Handbag Trends you will be Wearing in Autumn/Winter 2009

New York, London, Paris and Milan have showed us what we'll be wearing next season, so let's see what's in store in the shorter term. This season is very important for two reasons. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. Secondly, it covers the biggest and most important date on any fashionista's calendar - the Christmas party season.If you're planning on turning heads at the end of 2009, you'll need to look out for these key trends.

Considering the financial meltdown of the past year, it is not surprising that the old saying "Make Do and Mend" has made a comeback. 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 fell in love with the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer, here is an easy way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. Last season, we were all about hanging the chain handle effortlessly over our shoulders. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. Whimsical and effortless, and now really up to the minute.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. Fashion designers are loving English Heritage looks at the moment. 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.

We'll need something to take us from crisp winter 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. Liberate the animal within and show off your stripes with a handbag in this key look. Most importantly though - be certain it's not real.

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. And good news, these aren't exclusive to the catwalk, you'll find them on the High Street too. You will be transformed into an arts and crafts leader with the help of buttons and beading. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. Great timing for Hallowe'en!