DCS: Tried and Tested

Following my flirtation with the idea of hiring the dinky Dior Cannage Small, I decided I couldn't bear to put it straight back on the shelf, so, all in the name of customer satisfaction, I've been using it and enjoying in all its shiny glory. And yes, I have LOVED it. Which surprised me as it is, after all, the Dior Cannage SMALL and the world and his wife knows I carry an awful lot of stuff about with me.....

....So, I was able to fit in all the usual chaotic items (listed many times here!) and a wodge of paperwork I'm ploughing through. Plus a telescopic umbrella. And a can of fizz. Now, I'm not saying I could close it up beautifully like it's so cleverly designed to do, but that's the beauty of a drawstring and frankly I was so happy swishing it about with that lovely dangly D, I couldn't have cared less.

All in all, I think it's a bit of a tardis, or T.A.R.D.I.S. as Dr Who fans will no doubt correct me, thanks Samantha, and a stunning one at that. I loved having a long shoulder strap for a change, so many bags are designed to sit snugly under the arm, aren't they?

Ah well, enjoy.... And do you realise it's a month until Christmas? Gulp, so much to do....!

BTW, if you buy a 6 month Handbag Hire HQ Gift Certificate and (inline with our current Special Christmas Offer) we double it up to a 12 month one - drop me a line at jo@handbaghirehq.co.uk quoting BLOG and I'll add on Christmas 2010 to the membership too, so it'll be for a whopping 13 months membership!

I'm off to browse for baubles.....

Love,

Jo. XX.

Neat little Gucci

I've done another trial. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.....

The Stripe Shoulder bag by Gucci has never really jumped out at me. I always thought it was too small for me - regular readers will know I'm a Big Bag Fan, as in I go for whoppers that can carry all the minutae of my insane life, not just that I'm "stocky". Not going to admit either way on that one, anyway. Ah, Sturdy Girl.

So, the neat little Stripe Shoulder. I used it to go to a 10th Wedding Anniversary/38th Birthday Party on Saturday night and it ticked all the boxes. First of all, I was the designated driver that night and I wanted something that could languish discreetly in the footwell, despite a huge pair of husband-feet vying for space - tick, not a problem. Next, I was in moody/chic black with over-the-knees, so I needed a bag that showed up but wasn't cutesy - tick, just the job. Third, I wasn't sure who would be there and who wouldn't, so I was after something designer but not OTT - again, tickety tick. But Then the Big Test, what could I get in such a little bag? Well, I was surprised. A bit like the LV Papillon and the Gucci Joy Boston, the structured shape of this bag allowed for extra space, so I was able to squeeze in the following (note: no kitchen sink. Now, that would be silly....): eyeliner (to compliment black attire of course), lipstick, car keys, my phone, his phone, my OTHER phone (long story), his wallet, my card, my cash, a brush. And a pen. Always have a pen. So rather a lot actually.

As the night descended into drinking games (with me as referee as I was DD, as above!) I was happy to have the Stripe Shoulder languishing on my chairback. It's pretty hardwaring and doesn't feel vulnerable to spillages at all.

So, I am won over. I used it as a day bag for the next couple of days; I even took it to my little boy's rugby training and it served me well. I'm back on a capacious Prada now, OK, I admit it, but if I was a more ordered person this would really suit me.

Actually, the Dior Cannage Small came home today, I might be transferring all my goodies over straight after this.....

Will let you know my thoughts,

Jo. XX.

THIS YEAR'S GIFT VOUCHER SPECIAL OFFER, I'M SOOOO EXCITED!!

Here is your official notification.... we are about to launch our Christmas Gift Voucher Promotion.

I am jubilant. The plan this year is to double the membership length, SO if you buy your nearest-and-dearest a six-month membership they will receive a fabulous twelve months instead!

The Gift Voucher will be sent in our exquisite packaging, all boxed up and ready to go. We can send it direct to the recipient or to you for your approval before handing it over. We will add your special message, so mull over 25 - 30 words that will bring a Christmas smile and just let us know at jo@handbaghirehq.co.uk

Remember, we can create a bespoke Gift Certificate for you - contact me directly at the above email address and I will sort it out. Easy as.

XX.

Balenciaga Giant Besace

Now, apart from the fact I have trouble pronouncing the name of this bag, it has been my weapon of choice for the last two weeks. I have been trying it out, all in the name of HHHQ of course, and I have to admit it is already way up there as one of my favourite day bags.

I adore the colour - it feels really grown up and much more chic than the shiny black patents I've been using lately. When we first got this bag, the leather was lovely, but not as kissably soft as other Balenciagas, maybe that should read "strokably.....". Anyway, the Besace's leather has now softened and aged and it feels just gorgeous.

The shoulder strap can be lengthened using the big gold buckle to make it fit across-the-body, though I tended to use it as a traditional shoulder bag. I could get loads in there and the bag itself is so light that I didn't suffer my usual ache-on-my-lhs from carting so much stuff about.

Overall, this was one of my best trials and I would wholeheartedly recommend the Balenciaga Giant Besace. A headturner, and a practical one at that!

Until next time,
Jo. XX.

Louis Vuitton Speedy 25

Yes, we have a new baby! A new Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 to add to the family. Our first one is out on loooong term hire and so we thought we'd get another in for more frequent ins and outs. It's booked on our Waiting List already, so if you want to join the most classic queue this side of Paris, email me at jo@handbaghirehq.co.uk

XX Jo.

Mulberry Cher

Now, I've been using the delightfully capacious Louis Vuitton Neverfull and I started off with just a few essentials in the bottom, revelling in the glory of such a light bag and oodles of spare space. Then life got in the way and all sorts of things ended up getting stuffed in there. Well, no more. That's it. I'm going Cold Turkey. The Neverfull is on her merry way to one of our members now, so I have to select a new one anyway - and I have decided on the Mulberry Cher.

The Cher is not a large bag by any means, small to medium in fact, so it really is time to get myself and my handbag innards sorted out. I'll be back to let you know how it went next time,
Until then,

XX Jo.

In Need of Inspiration....

Hello World,

We are looking to buy a new Louis for the site, any preferences? Please let me know which ones you would like to see on the site, either here or via jo@handbaghirehq.co.uk

Speedy? Or Galliera?
Monogram? Epi? Or Damier?
Or...?
You decide.
Thank you kindly! XX Jo.