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.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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?
I admit I was a little confused for a nano-second when I hit swoonworthy for my Friday fix…until I remembered (old age kicking in) your new remit. I didn’t even look properly at you (sorry hun) I was drooling over the bag! I do love a bit of wicker, I have an ancient wicker tote with wooden handles that comes out every summer. I’m looking forward to some more fashion/interiors… oh and the glam cave reveal! so chop chop :-) xx
Hahaha! So sorry for the nano-second confusion (I’m sure you won’t be the only one) and trust me, I’m totally okay with you only noticing the bag! I love mine ;) Love the idea of a vintage wicker tote too! ;) The glam cave is coming NEXT WEEK so v v soon my dear ;) xx
You look fabulous!! Love your outfit and pics! bag is cute! ;) xx
Aww thanks Helen!! xxx
It must be fate!! I was just checking out the very same bag, flicked onto Swoon Worthy and there it was again!… a reason to buy if ever there was, thanks…I think :))
Haha! Well I think the universe is definitely telling you that you NEED this bag in your life ;) xx
Give yourself some credit Kimberly. You look great and I love your shorter layered hair. Keep getting in front of the camera, it will get easier and you’re very stylish so we are interested in what you like to wear.
I also bought the bag you have from the Etsy shop EllennJames. I love it! It’s obviously not an everyday bag but so fun for quick trips and evenings.
Thanks for sharing! I loved seeing YOU today!
Ahh thanks June! As for the hair, this is actually my normal hair – I just sometimes wear extensions! LOL! But thank you so much for your support, it really means a lot to me! I wouldn’t consider myself terribly stylish but I do find the odd thing I quite like ;) x
You look great! I purchased the round one, and absolutely love it.
Oh I love the round ones too! Good choice! xxx
Oh, so gorgeous hun! Both the bag and you posing in your lovely garden. Totally laughed when you mentioned feeling like a tw*t and hoping the neighbours couldn’t see – I did a shoot out on the STREETS of Manchester yesterday so was a million miles out of my comfort zone it was hilarious.. 😂 Totally loving this new category addition to your blog and can’t wait to see more – you’re a total natural xxx
Oh god, I couldn’t imagine hitting the streets of Manchester – you are braver than I am! Perhaps someday I’ll work up the courage but can’t wait to see your post now ;) xxx
The bag is great but I love the shirt you’re wearing!
Ahh thank you Julie! I love the shirt too – shame it’s not on Zara’s site anymore :( xxx
You look amazing hun. And I wouldn’t have noticed the remote if you hadn’t mentioned it. More of these posts please. x
Aww thanks Carole! I hadn’t noticed the remote until I was editing the pictures *facepalm* LOL! xx
Great post and pictures Kimberly. I love the bag it looks great with the outfit that you are wearing.
I’ve got a basket bag in black, I’ve had it years it an old faithful, it’s one of those things I can’t part with lol xxx
Oh a black basket bag sounds lovely! Thanks so much darling! xxx
I love this post – you look amazing in the pictures. That outfit is just gorgeous – I am a BIG fan of skinny jeans and boots (and live in them!) but I wish I could pull off a top like that – it’s SO GOOD! But of course… the main focus of the post… the bag! I have to confess, that the first basket bag I heard of/saw was this very bag when it arrived at your house!!! (Shows how closely I follow fashion!) It is very cool, and I totally agree that it looks really good with denim!
Looking forward to more of your ‘Life’ posts!
xx
Skinny jeans and boots is my total go-to look as well, far too easy than faffing around trying to decide on bottoms lol Oh I was in love with that bag when it arrived and it just goes with everything – I haven’t stopped wearing it since ;) xxx
Loving the on-trend bag and top. And work it! Don’t be shy, b/c you look great.
Aww thank you Jill!! Mwah! xxx
Kimberly, you do not need to change a single thing about yourself. You are beautiful! The bag is very sweet but I really love the shirt. 💕
Awww Jennie, you are too sweet! Thank you darling! I love the shirt too – shame it’s not on Zara’s website any longer :( xxx
Great fashion post! It’s so nerve wracking doing them. I did my first one up on the blog last week and my photographer friend made me jump, laugh out loud and turn on the spot. I need to learn to shoot myself too with a remote – it is so complicated to do when teying to pose. Love the boots and bag combo.
Aww thanks lovely! I loved your shoot, you are such a natural in front of the camera! Perhaps I need a photographer friend helping me out rather than trying to use a remote – when I work up to that kind of courage of course! xxx
EMBRACE EMBRACE EMBRACE. You iz fabulous. We love your style across the genres of house and lifestyle so keep standing in front of that bloody camera. Them boots! Love em. Them bags… getting one. Keep on keeping on. xx
Aww thank you lovely! It’s so awkward as I’m just so used to being behind the camera so working up the courage is surprisingly hard! As for the bag, yes, get one! I love that mine works with so much of my wardrobe xxx
I love these bags too Kimberley & almost bought a circular one in Spain last week until I remembered I only had hand luggage which was already busting to the seams, so it didn’t make it home with me. I love to see pics of my favourite bloggers so that I can put a face to the writer & also seeing how people put clothes together is one of my favourite post subjects. I think you always look great & you should embrace this new genre while heartedly! X
Aww that’s a shame you couldn’t bring one home with you! There are so many Etsy sellers with them, however, and they all vary in price so you still have the chance ;) Thank you so much for the encouragement – never thought I’d feel quite so awkward in front of the camera but I suppose getting out of my comfort zone is never a bad thing ;) xxx
I love these bags too Kimberley & almost bought a circular one in Spain last week until I remembered I only had hand luggage which was already busting to the seams, so it didn’t make it home with me. I love to see pics of my favourite bloggers so that I can put a face to the writer & also seeing how people put clothes together is one of my favourite post subjects. I think you always look great & you should embrace this new genre whole heartedly! X
You are lovely! Your hair is beautiful! Love, love, love the bag!
You are lovely! And i love that you are REAL LIFE, not some impossible to reach picture of perfection! Keep it real and fun and enjoy it and then we all will too. Your style is wonderful and I love your posts, both home styling and Fashun :)
You look FABULOUS! Absolute natural at this. :-) I love your basket bag and your outfit! xxx
You look amazing and I actually love that you did it in your garden. It keeps it linked to your home in some way, which is nice. I totally didn’t spot the remote until you mentioned it lol! I can’t wait until I can leave the house with anything other than a massive changing bag crammed full of enough snacks, nappies and changes of clothes to last a week! It will be a real novelty to use a handbag again. Yours looks so stylish!
What a cute bag. Looks great with your outfit x