This is an exceptionally cute shoulder bag from the rarely disappointing Limited Collection range at M&S. I've slung it over my own shoulders and was satisfied that despite being relatively 'mini', this bag would hold more than the essentials and looks great too. It would definitely prompt a few 'you got that where!? moments.
The leather is on the harder side and feels extremely robust, and being a dark tan shade, would work well for you in almost any season. Is your finger hovering over the 'purchase now' button yet? I know mine would be if I hadn't just gone and bought my second pair of stretchy boots from the same source!
Related: http://www.thebaglady.tv/2009/09/bag_cousins_ms.html | Autograph cross-body leather bag at M&S
If you're looking for something a bit special on a budget, River Island (or should that be Chelsea Girl!?) have some real treats for you in store at the moment. Their bags and accesssories are really outperforming their clothing ranges, with real bargains to be had.
Take this tassel and stud decorated going-out bag. It's a swishy, subtly sparkly evening accessory in a very fashionable colour-palate for autumn and winter.
£24.99 at River Island
Related: River Island's brown check corsage bag is perfect for autumn | River Island's olive faux snake bag
Very has only been open for a matter of weeks, but they're already having a fairly respectable looking sale on the site. Here's you'll find accessories that started off cheap and have got even cheaper; all of which are brand new styles that you can be sure are hot off the fashion press.
I like this fringed, electric blue bag in particular, with its raffia-like strips. It's a gorgeous, vivid shade and will give a new swing to your outfit, whether it's day or evening. It's available in black too, but this colour has really won me over. From Very's own brand, it's a steal at £17.50
Related: Bargain Tuesday: Peacocks' woven tassel bag | Dorothy Perkins' black and red tassel bags
I'd never have guessed that this tan leather cross-body bag was from Marks and Spencers, or that it was only a week old - it looks like a much-loved accessory from times past. But its owner informed me that that's where it came from, providing me with further proof that M&S are a great high street bolthole for bags at the moment. I think it looks great as part of this casual combo, and is a lovely reddy shade that'll look great for the autumn palate.
Like it? It's from the store's Autograph range and costs £55
Related: Bag Cousins? M&S Limited Collection grosgrain bag and Lanvin 'Happy'
There's something almost friendly-looking about these fun drawstring leather bags from Dotty P's, with their two oversized tassels hanging down like plaits. Each bag is decorated with studs for extra seasonal style points and love the way they've arranged the alternate shapes.
Considering these bags are 100% leather and so utterly on trend, the price is fantastic even for the high street. You could take a bag like this anywhere and it's roomy too - all of which is why it's going straight on to my wishlist. The black one, I think. Or maybe the red...Oh! Which one would you make friends with first?
£35 at Dorothy Perkins
Related: High street Pick of the Week: Redherring quilted bag | High Street Pick of the Week: Karen Millen's washed leather bow sling
I've spotted this delightful heart-shaped box clutch in a few of the central London branches of French Connection, although it doesn't seem to be listed on their website yet. I love the crystal clasp and the super shiny outer shell.
Priced at £40 it's a neat step between the more plasticky cheap copies of the season's biggest small accessory trend, but an affordable alternative to the miniature works of art by Bottega Veneta, Oscar de la Renta et. al. Wear it with an evening dress for to add an eye-popping centrepiece to your look.
Related: Trend Alert: box clutches | Matthew Williamson's 'Dark Escape' box clutch
Oh look - it's another quilted bag - this time from Bag Lady budget favourite Redherring. There maybe hundreds of these styles in circulation at the moment, but we're not bored with them yet because the classic style cn be fashioned in so many new and inventive ways - and it looks good with almost anything. This one's quite possibly the best I've seen so far: it's a beautifully simple shape with just a little chain detailing and it's a steal at just £25 from Debenhams.
For a pick of the best (whisper it) Chanel-inspired bags currently available on the high street, check out OSOYou's quilted bag gallery. It's got more padding than an ikea duvet!
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