Toast Elinor Half Moon Bag

Wednesday 12 March 2014


Happy birthday to me ...
Happy birthday to me ...
Happy birthday to meeeeeeee ...
Happy birthday to me ...



Yeah yeah - only a week late. It took a bit of doing but I got there. I finally found myself a birthday present! I didn't spot anything in London town when I was there on my birthday weekend but to be honest, I wasn't really looking. I was busy meeting people and shopping really wasn't on the agenda though everyone did their best to coax my credit card out. The thing is, I'm a lone shopper. I don't like to be influenced by anybody else. It's easy to get swayed (yup I nearly bought some Chanel sunglasses) but there was nothing that floated my boat enough. I didn't know what I was looking for but I knew I hadn't found it that weekend and I also didn't want to buy something for the sake of it. And then it just so happened, that I came across the Elinor Half Moon Bag from Toast. And not a moment too soon either as the Grumps said he was just about to go and choose something for me if I didn't pull my finger out. Argh! 

It's a cute little bag. Not big by any stretch of the imagination but it fits a small camera, purse and a phone in. Maybe some pocket tissues, a pen and a lip balm as well. And that's it. Like I said, it's not big. I was eyeing up the APC half moon bag which TK was carrying when I met her and this is a similar shape.




Uniqlo Shirt, H&M Jeans, M&S Brogues


I also like the black and dark tan contrasts - the tan strap adds interest to what would otherwise be a plain black bag. But it is ridiculously long - even though it's on it's shortest setting. I can't see a way to shorten it so it doesn't flap too much so I've decided to treat it as a "feature" and let it just hang. If it starts to annoy me, I think it will have to get jiggy with some double sided sellotape or a glue dot.




It's a thick grainy leather - not beautifully finished like some high end bags I've seen and touched recently and it even strikes me a little rough and ready (rustic for a more charming description) around the edges but I don't mind - it's a little like me :o)  And according to the notes on it on the website, the leather should age well with use and will adopt a nice patina.



So considering that it has a verging on too long strap, and it's not the best finished bag I've ever had, I have two good reasons for returning it but guess what - I'm not going to! I'm keeping this one, yes I am!

Besides, it goes a treat with my Uniqlo shirt. See - finally my shopping luck is changing!



39 comments

  1. You better had keep it - it is just perfect - so lovely - the shape is amazing. You can always get extra holes punched in the strap no?

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    1. p.s. a cobbler or 'leather worker' could shorten the extra bit for you if you want?

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    2. I did think that a cobbler could do that but I was worried in case they didn't do a good enough job. Not to worry though - I'm on the case of how they can do it and not so that the changes can be seen!

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  2. Great look! I've been wearing my brogues a lot. That bag is so neat and lovely. Agree about going to a good cobbler who will be able trim the excess strap and add more holes for you - if you are really, really, really going to keep it :-)

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    1. SPD, I'm going to keep this little bag. I'm not a biggie for bags so if I actually find one I like, it's bordering on a miracle these days. I will get the strap sorted though when I find a cobbler I can trust.

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  3. Belated Happy Birthday!!!!

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  4. I can now put my finger on your' style, ( I love the bag btw ) you make everything you wear look incredibly expensive. I am not being facetious I assure you. That bag looks a perfect length to me. If it gets on your' wick you could just add another hole with ease. X

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    1. Helen. I actually threw a wobbler when I stood outside Whistles yesterday and your lovely black bag was in the window waving at me. At that point, my phone went ding and there was a comment from SPD above saying ... if you keep it. And I thought "arghghhg" what do I do, what do I do? as I genuinely love both bags. As it is, I think it's good to be different. Besides if it's small, the boys will have to carry their own stuff around (those iPads weigh a ton).

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  5. Oh boy Sue! That bag is a present worth waiting for! It's perfect, I adore it! It looks amazing with your outfit x Great choice :0) x

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    1. Thanks Michelle. There's something about the black and tan combination which is really grabbing me. A bit like your black and leopard M&S bag - it's such a winner!

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  6. Gorgeous bag Sue & the perfect size for holding just the essentials.....you have to keep it!!
    Jane xx
    www.mymidlifefashion.com

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  7. Absolutely freaking gorgeous! I am so in love with your look today

    Fiona

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    1. Thank you Fiona. And so easy to wear!

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  8. Ooh that's a nice one :-) Am loving small bags at the moment.

    A very happy Birthday to you - have a great day and many happy returns (in all senses of the word!) xx

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    1. Belated Happy Birthday that should have said, sentiment still the same :-)

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    2. Your new bag is a cutie as well. Very you. It's funny how we're both having a bag moment. Besides, handbags always fit whatever size we are!

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  9. Oh Happy Birthday bloggy friend, mine is coming up in two weeks. Are you an Arian too or Pisces, that bag looks adorable on you, I have scaled back too with a much smaller purse I bought years ago.

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    1. I'm a calm fishy rather than a fiery ram.

      And yes it's nice to carry something smaller sometimes - helps my back too! Gosh I sound so old!

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  10. Aww Happy Birthday - lovely purchase and I love black and tan too it's a perfect classic combo.

    Ooh I must agree I am bit of a lone shopper too. A shopping ninja even. I am not really a browser, I know my style, what I want and go in for the kill! That sounds terrible doesn't it, but it's true!

    I don't mind shopping with other people if it is for them, am quite happy to give an opinion here or there, but I even went wedding dress shopping on my own because I didn't want to be influenced by anyone else.

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    1. A shopping ninja - I like it! I usually have an idea of what I want and then go round the houses getting it i.e. I have to explore all versions of it until I make my mind up and go with the original anyway. And I agree about shopping with other people, I don't buy when I am with someone but I will objectively comment. I will talk about fit and fabric but as for the style - that is up to the individual. I don't like to sway people (unless it's dire).

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  11. Happy Belated Birthday! Love the bag, I don't get on with large bags. Much prefer smaller cross body ones, it's really nice. And a good price for Toast too!

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised actually that Toast was doing this bag for this price. Last time I looked, everything was around £250+ so this coming anything under is a bonus.

      I have to say, I'm a bit of a crossbody bag girl myself too. Love being handsfree ... literally.

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  12. I don't think I wished you a happy birthday in the blogger meet up post comment - so happy birthday and what a perfect present you have picked - very you again! Great outfit, love tan with black xx

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    1. Thank you AnneMarie! Another very me item. Gosh, I'm getting predictable. Time to bring out the dayglo yellow!

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  13. Ooohhh! Fab bag, Sue. Looks perfect with your new shirt. I'm with you on being a lone shopper. I'm in my element when I can lose myself and not worry about anyone else or their opinions when shopping. Definitely a keeper. Lynne x

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    1. Shopping alone is good - no one can see how fussy/OCD/anally retentive I actually am then :o)

      And you've got a lovely new bag too! March must be bag season for everyone.

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  14. the leather looks stunning sue! and the shape is lovely - it's such a good size! looks really well made too, you know how i feel about leather bags.. :) too bad about the long strap - maybe you can take it in to a professional and get it shortened properly :)

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. Stephanie, I will get the strap shortened as I intend to keep this bag. It's perfect for the summer too.

      And I know you love your leather bags - you have quite the covetable collection.

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  15. I love black and tan combo too, I have a bigger bag which is black with tan strap. I'm also very short and long straps are a problem so I bought this hole punching tool thing thats makes holes in belts and bags, from ebay or amazon I think!

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    1. I know the kind of tool but I just wouldn't dare to do it on this bag strap. I have a feeling I'd just end up leaving little circular dints all over it if I wasn't strong enough to punch through cleanly the first time. I think it's going to be a cobblers job this time.

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  16. Happy Belated Birthday Sue - are you a fellow Piscean? I like the combo of the black and tan and the shape - although it would have to be a bit bigger for me to carry around the plethora of lip products that end up in my handbag! :)

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    1. Jenny, I am a fish too.

      And the bag can hold over 10 lipsticks ... if you throw everything else out :o)

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  17. Very cute bag Sue. Hope you had a lovely birthday xx

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  18. Ay yah yah......I was beginning to think you'd never swipe that card of yours. I think everyone needs something a little smallish - just enough to put a few essentials. I still think that Chanel sunglasses have your name on them.

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Susie So So