After the Happy went stellar, I had started to think that Lanvin were going just a little bit overboard with the taffeta motifs, jolly good fun as they were for a while. And this latest offering has done little to allay my fears...
Can you imagine trying to navigate around those pom-poms to locate a lost travelcard or set of keys? It's bad enough being a hoarder as it is without the design of a handbag making it impossible to see what you're doing. A bit less fuss and frou-frou would be welcome next time - but if you like it, your opportunity to spend over a grand on it can be found here.
Neutrals are going to be the very thing in the springtime, so imagining that the pale blue background to these images is a gentle, cloudless sky, let's look at how one of the big handbag icons is embracing this far-from-boring trend.
The gorgeous Saffiano print roll bag is a summery take on one of Prada's classic styles, with a light and scribbly pattern reminiscent of Lanvin's recent styles. It's more than a little William Morris, which gets and extra big thumbs up from the Bag Lady. Next up is the chic and simple pebbled leather pushlock tote, in a peachy shade that's pure subtle style.
At $1,350, the Saffiano Fori Tote looks a bit like the most expensive shopping bag I've ever seen, but its baskety styling really does embrace the Zeitgeist this spring. The super-soft Canapa Tote could not be more different with its super soft leather, but it's every bit as timely.
Maybe you can't afford a Prada bag any more than I can - but it's good to see how neutrals can be beautiful.
Mulberry aren't renowned for slashing their prices, but the sale currently under way over at their website is well worth a look if you're a fan of the brand who can't quite stretch to full price.
In particular, this Small Mabel handbag in fuchsia caught my eye: it's a classic style in a colour I happen to love - and the price has been cut from £395 to £197 - a really worthwhile saving. It's unmistakably Mulberry, just about large enough to use as an everyday handbag and cheaper than pretty much anything else in the current range (barring perhaps notebooks and keyrings!) Tempted?
£197 at Mulberry
Yup, it's another yellow bag. Can you handle it? Not that it actually has a handle as such, as this very chic new style from Stella McCartney is a traditional clutch bag, with only a small gold chain attached for decoration.
My favourite element of this bag - apart from the fact of it being the second super-stylish veggie leather bag I've been able to feature today - is the beautifully scalloped texture on the fabric, which would make it an absolute joy to hold. Its TARDIS-like interior would comfortably house a little more than just the essentials, making this a perfect spring/summer bag, ready to be taken anywhere.
£345 at Net-a-Porter
Related: Stella McCartney gold-tone palm jewellery | Stella McCartney patent clutch with eyelets | Trend Alert: yellow bags
Bottega Veneta has been one of the most coveted names of 2009, responsible for the most beautiful box clutches, the most luxurious materials and some of the most jaw-droppingly expensive items available on the market. So all eyes are firmly fixed on what the label will Do Next.
A bit of a departure for the specialists in all things dinky and delightful, this large-sized leather tote is completely covered in that 80s-chic fabirc of choice, Houndstooth. I like the way the usual monochrome effect is offset a little with the pale lemon yellow background. Springlike style is on its way!
£1,520 at Net-a-Porter
Related: Bottega Veneta in Trend Alert: Box Clutches | Bottega Veneta woven leather cosmetic bag
Not since Sex and the City has a TV series prompted so much shoe and bag lust as Gossip Girl and the latest arm candy to leap from our screens and into our hearts is the Yves Saint Laurent 'Roady' bag, pictured above.
The classic hobo makes its debut in episode 12 of season 3, to the awe and wonderment of the show's main characters - and it's been having a similar effect on audiences in the States ever since. Kylie Minogue, Mary-Kate Olsen and Rihanna are also big fans of the bag, and have all been spotted wearing it in recent weeks. Rendered in black, the bag is timeless chic, for everyday or evening wear.
Want it? Prices start at £735 depending on fabric choice at Yves Saint Laurent
We can't decide whether this is quite the most over-the-top school satchel we've ever seen, or a triumph of handbag design. Either way it's got our attention, which is a sure sign that a bag will soon be eligible for cult classic status.
Proenza Schouler's latest version of the much-hyped PS1 really plays up its features and contrasts, but replacing the original all-over black version with a neutral and black combination - and that contrast is what really gives it its 'schoolbag' charm. The chain adds a sophistication that will quickly send you to the top of the class That is, if you can afford the $1,595 price tag at Barneys...
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