Bag of tricks!
With festival season upon us and summer events already in full flight, one item I think is vital to get right is your bag.
Nobody wants to be carting around a big heavy shoulder bag or schlepping an enormous tote around the place. Dare I say if the bag is cumbersome, you are at risk of losing it.
I speak from experience here as I have on several occasions lost my handbag. It’s a nuisance, you leave it down somewhere and low and behold you can’t find said bag a few hours later. These days I need my bag to be able to hold all my essentials, look stylish but also be securely attached to my person and that is where the crossbody bag comes into its own.
I have two I’m wearing on rotation currently, one is a nylon leopard print one I bought in Dunnes Stores last year and I have worn it to death. The leopard print coupled with the sportluxe feel of the nylon makes it the perfect bag to add a little bit of edge to my outfits.
The other one is a cream leather crossbody that I got years ago in Next and it's the bag that will go with absolutely anything. I wear this one when I just need a good old reliable bag that I don’t have to think too much about accessorising. Cos or Ganni always have super cool versions at a slightly higher price point, but I’ve also spotted a really cool new label called Hindbag at Ivy’s Attic boutique if you’re in the market for a new bag this season.
Founded in 2015, Hindbag has been committed to sustainable and ethical fashion from the beginning. Their bags, jackets and accessories being made from GOTS-certified organic cotton or GRS-labeled recycled wool, and manufactured at an NGO that works to empower women by training them in sewing and paying them fairly.
Ivy’s Attic are now the stockist of the must have Andrea crossbody bag, a bag you will wear everywhere and which will complete all your summer looks.
The fresh colours, stripes and animal prints all bring a classic summery touch and easily complements any style.
With its crescent shape, the Andrea bag sits perfectly halfway between a bum bag and a messenger bag. It’s ultra-practical, featuring a top opening and a zipped pocket at the back.
Its look adapts to your every mood. You can wear it as a crossbody bag short or long, front or back as well as over the shoulder. The Andrea cross body won’t break the bank at €49 and will become a firm favourite staple in your wardrobe.
The crossbody ensures you can dance the night away at all those summer gigs and have your essentials always on hand.
Practicality aside, if you're looking for a summer bag that is all about the fun and a little bit crafty then you need a macrame beaded bag and M&S have the cutest one ever in a stunning cornflower blue.
This bag is giving a boho feel and has an easy to carry top handle but a drawstring inner pouch for keeping all your bits safe and secure.
This bag is for the days you’ll pop into town to meet your gals for brunch, and you can keep the outfit super simple. A white shirt, light denim barrel legs and a kitten heel are all you need to let the beaded beauty shine. Just remember where you’ve put it if the brunch turns boozy.