Hive & Co Handbags are a Trendy Treat

Handbags are something girls can't live without! Unlike guys who just stuff things in their pockets or carry-alls, we need style as well as a place to put a dozen lipsticks, keys, cell phones, etc. But handbags can be pretty expensive, especially if they're trend. Hive & Co. is a UK company featuring trendy styles that are regularly updated throughout the seasons. They're only available at selected independent retailers on in England on the High Street and also, online (for those of us who crave them, but don't live nearby). Hive & Co. bags are affordable, but their "Trendy" doesn't mean that they're poorly made. The quality is obvious, from the choice of fabrics and fittings right down to the topstitching and the style of zip pulls, plus interior ‘phone and zip pockets.



If you are shopping online, you'll be happy to know that their web site is really user-friendly and the delivery service, even from the UK to the States, was super-fast. You will have to deal with exchange-rate issues from Euros to Dollars (your credit card will determine the exact cost based on what the exchange rate is at the time of your purchase). Right now the company is negotiating with a company in the US to distribute bags "in person" to the States, so you'll have to buy online at present. No matter, the bags are definitely worth it! I don't know who is designing them but obviously they have talent!

I received two handbags to suggest to you, both of which are truly 4-season bags. Wear them now, or buy them and save them for Fall.


The Ochre Agnes Shoulder Bag £50.00 is 38cm x 22cm x 8cm. It has a grained, faux leather finish and a smooth, nylon lining that matches the exterior. The Agnes I received is the dark purple one (it looks almost brown--just a gorgeous color), but it's also available in yellow (as shown in the photo). It is a perfect work bag, with a nicely-sized central zipped pocket for notebooks and papers, and pouch for your mobile ‘phone and small zip pocket for your keys and other small items. You'll find room for most everything you need, without leaving a bruise on your shoulder. The brushed metal, turn-lock hardware looks substantial as are all the metal accents. Tassel pull-tags on the zippers, even stitching, and a some well-placed metal ball studs make this look seriously expensive. Yet the entire bag is lightweight so you can stuff it. It's amazing how much I could put into the bag, and it still looks sleek and ladylike. The same style in a leather handbag with metal fittings would seriously weigh you down.


A day-to-evening transition can be tough if you can't carry two handbags with you. Appropriate for day wear, funky enough to wear for an evening out, is this Abby Tote Bag £55.00 . This large, black patent bag is 39cm x 26cm x 10cm. It has a man made shell and textile lining. I love the trendy, crinkle patent and gathered front that looks like pleated pants. This gives it a festive look. One side is unadorned, but the other has a number of shiny, gold buckets and "belt stays" to give it glitz. You can wear it with the unadorned side out, or the gold embellished one for lots of different looks. That would be enough to make me think it's cute. The Abby Tote Bag has another bonus and a little secret: It has a gold zipper that goes around the entire purse from side to side. This working zipper zips open to add more room (like an expanding suitcase). It's just the best all around bag, ever! I wish it was available in more colors -- I'd get them all.

Fall is just around the corner--check out the Hive & Co bags, buy a few, and you'll really have something to look forward to when the leaves start to Fall again!




Visit www.hiveandco.com for more information and ordering