Hermès helmsman Jean Paul Gaultier has put it right out there by redesigning the sacred 'Birkin' bag for spring/summer. This is no small innovation, given that the original is in such demand that there is a wait to get on the waiting list. But JPG's changes work – now you can actually get the bag over your shoulder. No of course we don't know this from first hand experience - there's a waiting list!! Ok.. hands up if you used to watch Eurotrash...

So I've never really been a big fan of Jonathan Adler who up until now has been confined to geometrically patterend homewares, it's just all a bit done.
However he has been crossing over into fashion accessories since 2004 concentrating on handbags and there not overly bad - I'm trying to be convinced here. Given that geometric patternings are a natural fit for handbags, especially in a Spring fashion season where geometrics are likely to be big.
Anyway because geometry gives us anxiety we've left you with a rather more subtle drawstring handbag called Emily that constrains the signature print the inside lining.

To be honest we're not really sure who Linz is but they do Cuffz and they have a simple proposition for us. Work with me on this one - you're at a crowded party, a cigarette in one hand (you still smoke right) and a martini in the other, you don't want to leave your bag around in case someone walks off with - it steals your phone and posts your numbers all over the interweb. Still with me? Solution, pick up a clutch bag
Cuffz by Linz which has a handy handcuff incorporated - problem solved. And guess what Paris Hilton has several.

I know that a week after New Year, you are going strong and all your resolutions are intact. So, that torrid week of sugar withdrawal and good living deserves a reward and this bag to hold your yoga mat is the prefect post-resolution treat.

My favorite is from Sweaty Betty in London but you can order on line at www.sweatybetty.com

I know that the festive period has left everyone with a tight budget and a detox plan that rules out any rays of sunshine for the winter stretch.

I also don't want to make matters worse, but the dreaded “v” word is approaching (Valentines Day) and if your loved one is planning on whisking you away, you could do worse than sport this sweet little holdall from Fiorelli and it shouldn’t break the bank at £65.

You can find these bags in most major department stores or at www.fiorelli.co.uk

I discovered Etro while admiring a very vibrant pair of green leather gloves in a magazine, but there website holds so much more promise. Their mix of stylish and quirky leather goods in all of this season's must-have colours and their unique passion for display makes their site irresistible.

I am planning a trip to the Bond Street store to check out the reality, but if it is half as good, any one of these cute little numbers could we winging it's way home with me. Visit on-line at www.etro.it

Penhaligon’s have been purveyors of perfume and cosmetics for 130 years and have more royal warrants than you can shake a stick at. However, it was this little purse from their leather goods range that caught my eye.

Most of their non-cosmetic products are pretty standard and their silver range borders on hideous. (sterling silver tape measure? why?) But there is no denying that their leather goods have some great styles and colours and this purse is pretty damn cute. There are Penhaligon's stores all over the country or order on line at www.penhaligons.co.uk

Kat Lapers is based in NYC and creates handbags, totes, purses and shoulder bags. All bags are handmade and at every handbag is considered a “piece of art” They certainly look exceedingly pretty and the gorgeous range of prints make up for a limited range of shapes and sizes.

For UK customers there is an $8 p&p fee and as with all purchases that are entirely web based, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, but with the incredible dollar/pound exchange rate, I am finding them increasing difficult to resist. www.katlapers.bigstep.com