Meet: Marie Baines

On days that we feel low or uninspired, we like to take inspiration from our favourite Instagram influencers. Today we had the pleasure of sitting down with digital creator and stylist Marie Baines, aka Madame B Shops to get the SHcoop on all her favourite styles for the season.

 Marie was brought between the US, Belgium and the UK and speaks both French & English. She has always been drawn to the soft silhouettes and modern chic of French style, so it’s no wonder she’s our go to influencer when we’re looking for a Parisian twist! Let’s take a look and learn all of the tips and tricks Marie has for styling yourself this Winter.

 

You are a busy lady and always seem to be on the go, what are your handbag essential items for such a busy life?  

It depends whether I’m going to work or not.  For work, I favour a bigger bag and cram it all in, everything but the kitchen sink. I take my lunch, a big water bottle to keep my hydrated throughout the day, a thermos coffee cup, tea bags, mints, hand sanitiser, my kindle and my make-up bag. I drive to work so the weight of the bag doesn’t matter.  

If I’m not going to work I take the bare minimum because I love walking and try to do so as often as possible. My small bag will contain my phone, which has all my cards downloaded on to it, a powder compact, a lipstick and my keys.  As I usually have a dog or two in tow, most of my bags also contain some stray poo bags (all the glamour!).  

What are your wardrobe essentials for this season?  

For me, it’s all about the blazers and I’m loving all the different versions right now, The most important thing is to find a colour and cut that suits you, once you figure out which styles work for you, you’ll never want to take it off!  For the bottom half, I’m loving wide leg trousers for that oversized look that is just so in right now.    

Which Sarah Haran bag is your favourite style / colour combination?  

Of course, I have to go for my namesakes, I love the Marie, not only does it have the best name ever but it’s such a lovely shape and size! I have had my Teal Marie for some time now and she gets plenty of outings, perhaps its time for me to add a new one to my collection, but I am torn between the on-trend passion pink and the goes-with-everything navy! 

What’s your favourite way to mix your Sarah Haran bag up?  

If I’m in a rush I just swap out the strap and add a tassel it’s so quick and easy and makes my Marie look like a whole new bag! If I have a little more time, I like to knit a scarf on the strap for a softer, chic look.

I like my hands free so definitely a crossbody! It would be in super soft and supple leather so that it barely feels like you’re carrying a bag. The straps would be changeable, perhaps between a chain and leather strap so it could do both evening and day. It needs to fit a phone, basic makeup, keys and sunglasses so it doesn’t need to be overly big.  It would come in a range of colours or maybe be reversible so that it can do bright and neutral: I’m thinking pink and khaki for example or a bright emerald green and navy.  

 

Follow Marie on Instagram @madamebshops