Get Ready for Summer with Nica!

Calling all bloggers! Bag yourself a £100 Nica voucher with our S/S 14 competition. Post your favourite summer snap to be in with a chance of winning. 

All you need to do is follow these 3 steps:

Step 1:  Publish a blog post describing your favourite summer memory with an accompanying photo. From the festival arena to the Adriatic Sea, it could be a snap of you and your BFF on holiday, or even a picnic with a loved one in the park. See examples below:

Step 2: Let us know your go-to summer handbag by selecting your favourite style from the options below and posting a link to the page within your blog post.

• Shoulder Bags
• Crossbody Bags
• Satchels
• Grab Bags
• Totes & Shoppers
• Backpacks
• Holdalls

Step 3: Finally, once you've published the blog post tweet us the link @Nica_Handbags with the hashtag #NicaSummerComp.

We’ll also feature the lucky winner right here on Nicas Notebook! 

Good Luck!

Art's Not Dead: Best Photography Exhibitions and Galleries

Are you looking for a culture fix this summer? London might just have a few treats in store for you. Head to the city for a day trip or if you really want to push the boat out, stay in the city for the whole weekend.

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Our Christine Weekender in a gorgeous pink tulip print is the perfect accessory to accomplice you on your weekend away. Not only is it pretty, it’s practical too. Travel to London in style and feel fashion-forward this summer. Before you get packing, however, you'll need to plan where to go. Read on to learn more about the city’s best current and upcoming photography shows. These exhibitions are perfect for that much-needed culture hit.   

Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album 

Royal Academy of Arts: Burlington House, Picadilly, W1J 0BD 

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The free spirited Dennis Hopper lived to make some classic films including the 1969 hit ‘Easy Rider’. As well as being a remarkable actor, he was also an extremely talented photographer.

In the ’60s, Hopper took around 18,000 photos within just a few years. Although he moved on to painting and sculpture, Hopper left behind a considerable photographic legacy. At the Royal Academy of Arts this year, from the 26^th June -19^th October, you can view the collection of photographs which were unveiled once in 1970 and then recovered in 2010 after Hopper’s death. ‘Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album’ is one for the diary this summer.

Danny Lyon: The Bikeriders
ATLAS Gallery, 49 Dorset Street, London, W1U 7NF

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Here at Nica, we’re a lover of bikes, hence our little bicycle slogan which has made an appearance on some of our bags, including the Christine Weekender. And who hasn't got a biker inspired leather jacket inside their wardrobes?! 

From 19^th June – 16^th August 2014, you’ll be able to gain an insight into the biker culture of the ‘60s at London’s ATLAS Gallery.  ‘The Bikeriders’ is modern photojournalism that was been captured by Danny Lyon between 1963 and 1967 when the self-taught American photographer engrossed himself into the lives and culture of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club.  For the first time in the UK, you’ll be able to take a look at 40 of the modern prints from ‘The Bikeriders’ extraordinary series. Celebrate Lyon’s photography by heading to the ATLAS Gallery this summer.

Which exhibitions will you be heading to this summer? Drop us a comment below or tweet us @Nica_Handbags to let us know what you enjoyed most! 

How To Style the Lauren Grab with the So On Trend Blog

Wondering how to incorporate a classic into a colourful summer time look? Look towards the lovely So On Trend Blog who has been showing us how to style our beautiful black Lauren grab alongside a colour pop! 

You can carry as a stylish grab with its single handles or pop on its detachable crossbody strap to increase your different outfit options. How will you be carrying yours? 

   

Why not share how your styling your own #NicaHandbags with us @Nica_Handbags on Twitter or @nicahandbags on Instagram. 

Summer Trend Report: What’s Hot for Summer 2014?

Whilst we loved spring’s pretty pastels, boxy jackets and wide-leg trousers, (not forgetting the delicious Easter eggs in between) it’s time to wish this season farewell and say hello to summer instead. Embrace hot summer fashion trends and of course, those tempting cocktails, and you’ll no doubt ooze with style.  So, what’s sizzling for summer 2014? Read on to find out.

 

 Monochrome Mismatch

Image Sources: Clockwise – Bag,  Dress, Watch, Earrings, Phone Cover

Black and white is back, but with a fresh and modern twist. This season it’s all about dressing top-to-toe in this trend and accessorising with a pop of colour. Let the monochrome work its magic and simply add a statement pair of shoes or eye-catching bag to brighten up the look – it is summer after all. We’re huge fans of our Paige Shoulder available in black, raspberry, tan and taupe. If you fancy continuing the two-tone trend, opt for black but if you’re pining for a bold hit of colour, reach for raspberry.

This want-right-now bag is perfect for slinging over your shoulder for work. Why? It’s perfect for fitting all your office essentials: iPhone, small cosmetic bag, reusable water bottle, and weekly planner. That’s right, this beauty holds up to size A4, making it extremely practical without being bulky. With plenty of pockets, nothing will go missing in our trusty Paige Shoulder.

Floral Fusion

Image Sources: Clockwise – Earrings, Jumpsuit, Bag, Hat

It’s no surprise that floral prints are trending yet again for summer. Flower power has been in full bloom for quite some time, but this season it’s all about dressing in an explosion of floral prints. Like with monochrome, this pretty print looks its best when worn all over – even accessories. Why? Feminine floral prints don’t need brightening up, so incorporate this pattern into your entire wardrobe this season.

Are you planning to go away for the weekend this summer? What better way to feature this seasonal trend into your wardrobe than with our Grace Print Weekender in Ornate Decorate Print. This attractive holdall even comes with a detachable purse so that you won’t lose those small but much-needed knick knacks whilst you’re travelling. Pack away your things in this chic bag and escape on a mini break in style. With numerous pockets, this bag makes for a perfect getaway accessory.
 
Which trend are you going to flaunt this summer? Perhaps you’ll treat yourself and embrace both. Tweet us @Nica_Handbags with a snap of your favourite floral arm candy for summer or a selfie of your monochrome and colour-popping ensemble. Take a look at the rest of our latest collection at www.nica.co.uk for more up-to-the-minute bags.

Nica's Design Inspirations: The Pheobe Collection

Have you spotted my beautiful new Pheobe collection yet? The crossbody is a great go to for summer, especially in the mustard and raspberry hues. It’s definitely one of my favourite new pieces that I’ll also be carrying forward into winter too, so, I thought that I’d share its design inspirations with you. 

So, let me start with its cute hardware first of all. Those of you who love Nica Handbags will know that I like to mix up my designs with unexpected hardware, and this time, I've channelled my love for the French artist and accessories maker Lea Stein. She's often referred to as the most notable and innovative designer of plastic jewellery of the 20^th century, and her art deco jewellery has covered everything from cats and dogs to household items.

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I opted for some foxy hardware, looking through a plenitude of playful fox illustrations for inspiration until I developed my cute little Nica fox, who infuses the classic crossbody with the perfect whimsical twist. 

For the shape of the bag, I looked back at retro flight bags for inspiration, particularly those with whimsical illustrations upon until I re-worked its shape into a crossbody style, and added a bit of interest with a quilt effect finish. 

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What do you think of the new Pheobe crossbody? What hardware are you hoping to see spring up next season? Why not drop us a comment, and let us know below!