Lollipops
It’s hard to find uniqueness in Cyprus especially when it comes to clothes, bags and shoes and that’s why most of us depend on trips to London to renew our wardrobes. But finding treasure-packed boutiques like Crystal Velvet can sometimes make up for missing out on Oxford Street shopping. Here you’ll find the Lollipops range, Parisian glamour combining a mix of vintage and style. Take this gorgeous tan, faux fur leather tote for instance; perfectly sized and perfectly styled, only a couple made their way to Cyprus this season.
Price: €240
Available from Crystal Velvet, Latsia, Nicosia. Tel: 22-486318
Kate Moss for Longchamp
For a long time Kate Moss modeled; now she designs and she has done a very good job with Longchamp. Her second collection of handbags has been very well received with its grown-up and 70s-inspired style through emerald green and red painted totes, clutches, shoulder and travel bags. Seeing as she’s rarely seen wearing anything other than black, brown or grey, it was a surprise when she said she loves a splash of colour but did end up making it look good on this Neo Patch Gloucester that boasts an array of vintage inspired colours. Roomy, it even has a signature Kate Moss for Longchamp leather label inside, if you care.
Price: €1,077
Available from Longchamp boutique in Nicosia. Tel: 22-873510
Uterqüe
There are times when the appearance of a shop or its window can keep you from popping in; the idea of seeing but not being able to buy is more than some people can handle. I say, unless it’s a well-known brand you know for a fact you cannot afford, take a walk around because you just never know what secrets can be revealed. I was beside myself when, after two months of convincing myself Uterque would be too expensive, I discovered the most precious pieces, clothes, shoes and bags, for the most sensible prices. This light-tan leather snake skin envelope tote you can’t help but drool over.
Price: €279
At the Mall of Cyprus
Accesorize
Accessorize’s range can make for an exciting affair; the chic long necklaces, snazzy dangly earrings and bright handbags. But the glitz and style seem to be reserved for areas other than leather bags. Those they do have though are in no way mediocre. This mink leather cross body bag, as in all leather bag cases, will remain a good friend over the years, no matter what the fashion is. It must be noted that we love the colour too simply because it goes with everything!
Price: €54
Joanna Louca
Local handbag designers don’t get any more glamorous than Joanna Louca. This isn’t only due to her fabulous creations but also because her handbags just happen to be adored by the likes of Halle Berry and Eva Longoria; when Hollywood takes notice, it’s all about the glamour. Joanna’s bags have become this popular for a good reason though as she creates woven accessories entirely by hand on domestic handlooms with yarns of the highest caliber. Looking at this shoulder bag with leather and handwoven fabric with a gold clasp, it’s no wonder her reputation has reached New York, Tokyo and London.
Price: €485
Available at 5C, Medontos Street, Nicosia. Tel: 22-452702 or visit www.joannalouca.com
Chanel 2.55
The most coveted piece of fashion ever. And that is not just our personal opinion as history was made when Coco introduced this bag in February 1955 – hence the name 2.55 – and since then has remained one of the most iconic designer bags in the world. The idea behind its creation was that Coco wanted a shoulder bag to free up her hands. With its famous quilting, the 2.55 is based on the quilted coats worn by boys at the race track, as most of Coco’s designs were influenced by her love of horse racing. She used a running stitch, quilting the bag in a diamond or herringbone pattern and introduced pockets inside as well as a secret pocket in the front flap, where it is claimed she hid love letters received from a beau. Made from silk, lambskin, calfskin and available in a number of colours, this bag represents the epitome of style and the ultimate status symbol.
Prices start at €2,450 for small bag
Available from Tiffany boutique in Nicosia. Tel: 22-374070
Topshop
One of the best high street stores around even though, if we’re honest, not the cheapest, especially here in Cyprus. But despite this you can find basic and bang on trend pieces including the very best from the accessories and handbag range. Fans drooled over this leather piped detail satchel when it first hit the stores and then went absolutely gaga when they discovered it is available in Cyprus. 100 per cent leather, 100 per cent style.
Price: €55
