{BAGS BAZAAR} Hamptons Style

Today we have Donna visiting from Hamptons Style, I initially came across Hamptons Style on Facebook, and I have been enthralled ever since. Make sure you pop across and check out their new website, I promise you will adore all that you find!

Thank you Hazel for asking me to guest post for your blog, you have amazing taste and I love reading your posts. 

About HAMPTONS STYLE

I created Hamptons Style as an online store that features products based around  the decorating style that I find stunning. The Hamptons style of decorating is classic, elegant, and to me, I find it very restful.                    


I tend to find inspiration in my surroundings. I live on the water, and when I am walking or running along the waters edge, I have my best thoughts. I think clearly there, it’s very peaceful. There is a little stretch where there are little upturned boats and such, I love it. Also, I find inspiration in the many blogs and magazines that I read.

I love inspirational quotes, and live by many of them.  I guess my favourite quote would be “Everything happens for a reason”.

For the rest of this year, my biggest goal professionally will be creating more products for my store, and sourcing loads more products to stock. I like to work with local artists and designers. And my goal personally… to stay as happy and contented as I am right now I think would do me just fine.

Lamp available through Hamptons Style

Print exclusive to Hamptons Style

MY HANDBAG

I have an Oroton handbag. I just adore this bag because it is very practical –  it’s quite simple… and sometimes I have a scarf tied around the handle to give it a bit of colour. It goes with just about every outfit and is brilliant on weekends. I tend to change handbags every six months or so (I get bored with them quite easily), and I only use the one bag for this length of time. I don’t have a large collection of bags and if I am going to the races or a function etc, I will usually carry a small purse which matches what I am wearing.

I keep my mobile phone in my bag, so it’s very important that my handbag has compartments/pockets on the inside for me to slip my phone into.

My bag must be large, as I keep everything in there. This is a pre-requisite.

I keep a lot of items in my bag day in, day out. These are as follows:-

Handcreams, a small notebook, Prada sunglasses – in their case, prescription glasses – also in their case, large Oroton wallet, pens, tubes of lip gloss, powder compact.

{BAGS BAZAAR} K&Co

Today we have the lovely Kirsten of K&Co. fame guest posting on the blog, I initially discovered K&Co. through their Facebook page, and have become an avid follower, I'm sure you will become the same!

So I was thrilled when Hazel contacted me regarding this guest post.  I love her blog and Facebook page and have a genuine love for handbags so it was a perfect match!!

Ok, so here we go with my handbag collection...

Here's my everyday handbag.  I picked it up in the Stocktake Sales for the bargin price of $150 (it's was originally around the $500 mark!!)

It's fairly big, so fits tons in it, but I'm a bit of a minimalist so it's usual contents are my wallet, lipgloss, a pen, my ipad and my phone. Now I know this isn't post isn't about phones, but seriously, look how cute my phone looks at the moment....

Excuse the grubby screen...the kids have a habit of smearing their fingerprints all over it while searching the app store for games.

Cute cover, right?! I picked it up in the states...it's the only Kate Spade item I could afford!!

But back to the handbags....

I own a few handbags, but really only use 3 of them:

And then there's my love for clutches & evening bags:

Each one has it's own story and they all hold sentimental value to me in some way, so while I clear out my handbag cupboard fairly regularly, these clutches will be with me forever.

My little blog, K&Co, is purely a hobby. I love all things party related and enjoy the whole party planning process.  I decided to start the blog as a way of sharing my ideas and the ideas of others to friends (and strangers!) and so far it's been tons of fun.

I find inspiration from other blogs (the Tomkat Studio, Sweet Style, Hostess with the Mostess, House of Smiths, Faux Fuschia, Fabulous K and of course Hazel Loves Design are just some of my faves) as well as magazines (Home Beautiful, Martha Stewart Weddings, Donna Hay, Loney etc).

My favourite quote is actually a line from the poem, Invictus.  My Year 12 Geography teacher gave us a copy of the poem in our final weeks of school and it has always stuck with me...'I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.' That and 'keep calm and have a cupcake' cos I like to keep things lighthearted most of the time!

My biggest aspiration for the rest of the year is fairly simple...just enjoy life and all it has to offer!  

Kirsten x

{BAGS BAZAAR} Inspired Design

Hi, Everyone! It's Debby from Inspired Design. I love Hazel and am thrilled to be here participating as a guest blogger for her fabulous blog. Thanks so much for inviting me to take part, Hazel!

A Girl And Her Handbag

Last Christmas I received the Kate Spade Bow Regard Maryanne as a gift and I absolutely adore it. I receive countless compliments on it and it is made so well. The interior is a beautiful beige fabric flecked with shiny gold polka dots. I am completely loyal to Kate Spade when it comes to handbags and am currently coveting all of her book clutches. I don't switch out handbags to match outfits. I usually just find one I love and use it daily until it either wears out or it's time for a change. This bag has plenty of room to house my wallet, checkbook, day planner, assortment of lipsticks and glosses as well as my iphone which is enclosed in an adorable animal print case from J Crew.

Where I Draw Inspiration From

I am usually most inspired when I am doing something creative. Inspiration is everywhere. Travel and exploring new places and cultures filled with people and food is always so eye opening and inspirational to me. Sometimes just getting outdoors and enjoying nature and all of it's splendid sights, sounds, and scents can be very inspiring as well as clearing my head! I must not forget bloggers... there are so many wonderful and creative bloggers who inspire me each and every day!

My Favorite Quote:

I love this quote by Coco Chanel so much that I actually have it at the bottom of all of my posts. It is just a reminder that we are all unique and it's within our own uniqueness that makes us special and allows us to really shine. It's good not to follow the crowd, it's important to march to our own beat. Every trend does not have to be followed. True style is being comfortable in your own skin and knowing what works for you.

 Inspiration For The Rest Of The Year

This quote says it all for me. This has been a year of many personal challenges and difficulties to overcome. I believe none of us are faced with more than we can handle and we grow and blossom with each of lifes challenges. My goal is to live my life without regrets. If I see a chance at happiness, I am going to take it. I refuse to let my fears hold me back. Life is too short not to enjoy living it!

So, tell me.... what is inspiring you these days? xoxo

{BAGS BAZAAR} The Golden Goose

Today we have Leah from The Golden Goose posting on the blog. I first discovered The Golden Goose on Facebook and find their status updates to be fantastic and amusing!

I love the businesses' philosophy, the use of social media and how Golden Goose can help develop and capture your brand. Pop over and check out the portfolio, I believe you'll be positively INSPIRED to send your business in the right direction! 

Fiorelli Handbag

How many bags do you own? One! Had a big de-clutter of the wardrobe, got rid of them all and bought a new one. 

How long do you generally hold onto a handbag for? Two years.

Do you keep your mobile in your bag? Yes.

Where do you find inspiration? As a designer I'm inspired by anything I see. As a business owner, I'm inspired by other business owners.

Favourite quote or metaphor that you live your life by? 

Talent is God given. Be humble

Fame is man-given. Be grateful

Conceit is self-given. Be careful

- J. Wooden

What is your biggest aspiration for the rest of the year? Busy working away in the business, while planning Jolly Solo a Christmas Party in Sydney for business owners who work by/for themselves. Last year was fantastic, 2011 will be a bigger event.

{BAGS BAZAAR} Ann-maree's Nutrimetics

Today we have Ann-maree of Ann-maree's Nutrimetics fame, guest posting on the blog. Make sure you swing by her Facebook page to say Gidday!!

Lux De Ville Starlite Blue Sparkle Black Purse

How many handbags do you own?

In my Bedroom I have a section for the bags I own I have forty handbags and still counting, my bags are all so important, they either go with outfits and must be kept or they are bags that I use for business, so I have bags I can play with and bags that say I am not here to play I am here to do my job but look good doing it.

I really do have a bag obsession to me the hang bag completes the outfit, not the shoes.

What is the most you've paid for a handbag?

Well the most i have paid for a bag is ninety dollars but in my defence it is a 'Lux de Ville' and I am in love with it, that bag has seen a lot of places and every one loves it so I say it was a great justified purchase that was made last year, ok now I feel kind of guilty about admitting the cost :)

How long do you generally hold onto a handbag for?

I never throw any hand bag out because I love them to much and I will have them repaired of I will fix them myself I have a bit of a love for my hand bags.

What is in your bag?

In my bag at the moment is my latest brochure, my diary, two lip glosses, some mascara, my wallet (matching), keys, some order forms, business cards, foundation and some hand creme, all essential to what I do so a big bag is a must for me. But I also have my trusty 'Lux de Ville' make up case in my car in case some one wants to see products I sell. What is your biggest aspiration for the year? My biggest aspiration for the year is to get my business off the ground and help other people feel great with their skin and make up, for me this is important because it can make or break your day, if you feel like your looking nice with or without make up it can set the mood for the whole day and that's why I love my job I get to help ladies and men all over Australia.

What five words best describe you?

Fun, Positive, Active, Helpful and Caring

What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you as a result of the connections made in the online world?

So many it is hard to just pick one but I would say it would be getting to know so many amazing people who touch your life for the better, a simple message can change your day I have had the pleasure of growing up with the online world so I have had a lot of amazing things happen in my life and I have had the pleasure of making friends all over the world and people in Australia I would never have met are now some of my closest friends.

{BAGS BAZAAR} Gallop Lifestyle

Longchamp

Today we have Annie guest posting on the blog from Gallop Lifestyle, I first discovered Gallop Lifestyle in Real Living magazine when they were featured in an editorial with their gorgeous crochet rug, so was beyond thrilled when Annie agreed to post on my blog. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into the bag behind this woman and this brand! Be sure to pop over to the Gallop blog. ENJOY xo

I have a brown Longchamp, which gets an absolute work out. I own about 10 - 15 bags, most of them are casual and many are big. I tend to use the same bag all season, more out of laziness than anything else. I will pull out a clutch if I am going anywhere nice, but my day to day bag needs to be big to fit everything it. I normally keep a bag for a few years, depending on the quality.

I just went through the bag, and I am quite embarrassed to say it is mainly filled with kids' junk... (I have a 4 year old and an 11 month old);

2 nappies

A small packet of tissues

Baby wipes

My 4 year old's ballet shoes

A bib

My Channel sunglasses

My daughter's hot pink sunglasses

My wallet

My iPhone

Lancome lip gloss

Crab Tree & Evelyn hand cream

Annie & Janet  
Gallop Lifestyle

In terms of the business, I run an online homewares store (Gallop Lifestyle) with my sister in law, Janet Addess. Our aim is to offer great value, stylish homewares that can be ordered online and delivered without fuss. We search for good quality items that offer great design combined with an affordable price tag. Hence our tag line, 'Great value design, online'.

Our objective for the rest of the year is to further establish our brand, and grow the range of product we stock. We work with boutique designers, and some really exciting new ones are on their way.

We also hope to engage with our customer more using our facebook page, with special offers & discounts via this channel.

In terms of inspiration, we draw a lot from design blogs, both here in Australia and over seas. There is some really great content coming out of Scandinavia at the moment. And of course our endless reading of design magazines keeps us on top of the latest trends. We also love markets, and keeping in touch with some of our creative suppliers.

Our biggest challenge would be finding good quality and ethically produced product that is also affordable. We do our best to keep the prices below the $100 mark, but it is not always easy.

The saying I refer to a lot would be that things have a way of working out for the best.

Thank you so much Annie for popping by the blog, and I look forward to seeing more of your items in upcoming issues of my favourite magazines! xHazel

{BAGS BAZAAR} Andrea Reh

Today's guest post is from Andrea, of Andrea Reh fame... ENJOY!

How many handbags do you own? Only one - shocking, I know. I prefer small purses or no bag at all (though perhaps if I made a bit more money and could afford some of the dreamy travel totes on Andrea Reh, I'd feel differently).

Do you really put your cell phone in your handbag? Sometimes - and then I completely forget I have it and miss many calls and text messages (as an aspiring journalist, this is quite a problem).

What is your favourite style of handbag?  I prefer big totes like this one by Jimmy Choo in which I can carry everything when I'm travelling - snacks, magazines, novels and notebooks - sometimes even a change of clothes!

Why do you blog? To share my obsessions with like-minded people - luxury hotels and travel, fashion and style. 

Who are your favourite bloggers? Websites? You mean apart from Hazel?My absolute favourite would be Sarah Klassen's Haute Design. Every single post is exquisitely crafted and inspiring.

What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you as a result of blogging? Being offered the VIP treatment at a hotel I featured - unfortunately that hotel is in the States, and I'm all the way down here in New Zealand!

Favourite quote or metaphor that you live your life by? "Live the life you imagined," Henry David Thoreau.

Andrea x

{BAGS BAZAAR} McCarthy Designs

Today we have Nellie visiting from McCarthy Designs, I hope you enjoy this tantalising look into the bags behind the blogger...

How many handbags do you own?

Ummmm.... a few. I am not sure I can answer this one because my hubby may be reading and he might decide that I don’t need any more : ) LOL, no I am not that bad I had a big clean out and gave away a lot. Now I think I have less than 20 or maybe a bit more.

What is the most you've paid for a handbag?

I am such a cheapskate and I think the most I have paid for a handbag is $130. Generally I buy bags that I like when they are on sale. I rarely buy anything unless it is on sale. Somehow it helps to justify the purchase : )

How long do you generally hold onto a handbag for?

My most used handbag would be my work one, it would probably last six months and then I would get bored with it or the bag starts to look pretty worn out so I need to replace it. My other bags I can keep for years because they don’t get used as often!

Why do you blog?

To be honest I started blogging because I was in the middle of an interior design course and I thought it would be a great way to share ideas and perhaps one day use it to promote my business, however I didn’t finish my course and my blog took a different turn and has now become my online diary, a place to keep track of our renovations and to connect with all the great people I have met through blogging.

What is your biggest aspiration for the year? 

It may sound quite mundane but I would really like to ensure that I enjoy my life every day, as it is now, without living for tomorrow. I think it is great to dream but sometimes we can get so focused on our dreams that we miss out on all the good stuff we have now.

What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you as a result of blogging?

Meeting all of the wonderful people that I have. I am amazed at the talented and inspiring people that are so willing to share their ideas with you. I have made some wonderful friends through blogging and the support they have given me when I was going through some tough stuff was so tremendous. It wasn’t what I expected when I started to blog.

What five words best describe you?

Reliable, organised, efficient, capable, sociable

Thank you Hazel for inviting me to be a guest blogger for you. I really enjoyed myself and if you would like to see my current favourite bag you can here!

{BAGS BAZAAR} I'll be home soon...

Source

Today I'm heading into hospital for surgery *deep breath* so I'll be absent from my computer at least until the weekend. I'm not sure what scares me more, being cut open or having such a big break from the online world. Hush, that isn't being melodramatic!! 

Following my return home, I have a four to six week recovery period and the doctors have advised that I should not be lifting anything heavy during this period. Given that I have a twelve week old son, that is near-on impossible!!! So I am flying home on 12th September to Christchurch, New Zealand to live with my Mum and sister so they can help me to tend to Brooklyn.

Instead of returning to Australia post-recovery, hubby and I have decided to return to New Zealand permanently. At this stage we will be settling in Christchurch, but given this is the same Christchurch to have suffered extensive damage in several major earthquakes earlier this year we may move if it lives up to its rocky reputation!

In my absence and while I get settled again, I have a few friends popping in as part of a new series on the blog called that 'Bags Bazaar'. So I thought I would kick start the bags bazaar today!

Crumpler

My current handbag is not so much a handbag, but a baby bag in disguise, I couldn't stand the standard baby bags, so I purchased a crumpler bag, best investment EVER! 

What is in my handbag?

Needless to say my bag is full of loads of things, baby things; nappies, change of clothes, muslin wrap, bib, nappy rash cream, hand sanitiser gel, disposable change mat, dummy, formula sachets and bottles.

My purse, a large faux-Chanel, which I put my key (only the house key as I'm not driving at the moment) and cell-phone into, if I placed them directly into the bag they'd be lost for good! I also usually carry a small notebook and camera, for those moments of random inspiration!!

Chloe Paddington

How many bags do I own?

In addition to the nappy bag, I own a Chloe Paddington and a premium faux Louis Vuitton (it looks identical to the real ones). I also own a Jimmy Choo clutch and another Guess clutch. I used to own a lot of handbags, but recently I realised it is all about quality over quantity. So I've reduced my collection right down to my absolute favourites.

Why do you blog?

I started blogging out of curiosity and as a way of collecting and sharing all of my ideas and inspiration pictures, but it has become so much more, it has become a way of meeting new people from all over the world. I definitely have become addicted to the world of blogging.

What is your biggest inspiration for the year?

Now, it is to be healthy and have no reason for stress in my life. It feels like the last couple of years have been just go-go-go, between getting married, falling pregnant, moving interstate, having a premature baby, going for an operation, moving overseas... I haven't had an opportunity to just stop and relax. It is going to be absolutely great when I have that opportunity! If I ever have that opportunity.