Holidays In The Sun - Luggage Which Lasts From TUMI

With the summer season running up fast to meet us, all thoughts are turned to dreams of holidays and summer fun. So whether you're off on a two week pool side adventure or running home for a weekend of downtime with friends or family, there's one thing we all need to help us with that journey - some sturdy, reliable,  luggage. And TUMI at Betty Hemmings are here to solve all of your luggage needs!

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - Classic 44L Cabin Sized Bag from Cabin Zero

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the lack of posts, but if you follow my Instagram, you'll know that I've just moved home and the whole thing was... ahh... difficult to say the least! But on the blog today I wanted to talk about one thing which helped - and something I've been using for travelling with and carrying my studio lights in for years - the Classic 44L Cabin Sized Bag from Cabin Zero.

I was given the purple version of the bag a few years ago, and since then it's been my go to backpack when I've needed something strong and comfortable, even when packed to bursting. I jumped at the chance when the brand offered to send me one to review, because having been a fan for a good three years, I can honestly say that this is the best investment for anyone who hauls around expensive equipment or frequently travels. You'll also find details of a cheeky discount code at the end of the post!

Bags Of Style from House Of Fraser

More often than not, the perfect handbag can be the illusive holy grail of fashion. We want something which compliments our outfits, yet can also be filled to bursting with all of our daily essentials. From sunscreen to house keys to tablets, we often have different bags for different occasions - but just like shoes, a girl can never have too many handbags, right?

Spring Fling - SS16 from Simply Be

On a mission to put the Winter chill to the back of our mind, the SS16 collection from Simply Be is filled with bold patterns, mixed textures and stunning, eye-catching prints. Designed to get you through a chilly Spring into warmer weather, it's filled with layer ready easy to wear separates as well as a whole range of bright and colourful accessories.

The 70s trend is very much going strong, with bright florals, burnt citrus and summery shades featuring heavily. Light duster coats, polo necks and sleeveless blazers offer up a more relaxed look, with neutral greys and muted pastels mixed with clean lines and pretty crochet and lace details. The statement bags on show were the perfect way to finish off an outfit, with colourful oversized details, and elements such as fringing and gemstones to sparkle. Shoes were a mixture of beach ready brights and tan chunky platform sandals, just begging for the sunshine and warmer weather to hurry up and get here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos except for lookbook images which are (c) Simply Be. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Handbags & Glad Rags - Bags and Scarves from El Dragonfly, Barcelona

A girl can never have too many handbags, so I was over the moon when Barcelona based company El Dragonfly were kind enough to send me one of their beautiful samples. Established in 2013 with a designer boutique in the heart of the city, they specialise in pretty bags made from quality materials with much of what they sell made by their own  team of designers.

I chose their beautiful Señora Toledo Bolso in a pretty salmon pink colour. I loved that the style was rooted in vintage sensibilities, and wouldn't look out of place amongst my collection of vintage handbags and camera cases. Made from leather and designed with a traditional knitting pattern in mind, the versatile style can be worn with one strap pulled taught, or two shorter chains to wear on the arm. The colour is lovely as we step into the warmer months, and is the perfect arm candy for sunshine filled fun.

(Dimensions: Height - 6.7". Length: 10.6". Width: 2.17".)

In addition to the bag, I also found a pretty scarf to go with it. Whilst the one I received isn't currently on the website, it has made me excited to see what else they will be offering soon.

At 5'6" the scarf was both taller and wider than me, and is so versatile. Whether you want to wear it as a wrap, headscarf or neckerchief, a few simple folds ensured a speedy outfit update!

If you want to find out more about El Dragonfly, you can visit their website here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Her Name Is Rio - Primark Tropical Prints And More Spring Time Dreams from the Spring 15 Preview

Baby, it's cold outside. Freezing, big hat, giant scarf and still shivering at the bus stop kind of cold. Whilst the twinkling Christmas lights and promise of festive fun times on the horizon make it palatable, I'd be lying if my brain wasn't already fast-forwarding to a little Spring time sunshine. Cool breezes, blooming flowers and a burst of colour which the sartorial season always promises.

And certainly that's what we were treated to at the #PrimarkSpring15 press day. Following lit up arrows through what felt like a giant warehouse, we were suddenly met with an explosion of tropical prints, mirrored finishes and more colour than a giant bag of skittles!

There were many themes running through the Spring collection, with Wanderlust being key. There were nods to both "Asia Nautica" and "Nordic Glamour" with a mixture or blossoms, embroidery and fringing on show. There was an underlying boho vibe on show too, where thrift-shop meets free-spirit for some globe-trotting adventures.

More colour can be found amongst "Miami Memphis", an eye-popping array of technical airtex, perforated panels and structured neoprene. Flowing white fabrics are also a big hitter, with pretty fabrics with darling lace-work set for sunshine filled picnics and festival fun times.

The accessories are hugely fun, with holographic and mirrored finishes competing with neons and glitter for your attention. The tower of shoes showed off stunning floral prints and reflective options, whist the bags ranged from fun, fruity perspex clutches to the more demure but bold citrus handbags.

It was hard to pick a favourite as there were so many amazing options, but the Watermelon Clutch and Citrus Yellow handbag had to be up there.

If I had to sum up the collection in one word, it'd be vibrant. For the most part, colour is king, and the range of clothing and accessories is fun and perfect for the Spring season. Much of what was on show will easily feed into the Summer, with the citrus and boho vibes being a SS15 winner for sure.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)