Look Great with these 5 Handbag Style Statements

With next season's fashion weeks in full swing it is time for us to work out what we will be wearing over the all-important winter months. There are two key reasons why the trends in autumn are 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 secondly, it contains the Christmas party season - the most eagerly anticipated date in any fashion calendar.Bearing in mind these two factors, if you want to turn heads at the end of 2009, you need to know what is on trend.

It is not surprising that the old propaganda slogan from World War II of 'make do and mend' is now a part of everyday vocabulary. 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. Chains & quilting can be found on the shelves of most charity shops, not mentioning the many redundant pieces littering the backs of our mothers'/aunts/grandmothers closets. If you couldn't resist the charm of the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer, here is an easy 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. Still effortless, but right up to date.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. The English Heritage is a look that fashion designers have fallen in love with. 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.

All of us need an item to take us from cold days into party nights. For me, there is one trend that is certain to spice up eveningwear more than any other… That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Free your inner animal with a handbag that shows off this key look. But please, make sure it's faux.

For all of those girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don't get your whiskers in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season's collections of designer handbags. More good news, they  have hit the High Street too. The key arts and crafts trend is continued with the help of buttons and beading. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. Great timing for Hallowe'en!