about practical, yet gorgeous, accessories to carry your essentials in, here are some of my go to bags for travel and for days out …

1. Large Leather Tote - a fabulous looking leather bag with long leather handles that fit perfectly over the shoulder and you can fit lots in it. I can easily fill the bag with my purse, glasses, make up bag, water bottle, small brolly, book and snacks. Usually I can also find space to accommodate extra items from other family members too that haven’t brought a bag with them!

2. Basket Bag - these are just perfect for summer, adding style and colour to your outfit and for your trip to the beach, the market, the park or the shops. And then when the summer is over and the bag may not want to be out and about as much it makes an ideal and very attractive storage basket at home - just right for keeping toys tidy in the playroom, storing the papers & magazines in the living room or hang it on the kitchen door for extra storage. I use one of mine for storing my scarves in.

3. Small Straw Tote Bag - This is one of my favourites for the summer; a neat and summery looking small straw tote with leather handles and base. It is big enough to carry the essentials, keeping things organised with its three compartments and it works perfectly as a very practical and gorgeous summer accessory for sunny days. I love that I have the option with the two different handles and straps to use this as a shoulder bag, hand bag or cross body bag.

4. Colourful Straw Cross Body Bag - A real hit for me because of their compact size, gorgeous range of colours and they are just big enough for carrying phone, purse, lipstick and keys - or if jetting off - your passport too! These are such a pretty, everyday, summer bag and great if you are looking to pack a small bag to take away with you to use in the day or evenings on holiday. I’ve definitely got my eye on one (maybe more than one!) of these for the summer hols (as has my teenage daughter too!)

5. Midi Double Zip Leather Bag - A super smart and neat cross body bag, but it can fit a surprising amount in it which makes it another practical choice when out and about. I use mine for everyday trips because with the two zip compartments I can keep my phone and glasses in the front pocket to easily and quickly get to them and use the bigger compartment to store my purse, keys, small make up bag and perhaps the odd bar of chocolate!

Of course I could list more, including the ever popular leather box bags which are a perfect everyday, all year round bag to accessorise every outfit, but I will leave that for another time.

Lots more colourful and stylish accessories have been arriving on the website in the last week, that I know are going to be a summer hit and are looking forward to some summer outings. You’ll discover lots more over in the gifts & fashion accessories.

Bags Bursting with Summer Colour