Styling my Teddy Blake Bag

 & #WowOnWednesday

Dear friends. My passion for the last six months has been handbags.  I've bought quite a few, mostly low cost fashion bags in bright colours.  I'm glad the trend for "It" bags has passed:  I never bought into costly bags plastered in logos. Very naff! The bags that are trendy now are quietly expensive. They have people wondering what sort of bag it is.

Teddy Blake Bags definitely fit that category.  I was thrilled when they asked if I would like to choose a bag from their extensive range.  I know some of you click away whenever a blogger says they have  been gifted with something, but stick around, I hope to pique your interest.

You've probably become aware of the Teddy Blake brand through blog collaborations like this one. The bags are made in Italy and are very high quality with delicious smelling leather, thick stitching and long lasting hardware.  They are not as expensive as some of their luxury competitors because Teddy Blake sell direct to consumers from their website.  By cutting out the middleman they can be more competitive. 

I chose the Bella Palmelatto 12. As you can see, it can be worn over the shoulder (the straps are detachable) or carried. The hardware is gold. This bag comes in 18 colours. This is a medium size bag and perfect for what I tend to carry when I go into London: my Kindle, card wallet, brush, glasses, travel card, umbrella.

I was pleased to add a top quality yellow bag to my collection. I styled it with my merino scarf in mimosa from Kettlewell, white jumper and black/white skirt (both old) and yellow boots (old) from Sainsburys.  My coat is black velvet.  It's a good outfit for a trip to the theatre.  Even the hubster was complimentary. 

If you're looking for a new handbag, or planning to pop one on your list for any of the upcoming celebrations, Teddy Blake has some good Black Friday savings.  My bag is currently $345, reduced from $395. If it was sold by a luxury retailer using the traditional model, it would cost $1,200.  Matching coin cases are 50% off if bought with a bag. 

As we all have different preferences for bags, they have covered virtually every base. There are cross-the-body bags, large totes for carrying laptops, mini and micro bags, clutches, you name it.  You may think they're still expensive, but bags of this quality will last a lifetime. As someone who used to do a lot of business travel, I can vouch for how quickly cheap bags deteriorated. 

Looking inside the bag, there are two zipped pockets for security. This is very important: I have a couple of totes which have a tab or carabiner fastening at the top, and a hand could easily slip inside the bag and pull out my precious card wallet. 

I'm in love with my new bag and can't think of any downsides.  I had a look at Trust Pilot and the brand gets stellar reviews, so you can buy with confidence. 

Do you have a handbag collection or just one or two in neutral colours? Do tell in the comments. 

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Disclosure:  I was gifted with a bag by Teddy Blake New York in return for an honest review.

Pop back on Friday for a review of my birthday month, November, and on Monday for the monthly Style Not Age challenge. 

DON'T FORGET

There's still time to get 30% off the Zuvi Halo hair dryer for Black Friday. Find the discount code for Is This Mutton readers at this post. 

Wow on Wednesday is the weekly link-up that brings you posts from around the world on fashion, beauty, lifestyle and travel. Readers can find new blogs to follow, and bloggers can find new readers! 

If you want to add a post (or three), scroll down to find the simple joining instructions. 

Readers, you make a blogger's day when you leave a comment, so please try to visit a few. Blogs are one of the few places where you will see women of your own age without having had surgery or using filters. 

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