Wednesday 25 June 2014

Get Ready for Glastonbury with Nica!

If you managed to get your hands on a golden Glastonbury ticket, then the chances are you’ll be pretty excited for what the weekend has in store. And even if you didn’t, there’s no need to delete all social accounts and go into full-on hermit mode. Why not throw your own Glastonbudget party at home?
Whether you’re watching the action from the Pyramid Stage or your home television set, get Glasto ready with Nica.


Ones to Watch: Swedish Sweethearts

Little Dragon
You’ve probably heard Little Dragon before. Helmed by Yukimi Nagano, this Swedish four piece make infectious electronic music that you can really dance to. Their fierce new album Nabuma Rubberband came out last month and it’s a fusion of soaring vocals and light-synths which just gets better with each listen.
Catch Little Dragon playing live at the John Peel stage on Saturday night.

Standout track: Wildfire (feat. SBTRKT)

Lykke Li
Lykke Li writes songs about heartbreak, love and lust but manages to do it in the most intoxicating way possible. From the hauntingly melancholic breakup album I Never Learn to seductive tracks like Little Bit and Love out of Lust, her music is addictive gold dust. You’ll be hooked in no time.
Catch Lykke Li headlining the John Peel stage on Friday night.

Stand out track: No Rest for the Wicked

What to Take to Glastonbury

Since Glastonbury Festival began in 1970, there have only been 3 years where it hasn’t rained at all. With that in mind, we’re packing wisely. Transparent rain macs work wonders at keeping you dry while still showing off a vibrant two piece or shorts and crop top combo.

Wear a bum bag in the day for hands-free convenience- you’ll be able to weave through the crowds and whip out your camera at any given moment. Come sundown swap the bum bag for a more substantial backpack. This way you won’t have to wrap your coat around your waist and if you want to top up your make-up, you can just reach inside your bag instead of trekking back to the campsite!

Hipflasks are a total saviour at festivals- they save you money and allow you to spend precious time enjoying the bands instead of queuing (learn how to make your own here!). And last but not least, wellies and a good quality, waterproof tent are absolute must-haves in the event of a monsoon.
Glastonbury Fashion


Did you catch our recent Glastonbury style post? We’ll be wearing prints, rain or shine macs and a myriad of accessories to this year’s festivals. Championing festival chic couldn’t be simpler: team key pieces such as kimonos and statement shorts with staple basics and colour-matching accessories to nail the look.

Are you hitting Glastonbury this year? Let us know what your 2014 festival clothing essentials are by leaving us a comment below or tweeting us @Nica_Handbags.


Tuesday 24 June 2014

#NicaHandbags Goes Inside the Company Style Blogger Awards 2014

By now, you've probably realised just how much we love getting some of our favourite fashion bloggers to style our #NicaHandbags. So, last week, we ceased the opportunity to attend the Company Magazine #StyleBloggerAwards2014, with our lovely new A/W 14 Pheobe crossbody as our date, and see some of our faves get those much deserving prizes. 


Our Pheobe crossbody makes the perfect cover star, wouldn't you agree? We arrived to a roof top bar filled with fashionable bloggers (allowing us to pick up a style tip or two!) and plenty of stylish indoor activities including free manicures and blow drys.  



Fashion party aside, the most exciting part of the night was of course finding out which bloggers would scoop the prizes, which included the lovely WhatOliviaDid and InTheFrow, who have both showed us their Nica Satchel styles before. For a full list of the winners, why not head over to Company and see for yourselves? 

Which of your favourite fashion bloggers do you think deserve winning an award? Why not drop us a comment below, or get in touch on Twitter


Monday 23 June 2014

Win a #NicaHandbags with the Mathilde Heart Manech Blog


How did you enjoy the glorious sunshine over the weekend? We hope that you took your very own #NicaHandbags along for the journey too! 


The lovely Mathilde Heart Manech blog embraced the warm weather, and headed out with her lulu shoulder bag in classic brown, teamed with a cool azure blue summer dress and denim jacket. How would you style yours? 


We've also teamed up with the lovely blogger to give one of her lucky readers the chance to win their very own brown Lulu shoulder bag too! You can find out more details here. Good luck!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all of our behind the scenes action or competitions as soon as they happen!



Wednesday 18 June 2014

The Next Big Thing: Korean Cuisine

In terms of Western Asian cuisine, Korea is late to the party! While it’s become commonplace to rustle up Pad Thai noodles at home or enjoy Vietnamese pho at dinner with friends, Korean cuisine is still a relatively untapped market.

With our very own Nica Kim hailing from South Korea, we thought it was a fitting time to hone in on this emerging food trend. From popular Korean dish Bibimbap to the capitals best food haunts, find out why Korean food is the next big food trend.

Soul Food in Seoul

Although Korean food is still something of an anomaly over here, it’s no reflection of the cuisine itself. Take a trip to the South Korean capital of Seoul and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of mouth wateringly good dishes divided into sardine packed streets.

Sample saucy rice cakes in Sindang-dong, otherwise known as the fish and chips of Korea, chow down on cold noodles in Ojang-dong and nibble savoury pancakes in Gongdeok. And don’t forget to take a trip to Namdaemun Market in Seoul where you can try all of the best Korean dishes in one place.

The Rise of Bibimbap

In need of comfort food? Bibimbap is a staple Korean dish and literally translates to “mixed rice”. This is egg fried rice for people who are tired of eating egg fried rice and want something more arresting on their taste buds.

Warm white rice, chilli pepper paste, sautéed vegetables, soy sauce and sliced meat culminate in a fusion of fresh flavours topped off with a sunny side up fried egg. The dish is presented in sections with chopsticks and a spoon and the fun is to “bibim” the contents together until you’ve got a perfect mix. Tasty and nutritious, if you try one Korean dish this year, make it bibimbap.

A Taste of East Asia in London: Koba


Considered by foodies as one of the best Korean restaurants in London, Koba specialise in Korean barbecue fare. This is no ordinary dining experience, the barbecued squid and beef kaibi staple meats are grilled in front of you on a hot plate making you feel like you’re part of a lavish banquet. 

Korean barbecue meat is thinly sliced and marinated in combinations such as pear juice, ginger, garlic and soy sauce allowing for a sweet and sour taste. Served with sumptuous side dishes such as sliced sweet potato, kimchi, fried rice and vegetable bimbibap- you’ll be hooked by the intoxicating smells and unusual flavours. One way ticket to Koba restaraunt, please!

What’s your favourite cuisine? We’d love to find out which dishes tickle your taste buds. Drop us a comment below or tweet us @Nica_Handbags.


Tuesday 17 June 2014

Go Behind the Scenes on Nica's SS 15 Shoot!

If you love being amongst the first to get a sneak peek at our latest collections, then, you’ll love reading our post today. Last week, we began shooting our S/S 15 campaign over at The Worx, in London's Parsons Green. Yes, that’s right, already!


So, if you missed our live behind the scenes last week upon Instagram and Twitter, read on to find out more about our shoot and get a few sneaky peeks of some beautiful bags that we've got in the pipeline. 

  

As the Make Up artist Barrie Griffith worked his magic upon the model, we set up our props, which included lots and lots of tropical plants, - especially cacti - for a very summery feeling shoot. 

We enlisted the help of Bonnie Rakhit of the Style Traveller as to help us style the shoot, and we were aiming for a sophisticated feel, opting for clean lines with stylish clothing brought to life with a colour pop from our gorgeous new bags! 



Can you spot one of our S/S 15 collection blending into the background with Nica Kim below? We’ve got several fresh new prints, all uniquely designed by Nica and inspired by her travels, which we’re sure that you’re going to love! 


The photographer, Caroline Parker did a great job and we can't wait to show you our new collection and campaign! Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until S/S 15 but fear not as you still have our beautiful A/W 14 collection to look forward to before then. 

What are you most looking forward to seeing next summer? Why not drop us a comment below?! 


Friday 13 June 2014

Discover Nica's Favourite Places: Brunch in Richmond

I love to escape the hustle and bustle of London as often as time permits, and in the glorious pre-summer sunshine, there’s nowhere that I’d suggest you visit more than the wonderful Petersham Nurseries in Richmond.


Tucked away, this leafy wonderland is an internationally prized garden centre complete with delicious tea house, and gift shop where you can hunt antiques! 


For me, its botanical arrangements are a great source of inspiration for my designs, or simply the perfect location to gather a moment of calm from my hectic life in London.  


I've shopped many a piece for my own home here, and also the occasional bits and bobs for our campaign shoots too.


If you’re nearby and looking for some place to enjoy the gorgeous weather that we’re having this weekend, then, I highly recommend a visit here. I love to go for wander around here early on a Sunday morning, and then, pop into its café or Italian tearoom for a spot of brunch. Its menus are delightfully seasonal and influenced by yummy British and local produce. 

Where are you and your #NicaHandbags enjoying the sunshine this weekend? Why not send me your #NicaBagSelfie on Twitter or Instagram, - I'd love to see! 

Love Nica, 
- x - 



Wednesday 11 June 2014

Summer Solstice Ideas: How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice in Style

Summer solstice is fast approaching, so, why not celebrate the longest day of the year by attending an overseas festival, worshipping the sun at Stonehenge or throwing a party of your own?


Attend Secret Solstice Festival in Iceland

Visit Reykjavik in winter and you’ll experience complete darkness and bitter cold temperatures, but come summer it’s all light filled days and intense sunshine. This capital city boasts 24 hour sunlight during the summer solstice and the celebration has long been an important tradition amongst the Nordic population.

Taking all this into account, it’s hardly surprising that Iceland have decided to host what looks set to be an outstanding Summer Solstice festival located in the Reyjavik hot spring valley. Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most remarkable geo-thermal hot spots while music legends such as Massive Attack and Disclosure take to the stage.

Variety is the spice of life at Secret Solstice, the festival also offers a theme park, petting zoo, botanical garden and a behemoth swimming pool for adventure seeking revellers. Wowee!



Head to Stonehenge for a 24 Hour Party 


Celebrate with thousands of other sun worshippers this June as Summer Solstice pleasure seekers come together for an all-night party amongst the stones. Why Stonehenge? Well, Stonehenge is a national treasure, it’s one of the world’s most famous heritage sites and the stones are believed to have been erected as early as 3000BC. This is amazing when you consider that the area has retained its authenticity to the present day.

As a historical place of worship and celebration for hundreds of years, this is a sublime setting to mark the longest day of the year. Gather a group of pals, pack your thermals and run to the sun for what will surely be one of the most iconic Summer Solstice gatherings in the UK.

Throw your Own Summer Solstice Party


Want to stay local but still take part in Summer Solstice celebrations? Make the most of the (hopefully) fine weather by throwing your own shindig at home.  Light and sunshine are the main themes surrounding the occasion, so why not host an outdoor feast complete with hanging fairy lights, LED balloons, glow pots, daisies and daffodils? Go mythical with the dress code and opt for ethereal head pieces, dreamy kaftans and pieces which evoke the natural mood of Summer Solstice.

Choose colourful food such as veggie crudités and rainbow salads mixed with substantial meaty goodness for good measure. Bring the sunshine to your front lawn this June.

We hope our summer solstice ideas have given you some food for thought. We’d love to know how you’ll be marking the occasion. Drop us a comment below or tweet us at @Nica_Handbags.


Tuesday 10 June 2014

How To Style the aqua Alicia Satchel with the Victoria's Vintage Blog

If you love a pretty satchel just as much as we do, then, you’re going to love this week’s blogger’s review! We’ve teamed up with the wonderful Victoria’s Vintage blog, who has been styling our beautiful aqua Alicia satchel for summer.



Opting for an oh so pretty summer dress (which is most definitely giving us a dose of print envy) and a pair of wedges, it’s the perfect outfit to embrace the sunshine with!

For those of you who fancy emulating her gorgeous outfit with your very own Alicia satchel, we’ve also teamed up with her on an exciting Twitter competition giving you the chance to win one for yourself. Head over to Victoria’s Vintageto find out more. Or shop your own small Alicia satchel in aqua here!


Where are you taking your satchels this summer? We’d love for you to show us by sharing your photos with us #NicaHandbags on Twitter or Instagram


Saturday 7 June 2014

Blogger Lets Strike A Pose Creates Nica Nail Art

We love seeing how some of our favourite bloggers are styling our latest beautiful #NicaHandbags, and when the fabulous Lets Strike A Pose blog offered to transform Nica’s unique pink tulip watercolour print in the form of nail art, we were beyond excited to see the results!



Using her bag as a guide, several nail varnishes, and a few brushes, she makes re-creating our print upon the nails look like a complete doddle! Check out her video below. 





You can read more about her tutorial here. Why not try it out for yourself and share your photos with us on Twitter or Instagram? We'd love to see your great results. Or if our gorgeous Isla pink tulip crossbody has caught your eye, you can snap up your own right here


Wednesday 4 June 2014

Nica’s S/S 14 Festival Fashion Forecast

Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, festivals are breaking new ground. Secret Island parties in Croatia, forest shindigs in Hampshire, international headline bands gracing British soil, British bands playing Icelandic spring valleys- altogether, the festival scene is thriving.


Rain or shine, home or away, we’ll be seizing the opportunity to road test bold new looks at this year’s festivals. Stay ahead of the curve this S/S 14 by checking out our festival fashion guide. 

This one’s for all the ladies braving Glastonbury. High street collections have finally acknowledged that British festivals and rain go hand in hand and have come up with a sassy solution to all your partying-in-the-rain needs. It’s called the rain mac and will save your carefully chosen OOTD from morphing into drowned rat chic-amazing right?!

Make the days brighter with a flower infused raincoat, achieve a high impact with a metallic mac or let your outfit do the talking with a transparent, clear-plastic style. Rain mac or style saviour?

Accessories are every festival lover’s best friend. Turn up the volume with palma violet floppy hats, sunflower crowns and mint chocolate satchels. Accessories are the easiest way to add a splash of colour to an otherwise understated outfit and when it comes to festivals, more is more.

If you’re still searching for a little somethin’ somethin’ to jazz up your look, go all out with bindis and glitter. You could even add a pair of novelty sunglasses to the mix to really make an impression.



The print revolution has landed. Highlighter yellow sunflower shorts, blood orange florals, speckled wayfarer sunglasses…They’re lively, they’re loud and they’re coming to a festival arena near you. Hold on to your no-colour rule with a flowery twist on the classic LBD or embrace the chance to be daring with clashing prints and accessories.

Whether you opt for neon or Neapolitan prints, matchy-matchy co-ordinates or one key piece, let the colours run by embracing this summer’s most energetic trend. 
For more festival fashion tips follow our blog where we’ll be covering the most up-to-the-minute fashion trends this S/S 14.