Sarah at The Fashion Ache explains why the Kate Benjamin Leather Satchel bag has won a place in her heart..and on her arm!

   “I first fell for the satchel from a very young age (age 9 if we’re looking to be precise) – and who wouldn’t? A roomy interior makes easy work of my constant inability to pack light – I stuff all of the latest glossies, my make-up, Blackberry, Post-It loaded diary and anything else that I can get my mitts on into its straining seams!

   You can wear a satchel bag slung over one shoulder swinging next to your skinnies, across-the-body for when you’re late for work (toast in one hand, mascara in the other) or clutched to your side as the FASH PACK are doing right now.

    When my delectable Kate Benjamin Leather Satchel  arrived, it was most-definitely love at first sight. The buttery-soft leather and gold hardware are versatile enough to work effortlessly with this SS12’s trends – be it that flirty floral dress from Prada, that under-the-sea print Versace or your beloved Topshop jeans and a plain white tee.

   AND, there’s a delightful treat hiding inside. I’m a complete sucker for a fabulous lining and the Kate Benjamin satchel doesn’t disappoint. By golly, it’s even working the trends on the inside with its gorgeous floral print – this is one ‘of the moment’, on-trend satchel. Talk about hitting the fashion nail on the head!

   This satchel will definitely charm its way into your SS12 wardrobe, and most probably outlive many of the garments in there. Whatever look you’re working and whatever the trends are, the Kate Benjamin satchel will always be that turn-to accessory staple!”

Bring me comfort, bring me style!

I’m one of those girls that goes to work, then on to an event or party and I often end up staying at a friend’s afterwards. I don’t tend to plan how my evenings will pan out and I often wake up thinking ‘Uh oh – I wish I’d brought my x, y, z with me for today!’

With this tendency to see where my nights carry me, I need a decent sized bag to accommodate all of my stuff and the more room the better! With the extra space, I can then bring back-ups of my essentials so that I know that I’ll be sorted for the following day.

When I spotted the Kate Benjamin ‘Madrid’ bag, I knew that it was perfect for my lifestyle! I love the chic (but understated) colour and the £150 price tag reminded me that the leather would be fabulous quality. I’ve been using it mainly with the shorter handles, but the shoulder strap is uber handy for when my hands are busy with my phone for example.

When my bag arrived, I took a deep breath – I just love the comforting smell of real leather! It was delivered to my office and my manager also said: ‘Ooh – the smell of good leather – so comforting’.

I’ve got lots of busy weekends planned over the coming months and no doubt this bag will be by my side for every one! It’s just right for fitting enough stuff in for short stays without the need for a suitcase! Oh and did I mention the chic colour?

Lara Lain
Marketing Executive at LOOK Magazine

@LaraLain
http://www.ifeellikeidreamtit.com/

T-shirt and jeans, but not as we know it.

I’m a big fan of micro trends, especially ones that can become a person’s USP and inspire colleagues and friends to shake things up in the wardrobe department…

When Mary-Kate Olsen started stepping out in an old rock t-shirt with vintage bling charms layered on and Alexa Chung began pairing her plain basic round-necks with opulent costume necklaces – I thought I’d give the look a go.

If like me you feel your best in jeans and a t-shirt but want the wow factor you get from a show-stopping dress, then just embellish your décolletage. Keep the rest of your outfit low-key to emphasise the effortless effect.

Here’s my pick of the Kate Benjamin @ Accessoriesdirect necklaces that’ll work best with this look

Statement Silver Crystal Necklace £100
Red Geometric Necklace £30
Layered Necklace £22

Keep up with Lauren at StyleDust here

I have come to an age now where, seeking out the cheapest viable option is no longer necessary. I lust after good quality leathers, handbags which will act as investments and which I can use with a vast multitude of outfits…

So I headed over to Accessories Direct for my fill of fabulous handbags and I was not disappointed; through all the gorgeous picks, my heart settled on this one; it’s the Kate Benjamin Large Tan Leather Bag. Yikes, I really am obsessed with Kate Benjamin designs! What’s not to like though eh?

Maybe it’s the crisp winter air, or the fact the suns shining, but I love this bag; it truly is an Autumnal style staple – just imagine, jeans, tan leather boots, cashmere jumper and an oversized scarf… Ah, the cold weather’s not so bad after all eh…

Until next time!

xoKLW The Style Bite

POWER PIECES

This season, the motto is ‘Bigger Is Better!’; from decadent necklaces to armour-like cuffs and extravagant cocktail rings – it’s all statement, statement, statement  – and, after all, what better way to take an outfit from drab to fab by simply throwing on some beautifully OTT jewelry!

The Accessories Direct website is a treasure chest of heavenly jewelery. That said, there is one designer who has put a stunning twist on three jewelery classics; Kate Benjamin has beautifully revived the necklace, the ring and the bracelet – check out the picks from her amazing collection below, along with some handy styling hints and tips for each piece!…

The Stop-and-Stare Necklace…
Kate Benjamin Kate Benjamin Crystal Feather Large Necklace £60

First is this amazingly beautiful necklace, so on trend with it’s mix of feminine feathers and bold gem stones; throw on over a pastel coloured maxi dress for the ultimate in super stylish summer chic…

The Power Ring (pictured)…
Kate Benjamin Multi Coloured Stone Ring £15

Next up is this amazing oversized cocktail ring – moisturise those hands and paint your nails a dramatically dark colour and simply wait for the compliments to roll in! This ring will literally go with anything!

The Investment Cuff…
Kate Benjamin Gold Feather Clasp Cuff £22

And my third and final fabulous piece from the Kate Benjamin range is this classic cuff; with it’s simple detail and beautiful gold tones, it is the perfect accessory for any woman… A beautiful addition to any black tie outfit, this piece will remain in your jewelry box as a firm favourite forevermore!

What stunning Kate Benjamin piece will you buy? Send a pic of you wearing it here and you could be featured on the Accessories Direct blog!

xoKLW – Author of The Style Bite