calypso bucket bag

A girlfriend was spotted with this beauty the other day from Calypso. If you dream about the Mansur Gavriel you will love it. 

bucket bags

Everyone is banging on about bucket bags. The Mansur Gavriel mini-bucket is the New York favourite. I also like this blue mini onslow bucket at Whistles and this grey/lilac one at Asos, and this one spied on Julia at Stylonylon is in the sale…

*image @mijatheblog

wish list

If your slightly unorganised husband/boy/partner/parent/cat hasn't been shopping for you yet you might want to forward a few of these wish list items on…

fluffy sandals - & Other Stories 

heart clutch - asos

 cashmere leopard onesie...oh yes - Marks and Spencer

magic cream for hungover faces - Charlotte Tilbury

cute studs - Tiny Armour on Etsy 

cosy chalet socks - Woolrich

this tea cup - Yvonne Ellen Etsy

a diamond disc - Erica Tanov or honey bee stacking rings - Silver May

cheetah booties -  Loeffler Randall  

round sunglasses - Illesteva

bucket bag - Helmer or this one - J Crew

boob lamp - Jonathan Adler 

always love navy cashmere - Uniqlo

gorgeous pics of your little people - Coral Garlick

this raisin lip sheer - Beauty Counter or this Burning Love Lipgloss - Nars

embroidered jacket - Zara 

more grey skinnies - Frame

lola & syd and 5 styling tips for new mothers

Meet Sally and Hugh. Sal is a great friend from my HK days. Now back in Australia she's relaunched her much loved boutique Lola & Syd, added styling services and a gorgeous children's range. 

I miss drinking wine with her so much….anyway...she's kindly given us some styling tips for new mothers. Sal is someone who always manages to look very cool without trying too hard so I would listen in…oooooh and its FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE until Sunday with the code SSFreeShip. I NEED this clutch. Too many capitals I know. 

The early days of motherhood aren’t easy. You’re tired, have an in between body that’s not pregnant but not how is used to be, leaking boobs if you’re breastfeeding, no time or inclination to do your make up and even less to do your hair (Sal - I never did my hair before babes ;)) 

But after sitting round in your pyjamas and breastfeeding singlets for the first few weeks, there comes a time when you realize you’ll feel a lot better if a) get dressed, and b) make a little effort. Here are 5 top tips to get you started...

Clothing - Look for easy to care fabrics that can go in the machine and that will wear well. Ironing is the enemy when you have small children so avoid pieces that crease easily.  It’s worth investing in good maternity bras as they provide a better shape. Also, stretchy singlets are very handy and can work on their own or as layers in the winter months. Look for styles with thicker straps – maternity bra straps are not attractive so best not to have them on show. If you’re breast feeding separates are best (with the exception of the shirt dress – see below). Maternity jeans are your best bet in the early months so it’s worth investing in a pair you love in your pregnancy.  Leggings are fabulous for winter, and shorts and skirts with elastic waists (there are quite a few around at the moment) are good for summer months.

The Shirt dress - This personally saved me in my early months of motherhood! They are perfect for breastfeeding, can be belted, are great with flats and some simple earrings, or can be glammed up with heels and a big necklace (for the time you actually get to go out at night!). They suit almost everybody. Choose lightweight cotton for hotter months. Denim works well in cooler months and you can layer over the top with sweaters and boots. 

Accessories - The best bet in early months is keep clothing simple and classic and use accessories to add an edge. Bangles can be difficult when constantly holding and feeding a baby in the early months so it’s best to look for earrings and statement necklaces to liven up your outfits. Bangles can be introduced when bub is a little older and starts pulling at your necklaces! My little one will play with my resin bangle collection for hours! 

Buy a REALLY good concealer and a VERY bright lipstick - It’s no secret you don’t get much sleep with a newborn so a great concealer to hide those dark circles is a must. I find Bobbie Brown the best but try to fit in a visit to a department store to find one that suits you. While you’re there, make a bee line for a bright lipstick. Gone are the days when you have half an hour to apply a full face of makeup. If you have a good base, mascara, and a bright lip then you look polished and it takes under 5 minutes! I love Mac lippies - favourites at the moment are Morange and Impassioned, but there a ton to choose from so try a few and see what suits!

Have a great bag that you love - Nappy bags serve their purpose and while there are many great style out there now I have always preferred to use a stylish handbag that can hold all the necessities and work as both a stylish accessory and holdall for baby paraphernalia. Look for something lightweight – neoprene, cotton and canvas are great options. Also, zip pouches work well for containerizing things like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes and bottles.

the shopbop sale

The Shopbop sale is on again, 25% off with the code FAMILY25 until 16 October. Literally out of control. Feast your eyes on this gorgeous Sophie Hulme (as pictured above on The Northern Light), these famous Frame jeans, this leather jacket, these new gold heels and this mohair coat. Now eat baked beans for a month x

zippy and 25% off at jcrew

Oh look, some more grey knitwear, but its got zips, and its 25% off....slight zip obsession at the moment, husband calls me Zippy. I like the cream version, and I also love this bright vintage-style clutch (in the sale too), you can also monogram it, which New Yorkers love to do :) 

30% off ethical brand beaumont organic

I've had my eye on this British brand for a while, Beaumont Organic design with 100% organic and sustainable fabrics. I love their loose tops and dresses and very chic leather accessories. Lucky secretstylist readers can enjoy 30% off the entire range (including sale goodies) until the end of July using the code PRESS. 

grey tote by the white company

Just look at this grey beauty, a bit celine, a tad slouchy and perfect for spring. Tall leather frost grey tote by The White Company, who are now shipping to the US. 

whistles calf hair clutch

Love this Whistles Rivington calf hair clutch...big enough for an iPad, small enough for a night out. 

25% off j.crew and free shipping

Only today and tomorrow left for the J.Crew 25% off + free shipping offer...love the saddle bag, ladylike pumps, cashmere snood, pretty tops and art deco style jewels...tempted? 

win 1000 GBP shopbop giftcard via liberty london girl

Liberty London Girl is hosting a great competition with Shopbop, open internationally, you can win 1000 GBP to spend. Winter wardrobe sorted. Just comment on one her picks, as seen here. The competition closes Tuesday next week. From her edit I think I'd go for...Linda Farrow for The Row sunglasses, Alexis Bittar cuff, Clare Vivier clutch, Pamela Love spike earrings...

vintage handbags by nula thanhauser

My friend Kaitlin has been working with her magpie Mother, Nula Thanhauser, to unveil her extensive collection of vintage bags. She's been collecting for thirty years and is known as an expert in vintage circles. I might keel over when I see the Art Deco originals and the custom collection, which are made from vintage frames and antique fabrics. The show opens today (11-7.30pm) at The Park Avenue Armory until Monday 24 Sept (11-5.30pm). 

20% off at asos via cup of jo

Over on the lovely Cup of Jo you can pick up the code for 20% off at ASOS (US orders only, valid until next Monday), I spied these...some Whistles love, a metallic tee, an Equipment silk shirt you'll wear forever, and, yep still want those Ash boots even though I have a several similar pairs... 

the new mulberry willow tote

Stop it. How gorgeous is this new Mulberry Willow tote? Complete with detachable envelope clutch, ridiculously good, launched at their show on Tuesday, among a whole host of gnomes. Love it.

zara tan and gold bag

Such a naughty blogger, I've been running around LA flea markets, beaches and hills in California and then the Hamptons for the long weekend. Don't hate me too much. I'll update you on LA finds soon. In the meantime I've got my eye on this Zara bag...like?

harlex handbags in hong kong

Sometimes simple bags are best. Harlex Hong Kong designs beautiful ipad cases, clutches and this gorgeous cream and gold number. More affordable than a Miu Miu at 225 USD.

gold is the new black

Ok I got a bit carried away with the gold theme. Just loving the GB team in the Olympics and their incredible gold rush this weekend, even Murray had a smile for us. We rock x

from top left: Maje top, Giles & Brother bracelet, Temperley sequin skirt, Topshop glitter ballet pumps, Isabel Marant necklace, Stella McCartney necklace, Mulberry Bayswater, Stella McCartney trousers, DVF shorts

crochet bag

Crochet is big this season, I saw Alexa Chung working the trend at Wimbledon. Perfect for summer, from Topshop for 76USD/ GBP 38.

sophie hulme

I knew she'd catch on, in a world full of crazy designer bags this British designer makes beautiful , stylish handbags for the not cheap, but not totally ridiculous, 500 GBP mark. Check out the Sophie Hulme collection at My-Wardrobe.

designer sale...

Yep, Young British Designers again...look what I found in the sale...