It’s no surprise that the most popular wedding gifts have changed through the years and many couples who didn’t have a wedding list also received multiples of the same items. The most common included: toasters and towels in the 80’s, towels and mugs in the 90’s, bed sheets and wine glasses in the 00’s and picture frames in most recent years.

Much loved Northern Irish cook and cookery writer, Jenny Bristow, who married her husband 1977, said: “In our day there wasn’t the option of setting up a gift list and even asking for gifts was unheard of. It was up to friends and family to buy whatever they thought appropriate. I remember at the time we received Ainsley Vases, in every shape, shade and size but the most memorable gift was a cheque from a guest who hadn’t signed it, meaning that we couldn’t cash it. We had an inkling of who it was from but never went back to ask for their signature out of sheer embarrassment, but we had a good laugh about it at least!”

Michelle Jackson, Victoria Square centre Manager explains, “Our Wedding Gift List signals the change in consumer needs – they want more choice than the standard gift card and this service offers exactly that. It allows friends and family to contribute towards a Gift Card so couples can buy exactly what they want not only for the home, but money towards wedding rings, a honeymoon wardrobe or a romantic meal post-wedding too.”

More information about the Wedding Event at Victoria Square can be found at www.victoriasquare.com and the Wedding Gift List service can also be set up here too.


Massive thanks to Susan Jackson at Smarts Communicate for press release, video and imagery.

If there’s one thing I'm passionately excited about it’s handbags! For me it’s all in the details, from the touch of the exquisite leathers used to create the bag to its beautifully finished hardware, an expertly crafted handbag is a joy to behold and to use!

Of course a handbag junky like myself is always on the lookout for the latest “must have” bag, and I was extremely excited when I heard that AllSaints had just launched their first ever handbag collection.

Synonymous with quality leathers, AllSaints have been the go-to brand for their iconic leather jackets for the past 21 years and have now drawn from that experience to create the “Capital Collection”, comprising a 51 piece handbag collection of four distinct “families” named after streets surrounding their East London Studios.

Consisting of classic, muted colours for Autumn/Winter, the four main “families” are: Darling, Club, Paradise and Fleur de Lis.


This collection is all about leather, from butter soft lambs leather, to beautifully “bubbled” textured calfskins and suede, the focus is firmly on crafting handbags that are truly gorgeous in both look and feel. Sleek and chic silhouettes meet the demands of modern city life as the collection includes everything from totes to satchels, hobo, clutch, cross-body, bowling, shoulder bags and even this season's hottest style, the mini!

Below is a selection of some of my favourites from the range!


There is a style to suit all lifestyles, from slouchy, oversized clutches in lambs leather to AllSaints innovative “bubbled” textured calf leather, there is a handbag to suit everyone, however the stand out bag for me has to be the “Paradise Satchel Bag”.


Available in three colourways, not only is the bag THE perfect size to carry round all your day to day essentials, and an iPad (perfect for a fashion blogger on the go like me!) it’s also so ascetically pleasing! I simply adore the juxtaposition of both colour and texture within its minimalist design.


The magnetic kiss clasp allows for easy access, while the soft lambs leather will mould naturally to your body, creating a beautiful slouch to the bag! I'm especially loving the innovative bubble texture to the calf leather which is exclusive to AllSaints, and in the navy and black combo, it’s just too chic for words!

The full collection is currently available as an online exclusive on the AllSaints website but if you’re like me and you prefer the full experience of shopping instore, you can head over to AllSaints in Victoria Square, Belfast for their “digital store” experience.
Enabling you to speak face to face with AllSaints’ excellent staff, and avail of their styling advice and product knowledge in choosing the perfect bag for you!! Best of all they can answer any queries you many have about the collection and they'll even waver their delivery charge and offer next day delivery to your home! What’s not to love!

The “Capital Collection” is available now both online and through AllSaints, Victoria Square from their “Digital Store”. Prices range from £98-£328. I for one am extremely impressed with their debut into the world of handbags and I very much hope they will continue to produce handbags for the foreseeable future, afterall us girls need beautifully crafted handbags to match our gorgeous AllSaints leather jackets!

A really different and fun place to visit I've loved it every time I've been, I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I have!