Oui Wish You A Merry Christmas

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on November 6, 2014 · 168 Comments

There are few gift ideas I love better for women than a purse. The reasons are boundless. You don’t have to worry about knowing her size. She’ll never mind making some extra space in her closet for another bag. And it really does serve a practical purpose. Today, I’m please to introduce you to Jack French London, a European brand that, despite its ‘French’ sound, is actually from the UK. This sleek and sophisticated line is available in Canada on The Shopping Channel website, making it a snap to peruse and purchase to your heart’s content (special note: their new line will be available as of December 15th – so keep your eyes peeled for last-minute picks to add to your wish list.) In the meantime, here are five of my fave bags for holiday gifting (and receiving) from Jack French London.

Waterloo Tote – $229
A simple tote bag is every woman’s best friend. It’s large enough to stash all the essentials and then some, but comfortable enough to sling over your shoulder when navigating a busy train platform or the crowded aisles of a grocery store. The Waterloo Tote from Jack French London comes in a perfectly festive shade of cranberry that’s surprisingly versatile – it pairs equally well with a business suit as it does with a pair of jeans and a cozy knit sweater. If red’s not your bag (hah), no worries – this sleek and stylish tote also comes in navy, tan, and black with contrasting silver straps. My favourite feature about this bag is that it actually features a fully zippable area to keep your valuables secure, but also two open ‘media pockets’ for easy access to whatever you need most, whether it’s your keys, phone, tablet or lipstick. Genius.

Kingsbury Satchel – $279
If I told you the bags above were from a UK brand, I don’t think you’d be too surprised. There’s something rustic and English and romantic and sleek and sophisticated and downright posh about ’em, don’t you think? Available in two classic, neutral combinations, these ladylike satchels are made from 100% ultra soft, pebbled leather. Despite their diminutive appearance, they actually offer a fair bit of space and organizational features inside – including four pockets and a built-in makeup mirror. A perfect choice for the classically chic lady on your list.

Fulham Crossbody Bags – $179
Although I’m a big proponent of the giant purse movement that’s basically dominated the last decade or so, I recognize that there are many times when you just don’t need a big purse. Whether it’s a trip to a music festival or a visit to a theme park or a day at the beach or an evening at a nightclub, big purses need not apply. Luckily, Jack French London offers a selection of smaller bags, including the lust-worthy Fulham Crossbody, which is available in three color combinations – an icy mint / grey combo, a Union Jack-inspired red, navy and cream, and a classic brown, black and white style. All three are designed to fit just the essentials – your phone, some cash or credit cards, lip gloss, sunglasses – but still pack a pretty serious style punch. I particularly love the studded strap detail and the way the adjustable strap matches the bag’s primary contrasting colour. An awesome pick for your girlfriend, sister or mom this holiday season.

Kentish Bag – $259
Add a little retro chic to your wardrobe with these trendy bags. Offering a slimmer profile than your typical tote, this fun purse features a decorative, rhinestone-studded tassel that can either read as classic preppy or bohemian babe. Available in both black and white or brown and white, as well as a black on black option not pictured, like all Jack French London bags, I love the rich purple lining that’s a signature of the brand. It just adds a touch of luxe to what’s already a very high quality, beautiful, eye-catching bag. Consider purchasing this one as an investment piece for your daughter or niece; she’ll wear it for years to come.

Fitzrovia East West Bag – $299
I for one love the pebbled texture of ostrich leather, and these slick bags are the perfect example of how it can make such a style statement. There’s something about the shape of them too, that suggests high end luxury, without screaming it in an ostentatious way. It’s versatile too – you’ve got the option to carry it in your hands or you can attach a shoulder strap for when you need to sling it over your shoulder. Due to the unique barrel shape, the inside is pretty roomy, making it a perfect choice for the busy working woman on the go. Available in neutral black and cream, it’ll go with every piece in her wardrobe – and it travels well too.

The Cavendish – $119
Although Jack French London is releasing new styles on a pretty regular basis, they also know when they’ve got something good going on. Case in point? Their Cavendish clutch wallet, which is continually being reinvented in new colours and textures as women around the world nab one for themselves and simply must have another. The style is pretty self-explanatory. If you want the Cavendish to function as a wallet, you’ll find plenty of space to stash your cards, cash and coins. If however, you want to forgo your bag for an evening out, the attached strap allows this versatile purse to function as a handy clutch.

Whether you’re in the market for a new bag or you’ve been hemming and hawing about what to give a special woman on your list this Christmas, hopefully you’ve got some new ideas and new loves after learning about Jack French London. And as a special treat, three lucky readers are each going to win a Cavendish purse! If you’re interested in picking up one of these oh-so-covetable wallets, here’s how to enter:

1) Leave me a comment by November 18, 2014 with a link back to your favourite Jack French London bag from The Shopping Channel website. Who’s it for? Yourself? A loved one?

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around November 19, 2014 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Stay in the know with Jack French London by Liking them on Facebook and leaving a comment about your favourite bag. Link back to your wall post in a separate comment below to score one extra entry into this awesome draw.