There are many qualities in men that can exclude them from the A list. There are also things they can do that catapult them to the top. David Cameron has elevated himself fairly close to No. 1 for me for many reasons. First, his support for wife Samantha’s career as a handbag designer at Smythson. Second, his devotion to their first child Ivan, who died recently from his severe congenital illnesses. Third, David Cameron’s complete daily involvement with daily family life and routines, whether or not the cameras are around.

This is the kind of man who can carry off a Jaeger watch without looking like a fashion victim.

Sunday was a rainy day, so what better than a day of shopping? Off to Brighton, my nearest good shopping centre, a stylish place that stands out among the tiny towns of Sussex. This town has a Kath Kidston shop – each to their own, but at least it is there for window shopping – plus dozens of other excellent handbag retailers and boutiques.  So it was that I wandered into Area, in the Lanes, to see the fab Designer Totes that were on display in the shop window.  Here I found a Chloe Paddington in black, along with a Juicy Couture oversized Free Style Hobo - also in black and shown in the photo.

The Chloe was priced much higher than Juicy, of course, but on closer inspection, with the help of the well informed shop guy, I discovered a design fault in the Chloe Paddington! I know: it is the end of a handbag dream, but it must be said.  The top closure is made up of the tradmark Chloe Padlock plus two zips and they are open at the end in the way that a jacket zip would be.  Now, think how you have to line up the two sides of the zip on your favourite leather jacket.  Then imagine having to do this twice on your handbag without being able to pull the sides together as you can with a jacket – you get the idea?  Well personally, it would bug the hell out of me to pay nearly £800 for a Designer Bag from Chloe only to find out I cannot do the bag up! Read more »

Juicy Couture Baby Daisy Hobo

This cute designer bag comes in velour with a patent leather trim, the Juicy Couture logo is stitched large across the front and if that is not enought there are beaded charms as well. There is a pocket on each side, with tied rope detailing. And one useful touch that also looks great – a small heart shaped mirror comes attached to the inside of the Baby Daisy Hobo.

On my last shopping trip to London I loved looking at all the doggie influences on the designs of Juicy Couture. Here is one of the bags that caught my eye – the Juicy Couture Designer Dog Travel Set. This rigid bag, shaped like a vanity box, contains everything the travelling dog needs for a weekend away. The bag comes in pink, with the Juicy Couture famous Scottie dog print all over, and deep brown trim on the padlock straps. Buckles and clasps are silver, and a strong brown and white belt completes the trimming. Inside there is clever storage, picnic basket style, for a dog bed, doggie mat, water bowl and food bowl plus a thoughtful toy chew. If you have around $500 to spend on your luggage for your four-legged friend, this is one for you!!

Juicy also produce a number of other designer accessories for dogs – at slightly lower prices – including a diamante studded collar and lead with handy small purse: all in pink, of course. And of course there are dozens of designer tee shirts, jackets and even bootees. Are handbag dogs all girls? My dog would not walk around with all those clothes and accessories, but then handbag dogs seem to be carried everywhere, unlike real dogs. What next – eyeglasses ?