Orla Kiely Etc SS10 - Baby Changing Bag

As you may have gathered from previous posts, I love, love, love Orla Kiely. So when I discovered the baby changing bag in the Etc range for SS10 while I was pregnant, I immediately started plotting my justifications for spending that amount of money on a changing bag.

As it turns out, having a baby means you don't have to justify wanting a fancy baby bag and my very lovely husband picked it up for me for my birthday.



In case you do need a justification, however, this isn't limited only to baby stuff and the multiple pockets will also make it very useful later on. There's a large zip pocket on the back where I keep my wallet and keys, a smaller zip pocket on the inside that's perfect for a mobile phone, two slit pockets on the front where I always know I'll find my carpark or train ticket and then the six elasticated compartments inside which are currently being used for nappies, muslins, babygrows and cotton wool, but will also work for water bottles, umbrellas, cameras and sunglasses in the future - goodbye to searching blindly through a jumble of items thrown together in a vast bag!

Shiny happy things on an icy cold day

Neither snow, nor ice, nor ungritted secondary roads could conspire to keep the lovely UPS man away today and so I happily took delivery of this box today - can you guess what might be inside?



Maybe the inside of the box will give you a better idea...



And what did this magical box of happiness from Orla Kiely contain? Well, first there was a Tiny Teacup Print Midi Sling Bag in Ink:



And then, the gorgeous Rowan Leather Zip Handbag in Navy:



Apologies for the totally non-arty and unstyled pictures, but I was so excited that I was in a bit of a hurry to take them so I could play with the bags. Maybe later I'll get around to some better ones. The Midi Sling is the perfect size for weekends and shopping and the Rowan will make a great everyday work bag, with plenty of sections and pockets for sorting out the clutter I carry around with me on a daily basis. And until the baby arrives and I can justify getting my hands on the gorgeous new Multi Scribble Stem Print Baby Changing Bag, I'm sure I'll fit plenty of nappies and wipes into it too!

Take your next Tripp with Orla Kiely

Just in time for Christmas, Orla Kiely has cut prices on her Tripp travel line and this adorable upright cabin case is now available for a mere £80 (down from £156). Unfortunately the £25 delivery fee outside of the UK (compared to £4.95 in the UK) is a bit much for me, though I will be looking around to see if retailers here are also lowering prices.

While the laptop bags are sadly sold out, there is also a very lovely large tote bag in the same print still available for £60.



Images courtesy Orla Kiely

Mulberry Bayswater Clutch

Be still my beating heart... the Mulberry Bayswater Clutch has arrived. The original Bayswater has been on my wishlist for a long time, but its baby sister is certainly a tempting alternative for Spring. Available in 4 finishes, my pick is the lightweight antiqued in the "Lipstick" shade - honestly, it's like they invented it with me in mind.



Soft and squishy, the detachable shoulder strap is a genius inclusion - clutches aren't always the most practical option, particularly when engaging in important activies such as shopping, so being able to throw it over your shoulder when you need your hands free is a bonus.



£495 from Mulberry

Not quite Chanel, but Coco

Plagued by Chanel dreams on a high-street budget? Join the queue. And while you're at it, take a look at this lovely quilted bag from
Urban Outfitters. With a nod and a wink to the Chanel classic, the cheekily-named "Coco" is made from 100% leather, with a clasp closure and chain handle. Perfect for dressing up a casual daytime outfit or accessorising a big night out, it is available in silver or black.

Priced at €75, available now from Urban Outfitters.