WHEN it comes to style, there are a few things I don’t think I’ll ever tire off.

Skinny jeans, high heels and sequins are up there. As are animal prints and handbags too.

I adore animal prints. At Uni I was known for my leopard print trousers (probably because I wore them to death!) and this love affair with all animal fabrics is one which has continued way into my thirties.

In fact, I’d actually say that the older I get, the more smitten I become with it and the more comfortable I am wearing it. Animal print on girls? Yep, very nice. But animal print on women? Well that’s just fierce isn’t it?

As for handbags, they were my first accessory love, right before high heels.

And unlike some women who have a trusty bag or two, I’m kinda the opposite as I have a varied selection of handbags  to suit my needs. And different bags for different occasions.

As a mum and busy freelancer though – I hate to say it, but it’s true! – comfort and practicality are just as important to me these days as style.

Because I need clothes that I can just throw on so I can get on with my day. And I need handbags that actually hold stuff but don’t weigh a small tonne to carry.

This handbag from Accessorize is both stylish – and – da, da, daa, practical! It’s a good size without being too cumbersome which means I can fit all the necessities in, for both myself and Elsie.

And it also has an over the body strap, which means I can wear it, hands free! A must when I’ve got my little girl’s hands to hold and shopping bags to carry.

This outfit, that I wore at the weekend on a trip to Liverpool, (more on that tomorrow) features an animal print skirt from Precis Petite (which is currently reduced in the sale!) that makes me feel comfortably fierce.

The skirt is a wool blend which means it’s soft to wear, gently figure hugging and – the absolute best bit – doesn’t crease!

I’ve teamed the skirt with a classic navy tee from Boden and a pair of  their amazing cotton tights (in navy), some ankle boots from George at Asda, my bargain coat of the Century and a faux fur scarf.

Perfect for a day out sightseeing, that combined culture with motherhood.

I tell you something though, it’ll be nice when we can leave our coats at home, won’t it? Roll. On. Spring.

With love,

Kate

Disclaimer – The bag and skirt were sent to me as gifts, however as always, my thoughts are my own.