REVIEW: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini Affair

Shoes, scarves, perfume, lipstick - we all have our weak spot. Mine? Handbags. 

Me + Chanel = OTP

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your and quilted flap upon my chest is my hand..."

Errr... okay so that's where the poem falls apart, sorry Pablo Neruda for desecrating your lovely sonnet, but my love for handbags knows no boundaries.

Iit's such a shame that my bank does have boundaries and sadly Chanel ain't giving these babies away for free.

Sigh.

However... may just have myself a rather beautiful alternative. Meet the Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini Affair!

Ooohhh

Ahhhhh

Yes, whilst the 2.55 may be my betrothed, the Quilted Mini Affair is definitely my mistress du jour.

And what a babe she is too! The beautifully soft black leather, adjustable gold chain strap makes her the perfect night time bag. Oh yeah, you better believe that I'm enjoying my philandering. 

Don't let my grumpy expression fool you (just scroll down to the bottom) I love this bag. Plus check out the different strap option. Practical AND stylish. Me like.

Where did I find this beauty then? Well, I actually received mine as a birthday present back in October after spotting it on Shopbop. I've been perusing the site since the year dot but never actually purchased anything from them until  I saw this bag in the Black Friday sale. £88? Ermmmmmmmm HELL YES. So I quickly gave a rather big *hint hint* and whaddyaknow, it arrived a week later. 

They also have it in a whole host of different shades.

Neon confections available here, nautical navy here

Two things though.

It is a rather small bag. I actually quite like this aspect as it means I can't shove the entire contents of my make up bag (and the kitchen sink) into the bag. I know my shoulders are thanking me for it. However, if you prefer to have your emergency bits and pieces with you, you might like the larger version available here.

Concern number two. I guess you could argue that the Minkoff is a bit of a Chanel rip-off and yes, it is remarkably similar in design. However, after to-ing and fro-ing, I came to the conclusion that if I like the design of a Chanel but won't be able to afford one for the foreseeable future, why can't I enjoy something that looks very much like it. As long as it hasn't been slapped with a large fake CC or something, then it's alright with me.

Actually, more than alright.

Woah that's a scary smile.

Handbags At Dawn

They say you can tell a lot about a lady from what she keeps inside her handbag. 

Now I'll admit my bag is not always as organised as I would like it to be. Every now and then I find myself groping around the bottom of my bag trying to find my keys, all the while finding 15 different lip balms floating around and receipts from who knows where!

I have to fight against my bag's desire to be a disorganised so-and-so and using different compartments and having a good spring summer clean, in my experience, is normally all it takes. 

So shred those receipts and follow my handbag essentials guide.

Cambridge Satchel Company, ASOS

First of all you need a bag to fill. Tan leather is always tasteful, goes with everything and suits any season be it spring or winter. (Cor, can you tell I'm getting older or what?)

Aubrey, ASOS (on sale!)

I prefer long purses as it gives you plenty of room for cards, coins and usually room to have a note lay flat. Plus black doesn't get grubby after the first time you put it on a desk/cashier/bar...

Handmade Tassel key ring, NotOnTheHighStreet

A colourful key ring is easier to spy inside your bag. This tassel key ring is substantial yet light, meaning it will be easy to locate and grab when you are in a hurry.

Now choose your poison.

iPhone cover, Lanvin, Net-A-Porter

Samsung Galaxy 4 cover, Casetagram

We all like to get a little fancy from time to time and your phone feels the same way.

The iPhone case is definitely going on my wishlist. £45 is a lotta money, but it is Lanvin!

The Casetagram allows you to turn instagram photos into portable art. Available for most Samsung Galaxies/iPhones and offers FREE international delivery. (my instagram)

Belkin, Argos

I love reading books (my degree was English and American Literature) and having a Kindle is like having a portable library. I believe Belkin also do iPad/tablet covers as well. 

You need a cover so it doesn't get jealous of your phone... obviously.

Clear makeup bag, eBay

Having a clear makeup bag means you can simply pull it out and find what you are looking for. It also makes it easy to wipe clean if something leaks.

I normally keep a pen, a packet of tissues, chewing gum and a tampon in there (as well as the items below). Even if you don't need them chances are someone else will.

Les Tai Tai

It lights up so you can pretend to be a film star having her make up done on set, when in reality you are queuing to buy cat litter at Morrisons.

Carmex, ASOS

I have always preferred lip balms in twist up tubes, the pot ones seem unsanitary when you are out and about! Carmex always does the trick for me.

Soap & Glory, Boots

Anti-bacterial gel is always useful when you are out and about.
This one has a nice fruity scent and doesn't leave your hands tasting of alcohol. (Ever used one before eating to then have your sandwich taste disgusting? Never again.)

Oil Absorbing Sheets, Boots

These were a life saver the other day. Luckily the weather is cooling off a bit now but these are still a must have for me. They blot the oil and lightly powder, so you are removing dirt and the shine in one dab. Just press firmly onto the areas where you find yourself looking shiny. 

and last but by no means least...

Travalo, Boots

Not all perfumes last a long time and it is nice to have some on you to top up the scent throughout the day. Travalo allows you to decant your normal perfume into this sleek tube to spray on the go.

So... what does my bag say about me?

- Nothing behind my back I hope! (Bad-doom-boom)

Sorry, couldn't resist! What are your handbag essentials?