Just a warning: this is a Bag post so look away now if you're over them

I work my handbags hard and always buy a new one each season. This is because they look begin to look tatty and not because I'm a mindless consumer desperate for The New. To counteract the pacing I put my totes through, my mother suggested I purchase a basic bag to use while running errands and that I keep my precious Marc and Miu sacs for best. This seems like a slightly off idea, mainly because living in the metropolis means that every occasion counts as 'best' (I still remember when my forays into the capital as a _____shire teen would require weeks of outfit-planning and one never knows who one will bump into in Tesco) but also because so many cheaper bags are inspired by High End versions - I certainly don't want to look like I'm toting a knock-off (or couldn't differentiate between that and the Real Thing). I'm not yet sold on Mummy's plan because constantly shifting keys and lipstick between bags could become a drag but here are 5 possibilities that hold their own design-wise and that I wouldn't mind getting scuffed on the Number 11 bus.

Just to be super-fussy, my criteria also decrees they be a dark(ish) colour, have exterior pockets, are made from leather (no PU or PVC, please) and are a tote shape for ease of handling. My budget is £100(ish) - it was £50 until I realised that all that buys you is sticky pleather. This was hard!

Boden £95











French Connection £130

















Monsoon £75

















Faith £60

















Asos.com £65

Working Girl

Sometimes I fantasize about working in The City where I would seal deals and stalk the streets in a super-slick wardrobe of tailored separates and sharp suits. This is despite the fact I can barely work out a percentage let alone sell, sell, sell (although buy, buy, buy seems to be less of a problem, natch). Of course I would never trade in my job - I get to wear whatever I like! - but if my daydream did turn into reality at least I'd be the most stylishly dressed woman in the boardroom (before being fired by lunchtime, I'd imagine).

The tough yet ladylike mood of the season is perfect for Mrs Fashion's fantasy Financial outfits which, of course, you'd need a City-sized bonus to buy.






















From left
Storming the boardroom
Miu Miu jacket and skirt; Fendi bag all from Net-a-porter.com; Kurt Geiger shoes from KurtGeiger.com

Conference call with the Tokyo office
3.1 Philip Lim top; Chloe trousers; Marc Jacobs bag; Rupert Sanderson courts all from Net-a-porter.com

Lunch with clients at Coq D'Argent
Marc Jacobs dress; Erva bag; Sergio Rossi platforms all from Net-a-porter.com

Boss' birthday drinks
Vanessa Bruno shirt; Rodnik skirt; Bottega Veneta clutch all from Net-a-porter.com; Christian Louboutin peep-toes from MyTheresa.com