The Small Bag Challenge

“You have got to be kidding?” I said when Kristy challenged me to use the Soho Clutch for the week instead of my Lust nappy bag.  Now usually I am all for being the “tester” of new products, but the Soho Clutch is tiny compared to the Lust.  I have been using a nappy bag for the past 7 years.  I’m used to having everything I need on me at all times.  How on earth was this going to work?  I picked up the shiny patent leather clutch and while there is no doubt that it is a stunning bag, all I could think was “my brush is not going to fit in here!”.  I think I started to have a small anxiety attack just thinking about what I could and could not take with me.

So, I tipped everything out of the Lust and stood staring at what I absolutely needed to have with me.  I didn’t have the children during the day, so I was able to leave the baby/child gear which accounted for nearly ¾ of items.  I realised the only way this was going to work was if I was just ruthless with taking only what I needed.  I started with my Indulgence wallet; phone (in phone pocket); keys (on key fob).  Wow I was fitting more in than I thought.  I began to get a little cocky.  Lipstick, lip balm, concealer, tissues, and a small packet of baby wipes all went in.  This little clutch was actually holding WAY more than I thought it could!  I was getting excited!  The outside zip was great for the tissues and baby wipes, and the inside zip was the perfect place to keep my makeup. 

Then came the time to actually walk out of the house, with just the clutch. 

To be honest – I felt naked.  Without a big shoulder bag I felt like I was forgetting something and felt unorganised.  I soon got over that feeling when I noticed that I was free!  The bag was so light and because of the crossbody, I actually had two free hands! Aahh the freedom!!  I was in love!  And then it got better.

On the weekend I had to go to the shops with my little one.  I took out the wallet and replaced it with a nappy, my credit card and a disposable change mat and I had a perfect nappy clutch. 

So while I will always love my big bags, the Soho clutch has been a refreshing change that has made me realise that I actually do not need to lug around all of those extras that seem to creep into a large bag.  Do I think the Soho Clutch is worth the $77.95?  ABSOLUTELY!!!!  You can get one too from Total Bag Envy.

Winter Racing Carnival Dos and Don'ts

The Winter Racing Carnival is about to start, so now is the time to brush up on your racing etiquette to avoid any faux pas.  The top trends this winter racing are cinched waist dresses, mid-calf pencil skirts with fitted bodices, print shift dresses and peplums.  And while black is a fail safe colour, you will also see jewel colours such as emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red.

Dos

1.   When choosing your winter outfit, it is important to think about the complete   head-to-toe look, such as shoes, bag and head piece.

2. Start with the dress and work backwards.

3. Traditionally, winter races require knee length skirts, hat and gloves – hello elegance!

4.  Hats or fascinators are a must, but think heavier fabrics such as felt, leather and wool in darker colours.

5.   Shoes – go for a thicker heel in winter and consider closed-in shoes or ankle boots.

6.  Remember the Band-Aids.

7.  Wear sunscreen. Even though it is winter, the UV rays will still bite.

8.   Stay hydrated, with water, not champagne! 

Don'ts

1.  Wear a mini skirt. Stay clear of mini skirts and breast bearing clothing.  Winter racing is about ladylike dressing.

2.  Keep the straw hats for spring carnivals.

3.  Don’t get a bad fake tan.  Tangerine looks good on nobody!

4.  Don’t wear heels that have a thin heel.  The softer grass will cause you to sink.

5.   Don’t drink too much alcohol.  Nothing looks worse than seeing a lady carrying her shoes home and falling over.

www.totalbagenvy.com.au

Shop in Style!

Got a shopping date with your girlfriends?  

We are loving this super comfy and stylish maxi dress in red and black.  Team it with a pair of wedges, chunky bracelet and the Nila Anthony black bucket bag from Total Bag Envy.

Master of Disguise

Get into the '40s with this outfit!

The V-neck dress flatters the bust line, the belt gives you a waist, and the peplum hides your tummy! This is the most amazing dress for disguising trouble areas, and showing off your curves at the same time.

Accessorise with the Lust bag from Total Bag Envy (proof you don't have to use it as a baby bag), black Mary Jane shoes and gold cuff and earrings! Hot!

Vote for Us and WIN $13,700 in Prizes!

The My Child Excellence Awards are here and we have been nominated in the Favourite Nappy Bag Category! Yay! And you can win too, just by voting for us!

We are very excited to be a part of these awards and we would absolutely love your help! See, we are the under dogs in this category so we really need all the help we can get!

 Please help us by voting for us in the Favourite Nappy Bag Category. You will need to vote for a few other categories as well, but just for voting, you also go in the draw to win up to $13,700 worth of prizes!!! Now that is worth a couple of minutes!

 Thank you so much for your support, here is the link you need:

http://www.mychildmagazine.com.au/index.php/mcea-voting-form

What We Did Next...

What We Did Next….

 

As our Total Bag Envy family knows, we NEVER do anything within the “norm”.  I mean, our Facebook page is covered in cartoons referencing alcohol, bad parenting and spending money on unnecessary purchases (all in the name of a good laugh of course).  Not what you would normally expect to see on a page promoting a nappy bag brand.  And let’s not forget the craziness of designing an orange and bright blue nappy bag – who in their right mind would do that? AND make it work? I can tell you that that idea was met with hesitation and scepticism by some people – but these have been our best sellers, with the vibrant colours being embraced by mums that no longer wanted to tote around another black or brown bag.   

So for our next chapter, we are doing something a little crazy, a little different and a little scary –but very exciting!  We are branching into the world of handbags, evening bags and bridal bags!  We want to be there to celebrate every chapter of every woman’s life, whether it is her first job, first date, wedding, baby, after baby or retirement.

 Soon, you will be able to purchase from our website the most gorgeous evening and bridal bags and clutches… 

 

Stunning, colourful, playful bags from some amazing Australian designers….

 

Also, we have something so exciting for you we can hardly keep it to ourselves any longer!  We will be the exclusive stockist for some of the hottest bags from America.  These bags are coming straight from the runways of New York.  I know you are going to love them as much as we do.  Here is a little sneaky preview so you can get in quick!

 

 

Make sure you sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook so you know when these little hotties have been uploaded to our site.

Love

Kristy & Kym

Total Bag Envy xxx

www.totalbagenvy.com.au

Our Valentine's Day Gift Suggestions

We were asked by one dad-to-be what to buy his pregnant wife for Valentine’s Day.  Our first suggestion was NOT to buy sexy lingerie in her pre-pregnancy size – this would definitely put you in the dog house!

There are so many gorgeous gift ideas to show your love, but here are a few of our favourites:

Obviously, I’m going to say a nappy bag from Total Bag Envy!   The Envy is a favourite and the clean lines will bring a touch of sophistication to any outfit.  If you can’t decide on which bag to buy, get a Gift Voucher (contact us about GV’s) and let her pick one for herself. The new red Envy will be available soon – keep an eye out!

 

You can’t go past jewellery, and our fave is the Audrey pendant from Koolaman Designs.  This is an heirloom piece that has loved ones names stamped onto the pendant.  This will keep you in the good books for the entire year!

Or what about a Pregnancy Journal so she can record her thoughts, feelings, anticipations and memories.  This is a great keepsake to pass onto your child.  You can pick up a Pregnancy Journal from Tools4FabulousFamilies.

 

Who doesn’t love a massage??  Buy a gift voucher for a massage to really spoil your partner.  Just make sure they are qualified in pregnancy massage like the girls at Calming Concepts.  Better still get really romantic and book a couple’s massage and just….relax.

 

After the massage, continue her relaxation by having this gorgeous room Diffuser ready.  It comes in a fig and watermelon fragrance and will absolutely compliment her massage and make her feel like a princess.  We have done the shopping for you and we love this one from Beyond Beautiful Consultant Melanie.  There are also cute candles in a Baby Powder scent that we are adoring.  It’s a tough choice!

If all else fails, say “I love you” with a sleep in, breakfast in bed and by doing the housework!  Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

      Love

Total Bag Envy xo

www.totalbagenvy.com.au