Nica's Pastimes: Discover Belka Production's Sunstroke Play

This week, I went along to Central St Martins College to watch a play by Belka Productions called Sunstroke, which is inspired by Anton Chekhov's 'The Lady With The Dog' and Ivan Bunin's Sunstroke. Two of the great masters of Russian literature! 

It's a real thought provoking play exploring the bitter-sweet nature of love outside of marriage, and is definitely worth a visit. Especially if you also love to watch dance performances, as spectators are treated to traditional Japanese dancing in between scenes, which is also used as to further express the emotions of the characters. It's running from 28 August until 21 Sep, so, you still have time to book your tickets here.

I loved its inspiring set too! It's layout was innovative with the seating purposely positioned around it, adding to the effect that you really were sat amidst the Russian Riviera, which was the love story's setting. The sand filled stage and bright lighting further added to this holiday feeling. Here's a sneak peek of it before the play started as to help you to see exactly what I mean! 

Can you recommend any plays that you've seen lately? 

Love,

Nica Kim 

Xxx 

Find out What Team Nica Did at Bestival 2013

The Isle of Wight based Bestival is one of team Nica’s favourite festivals of the summer, so, of course, we had to drop by over the past few days! And as they celebrated their 10th anniversary, they really did push the boat out with a nautical inspired theme. Just look at their grand HMS Bestival below!

And so, although we were surrounded by a plethora of pirates and mermaids, opting for classic festival chic style was still acceptable. We chose the compulsory wellies with sunglasses, and teamed it with our classic Alicia satchel, - which also just so happened to be the perfect size for storing all of our little festival essentials!

Festival fashion and funny fancy dress costumes aside, Bestival's decorations also didn't fail to disappoint. Obviously the DJ set filled HMS Bestival was the focal point, but there were also plenty of quirky treats just like below!

There was a great mix of artists this year too, which included a great performance by Chic, and Elton John, who closed the festival. But Bestival isn't just about the music and fancy costumes, there are also other attractions and activities taking place throughout. We loved the the Amphitheatre performance stage in the Ambient Forest, and watched an array of different performances from theatre through to sketch comedy.

Image Source

Did you go along to Bestival? We'd love to see your festival fashion choices. Share your photos with us by tagging your pics on twitter with @Nica_Handbags or on Instagram @NicaHandbags. 

Love the Nica Team 

x x x 

Discover What's Inside My Travel Bag: Blogger Lily Kitten

If you always find yourself struggling to track down a travel bag that’s as equally pretty as it is practical, then, look no further than our pink tulip print weekender handbag! Leading Blogger Lily Kitten recently took the piece on holiday with her to Rome, and proved exactly how fashionable yet practical it is.

All Images Sources: Lily Kitten 

It’s finished in a beautiful botanical print that’ll easily sit pretty with the rest of your wardrobe, and it’s also just the right size to fit in all of your travel essentials. Lily thinks that its material not only makes it pretty, but pretty handy for taking on a plane!' It’s the perfect travel companion! And if you're inspired by our print, why not enter our contest and design your own? The winning print will be turned into a satchel, you can head over to our site to find out more information www.nica.co.uk/events. 

So, what are Lily Kitten's travel bag essentials? She explained that her beauty musts are sun cream, lip balm, face wipes and, of course, a whole host of mini hygiene essentials (just in case her main suitcase doesn't show up on the conveyor belt!), which includes moisturiser, and Moroccan oil shampoo and conditioner. And like a true fashionista she completes her packing with a pair of sandals and sunglasses. 

Have you seen the cute matching pouch that comes complete with our weekender bag? Lily explained, 'It's just the right size for popping in your passport, boarding pass, and business cards of taxi companies and such alike - that way, at least if things get lost they will all turn up in the same place together!' Check out her full review here. 

If you've still got a last minute getaway booked, we'd love to see what's inside your travel bag. Take a snap and show us by tagging your pics on twitter with @Nica_Handbags or on Instagram @NicaHandbags. 

Love the Nica Team 

x x x 

Discover the Inspiration behind Nica's Handbag Charms

I always try to create designs that are fun and playful, and that's right down to its intricate detailing. Which part of our designs do you like the most? Today, I was reminiscing about the first time that I ever created a Nica charm...

It's crazy to think that I've been designing special charms for my Nica handbags for almost six years now. Time really does fly by! Whether it be a handbag or charm, everything that I design is always heavily influenced by nature, and I often derive my inspiration from London's enchanting parks and gardens, which are filled with beautiful plants and flowers. 

I am also incredibly influenced by the botanically infused motifs upon vintage prints, and I just love their feminine, elegant, and timeless qualities. Intricate floral and butterfly detailing are amongst my favourites, and you can clearly see that these influence the creation of my charms. 

Charms are usually linked with bracelets, and long been associated with good luck, prosperity, hopes and dreams, passions, love, friendship, and health. I also recently heard that it was Queen Victoria's love for charm bracelets that made them so popular during the 19th Century!

Image Source: (left) Queen Victoria, (right) Bracelet charm 

        

These days however, charms usually feature upon bags as to express your own individuality. Nica's charms also inject a more exuberant and flamboyant feel, and are the perfect way to express yourself. 

What has been your favourite Nica charm so far? I hope that you love the designs from my next collection just as much! Here's a sneak peak!

And remember, if you love the creative elements of my handbags, why not have a go at creating your own Nica print by entering into our contest. The winning print will be transformed into one of our satchels!! Head to http://www.nica.co.uk/events for more information. 

Good Luck!!

Nica Kim 

x x x 

How To Style: The Natural Tulip Print with Blogger A Daisy Chain Dream

It’s all too easily misconceived that printed pieces are difficult to incorporate into an outfit, and therefore, restrict your stylistic choices. BUT we beg to differ!! There’s nothing more versatile than a good print, and here at Nica, we’re renowned for it!

We currently have a beautiful range of pretty floral patterns to choose from, and in a plethora of functional styles, from trendy satchels right through to convenient weekend bags. So, using the Nica Play natural tulip print crossbody, we’ve enlisted the help of the Blogger behind A Daisy Chain Dream in order to show you just how easy it is to add a dash of print into your wardrobe!

For Work

Below left, she teams the crossbody with a classic grey skirt, a pair of wedges, and a kitsch bird patterned blouse, as to create a pretty look that’s perfectly fitting for the office. She explained that as the bag is decorated with neutral colours, 'it pretty much goes with everything,’ and even proved that this is the perfect type of print as to follow the pattern clashing trend.

    

For Play

Above right, she proves just how easy it is to take the printed bag from a formal situation back to a completely relaxed one, by teaming it with laid-back jeans, a t-shirt, and a pair of flats. Check out A Daisy Chain Dream's full review on her blog here. 

Why not try it out for yourself, and see just how many different combinations you can incorporate your print handbag into. And remember, you can always Show us by tagging your pics on twitter with @Nica_Handbags or instagram @NicaHandbags.

We’ll even re-tweet our favourites!