If however this has prompted you to have a hard think about your choice of hand and pool luggage, please stay. Time is running out .Your choices are limited. Its all gone in the Sale !! My Husband, every few days mentions that he needs a couple of pairs of shorts. That he might get some online from "Next". Fool!! There's going to be zero choices. I've kindly ( and unkindly ) pointed this out to him and I will now do the same for you ! Unless you want to pay top dollar you really need to have a look at what's on offer and ACT.
All the bags I've chosen, barring the last style which is so cheap that it would simply be rude to ask for it for less, are reduced. There are actually some corkers left, most of which will look as good at the airport as on the beach or by the pool. You can spot the maverick amongst them which, although I love and makes me smile, is strictly for foreign soil, and sandy soil at that.
For me the days of needing a huge bag to transport nappies, wet wipes, Crayola, sticker books, iced gems and the like are gone. My own requirements have however grown in almost direct proportion to the reduction in the stuff carried for my children- 2 full size magazines ( I always feel swizzed by the airport size ones and, basically, I can't read them without reading glasses and then sunglasses on top), a pashmina (as pillow or to put over my head to signal that I don't want to talk), soft socks (its always freezing on a plane), glasses, apple, 'proper reading ' book, clear bag with aforesaid tea tree, Origins 'Drink it Up' cream, plasters, Tisserand oil (never used but was recommended so, as the sheep I am, I bought it, migraine pill, tissues, wet wipes, spare pair of pants....it goes on !!
My bag also has to be large enough to cram in at least one dress from the inevitable 70% off sale at Monsoon at the airport-crucially without being spotted by my eagle eyed younger daughter who will dob me in to my husband in revenge for my refusal to buy a mango Frappuccino on the basis that its an exorbitant price and I've "got no money". Always money for a bargain though!
Anyway, my point is that these bags not only look good , they are also up for the job of carrying all your gear.
Boden Sale started on Saturday. I was to be found marching ahead around Bolton Abbey ,surreptitiously ordering on my phone, hoping the rest of the family didn't witness such demented commitment to the brand. On my return I found this cotton canvas beach bag in two prints, both of which I like very much. Being Boden the handles are leather (such style! ) and it includes a magnetic snap fastener and a very useful internal pocket. A great buy at half price.
Boden Bright Cyan Mosaic Beach Bag £24.50 (Was £49)
Love the kitch photo montage print.
in 3 really attractive colours. I think my favourite is probably the blue one. This bag has a rather English Seaside appeal, I'm thinking Cornwall or Devon perhaps, but it will look equally good somewhere more exotic. Llandudno maybe?!! The downside I'm now realising is the white base. It won't stay like that for long given the condition of most airport floors, or round the pool for that matter. Still at £13.96 you can take a risk eh?
Joules Padstow Summer Shoulder Bag, Raspberry Pink £13.96 (was £19.95 )
More expensive but well worth the extra is the French Connection bag below. Its designated as a beach bag but there's little of the' kiss me quick 'vibe here .It will work just as well at home, running about town, as stuffed with your towel and sunnies at the pool.
French Connection Anastasia Woven Beach Bag, Bali £37.50 (was £75)
Utilitarian and right on trend are the next two canvas bags from Mango. Both are really capacious and have the advantage of folding up flat should you wish to put them in your case rather than carry a large bag on the journey. The danger of a large bag though, if you're not careful, is that everyone else hands you their guff to carry. A real pain if it happens to be damp towels when the sun finally disappears ! Sure, a 5 year old can learn the lesson, 'you brought it out, you carry it back'. Or a 23 year old for that matter!
Mango Red Striped Panel Bag £17.49 (was £34.99)
I've seen this one in action and it is the Geoff Capes of bags. I know that dates me but I just don't care! Its big and strong and just what you need for lugging heavy weights. The first photo gives you the sense of perspective. I know its cream but, unlike the Joules bucket bag, being cotton, it can be thrown into the washing machine.
I've seen this one in action and it is the Geoff Capes of bags. I know that dates me but I just don't care! Its big and strong and just what you need for lugging heavy weights. The first photo gives you the sense of perspective. I know its cream but, unlike the Joules bucket bag, being cotton, it can be thrown into the washing machine.
You won't be able to wash the next three jute bags but they are a lot more forgiving colour wise and a slightly damp cloth should get rid of most superficial marks. They definitely fall into the home and away category. Stylish and versatile and a good price.
In Red
The next two from ASOS are unusually pretty and delicate for a beach bag. Both are embroidered cotton canvas with a complementary printed lining and both feature the tassel tie which has been around so much this season. They are subtle and stylish. A really chic option. £75 was a bit steep but £37.50 is a steal.
Two more 'home and away ' bags....
ASOS Thursday Friday Striped Canvas Beach Bag £25 (was £65)
At the other end of the subtlety spectrum you can always rely on Accessorize to produce something bright and life affirming. This embellished bag is a riot of colour with beautifully decorated patchwork panels and pom poms . It won't be to all tastes, but I love it. So jolly for your hols.
Accessorize Wow Embellished Beach Tote Bag £22.50 (was £45)
Another in the same mould. Technically its a Weekender Bag but I think it will do the beach bag run just as well. Sense of fiesta don't you think?!
Similarly joyous is the Copa Cabana Tote. Look at those pom poms and tassels. There are some brands for whom you'd pay 3 times as much just for those on a key ring ! I know you're not 10 but on holiday you can loosen up a bit on what choices define you surely?
If you just can't break away from your tasteful, neutral palette, consider the more sober but no less charming Eva bag. All the detail none of the visual volume.
New Look Blue Beach Please shopper £12 (was £15.99)
A lot more versatile and urban chic even, is the Jute bag from Mango. Very tasteful, very boho, very Plumber's tool bag ! This is going to hold your beach towel, book and sunnies and will still have life left in it on your return for the artisan bread and olives at the Farmer's Market. That's what I imagine anyway. Only ever having stumbled upon those gatherings of local provender, I aspire to be the kind of person to have them diarised, rather than the person who is always lurching out to the local Co Op!! When I do , this is the bag for me !
More understated style from Mango.
Mango Jute Cotton Blend Bag £12.49 (was £24.99)
Mango Striped Cotton Bag £8.99 (was £17.99)
In Taupe
These two from M&S further transgress in that they're not reduced. They are however only a tenner so I think that makes them contenders for the bargain round up. I've had a black one for years which I take away all the time and it never fails to come in handy.
And finally.... Just to confuse matters further,because I'm thinking of holiday essentials, I've added the world's best eyeshadow palette from Stila £25. The colours are far more neutral than they appear in the photo but, for once, they are a collection where ALL the colours make sense. The casing is cardboard so super light to carry and it includes a good eye pencil. I use the really dark charcoal as liner though and it's great. Just had to share !
Happy Holidays !!
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