Lusting after LK Bennett

I’ve always been into my bags. For as long as I can remember, they’ve always been where I’m likely to spend the most money. Sure, I like shoes but they wear out quickly and styles change. The right bag however, can last decades. When I got my first job, my first purchase was a pale pink, oversized leather tote bag. Things haven’t changed now, and bags are still always on my wishlist. Despite my recent Mulberry splurge, I’ve still found myself lusting after a Michael Kors Selma, but after being invited along to Fenwick the other week to see a selection of the new LK Bennett bags, I think I’ve found a new one to add to my shopping list..

Designed by Rosamund Pike, the handbags are available in three different sizes: Rosie, a smaller handbag, Rosamund, a medium sized bag probably similar in size and shape to my Del Rey, and Rosa, an overside tote that’s the perfect size for a weekend bag or hand luggage. Inspired by the handbag swung by Julie Christie in the opening scene of Darling (which I’ve not actually seen yet), the bags are a perfect nod to modern, sixties chic. So obviously it was love at first sight! Constructed from butter soft Italian calf skin leather, the collection use a combination of smooth and grained leathers and are lined with suede-like material for a luxurious finish. They’re classically unbranded with a subtle LK Bennett blind embossed on the front and a quirky safety pin zip inspired by Rosamund Pike’s favourite earring. When I was chatting to Lucy, the go-to person in Fenwick for anything LK Bennett, she told me that the hardware of the bag actually amounts to 40% of its manufacturing cost!

Of the six different colours they’re available in, Fenwick currently have black, green, orange, and white bags in stock and I’m seriously tempted to splurge on the orange Rosamund! It’s not usually a colour I’m that drawn to but after spotting an amazing orangey-red coat a couple weeks ago, (more on that soon), I definitely think it’s going to be cropping up in my AW13 wardrobe. Last night I sat and watched Rosamund Pike’s video on the LK Bennett site, and now I’m convinced that the orange will work well all year round. The tangerine orange is vibrant and perfect to complement summery prints, yet it’s a rich enough colour to work well at Christmas time. Plus being such a classic shape, I think the brightness of the orange will make it feel a little more modern. The only thing I’m a bit concerned about is that the Rosamund is maybe a little too close to my Del Rey?! And will I be racked with buyer’s remorse if I get it? I’ll keep you posted..