Top 5: Handbags for A/W '13

Judging by the English weather as of now, it's safe to say that, sadly, Summer is on it's way out. This means my obsession for short shorts will have to be contained until next year, and the jeans are back out in full force. The days are, again, getting shorter and the nights are getting longer and this change in occasion has a strong impact on the offerings made available by stores as they look towards glamourous parties and extravagant functions in order to dress the nation.

However, accessories designers begin to cater for both the day and the night with bags offering structure, yet with bold colourways that bring them into the luxe period of Autumn/Winter; jewel tones and autumnal foliage seem to inspire across the board.

#1: Mole Grey Del Rey by Mulberry

A standout bag from Mulberry, the Del Rey was introduced last year and has been one of the brands best sellers. This year, however, the arm strap has increased in size making this a more versatile bag than before, and in this seasons offerings such as Mole Grey, Aubergine, and Heather, will cement this bag continuing its popularity. 

The bag features the signature Mulberry Postman's Lock over the front flap and a large main compartment which contains one internal zip pocket and a slip pocket also, which all ensure the practicality of the bag. 

#2: Black Lizard Printed Satchel by DKNY

DKNY, an American brand which is synonymous for making for interesting and bold designs, have become popular in the UK over recent years and Autumn/Winter is no exception.

This bag has such a classic design that has been updated in a printed leather in order to keep it relevant for a modern audience. Coming in two colours, Black and Sand (a light beige colour), this bag also comes with a long strap, an internal zip pocket and lock detailing on the front, which is unsecured by the supplied key.

#3: Black and Gold Minaudière Box Clutch by Lanvin 

This gorgeous clutch stole the show at Lanvin this season; the models draped in expensive silks and grasping this intricate item. To me, it looks like an antique perfume bottle which is perfect for the party season ahead.

Finished in calf leather, and finished with a gold-toned push lock, this beautiful box clutch also has an interior lining made from satin and a gold chain to keep it securely on your body. The small size will also stop you from over packing for a night out as it will only hold the essentials.

#4: Cinnabar Selma by Michael Kors

Michael Kors, another American brand, has been immensely popular in the UK over the past year, selling out most of the designs across the season. The Selma was introduced in SS'13 and is made from Saffiano leather, which is more durable than traditional leather and has a slight cross-hatched texture to it, making it structurally preferable as it doesn't distort as other leathers would.

This seasons colours, such as Pomegranate, Dune and my favourite, Cinnabar bring the bold Selma into Autumn gracefully, updating it slightly to make it more wearable, including a multitude of interior storage space and a removable shoulder strap.

#5: Oxblood Willow Tote by Mulberry

The bag of SS'13 for me was the Willow Tote, Mulberry Creative Director Emma Hill's last hit bag before her departure. This bag is one of the most interesting and practical bags on the market today and comes in a variety of sizes; the Willow Tote, Small Willow Tote as well as the Willow Clutch. It also comes in a wide variety of finishes, from Pony Hair, to Alligator as well as Ostrich, with a mixture of some of the most intriguing finishes being the pinnacle and most exciting of all the Mulberry family.

The beautiful Willow Tote features a removable envelope clutch on the front which has its own Postman's lock, and the interior is lined in suede and features a large zipped pocket and a few slip pockets also. The Willow is, however, only available in certain stores and a few designs are stocked in each store to aid its exclusivity. 

The Willow is the bag of 2013 for me, as it combines timeless design with practicality and versatility  as well as coming in a wide variety of finishes, all of which conjure a picturesque view of classic Britain. 

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All images sourced from the websites linked

Education and The Future

Yesterday in Britain, for the majority of 17-18 year old's, it was results day; the end of thirteen years of studying at school. For many, this day was nerve-racking as their place at University, or a job that they had secured, probably depended on their grades. For me however, it was simply me saying goodbye to seven years at the same place, and the end of my education.

I didn't get bad grades, in fact the grades I got could take me to University easily. I received 280 UCAS points, which is pretty decent and many courses in the creative sector have lower grade boundaries than this. The reason I'm not going to University is that I still don't really know what I want to do in life definitively; I have always wanted to do something creative and for a long time I wanted to go into Photography, yet I don't know if there is room for me in such an over saturated market such as Fashion and I don't think I stand out enough to justify spending thousands of pounds on an education where I can potentially be self-taught.

I was awarded two B's for Textiles and Drama and a C in Business Studies; I didn't really expect these grades and thought that I had failed completely. Towards the end of Sixth Form, one of my best friends dropped out and this made me question whether I should also drop out; I had lost all motivation for every one of my subjects and I didn't really put in any effort at all if I am honest, I just couldn't be bothered.

Looking back, I am glad that I stuck Sixth Form out, any grades are more attractive to a prospective employer than none, however I feel like I am always going to be left wondering 'what if'. What would my life be like if I had actually made effort, would I have got higher grades and would I be writing this telling the world that I was accepted into University, like my friends are bombarding my varied social networks telling me?

However, right now, something is telling me that this is the right decision. The department store I work in is currently expanding the handbags department and there are many new positions opening up, offering exciting opportunities for me; one of which I have already applied for.

University isn't for everyone and I'm not sure that I could have coped with another three, or potentially four, years of education after thirteen years of intense learning. I think there will be days I do regret not going, and right now a tab on browser is open for a University close to me which has their late admissions line on but I need to stick it out and trust my instincts for a while and hope that I am doing the right thing. And lets be honest, I can always apply next year.

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