Style Theory: The little red bag is the perfect accessory to instantly lift an outfit or add a new twist. It is eye catching and at the same time classic, wear with camel, navy, black or pink to add a little vibrancy to your look...

Bag - Village England Mini Cranleigh £125
Coat - Maje £284.70 (in sale)
Breton - Boden £25
Jeans - Topshop (old) similar here 
Shoes - M&S (old season) similar here

This Village England Mini Cranleigh bag is beautiful, made of full grain leather (my favourite), gorgeously soft but structured. The attention to detail and design is that of a far more expensive bag, it has the feel of something really very special to be treasured. I love the subtle Village England branding, the brass medal on the side of the bag, the flap over top with magnet fastening, less fiddly than buckles, it is deceptively spacious and the cross body strap makes it perfect for running around town.....all in all a gorgeous Christmas bag....

From winter to summer the red bag will work to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe..these are the looks inspiring me....

Images via Pinterest

I can see the bag working just as well with my white and black sundresses as with faux fur and jeans now, the possibilities are endless...

Have you got a bag on your Christmas list this year, what is your wish list? The Christmas panic is starting to set in, I think I have done about half my shopping, no Christmas cards have as yet been written and the kids break up tomorrow..feeling a little behind as usual. I hope you are a little more organised than me!! As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

*Mini Cranleigh bag was gifted but I was under no obligation to write about it, it just is gorgeous so I wanted to let you know about it..

The 'It' Bag for....£30

Style Theory: Sometimes something online or in the shops really catches your eye, this Matalan handbag caught my attention when I spotted it on a magazine website. It is from Matalan's Limited Collection range and looks unbelievably expensive, designer even..but is actually just £30..

Matalan Limited Edition Tote Handbag £30

When I spotted this bag online last week I ordered it immediately as I love the boxy design, the square handles and the size. I am always on the lookout for something reasonably priced to give my everyday outfits a little lift and this does the job perfectly. It is not real leather, but looks pretty good, it has a lined interior with a zip pocket and a pocket for your phone etc and the zip at the top to keep all your things confined and safe. I am not mad on the chain strap I think I will remove this and just use the handles but all in all I think it is pretty cool, inexpensive bag. 

Coat: Zara
Sweater: Cos
Jeans: Topshop
Ballet Pumps: Russell and Bromley
Bag: Matalan

It would hang on the handle on a buggy or pushchair and would make a stylish and inexpensive nappy bag (ok maybe not the most practical but then I am not very practical!) For me now it is perfect for shoving in the milllions of things I carry around with me including spiderman on a motorbike and a couple of Barbies!

Here are a few outfit ideas of how to style, I could imagine this bag slotting in perfectly to any of these looks...

It is the kind of bag that can be used in the summer as well as the winter, Miranda Kerr (above right) styles up a black tote beautifully with skinny jeans, simple black sandals and a panama..this is my inspiration..now to lose those winter lbs !!

Next time..as promised flat sandals, there are some beauties on the high street at the moment..

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments,  Frances xxxxx

BTW - Whilst in Matalan collecting my order I spotted some fab home bits and pieces, gorgeous cushions, frames, candle holders etc ..worth a look, I never usually go in there so I was pleasantly surprised! xx