This 'bow sling' handbag from Karen Millen has got to be one of the neatest mid-range bags I've seen for the new season yet: it's got the slouchy-smart balance absolutely spot-on, has a subtly contrasting colour scheme and looks like it would go with almost any outfit you might throw on in the next six months.
I've never been too fussed about Karen Millen's celebrated frocks, but I think the brand has annihilated most of its high street competitors with its shoes and accessories in recent years. Prices are more realistic here too: this bag is £180 at Karen Millen.
Related: Yay or nay: Zebra tassel bag from Karen Millen | Pink leather buckle bag from Karen Millen
Electric blue is the only colour you really need to be seen in this coming season; besides that you can get by in black, white and silver. And River Island has dutifully responded with this rather lovely chain-strap handbag with shades of blue contrasted against red faux-snake panelling.
There's a hint of hippy here, tempered with an elegance that could add interest and style to any outfit you might throw on this Autumn. Can you believe this is really from the shop that until recently brought us endless racks of glittery denim doom? Believe it! £44.99 at River Island
Related: Topshop blue tassel bag
Snakeskin is in, along with crocodile, lizard and anything else that looks like it came from a reptile's back. This bag isn't really from a snake of course: it's from River Island. But it does capture the sophisticated look associated with exotic skins, and it manages to do so without doing harm to your wallet or indeed any crawly animals. Hurrah!
As well as its faux-snake panelling, the bag is bordered with a tasteful combination of olive and black sections, offset by a sunny gold chain. It's a neat shape and size that would be great for work days and the whole things yours for £29.99 at River Island
Related: Topshop snakeskin and patent interlock belt | Vintage chainmail bag from River Island
It may only be July, but I was always one of those odd kids who looked forward to going back to school as soon as the holidays began - not because I was unusually studious, but because I enjoyed buying all the new equipment so much! When else as a child, do you get to have new shoes and a new bag bought for you?
A bit of that nostalgia must be hitting me today because I'm loving this cross-body 'schoolgirl' bag from Accessorize. Aside from its more grown-up phone compartment, it's everything I would have wanted in a schoolbag, and now I want to stash one away in my wardrobe until I can debut it in September. Available at the pocket money-friendly price of £20 at Accessorize
Related: Pink quilt mini circular bag for the school disco | Back to school (eventually) with Paperchase messenger bags
The Beth Ditto at Evans collection was launched to press this morning and while I couldn't go along myself, unfortunately, I had my accessory spy (otherwise known as Catwalk Queen's ed Isabelle) check out the bags for me.
One of the styles launching with the rest of the collection on July 9, is this black suede studded moon bag which lucky Iso scored in, well, as her goodie bag (and you can't see here, but peek inside and you'll find a nifty dice print lining). There is also apparently a black patent leather grab bag on offer with a white lip-shaped cutout acting as the handle. So looking forward to seeing this one in the flesh!
Square seems to be the watchword with Nine West this collection, with blocky, almost schoolbook style bags in a range of colours. They really capture the feel of the new season in their muted shades of lime and lemon, set off with a brilliant blue. This almost uniform style even has added buckle and strap detail, to make these satchel style purses very desirable ad chic, think Gossip Girls gone bad. To contrast this there are some nice unstructured handbags for those who prefer a more grown up look.
Related: Clear flap bag from Nine West
Who doesn't love a little clutch bag? We may not get these babies in time for summer, but they'll be perfect when the winter party season drifts round again. I particularly like the one with the bow, it's oh so sweet! You'll be able to get these from September at New Look.
Related: Shiny Fashion Preview: New Look Large Bags A/W 08
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