Handbag Trends you will be Wearing in Autumn/Winter 2009

Next season's collections have been displayed beautifully in London, Milan, Paris and New York, so let's see what Autumn and Winter hold. There are two reasons why the autumn/winter season is so important. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. And second, it covers the most anticipated date on any woman's calendar - the Christmas party season.Bearing these in mind, if you want to look great at the end of 2009, you're going to need to know what will turn heads.

In a year that has suffered a financial meltdown, it is not surprising that the WWII slogan 'Make Do and Mend' has become part of everyday terminology. Most of us have become a lot more conservative about our spending habits, and this has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.

Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. These  can be found in most charity shops as well as in the dark corners of most of our mothers' closets. If you were smitten by the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer there is a key way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. In a effortless fashion, the chain was hung carelessly over our shoulders in Spring and Summer. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. No more structured, but really up to date.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. If you want to carry off a look that the designers are loving at the moment, then it is English Heritage. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season's must-have cosy, knitted styles.

This season, we'll need that little something to make the transition from chilly days into party nights. There is only one look sure to spice up any piece of eveningwear… That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Liberate the animal within and show off your stripes with a handbag in this key look. But please, make sure it's faux.

Any girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don't let your whiskers get in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season's collections of designer handbags. And good news, these aren't exclusive to the catwalk, you'll find them on the High Street too. Beading and buttons are keeping the arts and crafts movement securely at the top of our must-haves. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. Great timing for Hallowe'en!