A Classic Tote. ~ Gemma Louise

~ Sponsored Content ~

A classic black tote bag...

Now this is new isn't it? I hardly ever do fashion content but I really want to incorporate a bit more of it into my blog now and again. I don't feel overly comfortable in front of the camera but I'm trying, I doubt you'll see loads of me but maybe more often than you have in the past! All I can say is, I much prefer holding the camera and shooting the content than posing for the content. lol. I don't know how fashion bloggers cope not having control of the photography side! Anyway, today we are talking all things tote bags and the most recent addition to my wardrobe is this beauty from Radley London. I've loved a classic tote bag ever since I was in my early teens, they're the perfect everyday handbag to take shopping or out for the day, fitting in all of the things that you carry around ~~that you don't really need.~~ A good tote is an essential to me these days, I've just dropped the baby change bag in favour for a real handbag again but I still have to carry around all the usual toddler essentials with me, like nappies, wipes, juice cups, snacks... you know the drill if you're a mum! I'm loving being able to use handbags again, I feel like not only are they super chic but they add a lot more detail to an outfit. I'm now going to tell you all about this new gem that I've been carrying on my arm for the past couple of weeks!

I'm a huge fan of a simple tote, particularly in black as they just tend to go with every outfit. Before I got this bag I actually picked up a camel tote from primark that I love for everyday use but it doesn't go with as many outfits as a staple black one does. I fell in love with the Penhurst Open Top Tote Bag from Radley as soon as it arrived. It's an open tote that fastens with a clip, so there's no zip which I thought I wouldn't be a huge fan of - but actually it works really well. The leather is textured (I believe it's called grainy leather) which you can see in the photos and that's my favourite type of leather when it comes to bags so it's perfect, I just think it looks a lot nicer than smooth leather and has that somethin' extra. The details on the bag are rose gold which just look absolutely beautiful, I find some rose gold details can sometimes look a bit tacky but Radley know how to style it well and it looks so classic. The front of the bag has a zip detail to it which is what drew me to it initially, I love a plain black handbag but I think these details make it bit more special. These are actually two zipped pockets too which means you have even more storage, and there's another slip pocket at the back too.

The inner lining of the bag is a blue/grey striped fabric which is nice and delicate without being over the top. I love stripes so I think this is a really lovely addition rather than it just being a plain colour. It's got an inner zip compartment which a lot of my other handbags don't have and I find these an essential to pop things like tissues, hand sanitiser and tampons for easy access! On the opposite side to the zip pocket there's also two little slip pockets and again, I find these handy to shove things like toddler snacks in so I don't have to faff around searching through my bag when he's being crabby! There's also the statement Radley dog charm on the bag which is removable if you don't wish to use it, but I think it looks really cute! Overall it's such a beautiful bag with so many gorgeous details and it comes with a Radley dust bag too so you can make sure you keep it nice and clean since it's a bit more expensive than a high street purchase.