Handbag Trends to Look out for in Autumn/Winter 2009

Next season's collections have been displayed beautifully in London, Milan, Paris and New York, so let's see what Autumn and Winter hold. This season is very 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. And secondly, it contains the Christmas party season - the most eagerly anticipated date in any fashion calendar.Bearing in mind these two factors, if you want to turn heads at the end of 2009, you need to know what is on trend.

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 were smitten by the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer, here is an easy 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. Still effortless, but right 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.

All of us need an item to take us from cold days into party nights. Undeniably, there's one look that can spice up eveningwear better than any other… 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. Of course, we're only going to be wearing skins of the faux variety.

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 good news, these aren't exclusive to the catwalk, you'll find them on the High Street too. Delicate beading and colourful buttons keep the arts and crafts style at the top of our must-haves. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. And in perfect time for Halloween!