Mono Hoops Shopper

This time it was my turn to do a review, and what better than a review of a bag 😉 One of life’s little pleasures.

The bag I’m reviewing is one by Julie Slater and son

Julie sent me the beautiful Mono Hoops shopper, it came beautifully gift wrapped in lovely blue paper with a pretty blue ribbon to create that perfect finishing touch while providing it with that little extra something. These little things make Julie’s products stand out from the crowd and due to the sheer prettiness of the outer wrapping, I was already very impressed and knew that it could only get better.

The review came about via twitter. I was looking for some travel accessories, mainly a bag  of some sort to take away with me and the children to the Wilderness festival Oxfordshire, where we would camp for three days. I needed something big but not over big, it had to be waterproof and cater for the needs of a mother who has a tendency to just throw everything and anything into her handbag. The bag must also have somewhere to put my phone and keys without having to root around the bottom of my bag amongst all my other randomness that’s in there. All this, plus the need for a style that complements most outfits why remaining on trend are pretty important to me when choosing a bag (I’m no diva, but have been know to be very particular when it comes to bags and shoes).

Julie offered me a review of one of her shoppers. I left the design up to her and must say she chose the perfect one for me.

I tried my up-most hardest to wait for the festival before taking the bag for it’s first test run. However, my girlie notions took over and I just couldn’t wait.

I have used the Mono shopper for a few different occasions since receiving it. These are…
Lollibop festival
My mission… The Lewisham riot clean up (were myself and bag were featured on the BBC London news)
The wilderness festival with camping

This highlights how convenient I was finding the Mono Hoops shopper.

The bag itself is listed on the, Julie Slater and Son website as a medium shopper, Wow I would love to see the large one as this shopper is already a lovely large bag that is able to take the pressure of the randomness that is thrown into it. The Black and White Mono Hoops design is one that will go with almost anything (well, except stripes)! The bag offers the ultimate lift when wearing a plain black outfit and looks pretty classy at the same time. In my opinion the Mono Hoops is great for everyday use yet smart enough for the office. It’s nice and wide but also pretty deep. The shopper is the perfect size to carry a laptop plus a load more besides.

On receipt of the bag I was a tad disappointed at the fact it only had one inside pocket, though now I really understand why, it really is all that the bag really requires. The pocket provides me with a handy secure place for my phone and the odd bit of change. The overall size and deepness of the bag is perfect for carrying heavy items making it ideal for supermarket trips.

Given I’ve used the bag for both the Lollibop and Wilderness festivals shows it to be the perfect festival companion. During my three days at the wilderness, I honestly didn’t feel the need to use any other bag so the Mono hoops was my bag of choice for the whole weekend. I found the bag perfect and able to cater for all my festival needs.

Its fair to say that all my children treat me as a bit of a slave! They are forever requesting that I put this or that into my bag, that or they just throw stuff into the bag hoping I won’t notice (which I don’t normally, well, at least not till I’m home).

This shopper was the perfect addition to many outfits and turned out to be both a great stylish bag and festival must have! Its Mono Hoops design in black and white will remain bang on trend right the way through the autumn and winter. Its  size is a great plus to the busy mum and can be used day and night, dressed up or down.

The Mono Hoops is more than a shopper but more an oversized handbag that I’m loving!

Check out the full Mono Hoops range plus a load more great designs on Julie’s site click HERE

For the Julie Slater Facebook page Click HERE &  For to follow Julie Slater on twitter click HERE

Related articles

• Wilderness festival in Oxfordshire (guardian.co.uk)