Truth be told, hats and I have always had a tricky relationship. We’ll eye each other up across the room, but it’s rare that we ever make a good match. While my sister seems to be able to wear just about any chapeau dropped upon her head, I can never seem to find the right one (save for a select few). I’ve always just considered it a category of fashion that my closet is a little lean on. But, trust Vendula London to swoop in and prove that all the things I think about myself were really just marking time until they meet the perfect handbag…
If you haven’t yet ventured into the foray of wonderment that is Vendula London, they are known for making amazing vegan-friendly novelty bags of all shapes and sizes. I’m particularly drawn to their grab bags, with their adorable awning and hand-stitched, 3D details that really look like an actual shop front. This season they’ve burst forth with all manner of amazing options – including this Milliners Grab Bag, which depicts an adorable hat shop, with fedoras and fascinators winking invitingly at you through the window….
As one of my favorite companies to work with, I was incredibly excited when they asked if I would be willing to give the Milliners Grab Bag a whirl and share my thoughts. Enamored by the details Vendula is known for, I dusted off one of my own vintage millinery pieces and took her for a whirl today. Hats off to anyone who show me a style of chapeau I can really get behind….
The Specs
If you’ve never heard of a milliner before, they’re a person who designs, makes, sells or trims hats. My knowledge of milliners comes primarily from the amazing millinery flower hats that were very popular in the 1950’s (and a pretty common visitor of Mrs. Maisel’s closet). The Vendula’s Milliners Grab Bag is part of the newest Milliners collection range, and speaks perfectly to the time honored tradition of hatmaking.
This bag measures 9″ height x 10.2″ width x 4″ depth – it’s the perfect size for an arm bag and I was able to fit my wallet, phone, sunglasses, and zipper pouch of lip glosses and other lady essentials without issue. Inside, the bag is lined in the cutest red, cream and blue London print fabric, with a separate zipper pouch and a space for your phone (my iPhone X fit comfortably, with room to spare). Although it comes with a detachable strap, my preference is to use the shorter handles – I’m definitely a hook it over my elbow kind of gal when it comes to bags. But, it’s nice to have the option for a hands free style.
If any of you have purchased Vendula London grab bags before, this one has a few differences to earlier models I have (like my Chocolatier Grab Bag). This bag closes with a double zipper (instead of the clasp) and the awning (while still firm and holds it’s shape well) is more flexible and doesn’t have the metal frame. I actually really like the zipper closure – which feels very secure – and the quality is impeccable. I love all of the hand stitched elements on the front, including the swinging sign and green carpet like “grasslike” trim. The grey, white and green is a beautiful neutral palette, and I can already see it pairing with a lot of items I have in my closet. I can definitely say in all caps: I am LOVING THIS BAG! (Get it? All caps. yeah…I really need to work on my hat puns…)
The Milliners Grab Bag Bag is available through the Vendula London website and retails for €125.00 (~$142 USD) and they ship worldwide. If you really want to get ahead (see what I did there?? Fine. I’ll stop now.), Vendula is offering a coupon code to my readers! Use the code MILLINERS2019 between now and 18 April 19 to get 10% off your purchase from the Milliners collection (T&C’s: You will need to create and be logged in into your account before applying this code). Vendula London can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram if you want to follow along and get sneak peaks of what’s coming next to their site. The Post Office bag is definitely next on my radar…
This cutie of a bag was definitely deserving of me pulling out one of the very few hats I own – which is a beautiful 1950’s piece covered in hand cut millinery flowers. My entire closet is calling out for Springtime – we’ve been seeing whisps of her, before she ducks and hides again behind stacks of clouds and chilly temps.
However, lucky for Spring I’m a very patient person…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Modern Millie (similar modern or vintage here, here & here)
Hat: Vintage (similar here & here)
Bolero: Wheels & Dollbaby (similar)
Belt: Altar’d State
Handbag: Milliners Grab Bag c/o Vendula London
Shoes: ReMix, thrifted from Beleza Vintage (similar here & here)
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