I think it's rather brave of Nine West to actually call and orange bag an orange bag here, and not try to label it as 'coral' or anything similarly sheepish. Orange, after all, is a bit colour this season, and next, according to Marc Jacobs. It sits slightly oddly with all the neutrals and dark colours that are dominating both seasons' collections, but somehow the contrast seems to work.
This patent clutch bag from Nine West is proud to be orange, and will add a welcome splash of colour to your look. It's also just shot down in price from £50 to just £35 at Nine West
If you thought this Louis Vuitton collection looked a little different from LV's usual style, there's a good reason for that: it's been designed by none other than Marc Jacobs.
Featuring MJ's a hint of signature utilitarian style and some truly fabulous brocade fabrics, the range works beautifully alongside LV's established motifs. There are some seriously desirable pieces here which, according to Jacobs' wishes, will appeal to women of all ages. We love the laptop-shape top handle bags, which combine functionality and style just beautifully.
There comes a time when we need a bag that's just great at doing all those traditional bag tasks, like carrying heavy stuff, keeping things protected from the elements and lightening the load on excursions. But if you want something that does all those things but looks fun and funky too, I'd have to recommend this tote from La Vie Devant Soie, which is practicality and style all rolled into one.
What I love about the design on this bag is the way it reminds me of an outdoor swimming pool sparkling in the sunshine. The 'mosaic' look is one that lots of designers are playing with at the moment. And did I mention that this one's made from raw silk eco-friendly too? Win!
£49 at Ascension
Bottega Veneta always do texture particularly well, and their big-weave spring and summer collection really set the tone for many designers this year. Great to see they're still leading by example in the autumn/winter range, which is full of tactile delights. We're also loving the colour palate used here, which is predominantly dark, but includes some opulent splashes of colour, as in the leaf-green tote (above left).
Spiky edging in many of the accessories gives the whole range a fairly reptilian look, giving a harder edge to the woven styling that's still in evidence on some of the pieces. As ever, BV have an adorable range of clutches, including this extraordinary 'beetle' bag:
Here's a lovely large-sized slouchy hobo bag from Ted Baker, practical - and practically perfect in every way!
Made up in two of the season's hottest colours, coral and tan, the bag would make a great right-now buy. The attached purse not only looks great but is a really handy feature, which you'll quickly get used to. There's also a fabulous mock-croc effect on the coral leather, which creates a lovely contrast.
£189 at ASOS
It's not getting any cheerier out there. Which for some of us provides a great excuse to go and seek out brightness and colour elsewhere - in this case, in the shape of fun, high street accessories.
Marks and Sparks' Limited Collection polka-dot clutch is like a holiday in your hand. Even the dullest winter outfits will look fun and jolly with one of these to set it off. It's also a winner if you're going to Popeye it up next season, which many will certainly be doing. Best of all, it's around the same price as one of their higher-end bottles of wine...
£15 at Marks & Spencer
Vivienne Westwood has never been one to shy away from a little colour, but her latest collection of bags, purses and other accessories is bright, bold and beautiful - even by her usual lofty standards.
The Yasmin 'Rising Orb' tote in red is unmistakably Dame Viv, but it has a cartoonish feel to it that we've not seen her experiment with before. It's playful and fun, and bound to raise a smile.
£250 at My-Wardrobe
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