What's in my Bag? // Faux Fur Duffle

You guys know that I only ever do a What's in my Bag post when I get a brand new handbag, so I thought I'd show you what I'm lugging around in this new faux fur beauty from New Look. This was a Christmas gift and was something I'd asked for (although I'd forgotten that I asked for it until I opened on Christmas day) so I was thrilled as I've been after the perfect new bag for ages. I wanted something a little classier than my ASOS bowler bag and so this is perfect. It has a short shoulder strap although luckily it is long enough to fir on my shoulder, rather than those that only sit on your elbow. It has a phone pocket inside along with a small zip pocket, otherwise it's just a bucket bag which I love as I can just throw in everything I need. I'm really happy with it and have been using it almost everyday, so let's get on to what's in it:

I almost always have my diary with me- this is my new 2015 one from Paperchase which is gorgeous and I would lost without it as I have the memory of a goldfish. I also like to carry a book around with me (depending on what I'm doing) and at the moment it's 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?' by Mindy Kaling which is so witty and relatable, I'm really enjoying it. I have my Ted Baker purse of course which is still going strong three years on and also a faux fur headband for keeping my ears warm which is also from New Look. I have my lanyard for work in there as I am heading off there shortly and my fancy Ted Baker pen which was a gift and seems a little extravagant but it's so pretty. Finally a little hand mirror along with my Burts Bees Honey lip balm and my headphones because I never know when I might need them!

Olivia Ellen XXX

ASOS Casual Bowler Bag + What's In It?

ASOS Casual Bowler Bag

A new bag at last! I've been on the hunt for a new everyday bag for quite sometime without finding one that I really liked/could really afford. I came across this one by chance when looking through the ASOS sale, it was reduced for £30 to £18 and decided it was worth a go. When it came I was more than happy with it and am so glad I ordered it when I did as it went out of stock very quickly (although the black is still in stock and I've left the link to that above). 

It is a rectangular bag in a faux crocodile leather in a forest green colour. What really drew my to it was the size and the amount of pockets- it's big enough to fit plenty in but not too chunky. It has lots of zip compartments and the strap is a great length (it's adjustable) so that the bag can sit just on my hip where I find it most comfortable. I think that the colour makes it appropriate all year round, this will definitely carry me through to summer, and it goes with a lot of colours that I have in my wardrobe too. One small complaint is that the zips are a big tight and stick a tiny bit but I'm guessing that the more I use them, the more they will loosen up. 

While I'm here I thought I'd share with you what I've got in this bag at the moment:

The front pockets hold a packet of tissues in one and a compact mirror in the other, though if needed I could fit a few more make-up items in there too.

I tend to enjoy walking places when it's not raining to I always take my headphones with me which I can just plug into my phone.

The front main pocket is really quite big and I can fit a lot in. I have my 2014 diary which is from Paperchase and the book I'm currently reading which is Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (the third in the Hunger Games series- anyone else obsessed?!). My Ted Baker purse comes almost everywhere with me and I've just realised that I've had this over a year now and it's still in perfect condition which says a lot about the quality. Finally my lipstick of the day which is the Revlon Matte Stain in 'Striking'.

The back pocket is the perfect size to fit my tablet, in it's new Cath Kidson case which I also bought in the ASOS sale. 

Olivia Ellen XXX

What's in my Handbag?

I've done one of these posts quite a while ago now but since then by bag and what I carry around with me has changed a lot. Also keep reading to find out how you can be in the chance of winning a load of Mulberry goodies courtesy of Money Supermarket.

So my bag- the Ted Baker Agar Bowler Bag in Nude Pink. This was my birthday bag and it is my pride and joy. It has rose gold hardware, the lining has the classic Ted Baker bulldog print and I just love all the little details that make it so special.

Inside, I always carry my Ted Baker Heart Bobble purse in a peach colour- another prized possesion for me! This was a Christmas gift and came before the bag, but it's the perfect size with plenty of compartments and it's really good quality.

I have my make-up bag which is Cath Kidson and inside that are just a few little bits and bobs for topping up my make-up during the day, and also the lipstick I am wearing that day (today it's Revlon lip butter in Strawberry Shortcake and Please Me by MAC).

Living in England means being prepared for all weather, so here I have my bright floral umbrella, my owl mittens from River Island and these tortoiseshell cat-eye sunglasses from Oasis.

Next you'll see my antibacterial hand gel which has Mr Messy on the bottle as it's so cute, and I do think it's important to keep your hands clean, particularly if you're going to be eating and you're out. My headphones are also important to me if I'm out on my own or going on a long journey to keep me entertained. I just plug them into my phone as I have a lot of music on there.

Finally is my notebook- I make so many lists in here, from blog posts to write to things I want to buy. It's really useful for keeping organised so carrying it around with me means that if I think of something I can just write it down as I have a terrible memory.

Now on to the exciting bit: Money Supermarket are running a blogger competition to win some Mulberry goodies and runners up will receive ASOS vouchers. To enter, all you have to do is write your own 'What's in my Handbag?' post and email it to them. All the details can be found here.

Olivia Ellen XXX