Beth Louise : Favourites

First Impressions: Louis Vuitton Cluny BB

15:35

Hi everyone,

Today's blog post is something I am so excited to publish. Two weeks ago I travelled to Edinburgh, in Scotland, for a day of shopping and food. In particular, I went to buy a new handbag.

Over the past couple of months, I have been researching handbags and reading reviews, on a mission to find the perfect bag. My criteria were specific but simple: not too big, can be worn crossbody, convenient to get my purse and phone in and out, and most importantly- can fit an umbrella (hi Great British weather, how are ya?).

I whittled it down to two bags: the GG Marmont leather crossbody bag in nude/pink and the Louis Vuitton Alma BB in monogram. Two very different bags, but on a similar budget (around the £850/£900 mark). But I wanted to see the bags in person before I took the leap to buy the bag, as I had never purchased from either brand before.

I went to Gucci in Harvey Nichols first and looked at the bag. It didn't wow me the way I had hoped it would. I took a photo, had a feel of the bag, asked extensive questions to the sales assistant and tried it on. It ticked all the boxes. But it also made me realise there was another box I had not considered- does it make me feel special?. It didn't.

Slightly disheartened for myself, but relieved for my bank account, I headed across the street to Louis Vuitton. Honestly, the experience in that shop was wonderful. The sales consultants were kind, patient and willing to help. I asked to look at the monogram Alma BB, and the assistant told me that it was not in stock, but she got another BB out of the drawers to give me a feel of the bag and its dimensions. It was, again, slightly underwhelming.

Simultaneously, I was also looking for a coin purse and had found one in LV that I really liked. It's a monogrammed purse with pink interiors. Our amazing consultant offered to show me different bags, similar in size to the Alma BB, that complemented the purse.

Then it was presented to me- the Cluny BB. I can't explain how I felt when I first saw the bag, but I knew I had to purchase it. It ticked every box. I again asked many many questions, and then went ahead with the purchase. The bag was more expensive than the Marmont and the Alma, but I think it is justified given the quality and design.

So now, on to the first impressions...

Size:

The size is perfect for everyday essentials. The bag fits my Cath Kitson umbrella, benefit cosmetics make up bag (containing YSL lipstick, panty liners, a mirror, a sample size foundation, hand sanitiser), a packet of tissues, a packet of hand wipes, my house keys, a fold-up shopping bag, my LV coin purse and my Kate Spade cardholder.

Convenience:

The bag seems to be very convenient for day-to-day use. I have used it- thus far- for shopping and it has been easy to get in and out. The bag closes magnetically, and everything feels safe and secure inside when it is closed. There is a large interior pocket with a zip, for more precious items. There is also two phone shaped compartments- however, I have not used these as the bag does not close comfortably when a phone is in there. There are also poppers on the side of the bag to undo if you need to expand the bag. It has a handle, which can be handheld or placed on the crook of the arm, comfortably. It also has a beautiful pink detachable crossbody strap, which is a convenient length if you wish to wear it crossbody.

UPDATE! I recently took the bag on a trip to Paris and it was the perfect city bag. Everything felt safe and secure, metro tickets were easy to get in and out, discreetly. AND it looked great with all my outfits.

Look:

It looks stunning. It is made, mostly, with canvas, which is very easy to clean. The handle is leather, and you do have to be slightly more careful with it, however, if kept in the dust bag the bag does not require extensive maintenance. It has gold hardware, which I think looks really classic. The interior is bright pink and everyone that has seen the bag has commented on the beauty of the interior, as it is different from other, more popular, Louis Vuitton bags.

Overall:

So far, I love this bag. It ticks every box and has become my go-to bag. I am planning to take it on holiday with me as my carry-on handbag as it is a perfect size for all the essentials, and prevents me from taking unnecessary items on board!

I hope this blog post was helpful to any of you bag-lovers out there currently looking at the Cluny BB as a potential purchase.

See you in the next one,

byyyyeeeeee

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Beauty

Perfume Favourites

14:11

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Beauty

February Favourites

21:43

Ok, so after a month of no posts I have a returned with my February Favourites.

Most of my favourites this month have been beauty related but there are a few other bits and pieces thrown in there as well. Links to all products are in the descriptions.

First off: Make-Up

My first favourite of the (last) month is the Urban Decay Naked Palette. I have had the Naked 2 palette for a while now and loved it, so I thought I would try out the original palette. I was uncertain, at first, but I have definitely grown to love it over the past month. The pigments are great and the colours are great for day and night. I dont really know what else to say, as I'm pretty sure everyone already has this palette, but if not, I totally recommend.

Retails at £39.50 at Feel Unique

My next favourite is a lipstick. When browsing the premium counters at Boots, a few months ago, I came across the most beautifully packaged lipsticks and couldn't help but to purchase one. They were the YSL Rouge Volupté Shine. I don't usually go for lipsticks with a shine, however these are beautiful. I haven't taken a photo of the actual colour, but it's like a beautiful pearly pink (number 44), and I am wearing it on my icon. Anyway I wear it almost everyday and absolutely love it!

Retails at £27.00 at Boots

Next, is a new foundation. My favourite foundation of all time is the Estee Lauder Double Wear. It's an amazingly high coverage foundation and there are so many shades. But, it is expensive and does feel quite heavy on the skin. I decided (with the help from my friend on the skincare counter) to try the Vichy Dermablend Foundation... and guess what, it's a favourite! The coverage is amazing, it covers blemishes, scars and uneven colouring. I still wear my Double Wear, but this Vichy foundation is great for day-to-day use.

Retails at £18.00 at Boots

My final make-up favourite is a primer. I have always struggled with finding a primer that fully works on my skin, but this one has come close haha!! I received the Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer Potion for my birthday back in December, and have loved it ever since. It goes on very silky and smooth, there's no oily feeling and, most importantly, it lets my foundation sit on my skin comfortably all day.

Retails at £23.00 at Debenhams

Skincare
So I only have one skincare favourite this month, but it's a good'un. Everybody's obsessed with micellar water at the moment, and I have jumped on the bandwagon. I love French skincare, and bioderma is no-exception. The micellar water for oily skin works wonders. It takes off all my make up and is so quick and easy. It has nothing aggravating or bad for the skin in it, and the price is great, especially for the quality.

Retails at £10.50 for 1 or 2 for £12.50 at Boots

Fragrance

I love perfume so so much, and I have a lot of perfume favourites (perhaps another blog post?) but I have had 1 perfume that I have worn ALL month, Philosophy's Amazing Grace. It really is Amazing. It smells clean, elegant and really different. It's quite a subtle smell, but people definitely notice it when it's on. I absolutely love it!!!

Retails at £33.00 for 60ml at Boots

Other

The final 2 favourites don't particularly fit into a category so I'll just get on to talking about them.

First off is the Boots Botanics Lavender Pillow Spray.

I am someone who really struggles to fall asleep and relax, and finding this product is a god send. The lavender smell is so relaxing and I fall asleep so much quicker with this spray. It is so affordable in comparison to other similar product's. I seriously recommend this to anyone who struggles to fall asleep at night.

Retails at £5.00 exclusive to Boots

My final favourite of this month is a book. I'm absolutely obsessed with Chinese birth signs and zodiac signs and this book is all about both of them. The books called The New Astrology and was written by Susanne White, who has wrote many many books about astrology. I read so many reviews of how amazing and accurate the book is and I just had to buy it. I wont get into too much detail but basically it tells you about your Chinese birth sign (ie year of the rat, ox etc) and western zodiac sign (Sagittarius, Aquarius etc). In addition, it also explains your specific sign combination (Sagittarius/Rat, Aquarius/Ox etc). The explanations are scarily accurate and very interesting!!!