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We are all guilty of carting about way too much stuff in our handbags. Currently mine contains, alongside the usual paraphernalia; an ‘emergency’ chocolate stash (Kit Kat Chunky and a Boost in case you were interested), a broken padlock from my bike chain, 2 pairs of sunglasses (for some reason one is not enough) and a carton of Ribena. Consequently I am left feeling disorganised and short on space, a little help and incentive to get my act together would not go amiss.

I love a big bag, but they only serve to encourage me to fill them with yet more bits and pieces I can really live without. British luxury brand Penelope and Parker have come to the rescue with their uber-stylish range of bags, which have the added bonus of being laptop bags in disguise. The Lizi Caramel is my fave, designed to fit a 13.5” laptop in its removable faux fur (purrrr) lined laptop sleeve. It also has the handy additions of a removable makeup/cable bag and shoulder strap. Internal dividers and pockets allow you to go all organisation stations. Or you can remove the dividers, ditch the laptop and live in merry squalor – with a very stylish bag on your arm.

Lizi Caramel £295 is stocked at Selfridges.

This may be one love affair that is set to last...

I am a massive wedge fan (teetering on stilettos not so much) so when I spotted these bad boys in my March issue of Elle I knew I would do almost anything to get my hands on a pair. Luckily for me they weren’t a £400 designer pair, but part of Julian Louie’s capsule collection for high street shoe giant Aldo. This much buzzed about young designer originally trained as an architect, but discovered a knack for fashion after a number of in-house internships, including a stint at Calvin Klein.

The clever folk at Aldo spotted his potential from the off and snapped him up to design a collection for them. This was previewed at his SS11 show and sent the fashion editors and bloggers into a tweeting/posting frenzy. Since they launched in Aldo (at a pretty reasonable £85) the demand has been incredible as young fashionistas have rushed to snap up these unique statement shoes - so you had better be quick if you haven’t yet got your hands on a pair. There is one very smug young lady in the Amazing PR office who has said shoes waiting for her at home, this may be one love affair that is set to last...

Julian Louie for Aldo

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfihp8OW22Y&feature=player_embedded]

Something that won’t break the bank

I’m always on the look out for unique or personalised gifts for friends and relatives that won’t break the bank but show some thought and was therefore very excited to stumble upon Baronessa. Baronessa was started by Joanna in 2009 as she wanted to create a collection of jewellery that was luxurious yet affordable and that could be worn on all occasions to add a finishing touch.

Baronessa has a whole range of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and a special collection for young girls. My personal favourite are their Silver Hammered Bracelets (£35), perfect for dressing up an every day outfit or adding a touch of glamour to any evening look. They are also elasticated  meaning they fit all wrist sizes and are easy to slip on.

What’s more, the majority of the collection is under £50 which makes it perfect for people wanting to buy something that won’t break the bank but will make a great gift.

www.baronessa.co.uk

07825 566150

The perfect discounted fix

There is quite a significant fashion contingent in our little corner of Chelsea. With Kate Middleton’s (soon to be Princess Catherine don’tcha know) fave designer Issa’s UK head offices just around the corner. Then there are the renowned Claret Showrooms and of course the headquarters of brilliant British denim brand MiH Jeans.

All of this makes for some pretty fantastic samples sales right on our doorstep and when I spotted Katie rushing out of the office this lunchtime I could sense something was afoot. When questioned she guiltily admitted that she was just planning to pop in to the MiH sample sale to ‘have a look’. Now we all know when women and discounted designer fashion come into contact ‘looking’ usually turns into ‘buying’, so I wasn’t at all surprised when she reappeared 45 minutes later clutching a bag. Katie has reported back that there is lots of stock in a wide range of sizes, perfect for those of us who can’t squeeze into the teeny sizes that are usually left at sample sales.

So what are you waiting for? If cult label jeans are your guilty pleasure, this is the perfect discounted fix.

MiH sample sale runs today until 8pm, continues tomorrow 10am – 8pm

Unit 43, 90 Lots Road, SW10 0QD

An event you can't miss

Looking for a self-indulgent afternoon of girly fun and pampering? I’ve found just the thing - Kettner’s Brasserie and Champagne Bar in Soho is hosting a new event, ‘Coquette’ starting this  Saturday afternoon  9^th April from 1 - 5pm. Coquette promises makeovers from Benefit Cosmetics with a masterclass from their head make-up artist Lisa Potter-Dixon, vintage hairdos from Lipstick and Curls, fashion tips and dressing up with vintage specialists Rag & Bow; The Roaming Vintage Store and Stop Traffic Clothing, Cocktail Making Masterclasses, delicious finger food cooked up by Kettner’s Executive Head Chef Winston Matthews as well as Swing dance classes, fortune tellers, guest speakers and of course Champagne! All guests will also be given a goodie bag full of treats to take away. Tickets are £90 but book soon as there are only 60 tickets available for each event and I’m told they're being snapped up quickly. If you can’t make it to the April event don’t worry, Coquette will be taking place on 18^th June and many other events are planned. Call David Carter on 0207 790 0259 or email reservations@40winks.org to make a booking.