You may have to go head-to-head with me if you're interested in this shopper, as I'm thinking about putting a bid in any minute now. But don't let that put you off: there's only two days left to go on this auction, and the 'prize' is a particularly fun and decorative bag from Lulu Guinness' inimitable range.
Being a 'shopper', this bag will be sturdy and strong and eco-friendly too, as you'll be contributing to a reduction in plastic bag use that's already made a huge difference to Britain's waste mountain. Supermarket bags for life are all well and good, but I'm finding that the 'life' span of most is little more than that of the average butterfly. Place a bid today, and get your next shopping trip done in style!
Auction here, starting at £14.99.
If you're looking for something a bit more serious than fun arm candy but can't quite stretch to Hermes and Prada, Oasis are doing quite a good line in business-friendly luggage at the moment. This 'Dita' bag caught the Bag Lady's eye this morning, ticking all the right boxes on style, practicality and cost.
Available in 'tumbled' black or tan faux-leather, it's a great alternative to the sober designer styles that are huge right now. It's roomy and smart, but best of all, it's got a lovely big tassel to show it has a sense of humour, too.
£35 at Oasis
Hermès went in for big business chic and padded thermal style in equal measure for its 2010 runway shows. The season's seemingly essential burnt orange shade made a brief appearance here, too. I think I have to approve: it brightens up what is otherwise a deathly dark and at times, dull, colour palate. I also love the use of perforated leather on the seriously serious, overly-over-sized business Birkin...
The padded versions of Hermès' signature bags were all rather cute, and the sheepskin trim works a treat.
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:
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