‘These are real bags, for real women, for
real life,' Julia Dobson tells me when we meet. And I like her instantly. Well,
not exactly instantly, the co-founder of Village England bags and I have been
trying to get-together for over a year. Julia had introduced herself via email
and I liked the look of Village England bags – simple design, good quality
leather, lots of pockets – as well as Julia’s friendly tone. But what with the
book writing and the business-running, meeting up in real life, took these two
real women a real long time . ‘We’re not trying to be fashionable,’ she adds, ‘Just
stylish
and lovely. Life is too busy to worry about your bag being ‘’so last season’’,
it just needs to suit your lifestyle.’ Having worked at Céline, Julia comes from a luxury background but didn’t
want to go back into the busy, corporate world after having a baby. Together
with her pal Eddie Knevett, the man responsible for turning around the
accessories department at House Of Fraser, they decided to do something special,
to embrace slow fashion and combine a luxury brand approach with an artisanal
feel and an affordable price tag.
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| Village England Beamish bag |
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| That's Me with my Beamish |
Village England very kindly gave me a
Beamish bag to test-drive and I’ve been carrying it around ever since. The
Beamish is a good size, I like the slouchy style and the khaki colour goes with
everything, including my Polar Vortex Parka. There are two straps so I can sling it across my body, carry it
over my shoulder or in the crook of my elbow – not something I’ve ever been
comfortable doing before but the design of this bag makes that incredibly easy.
And not at all fashion-y. Village England are offering a Beamish bag worth £275 to one
lucky That’s Not My Age reader all you need to do is to click through to their
website and leave your details (the link is below).
Here are a couple of other Village England styles that I'd like to get my hands on:
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| The Ickford cross body bag |
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| The Audlem |
Click through to the Village England website HERE. Good luck.
I love the Beamish! I am not a "style" bag person. I like function and great looks that will last a lifetime! These look like they fit the bill. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove this! and love your parka.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic looking functional bag, love it!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bag!
ReplyDeleteI've never entered a giveaway before, because I've never found a product that I wanted. These bags are great - love both the Beamish and the Hobo.
ReplyDeletePerfect for travel or work day "stuff". I have my eye on two colors. Fingers crossed for a "win". Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove the green one
ReplyDeleteLove the green bag!!
ReplyDeleteLots of pockets and a cross-body strap - you just described my ideal bag! The one I have is faux leather, and an upgrade would be soooo lovely.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely bag and your parka is simply stunning. Thank you
ReplyDeleteWow, their bags are stunning and the Beamish is my favorite:) Have a lovely day, dear.
ReplyDeleteThese are SUCH lovely bags! I've never heard of the brand before, but I love the designs.
ReplyDeleteI loved them all - but the Beamish was my favorite. I would love to win it!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that green!
ReplyDeleteLove the bag, the parka and the red shoes!
ReplyDeleteWow! I LOVE these bags! Minimal, practical, luxurious. I carry a Bottega Veneta Hobo for these same characteristics. But it's a dusty blue, and I'd love a black Audlem. Entered:).
ReplyDeleteI really like the Cranleigh! xxx
ReplyDeleteThe Beamish !!! love the colour and that you can use it as cross-body .. perfect for a day out in the city... Celia M. (High Heeled Life)
ReplyDeleteNever considered a khaki bag! Worth a thought. I like to carry one bag all the time so this one is truly worthy!
ReplyDeleteI love the Beamish in dark khaki. Looks like a perfect everyday bag for me.
ReplyDeleteWow so appealing all colors..
ReplyDeletewomen leather handbags