Saturday, 26 July 2014

Hungry In Greenwich part two

So, to go with a delicious cold tea, a person might want to try a delicious falafel. The history of the falafel is as interesting as these are tasty!

Falafel usually refers to small balls containing chick peas or fava beans, or both (must remember to ask what is used in these, as they are some of the best I've had). If you play your cards right, you will be served by this man whose smile will lift your spirits even when you are grumpy.
You can have all of these delicious extras, if you so please. I think those vegetables are colours we are using for next summer so people will be able to eat it and wear it soon!
Last word, yum...

Thursday, 24 July 2014

Hungry in Greenwich, part one

People from all around the world know about how delicious the food in Greenwich is. We will get to that later! It has been so hot (I'm not complaining) lately, that sometimes it is a drink a person needs. So it was a delight to meet Theo of HOTBOX BREW, who used to be a banker before turning brewer. His stall is so inviting, I couldn't decide what to try first. Predictably (my Grandfather used to have a fabulous patch), I went for the raspberry. And I would highly recommend it to anyone, before your next shop at Greenwich.

    Reminds me of something from an Artemis Fowl book, secret potions anyone?


I'm going to try the one with cinnamon next!




Sunday, 22 June 2014

History of the Satchel

Our Satchel bag is one of our most popular designs and has been in each collection since the start! The Satchel has great history and never goes out of fashion. 

A satchel is a bag, often with a strap. The strap is often worn so that it diagonally crosses the body, with the bag hanging on the opposite hip, rather than hanging directly down from the shoulder. They are traditionally used for carrying books.The back of a satchel extends to form a flap that folds over to cover the top. Unlike a briefcase, a satchel is soft-sided.

Roman legionaries carried a satchel.
The satchel became a fashion accessory and was popular during the 17th century.
carriel is "a small leather satchel from Colombia with a long history dating back 400 years".

In the swinging 50′s and 60′s of British Culture, no school child would be seen without a leather satchel usually in a dark brown or chestnut coloured leather. The leather Satchel has now become associated with and epitomises true British Quintessential style. Worn all over the world by young and old alike and considered to be a true fashion icon.


Letter carriers in many countries carry a mail satchel.

In literature, the satchel is often associated with the classic image of the English schoolboy: "And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel" is a phrase from Shakespeare's monologue All the world's a stage.

In the Little House on the Prairie novel By the Shores of Silver Lake, the Ingalls family carries two satchels on their train ride west.
Indiana Jones always carries a satchel as part of his outfit, alongside his whip and hat (the prop used in the movies was a 1943 Mark VII gas mask bag).






Here at Coco Barclay we are more than happy to follow on in this great tradition, but of course with our own twist! 

www.cocobarclay.com 


Friday, 23 May 2014

Miami, what an inspiration...

Even the trees, like this "kinky palm", inspired



And then there were the wild lemons...


   

And, of course, the inspiration for our logo!



Home too soon!

Monday, 19 May 2014

Special Touches

Here at Coco Barclay we pride ourselves on being unique and different, that is why we mix luxury Italian leather and other special components to make each bag truly one of a kind. We wanted to share some of the features we use on Coco Barclay bags.



The shopper bag is finished off with either a vintage silk ties or fun bright scarf, we hand source them from  America. Coco Barclay prides itself on everything being made in the UK. 


This lovely little party bag has a thimble as its fastening! The thimble is solid silver adding a jeweled element to the bag, making it a true treasure. 


The Glovie Frame bag has a vintage pair of gloves attached to each bag, they can be removed and worn, no two pairs are the same!


A little edition to the Coco Barclay collections - the Makeup bag/Pencil Case, each one has hand picked beads attached to them, no two are the same. 


All the handbags are lined with vintage cotton, many different patterns and colours.

All these special bags are available at www.cocobarclay.com

x






Saturday, 3 May 2014

London Love

As Coco Barclay is a London brand and all our bags are made in London we thought we'd share with you some of the wonders of London, whether you live there or are going to visit there are so many unusual and fun places! Of course there are the usual amazing sights to see but there is so much more hiding away waiting to be found!

Tasty Delights 

The Wildflower Cafe 
This gorgeous Cafe by day Bistro by night serves fresh authentic food and many of the dishes are served with beautiful edible flowers! Find it near Notting Hill.

Bunga Bunga
A pizzeria and a karaoke bar! This place is fun fun fun situated in Fulham you will probably stay there until the early hours! Don't forget to book.


Patty & Bun 
Located in the trendy Soho this place serves amazing burgers served in Brioche buns, they are just delicious, and the ques to get in show it.


Shopping
  
Wears London Greenwich 
This cute boutique in Greenwich Market stocks many unusual independent designers including Coco Barclay! Many treasures can be found in here. 


Lock & Co Hatters
The oldest Hatters in England, it's like stepping back in time, using traditional techniques you can find the perfect hat. Look out for all the celeb head molds. 


Don't forget to visit some of the amazing Markets in London, our personal favorites are Greenwich Market were you can pick up a one of piece you will find no were else or Brick Lane on a Sunday for some fantastic Vintage finds. 


These are just a few of the amazing places in London, please let us know your favorite places?

Coco
x








Sunday, 27 April 2014

The Glovie bag

This is our Glovie bag, it's a one of a kind beautifully crafted Italian leather hand bag with a special  vintage lining unique to each one.



It has one very special and unusual feature, it's lovely detailing on the front is a pair of delicate vintage gloves that are detachable, the bag can be worn in the summer where the gloves can happily stay looking pretty and when the colder weather comes they can be worn as a stunning pair of gloves!



They come in may different designs and colours, some gloves have intricate embroidery panels or lovely leather bows whilst others have cute button detailing. 



Add that touch of wow to your outfit with this bespoke designer piece all hand made in London. 

Shop the bags at 

http://www.cocobarclay.com/index.php?category=products&sec=handbags&page=91
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/cocobarclay/product/glovie-frame-bag

Lots of love
X