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I threw this outfit together for a quick errand run, literally picking up whatever loose clothes I had on top of an unpacked box. There is nothing more effortless than that. Upon deciding on which bag to finish my ensemble, I reached for something that had my imperative essentials in it. Another thrown-together decision.

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This bag was used the day before for a special occasion – our first meeting with a club get together event. I was dressed to the nines, and this bag was originally a foreordained thought. Now, I grab it in a rush on the way out the door, because of its organised briefcase-like construction.

Radley London was a brand my father introduced to me when bringing me back this well-made souvenir from his latest London trip. I was 19 years old, and it wasn’t my style at the time. I kept it in my closet as I do with all my dad’s gifts like an heirloom in a safe protected by its duster bag. 

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THE BAG

Opening the gift was knowing something was high quality even to the untrained eye. Years later at 27, craving this calibre of leather and composition, I appreciate my Radley London bag. 

Before this, I have only used it twice for an hour, but now I am finding myself reaching for it everyday. Back when I had zero clue what quality meant, the incredible make of this bag had fallen on deaf ears.

The alloys of the bag’s feet are sturdy with sleek attachment as if the bag did not have to be assembled in the first place. Stitching is clean with immaculate pyrography on the leather’s edges. The zip is an crucial detail for security of my things. The inner lining is a cotton (my absolute favourite) for taking care of my things inside with leather trim. Keep up with the details, people!

My favourite part is the structure. I think a structured bag is perfect for the colder seasons when wiping off the climate is easy, and your items inside are truly preserved. That’s the whole point of a bag after all. 

Compartmentalisation is key to a bag that can do it all. Not whether it has a crossbody strap or not – which it does. I love the fact that you have two outer pockets aside from the zipper region with space to put the tools you need right away. 

The top clasp is my favourite element of all. It’s like a Birkin. I can leave it loose to hang it open, to make my life easier. But it’s incredibly accessible when also shutting it entirely. The leather terrier is my cute friend who reminds me that dressing up doesn’t have to be all that serious. It’s a convivial touch that says style is fun. 

Is it just me or am I having too much fun with this bag? Getting creative is something you don’t have to worry about when it comes to donning this leather masterpiece. I find it admissible in court to wear this dark of a red with absolutely anything! This includes pastels in spring to heavy, muted jewel tones in winter. This almost burgundy-rich-crimson red is my go-to that keeps a coherent feminine and elegant look together by standing out. 

I am not certain if this design of bag is made anymore, but I visited the Radly London store online and cannot stop scrolling. There are so many pages on sale with tons of timeless collections just like this wearable work of art. Everything from embossed croc leather to a pebble grain finish. This oil slick of a leather is my favourite, because I like a smooth bag, but I have endless options and want to collect them all!

So far, my favourites are the cabernet and oxblood inspired colours. They are what I wear in the summer and spring in lieu of black, brown, and boring dark colours that are overdone. Life is too short to wear black all the time. Though, I do have my eye on a croc embossed black bag! Along with a few others.

Now for the rest of the outfit. 

THE SWEATER

I got this fuzzy sweater from Nastygal years ago when I was choosing trends over signature style. Now I prioritise quality. However of the residual items I kept after 19 bags of donations and counting, this is one of them. I thought, if I love a garment that makes me feel fuzzy, warm, and loved – I’m definitely going to keep it! And wear the heck out of it until it tatters apart.

THE TROUSERS

The trousers are from Express, where they are not made anymore. They were alleged high rise, howeve are midrise. This is coming from a petite person standing at the great height of 5’2.5”/1,6m haha. I have no idea why they call it high rise. All I know is I wear this with absolutely everything casual on my days off. Currently, I am drawing out designs for some made-to-measure wool trousers that are desperately needed here. These trousers are definitely meant for Los Angeles.

THE SCARF

As for the today Gia who opts for quality and natural fibers, the scarf is from Aspinal of London. This keeps selling like crazy, because my wonderful readers love it so much, so thank you! It is 100% silk and is HUGE. I love tying it cowgirl style here in the American countryside, and yes, it does keep me warm through a snowy blizzard. 

THE TOP

M.M. LaFleur is having a huge sale for this top, and I am annoyed, because I have four of them in multiple colours for the full price haha. Just my luck, but I am honoured to support an American brand that uplifts women. It is 100% silk and a polo long sleeve I wear almost daily. Packing a handful of these for my NYC trip coming up. Stay tuned and subscribe!

THE SHOES

I love this wool socks and Chanel quilted flats combination. Still shopping for the perfect leather loafer to protect my toes from puddles. For now, this will suffice. The wool socks were a Christmas gift.

THE GLOVES

The gloves are Ralph Lauren with a polyester chain print atop and wool on the bottom to keep your fingers and palm warm. They’re perfect for the rain and breathable insulation. I wear them every time I am outdoors. These gloves have seen the world, and also come in a camel colour!

Shop My Radley London Favourites!

If you loved this post, I would love for you to visit The Uniform. These are my actual outfits and a lookbook to look put together, polished, and never have to think when dressing up. You will always look good in these pieces. It is absolutely a no-brainer. Check them out here.

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