Preppy Colourblock Work Bag from Accessorize

Goodness me!  I have just realised that I haven't featured a bag since October, so I guess it's about time to do so once again.  And where better to focus than the Accessorize sale?  Of course, there are loads of fab bags there - clutches, totes, wallets and satchels - but I've chosen this colourblock work bag, mainly as I went back to work this week!

Smart and structured with a definite 60's vibe, it will be perfect for all those office bits.  The zipped compartments help to contain those additional non-work bits too!  The shoulder strap means it can be carried easily and comfortably to meetings and about town, putting it down with the carry handles.  Perfect!  And even better, it's reduced from £35 to £27 in the sale.

Leather Day Bag and Competition from Warehouse

A smart leather bag is a must, especially for the office, and I have been coveting this brown one from Warehouse since I spotted it in the shop a month or two ago.  However, at £76, I felt that it was a bit of an extravagance when I already have a lovely leather handbag for work.

Lucky for me then, it's in the Warehouse sale!  It's been reduced to just £45, which I feel is amazing value for a quality leather bag.  The size is just right to fit all of one's essentials being 33cm x 24cm  - not too big and bulky, but not too small either.  The style is classic and so will last into next season and beyond and it should go, not only with smart office wear, but with casual day outfits also.

As well as the sale, Warehouse are running a fantastic competition called 'Style Me If You Can.'  The competition asks customers to enter to become the stylist for their forthcoming film and print campaign, so they can see their designs brought to life.  In addition, they can win an I-Escape trip for two to Paris, Milan or New York!  It's a great, unique competition for budding stylists, asking them to pick a city location and style an outfit that best suits the occasion. They will then create a style mood board and be able to share their creativity with friends through the custom-made built-in social media functions. 

The nine best outfits will appear in a film and print campaign credited to each winning stylist. The film itself will be made up of nine chapters, released every 90 minutes on a single day. It will be viewable on the Warehouse website, social media and customers' own mobile phones. When the entrant watches each chapter he or she will be able to see if his or her style has been picked. 

This is a really interesting, innovative and unique way of developing and sharing the new Warehouse collection and I'd love it if one - or more - of my readers won it!  It closes just before midnight on Thursday, so do have a look as soon as possible.  Best of luck!

Beautiful Bag: New Posy Business Bag from Cath Kidston

'What is a business bag?' I hear you say.  I wasn't sure either, but it looks like a really good purchase for the working woman who's into Cath Kidston - or any woman who has a laptop, iPad and some pens!

In terms of pattern and styling, this Posy business bag may be a little flowery for the office, depending on the workplace.  But I do think this could work with a sharp suit and heels, giving a feminine edge to power dressing if it's appropriate.  It's made from oilcloth, so it's going to be durable and waterproof - always a good thing!  It's padded too, so will protect that (up to 13 inch) laptop or iPad, especially during the commute.  Not only does it have the handles, but it also has a shoulder strap - again, helpful and handy.

I prefer the idea of a bag like this to a standard laptop case or bag, as it's more versatile and will hold more with all of the compartments and pockets; yes, it's more expensive but I'd suggest that you get more for your money.  There's a third off this bag at the moment, so instead of £75, it's £50.

Would you use this bag at work or is it too flowery for your office - let me know in the comments below!

Beautiful Bag: Brit-Stitch Leather Laptop Bag from The Hut.com

Brit-stitch is a British brand selling quality and fabulous leather goods made in the UK.  The collection is classic, timeless, elegant and well-made.  They don't yet have their own website to purchase items, but bags can be bought from a range of retailers including The Hut.com.

I'm in need of a decent laptop bag that I can take to work, but I don't want one that's too boring or office-y, which is why I have fallen in love with this poppy red leather satchel bag.  The style and quality of the bag means that it should last year after year.  The colour is just amazing and will brighten up a work suit to give a bit of personality to the traditional professional look.  It's not cheap, at £163 but until the 24th April, The Hut are offering 15% off all Brit-stitch items with the code BRIT15, making it £138.55 - a fab investment for such classic style and exceptional design.