I’ve been so excited to be part of a wonderful collaboration between Village England & This is Your Kingdom and, with the launch of the gorgeous new TIYK site (have you seen it yet?), to finally introduce to you (what’s currently known as) The Bainton saddle bag…

The Bainton is part of Village England’s A/W2015 collection, and they are offering you the chance to name this style & win one of your very own, how cool is that?!…more on that shortly, but first…
Along with other members of the TIYK team, I was asked to roadtest the newest addition to an already beautiful collection, so I took the opportunity to do something I don’t do enough; to take a couple of hours out & go wander through my village (or technically, town) of Arundel…
I managed to pick a glorious sunny day earlier in May, and with no specific plan, I thoroughly enjoyed myself…picking out peonies at Frog & Princess; daydreaming over floral display at Lavender House & Garden; eyeing homewares at Rare Rabbit; discovering beautiful antiques at French Loft; selecting fresh bread & produce for supper from Pallant’s; and meandering down under the castle to walk by the river before heading home…I must do that more often.
I haven’t had a ‘smart’ bag for some time now, but this one is perfect – casual with a touch of luxury: not too big or too small – and with the wider bottom, I could comfortably fit in my camera, as well as purse, phone & keys, with room to move (read “add necessary gumph whilst out with Boo – notepad, pens & collected items as standard“!)

The logo’d details show an attention to detail, and the gorgeous natural grain leather is soft to the touch, but sturdy enough to take everyday use and age with grace. I love the idea that each bag is named after an English village, and I think Arundel would suit this contemporary country style right down to the ground, but what would you name it?

For your chance to name & win a saddle bag of your own, simply hop by This is Your Kingdom and enter your details, along with which English village you would name this style after & why. Good Luck x

(COMPETITION NOW CLOSED)