What's in my bag

There was a time that a girl's handbag was sacred and which contents were not to be seen by others.

Thanks to whatsinmyhandbag.com, they're being displayed all over the Internet for everyone to see.

I'm a huge fan of the website, discovering new beauty and accessory buys.

So I thought I'd join in!

Here's a little peek into the products and necessities I carry day to day.

Bag
My bag is the classic Zara shopper basket in tan. I adore this bag, it's so big it fits everything I need whether I'm going to work or shopping and lunch at the weekend. It has two small pockets on one side of the lining which is a perfect fit for my phone and nail polishes. The other side has a big pocket with a zip, which my kindle slots into. My only issue it that it doesn't fasten.

Purse
My purse was an investment buy. It's a nude pink Chloe purse with a gold bow and has lots of little pockets for cards, spare change and receipts. It also works well as a clutch if I'm going on an impromptu night out after work as I can slip my phone and a lipstick inside.

Sunglasses
Continuing with the Chloe theme, I wear the Myrte Sunglasses. I bought them over two years ago and I still love wearing them. They really are a classic staple and I have the chocolate colour, which isn't as harsh as black.

iPhone
The essential. I check work and personal accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and email on the go. I also love my apps; my new favourites are Picfx and Jamie's 15 Minute Meals.

Perfume
You get it, I love Chloe. The classic perfume is musky, Autumnal and always receives compliments. Is there anything else you'd want from a perfume?

Makeup Bag
I bought a few NARS products and received a free makeup bag with a few sample goodies inside, which is a perfect size for holding my everyday beauty bits. I have foundation, powder, blush, eyeliner and mascara for topping up throughout the day.

Naked 2
I have both naked palettes and this one is my favourite; the colours are lighter and compliment my skin much more. I just adore it; the brush is just sublime and it includes a mirror.

Hand Cream
L'Occitane hand cream is perfect to apply throughout the day as it just sinks in so damn fast.

Nail Polish and File
Topshop and Essie are two of my favourite polish brands and I fill in any chips as soon as they occur; I don't like my nails chipped at all.

Mac Lip Balm
I sometimes suffer with chapped lips and this has a little colour in it too, which looks lovely on my lips.

Notebook
I'm a bit of a list maker and I much prefer writing down my ideas and plans than storing them in my phone. This book is a Liberty print notepad from Waterstones.

Reading Materials
I have a commute to work and I use this to read a magazine or my kindle, on which I'm currently reading The Gift by PS I Love You author Cecelia Ahern.
Now don't dismiss Cecelia as chick lit.
She's much more than that.
Ahern grabs you by your shoulders and transports you to another world, dropping you with a thud into her world of despair and hilarity. The woman literally has me in tears and giggles. Give her a go.
Oh, and Elle speaks for itself.

Essentials
Keys, comb and umbrella. Naturally.


What do you have in your bag?

Just like a dream

When I grow up I want a beautiful white wedding that guests will talk about for months (years) after.
I want a white dress so beautiful that the girls all want one for themselves.

My husband to be / best friend / soulmate will know why it didn't work out with the others and be grinning at me like kid all day.

I was lucky enough to witness this happen for my beautiful friend.

The dress was just exquisite. 

Lace, backless with a perfect train.

(I stole these photos from Facebook as mine were awful. The rest are from my humble point and shoot)

The centrepieces were crafted entirely with paper.

The cake was chocolate with white icing. 

What a choice. 

Many glasses of champagne followed and my camera was abandoned in favour of dancing.

The wedding was a celebration of a gorgeous couple and the end of Summer. 

The best part, of course, was the food.

Has it made you want a wedding too?

Harvey Nichols AW Press Day

Last week I was invited to the Harvey Nichols Manchester Press Day.
Four floors of beauty, food and fashion; Harvey Nics is a shopping haven. They never disappoint.
The new styles in each department were displayed for everyone to have a little play.
My three favourite things in one room and a glass of Prosecco? Perfect!

THE Harper bag. Structured leather with front pockets.

I enjoyed having dabbling with the beauty products the most. 

The Jo Malone products smelt divine, I'd love to indulge in a scented candle sometime.

Bobbi Brown is a brand I've not been drawn to, but the bronzer/eye shadows (you could use the palette for both) was just gorgeous.

My favourite discovery by far was the YSL Touche Eclat foundation. A liquid that glided on and set matte, it made my skin look flawless and feel moisturised; a real luxurious product.

What is your favourite foundation? Any recommendations? 

Afternoon Tea, The Moat House

There is nothing more quaint than Afternoon Tea.

I escaped the madness of Manchester for a couple of days to catch up with old school friends.

It's been well overdue and it was lovely to catch up on the latest news. Our lives seem to be moving so quickly now that we're 'grown up.'

It was Lucy's birthday the week before so we decided to celebrate with Afternoon Tea and champagne at The Moat House, Acton Trussell.

The cakes are to die for.
My favourite was the meringue topped with cream and a raspberry.

You are introduced to a number of different teas where you are informed a little about the flavours and the source. Give them a smell and make your choice!
Sweet tooth over here went for Orange and Cinnamon.
Infuse your pot and watch the sands of time fall. Drink and pour!

Afternoon tea is served between 3.00pm - 5.00pm every weekday.
You can book here.

Instagram

I know all of my photos on my blog are Instagram, I just feel a little silly taking photos with a camera.

I seriously need to get over it. Plus, I dropped my phone in water. 

All of these photos have been stolen from some gorgeous girls.

Here is what I've been up to recently:

Hen Party Fun

Butler in the buff. And flip flops. 

The beautiful Faith (right) and I

Cocktails at The Alchemist New York Street Opening Party

Shoes!

(Blue - Kelli, Black Strappy - Jaz, Black Patent - me)

SoLita

Sometimes you just want carbs. Unbutton your top button carbs.
Luckily for me, SoLita opened in the Northern Quarter last week and after reading 'deep fried..' on the menu, I knew I had to go.
Boy, am I glad I did.
The name is an acronym for South of Little Italy and the restaurant cooks it's food in an authentic oven; heated by coal.
A chic little place on the outskirts of the NQ; it's dark, cosy and perfect to huddle in with your girls or a date.

The girls and I were tweeting our excitement and the owner offered us a glass of Prosecco on the house.

GREAT touch.

If you do nothing else in Manchester, visit this gem of a place to sample their deep friend Coco Cola.

Certainly a guilty pleasure, SoLita is one for a cheat day.

Sweet tooths and foodies get yourselves here, the mash is to die for.

Take a look here.