If you're looking for a cool, contemporary small-to-medium sized handbag, you could do a lot worse than to check out the current range at Anya Hindmarch. I particularly like this 'Britt' handbag, which is smooth, stylish and so very 'now' without labouring under too many obviously trendy bells and whistles.
In navy leather with a contrasting neutral strap, the bag the perfect shape and size to be worn comfortably under the arm. A definite newcomer to the wish-list!
£350 at Anya Hindmarch
We LOVE a bit of trompe l'oeil around here, and this clever design by Lulu Guinness is just the sort of thing that gets us going. At first glance, it's your generic, padded Chanel-a-like bag (albeit a very cute one).
But look a little closer (you'll have to click on the image to zoom in) and you'll find that the padding is carefully stitched into the shape of Lulu Guinness's signature 'lips' motif. It's such a lovely subtle touch we can't help but approve. The bag is made from 100% patent leather with a smart black-beige fabric stripe on the inside.
£250 at Lulu Guinness
These neat zip-front handbags are new at Jones, and are hitting all the right spots for good quality, wearable and stylish handbags at a reasonable price. They remind me a tiny bit of Mulberry's Somerset range, which is a good thing considering I just failed to win one on Ebay *sob*...
Also available in cherry red, it's a cute, everyday style that will take more than just the essentials. A good choice for anyone who's not quite ready for designer, but doesn't want to buy throwaway tat that will quickly lose its shine. Is that a recommendation? Well I think so!
£55 at Jones
This has got to be one of the oddest accessories we've seen recently, but I'm sure there's somebody out there who could put it to good use as part of a slightly alternative outfit.
The top of the bag reminds me somewhat of an old-fashioned kettle, but that really only adds to its charm. The way the bags clasp is ladybird-shaped to match the two at the front is also alarmingly cute.
Pick one up for £235 at Farfetch
The term 'arm candy' could never be more appropriately applied than when it's used of Helen Rochfort's bags: an assortment of brightly coloured metal framed handbags, decorated with fun and girlie designs. Naturally, we're drawn to the 'Bag Lady' bag, pictured left: it's a double-sided print that spells each word on each side of the handbag. You can pick one up for £65 at Dolly Dagger.
But there are lots more cute styles to choose from, with fun motifs including jammie dodgers, playing cards, fairy tales and more. Ready for your second childhood? The full range is available to view here.
This fabulous mid-range bag from Emporio Armani would make an ideal investment for next season, since it's in a pastel tone that will match up with anything you're likely to find in the shops in a couple of month's time.
The dusky shade of pink is a soft and subtle colour that will really cheer up neutral outfites, and the bow and charm detailing make this a bag to really fall for. The leather is beautifully soft and inside, a yellow lining gives the bag a distinctive daytime flavour.
£379 at Farfetch
If you're still in the market for a quilted, Chanel-style handbag (and I say 'still' because the trend is surely reaching the home straight by now) then Miss Selfridge do a good line in the look with several styles on sale right now.
This bag features an unusual-looking lattice effect and is finished off with a cute, heart-shaped padlock clasp. Best of all, it's currently available for just £10 at Miss Selfridge.
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