The Verity Bag: Whistles Vs Primark

Skinted or Minted this month?

Whatever your budget is, the verity backpack is an essential for us 'practi-fashion' lovers for the mid Winter-Spring wardrobe.


Most of of us have been drooling, yet whimpering at this stunning Mini Verity Bags from Whistles; drooling for its pristine style and worn leather detail, whimpering at the price tag of £180.

If you're struggling still with your post christmas bills (still), I've found this great little compact dupe from Primark.

Mini Verity Backpack, Whistles. £180.

PU zip-front backpack, Primark. £10.

My Verdict:

You can't go wrong with Whistles; the look is so effortless, quality seems impeccable and seems to fit a lot of items thanks to the fold over zip top (from looking at videos and blogs featuring the bag).

However, as the Whistles bag is leather, it is advised not to use in rain to minimise damage; sad reality as this seems like an everyday bag.

However, for a primark bag (I'm quite hesitant in primark bags for their poor quality) its very sturdy, holds plenty of items and looks sophisticated.

While this zip up is a lot more boxy and structured, the design is very chic and has a crisp, neat appearance.  It also is compact, yet still fits my Macbook and everything else all at once.

Primark wins!

High End vs Low End: Eye Shadow Trio

Skinted or Minted? Need a new eye shadow trio this Autumn? It's a toss up between two picks:

Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Focal Point

Price: £22.00

17 Smokey Eye Shadow Trio in Enraged.

Price: £5.49

A few months ago, I dumped the my ol' faithful Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette for the Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio in Focal Point. Not a trio I would normally pick, but it adds warmth to my hazel eyes and cool skin tone; whereas the Naked 2 palette has many cool toned colours.

The lightest shade in the Smashbox trio, Champagne is a great shimmer to place across the lid for your base. Flamingo is a more red toned, burnt orange colour but is very wearable and looks great blended with the darker, matte colour Java across the lash line and crease.

However, I've already reached pan with Champagne and is close to running out, and Flamingo and Java seem to have quite a dent that's slowly heading towards the deadly pan stage too.


 For £22.00 every few months for a trio of eye shadows, it makes me want to invest back into a fully packed out Naked palette. However, I stumbled across this bad boy in Boots- the 17 Eye Shadow Trio in Enraged and it shocked me as to how similar it was to Smashbox's.

It definitely has less red undertones, but I swatched it and the pigment was fantastic; just as good as my Smashbox trio.

 Verdict:

Nothing comes close to the uniqueness of Smashbox's Focal Point trio, especially if you're looking for a wearable burnt orange. However, I think I'll give 17's Trio a go, due to colour, pigment and of course, the price!