Bags of Glamour

For years, fashion one-upmanship has been about one accessory above any other – the bag. No other fashion item been so coveted, or caused more envy and possible bankruptcy than our arm candy.

Bags are more than just a vessel for transporting one’s essentials from A to B, they’ve become a status symbol – and this season there’s more choice than ever.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that spring summer’s bags mean monotone whites and neutrals – oh no. A burst of colour has crept its way into accessories and zesty brights are there to be shown off. Arm yourself with a striking coloured, patent shopper and watch those heads turn.

Prints aren’t just for clothes, experiment with Orla Kiely’s signature printed sling bags for casual days. There’s a cute new print every season and the array of shapes and sizes will make it hard to say no.

Clutches are big news this season and they come in all fabrics and forms from chain mail to woven leather. They aren’t necessarily a purely nocturnal accessory, so opt for a colourful style and try wearing it for day. Just remember where you put it down!

The holy grail of bags – a stylish weekend tote, comes to the rescue in the form of Paul Smith’s Violet carrier. The oh-so-chic mix of the iridescent finish and super-size-me dimensions makes it a winner for any travel requirements.

If all the options leave you breathless and you crave a simple, chic summer staple then you can always rely on J&M Davidson to come up with the goods. Their white Dylan is timeless as well as stylish. One word – investment!