Fall/Winter 2009 Handbag Trends

New York, London, Paris and Milan have showed us what we'll be wearing next season, so let's see what's in store in the shorter term. The winter season is so important for two reasons. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. Secondly, it covers the biggest and most important date on any fashionista's calendar - the Christmas party season.If you're planning on turning heads at the end of 2009, you'll need to look out for these key trends.

It is not surprising that the old propaganda slogan from World War II of 'make do and mend' is now a part of everyday vocabulary. Most of us have become a lot more conservative about our spending habits, and this has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.

Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. Chains & quilting can be found on the shelves of most charity shops, not mentioning the many redundant pieces littering the backs of our mothers'/aunts/grandmothers closets. If you couldn't resist the charm of the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer there is a key way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. The chain handle was slung carelessly over our shoulders in Spring and Summer. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. No more structured, but really up to date.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. Designers are really loving the English Heritage inspired look at the moment. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season's must-have cosy, knitted styles.

This season, we'll need that little something to make the transition from chilly days into party nights. There is only one look sure to spice up any piece of eveningwear… That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Liberate the animal within and show off your stripes with a handbag in this key look. But please, make sure it's faux.

For all of those girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don't get your whiskers in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season's collections of designer handbags. And even better news, they've hit the High Street. Beading and buttons are keeping the arts and crafts movement securely at the top of our must-haves. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. Just in time for hallowe'en!