It's that time of year already - autumn collection time. Despite the fact tat we're in the middle of summer (though you wouldn't know it in the UK) I'm loving this Slouchy Tote Bag from Laura Ashley. The green is a great cold-weather colour and at just £35 it could find itself in my handbag collection very soon.
Like this? Try Oona Bag from J&M Davidson
I still haven't replaced my boring old laptop bag (money doesn't grow on trees, you know, I've got to make the right decision) and my current front runner is this quilted navy blue Knomo Toyah Laptop Bag, suitable for 15" laptops. It has two external pockets and internal pockets and can be carried or worn over the shoulder. I like the blue with white trimming and the quilted material makes it a little more interesting.
Like this? Try Moonsus Business Tote
I can't believe it's sale time already - I must pop into town today and see if I can pick up any bargains. This fantastic Honeymoon Bead Clutch from Accessorize is right at the top of my list. At £20, down from £28, it's a real cutey and perfect for the summer.
Like this? Try Rosetta Clutch from Fiorelli
I'm loving this bag today. It's the Red or Dead Flock Clutch Bag in Burgundy, and I think it's the perfect clutch for summer, that will also see you through to the colder months (we all know red's a great colour for christmas.) It only costs £20 so you should get your money's worth out of this one.
Like this? Try Enamel Stud Extra Large Clutch from Topshop
Here's one for nature and pollination lovers - a Bee Shaped Handbag. From those masters of bling, Butler & Wilson, this rather bizarre black and gold bag does indeed look like a bee and is studded with Swarovski crystals. It costs £48, but I think I'll save my money for something a bit less insect-like.
Like this? Try Animal Friends Pouch Bag from Cotton & Cloud
It's that time of year again - summer sale time! John Lewis have got some great deals on handbags, including this DKNY Laptop Bag, £105, down from £155. With the DKNY logo pattern and cream leather handles and trim it looks very luxurious and just the kind of bag you can take on a business strip.
Like this? Try Moonsus Business Tote
I've never been a big fan of Radley '(what's with the dog?) but I think this one is quite cute. It's the Spring Time Leather Tote Bag, and that dog is finally doing something that makes sense - he's sitting in a pot of spring time flowers (at least I imagine that's what dogs do). It costs £175.
Like this? Try Cerise the Pink Poodle Tote Bag
To complete the eighties look started on Never Enough Diamonds I've delved a bit deeper into Topshop, and look what I've found. This fantastic Enamel Stud Extra Large Clutch will go perfectly with the Heart Shaped Bangles for a full on retro look.
Like this? Try Vibrant Beaded Clutch from Stella McCartney
Now this is a bag I could fall in love with. The Lotus from Cheet is made of soft, supple leather and the chocolate brown exterior is complemented by an embroidered handle and embroidery on the pockets. It costs £152.50 from Oliver & Lime and would make a stylish addition to any wardrobe.
Like this? Try Sarah Tote from Marks & Spencer
Have you read Buying a Designer Handbag: The Head Decision yet? Go on then, I'll wait until you come back.
Ready?
The budget, head decision stuff is all very well but the real fun starts when you've got that cash in your hot little hands ready to give to your favourite designer in exchange for one of their shiny bags (although I would advise against actually carrying £1,000 around with you - imagine someone picking your pocket as you step into Louis Vuitton - devastating!)
This may shock some of you but my main piece of advice is not to buy an 'it' bag. Don't buy a bag just because a celeb is wearing it or your favourite designer handbag website raves about it (we love all bags, that's why we've got websites about them.)
Buy it because you love it. Does it make your heart do a little flip-flop every time you see it? Every time you think of it? Do you get jealous when you see other women wearing one? This is the heart decision. You're about to make a big purchase so make sure it's the right one. You saved for this bag, you've dreamt of owning a designer handbag so make sure you choose the right one.
If you're veering between a few different handbags then go to a big department store and line them up side by side. Pick them up, feel them. Sling them over your shoulder. How would you normally use your handbag? Will this one do the job? Have fun posing in front of the mirror and see if they've got a matching purse (this can be a make or break decision.)
Now go away and let the nice shop assistant put them all back. You're going off to think. Was there a clear winner? If so then great you've made your decision. If not think about it for a while. Sleep on it and it should all become clear. If none of them seem like the right bag then carry on looking - I can't state enough that this decision has to be the right one.
So, you've been shopping, have made your decision and now three courses of action lie open to you.
1. You love the bag but it's out of your budget - carry on saving. Don't buy a cheaper bag because it's in budget, and don't put yourself in debt over it (that's just silly.)
2. You haven't found the bag you want - carry on looking. It's out there somewhere.
3. You've found the bag you want and it's in budget. Buy it, buy it now! Then start saving for your next one.
