Get the Chloé ‘Pixie’ Bag Look for Less | Fashion & Style

Chloé’s statement bags have garnered quite the cult following in recent years, as the Parisian fashion house successfully launched two of the most coveted ‘it’ bags in recent history. Although traditionally well-loved, the release of the hugely-popular Faye and Drew bags has catapulted Chloé to the top of the style standings, and the brand now celebrates fans among celebrities, fashion bloggers and everyday style aficionados alike. While the fashion house set itself a tough act to follow, Chloé’s fall/winter ’17 collection doesn’t disappoint; the brand-new ‘Pixie’ style is making waves in the fashion community thanks to its unique circular shape and signature gold bracelet handles.

THE CHLOÉ PIXIE BAG

Shown above in Black, Motty Gray and Sienna Red, Chloé’s new ‘it’ bags flaunt a wearable colour palette while debuting a statement new style. In an enviable suede-and-leather mix, this bag will set you back £1,020. Unless you can afford to splurge on this beautiful cross-body, tapping in to the circular bag trend shouldn’t be too difficult, and I’ve rounded up the best Pixie-inspired dupes on the market.

THE ZARA DUPE

Zara Round Crossbody Bag with Metal Handles

Zara’s selection of handbags never disappoints, and their Pixie-inspired cross-body bag certainly isn’t an exception to the rule. A deep bottle-green hue meets saddle-style stitching and two metal hoop handles for definite dupe vibes, while interior pockets and a removeable shoulder strap add functionality. Snap up this style for a mere £29.99 here.

— THE ACCESSORIZE DUPE —

Accessorize Cooper Camera Bag

What Accessorize’s dupe lacks in bracelet handles, it makes up for with its signature stud detail, blush gold hardware and ring detail on the front pocket. In two ultra-chic shades — mustard yellow, as above, and classic tan — this cute cross-body bag will see you through the autumn/winter season with ease. Shop the Cooper Camera Bag in yellow or tan for just £25.

— THE MANGO DUPE —

Mango Round Leather Crossbody Bag

For an understated and refined dupe which only hints at its designer inspiration, look no further than this minimalist cross-body bag from Mango. A pared-back design in beautiful tan suede is completed with a top handle, adjustable strap and subtle stitch detail. Its classic tan suede finish with light gold metal hardware nods to the Pixie style but this Mango option is worthy of its own acclaim. Shop here for £49.99.

I absolutely love the circular cross-body bag trend, and you can pick up other styles on the high street which don’t necessarily mimic the Chloé Pixie. They’re fun, easy everyday bags which you can throw on with most outfits and they’re available in some perfect autumn/winter shades. If it is the designer dupes you like though, you’ll be pleased to know that the high street is still taking serious style inspiration from other designer bags. I’ve spotted tonnes of dupes for other Chloé bags, which include the classic Faye, Drew and Nile styles, as well as a heap of Gucci dupes (obvs) and even an Accessorize take on the customisable Anya Hindmarch bags (see here).

If you haven’t read it already, click here to see some brilliant Gucci Sylvie bag dupes, or stay tuned for even more ‘get the look for less’ round-ups.

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Sundays in Sussex: Antiques, Boutiques and Local Coffee in Lewes | Lifestyle

Last weekend, I spent my lazy Sunday wandering around the sleepy Sussex town of Lewes, a beautiful parish known for its castle, famous bonfire night celebrations and proximity to Brighton. If you’ve never been to Lewes, you might not know that it’s also a treasure trove of antique shops, independent boutiques and cafes. You’ll find Mint Velvet, Crew Clothing, New Look and Boots in Lewes, but you’re otherwise shopping local, and that’s one of my favourite things about spending time here. Local business is thriving in Lewes, and you can shop for handmade jewellery and clothing, browse galleries with the work of local artists, and also sample local ale from Harveys Brewery. Here’s some of my favourite stops along the high street.

Doorway in Lewes

The Good Times Homestore in Lewes

The Good Times Homestore, Lewes

After admiring all of the beautiful doorways along the narrow streets of Lewes, I headed in to my favourite store in town: The Good Times Homestore. A furniture, homeware and gift shop, this independent boutique houses some beautiful items that you’d struggle to track down on the high street. It’s an interior design dream and, I have to admit, I’ll be buying many of my gifts here in the future.

Closet & Botts homeware store Lewes

Colourful soaps from Closet & Botts in Lewes

Closet & Botts, Lewes

For some serious interior design inspiration, head to Closet & Botts on the main high street in Lewes. Housing an impressive array of contemporary and vintage pieces, this homeware store will have you redesigning your interiors in an instant. I really liked how these soaps were laid out at the back of the store and, at £3.95 each, they make a lovely gift.

Interior design store entrance

No1 interior store Lewes

No. 1 Lewes, Lewes

You’ll struggle to wander past one of Lewes’s most famous antique stores, No. 1 Lewes. This store is so beautifully decorated, and the antique furniture and homeware has been tastefully sourcred. Wander around the home-style store and you’ll find iron baths, wirework window boxes and large French mirrors.

Coffee and cakes at the Flint Owl Bakery in Lewes

Homemade bread at the Flint Owl Bakery in Lewes

The Flint Owl Bakery, Lewes

In need of that all-important coffee break, my mum and I headed to The Flint Owl Bakery on the High Street (close to The Good Times Homestore). Serving healthy food options, delicious cakes and fresh coffee, it’s the perfect lunchtime pit-stop. I also love the idea of buying fresh bread here – how wonderful does that selection look?

Garden in Lewes

Harveys Brewery in Lewes

Harveys Brewery, Lewes

Although I didn’t visit Harveys Brewery on this occasion, I had to share a photo of the beautiful Brewery shop. Harveys is the oldest independent brewery in Sussex, and the entire complex is much bigger than you might imagine. It’s currently undergoing redevelopment, but it still looks as beautiful as ever. Stop here to sample Sussex’s finest cask ales, or pick up some gifts for those hard-to-buy-for uncles at Christmas.

From Victoria boutique Lewes

From Victoria, Lewes

Opposite the famous Flea Market in Lewes, you’ll find the Needlemakers – an iconic historic craft centre and coffee shop in the heart of the town. No visit to Lewes is complete without visiting this beautiful building at the top of the high street, and one of my favourite, newly-discovered pop-up stores is From Victoria. A local ceramicist, Victoria Turner, sells her beautiful ceramics here, along with potted plants, candles, hand creams and other local gifts. Her ceramics are very reasonably priced, too, and they make for perfect gifts. I picked up two small potted plants for my bedroom and I love them.

If you’re local to Sussex and you’re looking for something to do on your next ‘lazy Sunday’, head to Lewes for all of the style inspiration you need. Let me know of any other hidden gems around the Sussex, Hampshire and Greater London area too – I’d love to check them out.

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Meet the AW17 Trend Your Wardrobe Can’t Ignore | Fashion & Style

Forget fuchsia, there’s a new ‘it’ colour on the block this season and it’s promising to add a whole new dimension to your autumn/winter wardrobe. Unlike the romantic pastels and pretty pinks of 2017’s spring/summer palette, the cooler months of the year have called for a statement shade that’s sure to turn up the heat: beautiful, bold fiery red.

Every designer from Alexander McQueen to Givenchy and Fendi sent their models down the runway in head-to-toe red ensembles at Fashion Week, and the high street has taken note. While patent leather coats à la Christopher Kane might not be the ready-to-wear piece you’re after, there’s certainly an entry point for everybody this season.

A colour that’s sure to elevate any look, try incorporating a bold red trouser in to your workwear wardrobe, or opt for an oversized knit when you’re rocking a more casual style. If bright red is too bold for the office, update your eveningwear with a red skirt, dress or jumpsuit; it’s the perfect antidote to your usual evening go-to, the LBD.

(from l-r, top-bottom): Coast Ruffle Skirt, £79; Topshop Box Pleat Bardot Top, £32; Topshop Frill Hem Blazer Dress, £59; Mango Ring Detail Dress, £49.99; Zara Chino Trousers, £29.99; Zara Crossover Coat, £119; River Island Ring Tie Culottes, £40; Warehouse Crepe Frill Jumpsuit, £49; SilkFred Collarless Jacket, £35.

For more reserved ladies in red, statement accessories make for an easy entry point into this colourful new-season trend. Signature bags, shoes and winter accessories will update your look, while the classic colour won’t overwhelm a pared-back look. Here’s my favourites…

(from l-r, top-bottom): River Island Slingback Kitten Heel Shoes, £36; Mango Chain Leather Bag, £49.99; Topshop Hot Toddy Pointed Boots, £59; Topshop Ring Tie Obi Belt, £20; Mango Zip Leather Gloves, £19.99; Michael Kors Mercer Large Leather Tote, £315.

Statement Trousers: 9 of the Best Spring/Summer Staples | Fashion & Style

Statement trousers make my high street hit-list every season; versatile, wearable and sophisticated, they can work their way through a sartorial checklist in seconds. This spring/summer season, we’ve seen fresh takes on traditional trouser shapes deployed into our favourite stores: frilled hem cigarette pants, oversized striped culottes and lace-up black trousers are just a few of this season’s signature styles.

An office-friendly wardrobe addition, a pair of striped black culottes offer an alternative to dated pinstripe suits, whilst trousers sporting sulty frill and lace details promise to reinvigorate your eveningwear selection. As a self-professed statement trouser addict, I’ve curated my personal collection of favourite new in trousers from the high street: 9 of the best spring/summer staples.


(from l-r, top-bottom): Zara Pearl Studded Trousers, £29.99; Boohoo Wide Leg Side Panel Trousers, £15; River Island Frill Hem Cropped Trousers, £38; River Island Cream Tropical Print Trousers, £40; Warehouse Leaf Jacquard Culottes, £45; Topshop Lace Insert Culottes, £49; Topshop Mixed Blossom Cropped Trousers, £39; Mango Striped Cotton Trousers, £35.99; Mango Striped Culottes, £19.99.


My favourite new-season trouser style is, without question, frilled hem cigarette pants; I’ve seen options in River Island, New Look, Asos, Topshop and Zara, and they’re proving to be wildly popular. I’ve opted for a business-friendly pair in black, but I’m also considering investing in River Island’s gorgeous red pair. Which of these styles is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Embroidered Bags: Get the Gucci ‘Sylvie’ Look for Less | Fashion & Style

Embroidery catapulted back on to the catwalk a few seasons ago and it’s not looking to leave anytime soon; spotted again at the recent autumn/winter ’17 shows, embroidery has made a serious sartorial statement of late. One of the designer brands pioneering this trend is Gucci, and they’ve adorned versions of their Sylvie and Dionysus bags with beautiful embroidered embellishments. Oversized florals are juxtaposed against the boxy construction of the leather and the militant Parisian detail, whilst the beautiful blooms sport shades of succulent orange, lemon and fuchsia.

Whilst I love to lust over these beautiful Gucci creations, I can’t realistically afford to spend £2,350 for the medium-sized top-handle bag. Also, if I was going to consider investing in a designer bag, I’d likely consider choosing a more classic bag; investing in a piece which is more likely to transcend the seasons will help you to ensure a resell price at a later date. With my smaller budget in mind, I’ve been scouring the high street looking for dupes for the Sylvie bag – unsurprisingly, high street brands have snapped up this trend and you’ll find embroidered bags, shoes (I’m looking at you, M&S) and clothes in every store you visit. Here’s some of the best Gucci-inspired bags on the high street.


(from l-r, top-bottom): Zara Embroidered Oval City Bag, £29.99; Accessorize Rose Bee Across Body Bag, £27; Zara Chain Detail Crossbody Bag, £79.99; V by Very Embroidered Stud Detail Winged Tote, £32; Mango Embroidered Studded Backpack, £39.99; New Look Pale Blue Floral Bag, £15.99.


As well as these beautiful embroidered floral bags, I’ve seen so many Gucci-inspired bags on the high street. Whether they’re championing the Dionysus-style buckle or the Parisian stripe straps, it definitely appears that this is the brand captivating the high street stores at the moment. I think I’ll definitely be investing in one of these bags soon – have you seen one on the high street which you think deserves to be on this list? Let me know in the comments below!

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