Bright and breezy at VV Amore

The glitter and sparkle of winter was lovely… for a while. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a shakeup now. I’m craving some brightness in my life.

It’s time to have a look at what we can do to start feeling a little spring-like, even if it is too cold to get rid of big boots and heavy coats just yet. Ah, I hear you say, how about a bag?

Good suggestion. Accessories can be the ideal way to edge towards the new season, even if the rest of your wardrobe isn’t quite there yet.

Black and white will be a big trend this year – the catwalks were full of it  – either all black, all white or a mix of the both. VVAmore can, of course, provide you with plenty of options to catch this trend – Slouchy Babe in black and white, Townie Chic in complete black and for a bit of mix we reckon the Slouchy Joe done in black and white would be cool.

Styles are short-strapped and oversized or oversized clutches and, of course, handbags that make you feel very ladylike. Think HM the Queen – or at least our favourite duchess, Kate – here. We have a few designs in the pipeline and will post them soon.

Stripes make it again and we think we will be right on trend mixing this with bold colours – check out some summer fun here.

Bright in-your-face colour blocks stick with us in the spring season so colour block with a handbag is an easy take on this trend.

Other brights will be around too – orange is going mainstream, red is coming back out again (it’s been a while) and electric blue and turquoise will have their day in the sun.

VV Amore was out and about this week...

Who doesn’t love getting pressures for Christmas? It doesn’t matter how grown up you are, ripping wrapping paper from a mysterious package on Christmas morning reverts everyone to a delighted six year old.

So, imagine the scene, the turkey is in the oven and the kids kids are playing with whatever Santa brought them.

Your loving other half brings you your first glass of festive fizz and asks: “Do you want your present now, darling?”

So how does that make you feel? Does your heart sink as you mentally prepare your oh-how-lovely-you-shouldn’t-have face? Or do you know that your chap will have managed to find exactly what you want this year?

Ideally, our soul-mate, the person we share our lives with, knows instinctively what we want to receive – the size, shape and brand as well. But, unless you are one of the fortunately few, in order for this to happen, you’ll need to help him along.

There are now several versions of wishlists as smartphone apps, websites or attached to certain retailers. These are a great idea, but they would require a conversation along these lines.

“Have you seen the wishlist website, darling?”

“Um. No.”

“You know the site where people list what they want to get for Christmas.”

“No. Um. Right. Now where’s the remote?”

You can see the problem with that. It’s bound to be slightly more effective than the fabled “leave a magazine lying where he can see it” method, but probably not much.

I found that leaving magazines propped in front of Match of the Day didn’t really have the desired effect.

According to an unscientific poll of a few of my friends, the outcome is clear – just tell him. Men aren’t great at taking hints and they rarely notice subtle messages. The only thing for it is to tell him outright.

Be clear about what you want, where he can get it, the colour you prefer and anything else where a decision is required.

On the other hand, make it easier for both of you with a gift voucher. He gets points and you still get retail therapy – perfect.

The benefit of this is twofold. Firstly, when you reply to the Christmas Day question with a “yes dear, I’d love to open my presents” you can be confident you won’t need to fake your delight. And, secondly, that nerve-wracking moment when your other half sweatily worries if you’re going to like what he’s picked for you is gone. He knows he’s got the right thing and everyone can have a merry Christmas.

VV Amore has just introduced gift vouchers.