Back To School

It's that time again and there was nothing I loved more as a child than going shopping for new school supplies. I may have grown up but that excitement hasn't and I still take delight in opening that just-out-of-the-plastic-never-before-been-touched-by-human-hands notepad or purchasing this year's winter coat.

I would say this is more of a grown up fantasy list and I haven't worn scrunchies since I left primary school but it just didn't feel like "back to school" without them.

Top Row: Smythson diary, Gucci coat

Middle Row: American Apparel lace topped socks, Tiffany & Co. pen, Paperchase craft book

Bottom Row: Chloé tote bag, American Apparel scrunchies

Card Holder

Thanks to a very generous friend, I had a gift card to use at Reiss. I don't often shop at Reiss, not really sure why, but after researching further I realised the prices are actually quite steep for the high street. So I patiently waited for the sale to spend my credit.

Even in the sale, a dress is upwards of £100 and I didn't want to get a sequined t-shirt for £60 - yes, £60. But whilst browsing I came across their lovely selection of iphone holders and card holders. Since I'm a Blackberry girl, the phone holders were out of the question - shame - but I thought a chic leather card holder might be a nice replacement for my freebie M&S Oyster card holder. Plus, it can replace my chunky wallet with my cards, ID and some cash in there when I want to use a clutch bag.

I found it difficult to decide between the vibrancy of this one and the one I bought but went with the navy blue patent mock croc in the end because it echoed the mock croc leather of my Mulberry.

With that in mind, I had a look at some other card holders and travel accessories which would make a perfect gift for men or women, especially when personalised.

Travel Wallet

I love the vibrancy of the citrus yellow and the fact that you can keep everything you need for the journey in one place.

Card Holder

Such a pretty colour. Reminds me of a summer sky.

Luggage Tags

Ruby red luggage tags make it so much easier (and fun) to spot your suitcase on the airport carousel.

Travel Wallet

Great for the jet-setting man. Understated, not flashy.

Card Holder

For the kind of man who doesn't carry lots of cash, it seamlessly fits into a trouser pocket.

Passport Holder

A little luxury to brighten up the queue at passport control.

10 Seasonal Essentials

Now the sun's coming out and the weather getting warmer, I can safely say that we are firmly into Spring, I'd like to share with you my essentials for this season.

1.
Finally the sun has come out so we can start packing away our thick knits. This time of year I opt for a lighter, softer cardigan instead like this one by Vince.

2.
Another light cover-up, this is not only beautiful but practical. Aeroplane air-con, check. A shade for your face on the beach, check. Something to brighten up your outfit, Check. Easily fits in your handbag and is a great staple for travelling. I'll be looking out for something similar to this Missoni.

3.
Comfortable, stylish and practical - what more can you want for a shoe? These Yves Saint Laurent's are neutral enough to go with almost anything, classic enough to wear to the office.

4.
The print on this Thomas Wylde maxi dress is beautiful but it's the flow of the fabric and the detailing on the back which makes it stunning. Wear during the day with strappy flats then throw on a cropped denim jacket when it gets a little chilly.

5.
An obvious choice. For the modern Jackie O, these Yves Saint Laurent's are classic so won't go out of fashion.

6.
A new, bright coloured wallet is a good incentive to make you want to have a clear out of all the things you've squirelled away in that winter handbag. This Comme Des Garçons wallet has lovely printed leather detailing and I'm sure you could easily find a high-street version.

7.
Maybe a tad unnecessary but I just love the idea of a passport holder. This is the time of year we all start thinking about our summer getaways so maybe I'll invest in a beautiful leather holder like this Smythson.

8.
If you're like me, you don't tend to chop and change handbags too often. But I always think it's nice to have a seasonal change. Wearing a lighter coloured handbag somehow pulls your sunnier outfit together a little more rather than weighing it down with a heavy black or dark brown. This Reed Krakoff is big enough to hold anything you would need and is structured so instantly makes a look smarter.

9.
Moisturiser. I tend to get drier skin during the warmer months so it's essential to up my moisterising routine. This Clinique one is silky smooth and absorbs in without being oily. For those on a tighter budget, I found that Boots Botanics Hydrating Day Cream is really good and only about £6.

10.
With those tootsies on display, it's essential to be primped and preened. I like OPI's Hong Kong Sunrise for hands and California Raspberry for feet.

Now all you need is a picnic basket, pimms and friends.