Bags of Blog

After going through different stages of denial that the festive season is upon us, I have finally accepted that 2014 may be coming to a close. In order to make the most of this early realisation, I decided that this year I am going to be really organised, so as to be calm and collected come the week before Christmas. So, in an effort to help myself, and maybe even you, below is some inspiration for choosing some great gifts from Vida Vida this Christmas. Enjoy!

 

• 1.  Although it may not seem like the most ground-breaking idea, a new vintage leather purse or wallet really is one of the best presents you can buy for someone. Everyone needs one, they look great and you know it will be used! From a tan leather credit card holder to a more substantial leather wallet, we have a few options that will be really appreciated, and priced at between £10 and £35, you won’t have to break the bank.

 

• 2.  Another great gift is a vintage leather handbag, keeping the recipient stylish while also being far too practical for them to not use every day!  We have loads of styles, shapes and sizes of bag; whether you go for one of our colourful clutches, a mini leather satchel or a vintage style leather satchel, a handbag is guaranteed a good reaction, especially when they look as great as these!

 

 

• 3.  For a more classic present, why not buy your loved ones one of our traditional style leather satchels. Old school style with a modern (and practical) twist, these bags are absolutely perfect for men and women of all ages and even include a compartment to keep you laptop in.  They get better and better the more they are used and the design is timeless. Whether you choose an original tan leather satchel or one of our new black leather satchels, you’re onto a winner with presents like these!

 

So hopefully this has been useful, but if not, and you’re still a little bit clueless as to what to buy who, keep your eye on the blog, as I am planning a more detailed gift guide for when the real  Christmas gift rush begins next month.

It seems ridiculous that we have started thinking about Christmas, but with Halloween out of the way and Guy Fawkes Night just over, winter seems truly to be upon us. Reminiscing last night on last year’s mad rush the week before Christmas Day, I decided that I would be more organised this time and try to have all of my Christmas presents bought before December really hits us.  As I’ve set myself this (seemingly improbable) target, I figured making it public may be the incentive I need to ensure that come 23^rd December, I am not running around Oxford Street (although it’s beautiful at this time, it is also terrifying), desperately searching for that one specific toy that the boys wanted so desperately or the ‘sold out everywhere’ Christmas toy of the year.

 

To motivate myself, and maybe even a few of you, I thought I would share the top three tips I found for buying presents that friends and family will love for years to come:

 

1.  Although it sounds pretty obvious, finding out what your loved ones would like really is the start to buying them an awesome gift. Whether you ask them straight up, or try to discover what’s on their Christmas present wish list more subtly, it’s important to have an idea of what they would appreciate. So, before you impulse-buy something that not only they might never use, but could also be a waste of your own money, set out to uncover what they really want. And don’t forget to drop some subtle hints about the presents you’d like while doing this!

 

2.  This may sound like another obvious tip, but keeping organised is pretty important. Make a list of all of the people you want to buy Christmas gifts for, and when you covertly discover what they want, or just stumble upon an idea, write it down. You will therefore have a go-to list of all the options you have and there’ll be no mix-ups – hopefully! This is also really useful when it comes to Christmas budgeting and making sure you don’t forget anyone.

 

3.  Last but definitely not least (in fact, probably the best advice out there): order things online. Not only does it stop you from traipsing around every department store looking for the same item, but it means you have more time available and can really appreciate the beautiful Christmas Markets (which we have carefully researched and recommended to you) and all of the endless amazing events during the best season!

 

One last word of advice for any of you who successfully manage to get the Christmas shopping finished before December begins; find a good hiding place! Oh, and for some great gift ideas for those who don’t know themselves, check out some of our lovely bags, satchels and leather accessories.  This year we can even emboss any leather gift with your own personal message (more on that later).

Its time again for the Christmas Markets to start opening soon and here are some of our picks of the best markets around.  We LOVE some of these places and have spent many years trading and traveling to them.

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At the end of last year we went with some friends to Gingerline, an interactive dinner experience that was as strange and exciting as it sounds.  The idea is that you have no idea what you are going to end up doing, so you have to get yourself somewhere on the ‘Ginger Line’ – otherwise known as the London Overground – by 6pm, and await a text telling you where to get off. Once at the station, arrows or hidden clues (in this case yellow cycle padlocks) point you in the direction of your ‘secret location’.  

 

Descending an external staircase outside what appeared to be a council office building, we found ourselves at an airport check-in desk manned by an orange haired, turquoise suited hostess who looked like something out of Thunderbirds.  So, the evening begun...  

 

Our dinner was ‘Planet Gingerline’; we found ourselves on the Gingernought, a mysterious spaceship where we spent the evening amazed, entertained and chatting with others sharing our table come space-ship command module. From devouring the delicious four course meal that had been carefully prepared by excellent chefs – my favourites were the Pre-Flight Protein Pack (dehydrated salad and goat’s cheese and mango lollipops) and the delicious white chocolate ‘Jupiter’ with ‘poppin’ space dust’ – to watching the eccentric stewardesses dance, sing and smile, we had a really great time.  This is great food, in a fun and interesting setting with a chance to let go a little and imagine you really are "on another planet".

 

The highlight of my evening was take-off, where we donned psychedelic glasses and were scanned for disease, which if found, was treated with a large oral injection (which tasted very alcoholic!).

 

Their latest creation is running currently and, as all visitors are sworn to secrecy so as not to spoil it for future Gingerliners, I have no idea what surprises are in store.  All I know is that there were rumors that you needed to wear wellington boots.  I wonder why?

 

Each event is different and only on for a limited amount of time so check out their website and be sure to book for their new event which currently runs into early 2015. I would really recommend it and will be sure to book myself once again!

What did I miss at London Fashion Week this year? Well, I missed the whole thing actually, but I did manage to catch up with some of the latest goings on all the same.

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