Bag a Mulberry Tessie

Handbag lovers the world over have been waiting with baited breath to see what Mulberry will come up with as a more affordable line - and I'm pleased to report the Tessie collection doesn't disappoint!

Mulberry have returned to their roots with a collection of high quality leather handbags inspired by styles from their archives. That means simple saddle bags, satchels and totes similar to those produced back in the 70s, but updated for the modern Mulberry buyer with a taste for minimal, sophisticated styling.

The bags are available in black, brown and red leather finished with chic gold hardwear - embossed, of course, with the  Mulberry tree (a sure sign of a must-have if ever there was). With prices starting at £495 for the small Tessie satchel (pictured left) I'm sold! Are you?

The Mulberry News We've Been Waiting For...

Given the choice of any luxury label my money's always on Mulberry, but recent price hikes have placed the covetable handbags well beyond the means of most but the super rich - that is until now. Yes, Mulberry are all set to slash their prices!

After pricing themselves out of the market by seeking to position the brand amongst the upper echelons of unobtainable luxury Mulberry's sales have unsurprisingly suffered, so this is their pragmatic move to boost the books. You can imagine my excitement when I heard they are going to make their bags more affordable, but don't expect bargain basement figures, or a cut in quality for that matter. The new range to be launched this summer will feature designs retailing at between £495 - £695. Now that's a lot easier to justify than the £1000+ price tags we've been seeing for styles like the Willow.

Join the Charity Shop Treasure Hunt

I don't know about you, but I love having a good rummage through the donations at my local charity shops. In the past I've found gems like an Aquascutum blazer and Burberry purse - but next week there is the possibility of unearthing even more designer donations than usual as the Tatler Treasure Hunt returns to Cancer Research UK charity shops. From Monday 10th March head to your local Cancer Research and see if you can bag yourself some of the top designer items that have been hidden in shops around the UK, with no item costing more than £100.

Over £50,000 worth of items have been donated to the cause, with contributing designers include Alberta Ferretti, Anya Hindmarch, Belstaff, Bulgari, Chanel, Charlotte Olympia, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Daks, Diane von Furstenburg, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Jenny Packham, Jimmy Choo, Maje, Manolo Blahnik, Matthew Williamson,  Miu Miu, Moschino, Nicholas Kirkwood, Paul Smith, Ports 1961, Prada, Pringle, Ralph Lauren, Roksanda Ilincic, Roland Mouret, Rupert Sanderson, Stella McCartney, Temperley, Tod’s and Tommy Hilfiger.

Last year lucky Mina Thapa got her hands on a Mulberry bag worth over £1,000 for just £100. She said: “The day I got my lucky bag, I was just walking past the shop, decided to pop in and spotted it. I couldn’t believe my luck. The Tatler Treasure Hunt is a brilliant way of highlighting the wonderful things that can be found in the charity’s shops every day. And of course, the money raised is funding vital research, which is helping more people beat cancer.” Couldn't put it better myself, Mina! It's a brilliant idea and I'll definitely be having a look what's in store.

Mulberry Mint

Doesn't the Duchess of Cambridge look lovely in her mint green Mulberry coat. Look closely and you'll see that the buttons are flower shaped - blooming marvellous or what?!

It's been a while since we've seen Kate out on public engagements, but she was back on fine form for the National Review of Queen's Scouts at Windsor castle on Sunday - her neat baby bump barely visible beneath the £1750 summer tweed coat.

I've pretty much fallen head over heels for the entire Mulberry S/S 13 collection - especially the accessories. Topping my lust list has to be the Willow tote. As far as I'm concerned it's pure genius. The envelope shaped front pocket unzips to become a clutch. Definitely fit for a princess - I wonder if we'll see one gracing the crook of Kate's arm any time soon?

Mulberry Willow Tote, £1500
Mulberry Cecily Shoulder Bag, £950
Mulberry Cecily Cuff, £150
Mulberry Envelope Wallet, £295

LFW: Day 3

Get Carter

From the Roxanne to the Alexa, Mulberry certainly know a thing or two about creating the most covetable bags around! The Carter is the latest design to top the most wanted lists. The chain straps give it all the glamour of a Chanel 2.55, whilst the boxy, utilitarian shape makes it perfect for carrying all your everyday essentials. Kate Bosworth, Emma Watson and Kate Moss have been sporting this arm candy all summer, and in my view it is definitely the bag to be seen with this autumn/winter - if you've got a spare £895, that is. Sadly I don't - but a girl can dream...

LFW: Catwalk Report

PVC and Ice Cream Colours at Mulberry and Richard Nicoll:

















Metallics at Christopher Kane and Giles:

















Open/ Two-Layer Skirts at Daks and Mary Katrantzou:


















Full, A-Line Midi Skirts and Autumnal Colour Palette at Burberry and Roksanda Ilincic:

LFW: DAY3

LFW: Day 3 Highlights

MARGARET HOWELL

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MULBERRY

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TOPSHOP UNIQUE

To watch more, visit designer_profile.aspx?DesignerID=1054