Fashion: Get a handle on the right bag

I have a friend who has been posting on Facebook about an expensive handbag she wants to buy.

She can't stop thinking about it, she says. It's so orange, the shape is so perfect ... I'm sure you're familiar with this kind of rhapsody. Bags seem to capture our attention in a way other wardrobe items don't.

Maybe it's because they go everywhere with you and hold some of your most precious possessions.

The great thing about bags is no matter what your shape or size, a bag that looks amazing on a supermodelwill look just as fabulous over your arm.

Bright colours are in at the moment and I think it's great - a patent red bag is an awesome way to add colour to your outfit. But it does mean you will probably need more than one as bright colours don't necessarily go with everything.

I've heard it said recently: "The bigger the bag, the smaller the wearer will appear." I'm unconvinced.

Though someone with the dimensions of an All Black may not want to tote around a clutch, really big bags serve no purpose beyond adding to back strain and making the wearer dangerously unbalanced.

I recently bought a bag from Collette, an accessories store new to our shores but popular in Australia. The bag is big enough to carry my laptop plus all the everyday essentials. This is a mixed blessing, for within a couple of hours I was pondering how I'd dress to compensate for one muscly arm.

Bags, whether big or small, tote or satchel, clutch or bowling-bag style, are fabulous - and I find buying a new one is an excellent way to cheer myself up when things are looking a bit grey. I've assembled a selection of the latest available in stores. Some may be budget-blowers but most are very reasonable.