GLAM DETAILS FOR POST-LOCKDOWN BUSINESS ATTIRE: 
THE CÉLINE MICRO BELT BAG.

Looking forward to going back to office, after this long period of remote work and social distancing, I'm finally here with my review on the Céline Micro Belt Bag in Caramel colour, whose style I've always loved as a go-to office bag. I had been eyeing it up for around 3 years or so, since I was sure about the most suitable size to choose, but not so much about the colour, which I wanted in a light, refreshing and versatile shade to be worn mainly during both transitional seasons and in Summer. 

1) The design and details: What has always attracted me to the Belt Bag style in the first place is purely the design and how classy, sleek, minimal this model looks, while still remaining beautiful and stylish. It's been part of the Céline collection for many years and will remain a classic as much as their Luggage bag. As you can see, it has a top handle and a large, cool flap closure with a hidden circular metal component which slots into the runner to secure it shut. Moreover, a zipped closure under the flap keeps everything secure inside. It also features an outer zipped pocket on the back of the bag, an inner flat, a slip pocket. Actually, the flap can be quite fiddly to open in a rush, but a lot of people tend to leave it just hanging over the strap, which is really cool too! The great, stylish touch remains the belt that is knotted across the front, purely for aesthetic design purposes. Also the branding is minimal, as it is with all Céline products, so it only has a little gold stamp on the front bottom location of the bag matching with the hardware metal.

2) The sizing: There are 3 different sizes in total, starting at the largest which is actually called the Mini, to the middle size of the Micro and the smallest size of the Nano, so if you love the design of this bag but think it's too small or too big, you can opt for another size instead. This micro version is  9" in length, 8" in height, and 5" in depth, so it's quite a decent size and holds enough office essentials, such as my LV Agenda Personal size and my IPad mini, besides the usual stuff one puts in a bag. Luckily, this can be worn also cross-body style, since it comes with a removable, adjustable strap with a 21" drop. For me the micro is ideal, as it's small enough to be worn on my body without being overwhelming, but it's big enough for me to carry a lot of extra items that I can't usually fit into smaller cross-body bags.

3) The leather: The Belt Bag is made of grained calfskin so it has that drummed, matte effect to it. It's a really sturdy leather and it's strong, but it can easily get scratched. I've noticed that it's quite delicate, even though it doesn't seem treated or as smooth as my Céline Luggage bag. It features a calfskin leather as well, as you can see, and that's more of a suède type inside, or the underside of the leather, if you will. Céline bags are crafted in the most luxurious skins. These leathers are natural and unique, of extremely high quality, but it's necessary to protect your purchase from both humidity and overexposure to direct lighting or sources of heat and avoid contact with liquid, grease, perfumes and cosmetics as well as keep it stored in the dust bag when it's not being used. I'm really delicate with my bags anyway, but since this doesn't have any metal feet on the bottom, I'm very careful where I place it too, so as to avoid scratching the bottom. Since it's a classic, it's always an investment piece as it can be sold for almost the same price you paid. If you know Céline and adore the quality as much as I do, you will appreciate this one. The craftsmanship is outstanding!

4) The colour: there are several perfect neutral colours available for this model, but the Caramel shade I chose is incredibly versatile and suited to literally everything I want to wear, whether it's warm or cool toned outfits! 

5) Ways to wear the bag: this bag is also versatile in how you wear it, that it works for any occasion, thanks to the detachable strap: 
Cross-body, so it sits securely on your front, or back, however you choose to make it sit. 
Draped off one shoulder, which is my favourite, being really easy and stylish. 
On the crook of your arm, which is also very easy and chic with both dresses and jeans.
Hand-carry, so you can easily hold it down by the side, in your hand by the top handle, like either a true office bag or a perfect travel bag.

With that being said, I wanted to make sure I did it justice, shared the right photos with you, and wrote as much as possible about it to help any of you who might be wanting to make the purchase. It's worth it, if you love designer bags, and one you'll reach for regularly! 
Anyway, if you have any questions about it, please, just leave me a comment below and I'll answer.

BUSINESS-TRIP PACKING LIST FOR MINIMALIST FASHIONISTAS.

Hi everybody! This weekend I'm leaving for one week's business trip to Frankfurt, Germany. Since I've always found travelling inspiring, I hope I'll be back, if not regenerated, at least with some more new ideas and topics on which to write. 

Meanwhile, I'll sum up my travel essentials for a business trip, particularly for an exhibition.

As an executive assistant, everybody expects me to put together a stylish business trip packing list, so I jump at the chance to revisit my usual lifestyle! Keep reading and check out   my business professional packing list to get a sleek and sophisticated look, not too corporate, and with some little elements of style.

Of course, working at an technical /scientific exhibition requires corporate business attire that leaves no much way to glamour. Anyway, whenever the occasion comes, I try to pack my suitcase with a week's worth of professional yet fashion-conscious clothing for business meetings, dinners and parties. In this minimalist packing list for business trips, I'll show you how I'm going to mix and match ten pieces of clothing to create a minimum of 1 week of work outfits and make the most of what you have. 

Day outfits:

- one black corporate suit + white top + minimal jewellery

- the same black jacket + black top + black and white chiffon skirt + minimal jewellery

- one elegant off-white  jacket + black chiffon skirt/trousers + round-neck matching scarf +  
   minimal jewellery

- one elegant buttoned top with ruffled sleeves + the same black pencil skirt from the suit +    
   statement necklace 

- white shirt with ruffles + striped pencil skirt + black and white Chanel necklace.

Evening outfits:

- one Chanel black short-sleeved jacket + the same black chiffon skirt + Chanel earrings

- one black sheath dress + the same Chanel earrings. 
Shoes & evening bags:
- black pumps
- black and white ballerinas
- small black Chanel chain bag
 Travel accessories:

- my stylish, functional, feminine quilted Toyah business bag by Knomo London,   
  which is the perfect professional and smart briefcase with inside padded sections for  
  tablets/laptops to cushion the devices from the daily rough and tumble and absorbs any 
  hard knocks, as well as pockets for their charging cables. It is also provided with lots of 
  compartments to slide notepads, papers, alongside your device for a compact, organised 
  mobile work station without forgetting other smaller travelling essentials to accompany       
  you on every journey. And in case my bag gets lost, or misplaced, a unique tracker code 
  will  help it find its way back. 

If you're a fashionista who travels for business and likes to fly carry-on, you will certainly have your way to build a business trip packing list with just a few pieces of clothing. So, let us know in the comments below...
Bye bye! See you soon! 👋 ✈