If you asked me to name one bag label that's towering above the reat just now I'd answer 'Belen Echandia' without a moment's hesitation.
Jackie Cawthra's designs are just so focused on what today's women want that her bags will be your best friend for life, from the moment you settle on a style. This is no easy task of course, because all bags in the range has so much going for them, but my top pick for AW 09 has to be the 'Make me Smile' midi handbag in chocolate crash gold (£475). But if you don't see anything to suit your needs here, you can always used Cawthra's bespoke service to create your dream bag! This is true investment arm-candy.
Related: Belen Echandia's 'Hold Me' bags. How could you choose? | Funky 'Clutch Me' clutches from Belen Echandia
The word 'dream' here was evoked by my initial yelp of glee when I saw this bag flash up on my screen, followed by one of horror when I looked at the price.
Lindsay Lohan's favourite luggage label doesn't come cheap, but if you've got a spare grand to throw at a bag, why not make it a fuschsia python holdall with exquisite, silver-toned leather on its beautifully sculpted straps? That price tag, if you've been guessing, is £1280,00. Boo and (appropriately enough!) Hiss.
Related: Pauric Sweeney's patent leather bag | Pauric Sweeney red patent punk bag
If you managed to catch Zara's post earlier this week about our shopping expedition to Bicester Village, then no doubt you've already been given a taster for all the exciting brands that are on offer at ridiculously reduced prices. The first stores I was confronted with and got particularly excited about were the Joseph outlet and Alexander McQueen. But turn the corner and there in front of me was Luella! Dior! Mulberry! Matthew Williamson! Aaah, where to begin?
I somehow managed to limit my favourites to five, which you can see by viewing my little gallery. Price details are also included.
Click the image below to view the gallery.
Last week I was lucky enough to finally get to Bicester Village - the designer outlet of my dreams that's nestled just off the M40 in Oxford. It's full of cut price designer clobber and has every store you could possibly want, from Marni to Valentino to D&G. The high end high street is also represented and I was uber tempted by some Karen Millen shift dresses, but seeing as this is the Bag Lady, I'm showing you my top five favourite designer bags of my dreams! I think I'll be going back...
Click the image below to start the gallery!
On Monday I wrote about the wonderful surprise that greeted me on my desk at Shiny Towers first thing in the morning. Sitting on my desk was a big box containing a Mulberry Bayswater and a Balenciaga City.
The bags are a trial from Handbaghire HQ which is one of a growing number of websites which actually hires out high end designer totes. As designer prices continue to rise I think this is a great idea, particularly for special occasions. I have been using a red Balenciaga city bag (pictured). Aside from the fact that I have to guard it with my life and treat every member of the public as a potential mugger I really like it!
It's a great sized tote and has a couple of useful pockets for phone/oyster card etc. It's made of high quality leather that feels very soft. This is one of the more expensive bags to hire costing £30 a week, however you can get a Gucci bag from as little as £10 a week.
Oooh I do love a doctors bag, especially one as lovely as this! All crinkly brown leather and gold touches, the 'Brown Stargate' is by Bing Bang, a 2007 CFDA-nominated jewelry brand popular with celebs like super model Gisele Bundchen. Now designer Anna Sheffield has turnt her talents to handbags and amongst them is this super lux number, trimmed with black luxury leather with additional leather trimmed pockets inside. Available at online boutique Jake, it's an eye watering $690, though I've got some money saved up to get me there...anyone able to lend me $680?
Kate Moss helps design Longchamp 'Legend' tote | Floral print holdall from Topshop | Salvatore Ferragamo 'Gancio' Satchel
Most people have a designer bag brand of choice, be it Gucci, Fendi, or Marc Jacobs. Sometimes, the prices of these designer bags keep them out of our reach. However, if the bags that you covet most are Chloe, then next week is your lucky week. Koodos.com are hosting a sale of Spring/Summer'07 Chloe goodies at up to 50% off! You have to register to take part, so you better hurry, as it is limited availability. You never know, the Paddington, Paddington baby or Edith (all pictured above) may just end up in your hands!
Related: Chloe's 'Silverado' python wallet | Chloe logo charm keychain | More Chloe bags
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