Even as someone who is not THAT into fashion, I’ve noticed it. A myriad of bloggers with little woven handbags strapped to their sides. The summer may be nearly over but the basket bag was probably the most stand out feature I saw over the warmest months, the perfect boho accessory that pulled a daytime look together. I suppose in some ways, I look at fashion accessories much the same way I look at accessories in interiors. Adding a bit of natural texture works for every room, especially in terms of adding a level of comfort or a casual air and this translates just as much into what we wear on our bodies. Sling on a little texture and you are suddenly just that bit effortless and just that bit more pulled together.

Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 5

Now I have a basket bag that I utterly adore and this is the whole reason for this post. However, let’s be real here: I have NO F**KING IDEA what I’m doing. I really wanted to show off my own bag which meant actually going outside to shoot the images for this post but I am not yet brave enough to shoot pictures of myself in public. So I took to my back garden! Ha! Honestly, all the respect in the world for those bloggers going out in public with their Instagram husbands to shoot. I felt awkward as hell doing this in my back garden as it is, praying my neighbours weren’t looking out their windows going, ‘Oh gosh, it looks like Kimberly really has finally fallen off the edge of reality… look at her. What a total tw@t.’

Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 2

But well, this is my first foray into the life category (where I explain what the heck is going on around here) and more ‘fashion-y’ blog posts and while I could have waited until I had lost 2 stone, grew 5 inches and perhaps got myself a whole new face, I figure it’s part of the thrill of stepping out of your comfort zone. So here’s my first little shoot. Be gentle.

Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 1 cropped

The bag I own is from Wood/Grey but I’ve since found a cheaper version on Etsy which looks identical so it pays to shop around. Also, I know, you could totally see the remote control in like half my pictures. I’m such a total amateur!! *facepalm* Ahh well, at least you know that I never really take myself too seriously, right? Despite the Superwoman stance below.

Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 3

Outfit details: Top: Zara (similar or similar) / Sunglasses: Chloe / Boots: Asos (similar) / Bag: Wood/Grey (similar) / Jeans: Asos 

Other than my rather pathetic attempts at trying to be FASHUN, I figured I’d share a few more people who really do have incredible style and have shown off their basket bags much better than I can.

Julia of Gal meets Glam paired hers with a floaty maxi dress for relaxed and effortless boho style. Ughh she’s so gorgeous, it almost hurts.

Girl Meets Glam basket bag Joie Maxi Dress

 

My lovely and incredibly fashionable friend Arianna of Arianna’s Daily showed hers off on a recent holiday to Greece. I love how her basket bag plays so nicely with a simple monochrome outfit.Ariannas Daily basket bag Greece

 

Over on In My Joi, the gorgeous Joi pairs a deliciously bold dress and strappy shoes with a basket bag as well but this one is a vintage picnic basket. How genius is that? I just love her style.

In My Joi basket bag with colourful dress

 

The always stylish Kate from Kate la Vie paired hers with a simple white top and daisy printed shorts. So cute and simple for a day in the city!

Kate La Vie daisy shorts and basket bag

 

How elegant does Tatiana of My Fabulous Forties look with her Patricia Nash Caselle basket bag paired with a flowing maxi skirt and heels? The perfect day-to-night kind of outfit.

My Fab Forties basket bag and maxi skirt

 

Over on What Olivia Did, Olivia pairs hers with a stunning floaty dress and dresses everything down with stylish comfy flats. I seriously need to go find some hydrangeas to shoot in front of stat. My Laurel just doesn’t look this nice.

What Olivia Did floral dress basket bag

 

So as you can see, these basket bags go with just about anything and I really think you’ll be able to wear them straight into fall depending on what you pair them with (hint: they look great with denim). Clearly, gorgeous ladies of all ages are rocking these beautifully!

Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 4

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I’ve linked to some of my favourites above but do tell me, what do you think of basket bags? Do you have one or are you considering buying one? Also, what do you think of my first fashion post – should I stay firmly behind the camera or embrace my awkward?


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Swoon Worthy
Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 5
Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 2
Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 1 cropped
Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 3
Girl Meets Glam basket bag Joie Maxi Dress
Ariannas Daily basket bag Greece
In My Joi basket bag with colourful dress
Kate La Vie daisy shorts and basket bag
My Fab Forties basket bag and maxi skirt
What Olivia Did floral dress basket bag
Swoon Worthy Kimberly Duran basket bag 4
Meet Kimberly
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Ad (Press Sample) There are few kitchen products that are considered absolute classics but there is one that I have lusted after for YEARS and that is the utterly iconic @lecreusetuk large casserole pot. 🤩

For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been trusted for its superior performance, lasting quality and iconic design and the enamelled cast iron allows incredible versatility - not only can you use it with just about any heat source (from induction, glass, electric etc), you can also do everything from stir-fry to slow cooking to baking a cake in it and more. 

So, imagine my delight when Le Creuset got in touch to ask if I'd like to shoot their brand new colourway 🍑 Pêche 🍑 in my kitchen. I mean, there couldn't be a more perfect colour match with that juicy coral shade which if you've followed my account for any length of time, you'll know is one of my all-time favourites (not to mention that beautiful soft gold knob! 😍). The matching petite casserole dish and mugs are the perfect companions but you could easily mix and match this colourway with Le Creuset's other designs (Might I suggest the Sea Salt, a soft blue-green which would be gorgeous with Pêche). This new juicy summer shade is currently available exclusively at Le Creuset Official. I'd love to know which colourway is your favourite in the range?

#lecreuset #kitchendesign #kitchenstyling #kitchinspo #victorianhome #englishhome
My little neglected makeup/dressing room has had a glow up 🥰

#swoonworthy #beforeandafter #dressingroom #makeupvanity #closetgoals
My new rug can't compete with that belly.

Rug is from @laredoute_uk (not an ad) not that anyone cares 😅

#kitchendesign
I've really loved making these pretty reusable Christmas crackers! I'm still in the process of finding cute bits for filling them but they'll definitely be a centrepiece for my table this year!🎄💕

Suggestions for what to fill them with coming soon!

(By the way, I'm not a skilled seamstress so I'm sure my techniques can be improved but just sharing what worked for me 🤗😅)

Let me know if this is something you'd try? ❤️

#swoonworthy #christmasdecor #christmascraft #diychristmas #diycrafts #easysewingproject
On 22 October 2022, I married my best friend! I can't believe it's been a whole year (and one day) I've been calling @2nilup my husband 🥰 We've been together for 15 years now and I simply can't and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him ❤️ 

#youandmeagainsttheworld #2222 

Photography: @violajayphotography 
Flowers: @primroseavenuefloral 
Dress: @camillawithlove
DIY REFILLABLE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 🎄🎉

I've been thinking about making refillable crackers for so many years now - I just hate the waste the disposal ones create! So I'm so excited I've finally gotten around to starting this project!

I will be sharing more details on how to make them as well as ideas for what to fill them with too so stay tuned for more but in the meantime, what do you think? 

#swoonworthy #diychristmas #christmasdecor #christmascraft #easysewingproject #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyliving
Just wanted to introduce my latest plant baby in my dining room 🪴

It's from @botanique_shrewsbury and it's a Peparomia (I am probably pronouncing it wrong, I keep wanting to say
GUEST BEDROOM REVEAL 🌟

I decided on a whim, 2 weeks before we were expecting visiting family, that our guest bedroom was in desperate need of a refresh.

Well there's nothing like an impending deadline to light a 🔥 under my 🍑 and I managed to clear out the clutter, repaint the woodwork, ceilings and walls and hang wallpaper as well as restyle the room in one week 😅 (Meisha was zero help 😼)

I'm calling it Boho Vintage Victorian Grandma 😆

This wasn't sponsored in any way but the wallpaper and bedding is from @lauraashleyuk and the paint is @earthbornpaints Peach Baby - everything else I already had!

What do you think of the new look? ❤️

#bedroombeforeandafter #guestroom
#bedroommakeover
#beforeandafter
#bedroomdecor #cottagecore #vintagestyle #victorianhouse #ihavethisthingwithpink #bengalsofinstagram
🔥JOIN US ROUND THE FIRE PIT! 🔥

ad | One of my favorite things to do in summer is sit around the fire pit in the evenings with a cold beer 🍻 There's just something incredibly relaxing watching those flames and embers crackle, warming yourself up and taking the edge off falling temperatures as the sun sets!

Thanks to @homefireuk they've made the whole process incredibly easy and enjoyable with their Handy Firepit Bundle which include 2 bags of kindling, 2 bags of natural firestarters and 3 large bags of kiln-dried logs 🪵 for a really great price! 

No more standing around waiting for things to light properly or billowing smoke from wet wood, everything burns beautifully! ☺️ We literally sat around this for hours as the logs last so long, long after the sun set, just chatting and enjoying ourselves! 🥰🍻🔥

Do you love a good firepit in the summer?

#homefire #readytoburn #smokelessbyhomefire #heartofyourhome #logsbyhomefire #summerideas #firepit #gardenideas
San Sebastian photo dump - just a tiny selection 😄

We have had such a fabulous holiday to Basque Country - our first 4 days spent in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, land of pintxos, stunning architecture and some damn good wine.

#sansebastian #travelgram #photodump
A little kitchen reshuffle today so I thought I'd share 🥰

It's been 4 years since we created this space and it's still one of my favourites ♥️

#kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitcheninspiration #kitchenideas #openshelvingkitchen #kitchenstyling
Ad 🩷 Before and after Deck makeover! 🩷

This little decked patio was looking worse for wear after a wet winter but @frenchicpaint came to the rescue with their beautiful Dusty Blush Alfresco Paint, perfect for all your outdoor projects!

The deck has been a few colours over the past few years but this is definitely the most fun and gives the whole space such a tropical vibe - even in Shrewsbury! 🏝️ 🦩🍹😄

The paint has incredible coverage and was so nice to use - I loved the tools they provided too, especially the oval brush which got into all the nooks and crannies easily!

Let me know what you think of the new colour! 

#frenchicpaint #beforeandafter #deckmakeover #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #outdoorproject
So on a whim I decided to paint the bedroom pink yesterday 😅🩷

This room has been neglected for so long as I've wanted to fully redecorate for about 3 years now but there are always other bigger priorities or a lack of time/energy/money so I keep putting it off 🙃🙃🙃 (tell me I'm not the only one) but happily this didn't cost a penny as I used what I already had although it did take me the best part of a day!

I went through my paint stash and found that I had extra @coatpaints Percy from when I did the living room early last year -- well I'm not one to let something this good go to waste (honestly this paint is absolutely wonderful to work with and has amazing coverage) and my goodness it's just so pretty in here 🥰 I also moved my pink curtains from my office into here and the whole room just glows!

I might actually be able to live with the mural a little longer until the room gets the attention it deserves! Let me know if you like the change ♥️

*For those who are wondering, it used to be white walls and I had grey curtains! 😅

#swoonworthy #bedroomdecor #bedroommakeover #bedroomdesign #pinkpinkpink #pinkinteriors
A little photo dump from my recent living room shoot because I still love to dig into the details of a still photo 😄💕

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #photodump
ad How to De-stress at Home in 6 Simple Steps 😊

April has been #stressawarenessmonth and so I've teamed up with the wonderful @frenchbedroom to share a few simple tips in creating a cosy sanctuary at home!

One of my favourite ways to add a feeling of comfort and relaxation is with glorious touchable textures and the stunning Mulberry Silk ruffled cushion from French Bedroom not only looks spectacular but feels incredible too! Pairing this with other feel-good fabrics will add depth to your design and will beg you to sink in and unwind 😍

French Bedroom are also now stocking my own home fragrance brand @swoonworthyscents candles, adding another element of calm with scent to your home. I chose No 02 Sunday Morning for my living room with rejuvenating Jasmine and refreshing pine and lemon notes 🥰

Check out my latest blog post for more tips on creating a relaxing sanctuary in your home via the link in my bio!

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #frenchbedroom #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #calming #aesthetic #cottagecoreaesthetic
Who needs pancakes when you can have Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemoncello glaze?! 😉🍋

I've had such a craving for this cake for a while so figured I'd make it today! This is a recipe from @bbcgoodfood and it's rather gorgeous 🥰

#baking #lemondrizzle #lemoncake #bakewithlove #shrovetuesday
Are you lucky enough to be owned by a cat? 🐈🐾

#bengallove #bengalsofinstagram #bengalcat #bengal #catsofinstagram #catlife
Finally managed to get the gallery wall completed in our hallway!

I couldn't have been happier with @violajayphotography capturing our little intimate wedding in October and knew as soon as I saw the photos I had to print them for our home! I admit, I've never been one to hang photos but it's probably because all we ever had after 14 years together was selfies 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ I'm so pleased we finally have some lovely shots of us together 🥰

Do you have photos of you/your partner/your family up around your home?? 🤔

#gallerywall #autumnwedding #hallwaydesign #hallwayinspo
✨These little vintage copper pans needed some TLC! ✨

After searching for a while for vintage copper pans, I found these on eBay - they looked quite grim on the ad but I knew they could be shined up nicely! A little @barkeepersfriend later (not an ad!) and I'm loving how they look in my kitchen 🥰

Let me know if you like the new addition ❤️

#kitcheninspo #kitchendesign #vintagestyle #kitchenstyling
Oh hey living room, nice to have you back ☺️

I always feel very ready to remove the excess of Christmas decor pretty much as soon as the 26th arrives but I've been later than usual this Twixmas as we've both been unwell the last couple weeks 🤦🏽‍♀️ Nevertheless, I've managed to get things packed away and I styled this little faux arrangement today for my coffee table so ya know, small victories 😄🙌🏽

#livingroom #livingroominspo #fauxflowers #coffeetabledecor