After wearing my old Adidas Superstars last week and a subsequent raid on my wardrobe unearthed my blue Diesel trainers, what better item to pair a modern pair of sport shoes with than a true classic: a leather Birkin-style bag…!
This absolute beauty was sent to me by the very kind people at Maxwell Scott – a British brand specialising in Italian leather goods. I chose the tan leather Birkin-style bag because although I’m more of a shoes girl than a bag girl, there is no point resisting the lure of a classic style like the Birkin – and ohhhh did I make a good choice. I’ve realised tan accessories will always go with any outfit I’m wearing as the colour will always, at the very least, match my hair. You never know, I may seriously be tempted to the dark side of designer bags – my bank balance had better watch out!
For my first outing with the Birkin I decided not to go the classic heels and skirt route, but instead I added a bit of a twist with my checked coat from Asos and the most casual of all footwear – trainers. As well as loving the classic/modern contrast of the outfit, I have to say that this bag is fascinating me with its beautiful smell (yes, I stuck my head right inside and inhaled deeply when it arrived), its squeaky exterior and its stunning styling with the straps and the lock and the top flap. It is not easy to get inside this bag quickly, so pick pockets on the Underground will be truly flummoxed by its complexity I’m glad to say.
This bag is handsome, practical and smells gorgeous. (Sounds like the perfect man!) Are any of you lucky enough to own a Birkin, or come to that have a need to always smell real leather (or is that just me)?
Finally please keep voting for me to be one of the winners in the Fever London real models competition! It closes at the end of the day 20th February (Thursday) and if you’ve voted for me already thank you SO much – and don’t forget you can vote every 24 hours 🙂
To vote, click here:
Shop my look!
Bag: c/o Maxwell Scott, Coat: Asos, Sweater: La Redoute, Jeans: Wallis, Trainers: Diesel via eBay, Beanie: Asos, Earrings: c/o Berricle, Nails: Models Own In The Navy
Linking up to: Visible Monday, Monday Bloom, Monday Mingle, Funday Monday, Trend Spin Link-Up, Style Sessions, What I Wore Wednesday, All Things Thursday, Fashion Informant, Three-Fer Thursday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fab Favourites, Sunday Style Link-Up
I've loved that coat ever since I first saw it on the ASOS website! You look fabulous! Thanks for linking up 🙂
Me too!! I had it in my Saved Items for ages then saw it was in the sale – and BOOM! "Add to basket" 😉
Thanks Jenny, so glad Sunday Style is back! x
What a beautiful bag! I love how you styled it. I would have styled it with a dress but the trainers added a wonderful twist! Simply gorgeous xx
So glad you liked it – thank you Donna x
1st you are and will continue to be the cutest pregnant woman ever !!! 2nd Love this look !!!!! I am 5"9 & have a hard time finding moto jackets that are actually appropriately long enough for me but it looks great on you !!! Side note I was at TJ Maxx today & found some coated/leather looking Rich & Skinny jeans for under $70….beyond happy about this !!!! They also had some beautiful Rebecca Minkoff Bags…very tempting !!!
Loving your boots !! Posted on my blog today about save vs. spend on biker boots !!! Jimmy Choo vs. Target…
http://fsession.com
Hmmm I'm not pregnant, not wearing a moto jacket and not wearing boots. I detect something beginning with S that also rhymes with ham. However I think your comment may well make people chuckle so I'm leaving it up 😉
(Normally I'd delete it)
I'm giggling to myself xx
I counted a total of 5 brand names, Donna…!!! Made me laugh too 😉
I love this look with the sneakers. I am so thinking of getting a pair of new balance sneakers too.
Daphne.
I'm off to vote. good luck!
Hi Catherine! What a lovely bag!!! Like you, I simply can not resist the smell of leather. The earthiness just speaks to me. And you are right, you can wear your bag with anything because its a neutral. Voted for you again honey. Hope you win! Have a gorgeous week. 🙂
Debra@stylewisebydebra.com
I WAS a winner, Debra – thank you so much!!!!!!!!! You lot were brilliant for voting xoxoxo
I've just voted again and you're still in the lead, but a couple of others aren't far behind. So – to all you other lovely ladies out there – keep voting!!!
I thought I'd left a comment however it doesn't appear above, so I just wanted to add how I love all of this outfit. It's my kind of outfit (apart from the fact that hats don't suit me!) I now need to take the lovely bag I won in your competition with me when I next go to my hairdresser's – and tell her to match my hair colour to it!
Oh that's a good idea, Sue – matching your hair colour to your accessories!! The bag would make a fabulous hair shade 🙂
(And thank you for voting – I was a winner!!! Really appreciate all your support!)
Beautiful x
There really is something to be said about a bag with a classic style— I am bit of a bag and shoe gal (although, currently my shoe collection trumps my bags…)
What a fun easy going look! Love it!
~Alexis Grace of North On Harper
Love the bag Catherine.
love this look, especially the fun pops of color in the coat and sneakers. a kelly is on my dream list…nice to see that they make a version of it as well!
=Gasp= a Kelly bag!! Don't make me drool, Kim…! Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Great coat 😉
You look amazing dear! 😉
Tic-Tac Living
Stunning bag Catherine & as you so rightly say you can never go wrong with a tan leather bag especially when it's a birkin-styled one – just gorgeous. Love it dressed down with the trainers.
Jane xx
My Midlife Fashion
The bag is gorgeous, and that jacket is too perfect for words.
Thank you Barcy – the coat is soooooo warm and comfy! But it does molt enough to make me look like I have a small dog ;))
Aren't those Maxwell Scott bags fabulous, Catherine? When I received mine I couldn't stop sniffing the real leather… So good to see your styling version as mine will be very different (on the blog soon) which definitely proves the versatility of these bags! You made it truly yours and your hair and bag match perfectly well.
xo
Annette | Lady of Style
Yay we're Maxwell Scott twins!!! Thank you for the lovely comments Annette x
super love this comfy chic look from head to toe! 😀 love your bag so much!
Love,
Pudding Monster
This bag is truly yummy Catherine…and I say that without having the pleasure of a single sniff!! 😉 Actually, for me it's not that real leather has a particularly appealing smell; it's that the imitation version can sometimes have a really off-putting one. And I don't think anyone can disagree that for hardworking pieces like bags and shoes, nothing wears quite as well as the "real thing!!"
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
I like the term "hardworking" for bags and shoes – good point hun!! Thank you M x
At first I didn't get your shoe choice, then I looked at the outfit again, focused in on your coat and it all clicked. Oh and I love the smell of leather too! :o)
http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Great post! Maxwell Scott makes a smart looking bag. I do think it looks lovely with your hair.
blue hue wonderland
This bag is LOVELY! Good look in the comp – I voted for you!
Corinne x
http://www.skinnedcartree.com
Thank you Corinne – and apologies for my replies being so late (I blame the week away for LFW) but I was one of the winners!!!!!!! So thank you!!!!!!!!!
This look is so great on you. It's very casual, but also very chic.
Great outfit, love the classic bag mixed up with trainers
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Yay, thank you Lauren!!
love the blue trainers! I have a pair so will have to think about new ways to style them!
http://greeneststuff.blogspot.ca
I think I feel a blue trainers collection coming on, sweetie!! Don't encourage me…!!!!!!!!!!
That is indeed a classic, gorgeous bag. Wonderful with your whole look. xox
That jacket is gorgeous! And that purse is perfect!
Nic
http://www.younglovestyle.blogspot.com
I am definitely a bag girl, and would love to own an authentic Birkin! I love your bag, the color is perfect. And there is nothing like the smell of leather. The Michael Kors Hamilton is another great, affordable Birkin-inspired tote.
Yep the smell fills the room it's so strong, Paulette!! Thank you lovely x
The bag is lovely…and it matches your hair!! ;))
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
That's why I love tan accessories, Emma! Heeehee thanks hun xx
Loving the coat and the gorgeous bag! xxx
The Jolly Fashionista
I love your hat and coat!!! They are very adorable pieces on you!
Aww thanks Iris!!