Today's wash bag for your wish list is by super chic ethical accessories label NV London and Calcutta. It's made from the same pleasingly geometric printed fabric as the weekender bag we picked up on late last year, and is screen-printed using AZO-free dyes for an eco-friendly finish.
I've not yet seen one of these bags on my travels, but am keeping an eye out for the bold and simple designs which are totally geared towards working with current key trends.
£20 at NV London and Calcutta
I didn't have a clue how to pronounce their name at the time (I've since learned that it's "ax-en-tee-oo"), but I fell a little bit in love with Afxentiou when I spotted their handmade washbags and other accessories at Clothes Show Live at the end of last year. You know those times when you see something that would make a great present for a friend, buy it as a completely altruistic gesture then realise when you come to wrap it that there's no way you could bear to give it away? That was me with my Afxentiou cosmetic bag in December. We just couldn't be parted.
It may look like nothing more than a simple sponge bag with a basic polkadot print, but these bags are beautifully well made, and need to be seen 'irl' to be appreciated, and appreciate I did. If you like something a bit more sophisticated in your bathroom, there's a lovely rainforest print version here, and they also make a series of laminated handbags that could soon be putting Cath Kidston to shame.
Wash bags: £10 at Afxentiou
Miss Piggy would be proud to keep her powder puff and other beauty essentials in this cute little fabric cosmetic bag from handmade label Madame Cupcake. I really like its simplicity, and think it would make a great gift.
The fabric used to make this purse has been imported from Japan, hence its seriously 'kawaii' looks. It's fully lined with a cute polka-dot fabric for extra practicality.
$8 at Etsy
Christmas is a few weeks away, but many of us are feeling the pressure of purchasing pressies on small paychecks. We want to get our loved ones something gorgeous, but simply can't afford to treat them as we'd like! Well, worry no longer as the HQ Outlet store has the answer.
They feature a variety of discount products, and I'm particularly taken with their range of Lulu Guinness cosmetic bags, which are up to 40% off retail value. Buy quickly though, as these babies will sell out fast! See prices after the jump.
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There's been a lot of excitement surrounding Cloth Ears' new 'Dandy' range; particularly since the last one Paper Plane caused such a buzz. All the designs in the range are based around correspondence and postcards, and look subtly similar to Paper Plane.
I picked out this lovely cosmetic bag with the legend 'Make up for lost time'. Its slightly wonky yet securely stitched 'stamp' decorations are what I like best about the purse, giving it character and style. I'd be tempted to use this as a coin purse too, as like all Cloth Ears' purses, it zips up.
£14.99 from Freefall UK
Artist and designer Celia Birtwell has done some wonderful collaborations in recent years, making her iconic and striking style far more affordable for everyday fans. This collection for Boots, however, has got to represent the best value for money I've seen and I particularly like the cosmetic bag (above) which you can buy from the store at £8. It's got all the typical Birtwell trappings of chic, contrasting prints and I love the rose detail zip.
Also available are a range of cosmetic accessories including a mirror in that same rose design, a decorative makeup brush, a pouch for storing your cosmetic tools and a fabulous pair of sunglasses. The range will only be around for a short time, so I recommend heading over to Boots if you like it.
Related: Cute makeup bag of the week: Betseyville bag on sale | Cute makeup bag of the week: Twitter bird bag
You don't get much more 'cute' than Betseyville, so this cosmetic clutch from one of Ms. Johnson's kitschest fantasies was never going to have too much trouble making it into this section.
Urban Outfitters' site tells us this bag has sold out, but it lies because I saw about half a dozen of them in the Oxford Street branch yesterday, all in the sale. So if you're looking to inject a bit of beauty parlour glam into your life, check out your local store for one of these fun, fully waterproof purses. They're currently priced at £14.99, or alternatively, you can pick one up half price at $15 on the US Site.
Related: Betsey Johnson 'prisoner of love' peace sign purse | Cute makeup bag of the week: Celia Birtwell cosmetic case
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