My O bag makeover

With the expense of Christmas looming – I’m entertaining 13 people, more of that to follow soon – now is not the time to be obsessing about new handbags! But what’s a girl to do. I have a habit which must be fed.
While sharing a coffee with my friend Marcia, the happiest woman in North London, I may have dropped a few not so subtle hints – for she is the “bag lady”. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.
You can read Marcia’s back story here – she is the owner of London’s O bag shop, which is heaven for bag lovers who can’t make up their minds. Every element is customisable, so you can buy the main bag body and dress it in a new look every season, with different handles, inserts and trims.
This is fashion for the indecisive.
Marcia offered to pimp my two O bags.
This is my rock coloured ‘mini’. I use it a lot, so it was looking a bit tired and dull and needed some TLC.
First we gave it a wash – the carcasses are made from a silicone material so can be wiped clean. Then Marcia and I experimented with a few new style options.
The accessories are easy to remove and attach, with plastic screws and caps inside the bags – which are invisible from the outside once the handles are in place.
I chose a contrasting Autumnal faux fur trim, a new dark canvas insert and longer handles.
Next was my much admired turquoise O bag. This is their signature size bag, called ‘the classic’ and is quite a bit larger than the mini. This combination was my perfect beach bag and, having done more air miles than David Attenborough in the last couple of years, was looking a little forlorn.
Marcia to the rescue. She quite rightly advised me not to go for the zebra pattern insert I was drawn to, instead opting for something muted and classic – a dark tweed.
New leather handles, a woollen trim and O bag charm finishes it off nicely.
Two tired old bags. Pimped! Obsession calmed. Addiction abated.
This is my happy dance:
O Bag is on Facebook, where you can ask questions, place an order and arrange delivery. They can even send you photos of your choices, to help you decide what to buy.
Much love, Vx
[Disclosure: Marcia at the O bag shop pimped my two handbags in return for this blog post, for which I am grateful.]
Terri
Great read! I enjoyed your post as a fellow O Bag fan
Vicki
Hi Terri, always nice to meet a fellow O bag lover! Welcome. Vx
Ewelina
I love Obag! I jhave one only but I hope Santa will bring me Obasket !
The best bag ever!
Vicki
O yes, Obasket is lovely! Vx
Tracy Hughes
I’ve never heard of O Bag! What have I missed?
Vicki
O, check them out Tracy. All the elements can be customised and changed to match your outfits! Vx
Laura Teixeira-Morgan
I’m so obsessed with obag looking forward to getting my first purse today. Also can’t wait for the weather to change so I can redesign my bag. The staff in obag are so helpful and kind and in no way pressure you to buy a bag if your not sure.
Vicki
Hi Laura, I know they’re an amazing team in there aren’t they. It’s such a beautiful shop. Glad to meet another O Bag fan! Vx
Judith
Love the turquoise Base!
I definitely need a new inner – it’s got pretty dirty & has shrunk with washing.
As I have a cream Base, cleaning it is a challenge!
Vicki
Hi Judith, thanks, the turquoise does turn heads. I hope you have entered the competition to win some new accessories? Good luck. Vx
Petra
Perfect O bag. I love it.
Vicki
Thanks Petra! Happy Christmas. Vx
Vee
Ooo! Have admired these before, will go check this out. Like the idea of change and renewal of a favourite bag.
Vicki
Hi Vee, it is such a clever concept. Vx
Gill
Love these, they just go with any outfit.
Vicki
Hi Gill, thanks. It’s easy to get carried away with all the accessories! Vx
Monika
I got myself a mini obag for xmas, excited to revive it tomorrow!
Vicki
Hi Monika. What look are you going to go for? Vx
Monika
yeah didn’t end on the mini lol ended up with the classical too , they are a bit addictive.. I am thinking about the ’50s as well