My Handbag Obsession

As you well know, girls fall into two categories: girls who like bags and girls who like shoes. Being 5ft9 barefoot myself, I do not get the same kick out of footwear that others do. While many fawn over a pretty pair of heels for a night on the town or gaze starry-eyed in awe at some strappy sandals for a hot summers day, I tend to stand back and, with some reluctance, am compelled to choose the sensible over the stylish.

I have therefore compensated for my shortcomings in the foot department by channeling my unfulfilled passion for shoes into lust for handbags. My collection is by no means a big one but I more often than not find myself on the lookout for any can-be and, more wantonly, any would-be additions.

I say "would-be" because unfortunately I cannot afford to shop for Gucci handbags the same way I might pick out some Granny Smiths in a supermarket. Until then, I have to resign myself to the simple pleasure of drooling over them in Selfridge's window displays - not quite the same as being the proud possessor of sublime leather goods such as these but whoever said there was any harm in dreaming big?

Mulberry Nude Willow Tote

Dior Diorissimo Orange Bag

Valentino Rockstud in green

Prada Twinstrap Summer Tote

Miu Miu Matelasse Luxe

Moschino Red Quilted Tote

Hot New Trend 2013: The Swinging '60s

Flower power. Rock & Roll. The burning of the bra. These are just a few of the visuals that spring to mind when people talk about the most iconic era of all time. Albeit fifty odd years ago, the '60s is far from being forgotten and this season's runway has witnessed a refreshing comeback of the decade thanks to the fashion houses of Louis Vuitton and Moschino to name just a few.

Marc Jacobs' retro-inspired collection showed off A-line mini-dresses and prim button-down pinafores all with a clean chess-board block print. A contemporary twist was added to these sixties' classics by mixing them with somewhat less characteristic items of the decade such as cropped tops, jumpsuits and full-length skirts.

Mod-girl glam was revived for the second time as the Moschino models strode down the catwalk, donning clean-cut striped mini skirts and three quarter-sleeved tops. Bold was the look Rossella Jardini was undoubtedly going for, using a palette of either monochrome or primary colours with distinctive white edging around the lapels and pockets of the garments. The white-framed sunglasses and the riding helmets evoke a definite Audrey-esque quality to the collection (think Breakfast at Tiffany's!) as well as being perfectly reminiscent of the decade.