Trip to Tredegar House

The magnificent Tredegar House sits on my doorstep, and it's a pretty good neighbour to have. A few weeks ago the National Trust held an open day, and it was the perfect opportunity to re-explore this Welsh jewel. Check out my pictures below!

A great place to stop and think. 

The last signs of summer.

Digging this dishware.

I love that the deer has a choker going on! 

Ode to the Tudors.

Original wallpaper from Lord Tredegar's study. Reminds me of an AERIN print!

A perfectly vintage Louis Vuitton trunk.

A mix of coral, shells and starfish in a bathroom display.

I do love a good monogram.

Tredegar House is a great place to spend an afternoon! 

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

Foundation Louis Vuitton takes flight

Inside Bunny Mellon's breathtaking private collection at Sotheby's

Ben Bradlee: His life in photos

Laura Bush pays tribute to Oscar de la Renta

In Review: Louis Vuitton Fashion Photography

Cover/ Patrick Demarchelier, 2014

Louis Vuitton is one of my favourite fashion houses and Louis Vuitton Fashion Photography provides a fascinating look at the photography associated with the designer and the brand.

Since the 1920s, the images of Louis Vuitton—both advertising and editorial—have proven mesmerizing to the client, changing the way travel, fashion, art, and culture is viewed by individuals across the world. The elegant Charlotte Gainsbourg graces the cover, whilst individuals including Gisele, Cara Delevingne and Madonna can be found inside.

Flashback/ William Klein, 1958

This exceptional album features over two hundred images by the most important modern and contemporary photographers including David Bailey, Henry Clarke, Patrick Demarchelier, Karl Lagerfeld, Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton, David Sims, Bert Stern, Juergen Teller, Mario Testino, and Bruce Weber, with images from iconic Vuitton advertising campaigns, and magazine editorials from publications including  Vogue, L’Officiel, Numéro, V, Harper’s Bazaar, Interview, W, Egoïste, Love, and Pop.

This book perfectly chronicles the house's style, history and fashion and it is an essential read for fans of the fashion house, photography and art.

Fashion Editorial/ Robert Bellamy, 2000

Louis Vuitton Fashion Photography can be purchased here. I was sent a copy of this book to review.

Flasback/ Maria Vittoria Backhaus, 1985

Splurge vs. Save Campaign

Instagram

I was recently contacted by Credit Card Insider to be a part of their 'Splurge vs. Save Campaign' where bloggers are asked to share their story about an item they purchased that was a bargain!

For me, one of my best (and cost effective!) purchases was a vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. I purchased it through a consignment store, saving more than half of what a new bag would cost. I often thought that the newer versions are much different in quality, so opting for a vintage version also gave me the look and feel of the older bag that I wanted. I love my Speedy and it has fast become one of the staples in my wardrobe! 

Shop an additional 50% off at Vestiaire Collective!

Get some gorgeous new items for 2014 with up to an additional 50% off at Vestiaire Collective!

Click here to start shopping and pick up bargains from Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada and Chloe (amongst others!)

Investment Pieces: A Classic Bag

Perhaps out of any piece in your wardrobe, a classic bag is the best investment. From an early age I purchased Mulberry bags (before the prices increased!) and I now have a varied stash of bags that I pull out time and time again. I've now moved on to other designers, notably those from France and Italy, and these have been some of the best purchases I've ever made.

So if you are looking to buy a classic handbag, who should you consider?

The Givenchy medium Nightingale has become a fast classic, and comes in a myriad of colors and materials. This black leather lamb model features two top handles, a detachable zip detailed shoulder strap and gold hardware. Inside you will find zipped pockets and pouches, a full cotton lining and a two way zip fastening.

I myself, am partial to a bit of Prada- and I love the black Saffiano classic purse. Visit Prada for more details on the different sizes and colors available.

Another classic, 'dream' bag is the Kelly by Hermes. We've all heard of the insanely long waits for one of these purses- so if you are serious, get your name on the list and start saving now!

I recently purchased a vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy- and it is fast becoming my go to day bag. Check out Vestaire Collective for a fine selection of vintage models.

What's your dream classic handbag?

December through Instagram

Vintage Hermes watches | Cartier wrapped up for Christmas |  A little Cartier treat | Vintage Louis Vuitton | Treats from Tory Burch | Christmas cards from faraway places | Starbucks essentials | Gingerbread house making | Success at the sales

Perfect Christmas Gifts from Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire is my little secret- that I'm willing to share! Pick up some perfect Christmas presents for your family and friends this year! My favorites are:

Tory Burch Ballet Flats

 

 

 

Lanvin Patent Leather Ballerinas

Louis Vuitton Purple Cosmetics Pouch

Mulberry Bayswater Mini Messenger for iPhone

Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau GM Watch

In Review: Louis Vuitton City Bags

Book Packshot © Louis Vuitton/Jean-Marc Cédile

In October this year, Rizzoli NY released a fantastic new book, providing a fresh take onto the bags of Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton City Bags is the first comprehensive taxonomy of the company's range of women's handbags that date back to the turn of the 20th century. Many of the bags are now household names- the Speedy, Papillon, Alma, Bucket and Pochette are all familiar, and have been instrumental in making LV synonymous with modern luxury.

FAMILY PORTRAIT: FROM THE TRUNK TO THE CITY BAG © Louis Vuitton/Patrick Gries

 The book chronicles the life of the bags, providing the history and timeline behind their launches and the advertising campaigns that accompanied them.

I love the features showing inside some of the bags, such as 'Inside an Alma bag,' and x-rays of the various pieces of luggage. It gives each piece a personal identity, and echoes the popular trend of photographing the contents of one's purse for the 'In My Bag' feature that graces the pages of many a fashion blog.

NSIDE AN ALMA, 2010S. © Louis Vuitton/Patrick Gries

It is fascinating to see the construction of the bags, with features on (and not limited to) the techniques, factory locations, tanning processes, materials, monograms, linings, stitches, hardware and straps, charms, labels, patterns, quality tests, idioms and the language of Louis Vuitton. Similarly, it is great to learn more about the bag families, with diagrams demonstrating how the bags have evolved, such as the birth of the Speedy from the Keepall.

As a fan of fashion and particularly high-end handbags, I never really considered how much time, effort and talent goes into the whole production process. I certainly won't look at a handbag in quite the same way now that I have read this amazing publication.

Louis Vuitton City Bags is perfect for fashion and design students, and admirers of the world of fashion too. This is certainly a great book to give as a gift as we approach the festive season, and one which will form the centerpiece of any fashion fan's collection.

STEAMER BAG (X-Ray image by Nick Veasey) © Louis Vuitton/Nick Veasey