Do you have difficulty finding a particular item in your handbag? Well, you are not alone and it's no wonder! A recent study shows women carry on average 40 items in their handbag.
The top 10 handbag essentials are:
1. Money/cards (72%)
2. Painkillers (58%)
3. Make up bag (54%)
4. Sunglasses (40%)
5. Feminine products (38%)
6. Diary/address book (33%)
7. iPod/mp3 player (20%)
8. Chocolate (10%)
9. Toilet roll (8%)
10. Underwear (4%)
Conducted by Cadbury’s in the UK, the study also showed that a woman’s handbag is one of the most private possessions with 42% of women say that someone looking in their bag is as intrusive as reading personal e-mails or text messages.
So, while we’re on the subject of handbags, here are ten stylish handbags that caught our eye - plus another choice for those who want to go DIY.
Niclair Fifth Avenue Tote
RRP $349. On sale for $179 at www.iconic.com.au
100% genuine calfskin leather bag. The Niclaire Fifth Avenue Leather Bucket Tote has twin top straps, one big main compartment with press stud closure and an extra long, removable, adjustable strap. The classy tote bag features a smooth calfskin leather main, full cotton lining, an internal zip pocket and two internal small open pockets.
Measurements: 33cm (H) x 43cm (W) x 20cm (D).
Top Strap Length: 53cm. Removable Strap Length: 107cm.
Utah Striped Turnlock Tote – Collette by Collette Hayman
RRP $49.95. On sale for $37.46 at www.collettehayman.com.au
This gorgeous and well-priced handbag by Collette Hayman comes with gold tone hardware and trims, turnlock secures flap, external zip compartment, zip to main compartment, internal slip compartment, mobile phone pocket and internal zipped compartment. Available on black and ivory.
Dimensions: 30cm (H), 45cm (W) and 17cm (D) with a handle drop of 17cm
Mimco Square Tux Clutch
RRP $279 at www.mimco.com.au
Own the night with the Square Tux Clutch. A structured clutch crafted from leopard print cow leather, it features a snake chain strap for over the shoulder use. Features Mimco’s signature turnlock brushed gold hardware, lining and inernal card holder. Available in Camel Bitter Chocolate.
Measurements: 17cm (H) x 19cm (W) and 5.5cm (D)
Molten Hobo by Mimco
RRP $499 at www.mimco.com.au
The epitome of relaxed glamour, our Molten Hobo bag will scoop up all of your essentials in style. Crafted from a gorgeous super semi-shine cow leather and featuring our signature metal hardware, it will only get more beautiful with age. Product features also include a zip top opening, external front pocket and internal phone pocket.
Measurements: 30cm (H), 38cm (W) and 10cm (D)
Meyer hobo by Oroton
RRP $595 at www.oroton.com
An urban favourite, the Meyer hobo instantly lends edge to your look. Made from soft calf leather, the Meyer hobo can be worn over the shoulder or across body, by virtue of its double strap styling. Available in Imperial pink and Flame
Measurements: 28cm (H) x 36 (W) and 4 cm (D)
Casey Large Turnlock Crossbody – Collette by Collette Hayman
RRP $29.95. On sale for $22.46 at www.collettehayman.com.au
An affordable and great looking handbag with gold hardware and trim, a turnlock to secure the front pocket, zip to main compartment, as well as internal zipped compartment, mobile phone pocket and adjustable shoulder strap. The Casey Large Turnlock Crossbody is available in tan.
Measurements: 21cm (H), 27cm (W) and 3cm (D) with a handle drop of 34-64cm
Cellini Double Handle Slouch Shoulder Bag
RRP $129. On sale at shop.davidjones.com.au for $90.30
Featuring a double handle with chains and a weave panel detail, this handbag is designed in classic and timeless colours - Shoulder tote bag - Signature Cellini silver toned plaque - Zip closure to main compartment - Interior pocket with zip closure - Interior phone pocket and 2x pen holders - Rear pocket with zip closure.
Measurements: 27cm (H), 36cm (W) and 11cm (D). Strap drop: 26 cm
Steve Madden East West Pebble Tote with Chain Detail
RRP: 109.95 at www.shop.davidjones.com.au
A chic option with functional style, this tote by Steve Madden features a pebbled leather-look outer with edgy chain details. - Leather look outer - Chain and fabric plaited shoulder strap - Double slim handles - Zipped pocket to front - Man-made materials - Available in a range of colours. (measurements unavailable)
Lia Large Black Croc by Sterling & Hyde
RRP $249.95. On sale for $74.99 at www.sterlingandhyde.com.au
This Lia Large Black Leather Shoulder/Slimline bag can be used for work and fits a laptop. Made from genuine cow leather the bag’s lining is 100% cotton. Key features include: One zip pocket and three open pockets for your Iphone/ keys and also to store documents. Shoulder straps are detachable so you can interchange with longer shoulder/cross body strap, so you can wear this across your body as well.
Measurements: 27cm (H), 35cm (W) 27 cm and 4.5 cm (D)
"After Baby Bag" by Il Tutto
RRP: $349.00 at www.iltutto.com.au
More like a designer handbag, the After Baby Bag is intended for everyday use. Made from a melt-in-your-hand washed leather with a zip-top design that oozes effortless vintage cool. Perfect for use when out and about with children who no longer need change mats and bottles, the compact design still has all the hidden features that make Il Tutto bags the leaders of this genre.
Key features include: washed buttery soft leather, deep inside pockets side pockets, detachable shoulder strap, roomy front mums pocket, back zip pocket. Improved zip out lining with the inside layer featuring the Il Tutto spot print. Available in Donkey, Tan and Orange.
Measurements:32cm (H) x 27cm (W) x 14cms (D)
DIY at Lambada
And if none of the above take your fancy, you can design your own handbag www.lambada.com.au. The only limitations are your budget and your imagination!