The Style Critic

Sometimes a bit of lateral fashion thinking is worth its weight in designer handbags. Literally. A serious handbag purchase can rival the monthly spend on the mortgage plus the bills, but the more hard-up we get, the greater our desire for our consumer comforts. With our consciences fast becoming as recession-proof as the luxury goods market, it’s time to realise that there’s nothing stylish about debt. Ladies, I urge you to get creative with your shopping habits. 

Here’s the thing. With all the emerging lines, who can keep track of every singe style? Life has moved on since a handful of heavily promoted IT bags did the celebrity rounds before falling into the public’s eager clutches. Only a moment ago, women were prepared to pay through the nose for their designer allegiances. Now, the IT bag has given way to steath-luxe, where no one’s 100% sure whether you’re carrying an exclusive or a clever vintage find. This is great news for fashionistas with a good eye but a bad credit rating – scour eBay, charity and vintage websites and look for quality materials and a quirky detail. After all, where do you think designers find their inspirations? No one will know that the vintage 60s chainmail evening bag you picked up on Oxfam.org for £20 isn’t Stella McCartney. Well, unless you start boasting..

Image Credit: oxfam.org.uk

Vintage 60s Chainmail Evening Bag £19.99 on www.oxfam.org.uk

Image Credit: Oxfam.org.uk

Black Leather Bag with brass handle detail £14.99 on www.oxfam.org.uk