Peplum Top: Topshop | Pencil Skirt: Motel Rocks* | Belt: Primark | Cardigan: Primark | Brooch: Charity Shop | Shoes: Vintage | Bag: French Connection*

So after 10 months of slobbing around in my PJs and squinting at any sign of sunlight, I finally decided that enough was enough – I was sick of working from home. I’m lucky enough to have a flexible working situation where I make my own rules, but the novelty of watching This Morning in my bed socks while I write about discounts at Homebase wore off quickly and left me feeling pretty desperate to actually interact with other humans on a daily basis. I started looking for a studio space and, happy times, I found one. Now I’m a bonafide business lady, all professional and that. First thought: new wardrobe needed.

First on my list was a bag. I bought a leather tote just big enough for my Macbook just before Christmas last year but a la most Topshop handbags, it was already looking a bit ropey. While that was soft and flexible, this time I was looking for something with a bit more structure – something briefcase or business-like, that I could take to meetings and not be ashamed of. I knew I’d probably have to part with a bit of cash, but that was a price I was willing to pay if it meant I could have a stylish, sturdy and spacious bag to lug my belongings across town every morning. After French Connection got in touch with me and asked me to pick an item to review from their A/W12 collection, I logged on to take a look. *GASP* there it was. The One.

The Camden Croc Zip Shopper has 2 thick, strong handles that fit easily over the shoulder or in the crook of the elbow. I’ve been holding off on this review because I wanted to truly put it to the test before I gave you guys my opinion, but this baby holds my Macbook Pro (13″), charger, lunch, wallet, keys, book, glasses, sunglasses, lipstick and all that jazz PLUS room for more with no trouble at all. The handles are showing now sign of strain, nor are there any initial scuff marks or signs of wear, and I’m not particularly gentle with it either!

The structure means the bottom of the bag stands up easily on it’s own and, what with it being 100% PVC, it’s completely rain proof and wipe clean (good if you’re prone to clumsiness, like me!). I find the gold detailing to be just enough without looking gaudy, although I do tend to tuck the engraved logo tag into the bag so that it’s not on show – making it look a little classier in my humble opinion. The zips down the sides can be unzipped to create more room within the bag – though I don’t think you’ll really need that unless you’re carrying the kitchen sink! This bag is huge.

I think this is one of those “investment pieces” I hear people talking about. I can honestly see this lasting me years and it’s plain yet stylish enough to carry through the seasons. It does come in at a hefty £100, but it’s a lot more practical than a lot of the Mulberry and Alexander Wang creations I’m usually lusting over and a fraction of the price. Plus it makes me look all posh and collected and corporate and stuff. I am aware that the leopard print and bright lips probably do counteract that though… oh well!

Do you have a favourite accessory for Autumn Winter? Do you get excited about shopping for a work wardrobe or is it a bore?

Thanks Jen for taking the pictures!