I was always a fan of small, zip-around purses - but then I got my trusty Mulberry Somerset continental-style wallet, and I wouldn't look back. It can be a pain to fit into small clutch bags, but that's what spare coin purses are for, n'est-ce pas?
If you don't want to do too much damage your existing wallet by replacing it with a designer one, there are plenty of chic, ultra-long purses on the high street, so I've picked out a few of my favourites today. Above, is Diesel's striped metallic wallet, £48 at ASOS. I love the subtle metallic sheen on the stripes. Below is Mango's fabulous studded wallet: £20 also at ASOS
Now spring has - er - stirred from its slumber and started to gradually uncoil, it's time to jettison those dark, serious accessories and celebrate the lightness and brightness we're all hoping for. That includes your purse, and Dorothy Perkins is, as ever, a great place for finding affordable accessories to match your mood.
The current range of long, padded pursed (with trendy tassel) are an ideal wardrobe-freshener, available in such lovely pastel shades as mint and pale mink.
£10 at Dorothy Perkins
Sure, this purse is 'different'. But it caught my eye while I was amusing myself browsing Orla Kiely goodies on Ebay this weekend. I really admire Kiely's bold use of colour, and it's this sort of item that makes her work so unmistakable.
I wouldn't buy this wallet myself, as I don't drive and would soon become sick of people asking me why I've got cars on my purse when I don't own one. But I do think it's a neat design, which is why I'm throwing it out to potential bidders here! I particularly love the little travel-pass window in the back:
Ebay ad is here, with no current bids and a starting price of £10.
Most bag ladies I know would be delighted at receiving any Mulberry gift this Valentines, but I've gotta admit that this one would really knock my socks off.
'Hayden' is a classic, rounded zip-around purse with a subtle vintage rodeo-style embroidery pattern and the word 'LOVE' emblazoned on the back. It's made from lambskin leather and carries a distinctive gold-coloured Mulberry plaque on the front. If you really want to spoil someone this Valentine's, there's still time to put in an order now...
£100 at Net-a-Porter
We've been falling for Wrenline's vintagey-looking accessories ever since they first appeared in Oliver Bonas' boutiques, and we'd expect nothing less of them than a crop of sweet, romantic new styles in time for Valentine's.
Available to buy direct from the website are these old-fashioned and oh-so-feminine clasp purses come in shades of pink and blue, featuring lovehearts, love birds and chains. There's also a range of round coin purses with romantic motifs.
Find the full range here.
We heart cracked metallic leather, and it works a treat on this limited edition, screen-printed purse from short run handmade label Valerie Love. Unmistakably made the old-fashioned way, it would make a beautiful addition to the modern-day powder room (or dressing table) filled with your favourite makeup bits and scents.
Much as I'm seeing 'cosmetic bag' on this purse's future CV, It's actually intended to be used as a purse, with specially designed slots for cards and coins. A cracking find!
£25 at Not on the High Street
This snappy, envelope style oversized wallet is new from Ted Baker, which continues to get the balance between feminine and fashion forward just about spot-on. The 'Beryl', which is also available in a summery orangeade shade with peach, has a wealth of handy compartments to keep your cards and other essentials neatly filed and visible, an enamel bow and an all-over perforated pattern on the front flap.
Interesting and well-made wallets are hard to find for those unwilling to part with a three-figure-sum for a purse - so this is a great option for those who like to transport their currency in style!
£69 at Ted Baker
digg this |
del.icio.us this
| 
Stumble It!
