Demise of the It-bag, Return of the Cute-bag

The trends of 2008 brought out the wag in all of us, but the popularity of so called It-bags, which got bigger and more brash with every passing week, was a trend I could never understand. Just seeing suitcase-sized sacks hanging in Topshop's accessories corner made me retreat with fear. I mean, I actually could have fitted in most of them. But Autumn/Winter 2009 is a whole different bag of goodies... literally! Sequins and structure are not just a key element in the clothes seen on the catwalk, but the handbags also reflect the old style glitz and glamour that is going to be everywhere. That means the return of the clutch- Hell Yes! I can't resist showing you some of my designer faves, you know, in case you decide to spend £1,500 on a whim, but there's plenty on the high street too...

Gucci, Gucci, Gucci... what more can I say?

I'm just going to pretend that I can at least afford Ted Baker

This one's from Reiss. Again, because I only shop on the King's Road... duh.

Motel, rocks!

Heard of Motel clothing yet? You soon will. I've been seeing it around lately in a few independent stores and can't believe just how on the mark it is for this season's trends. It originated in Bristol but is based on the style of the West Coast of America (think thrift stores and days of rummaging), so it's a little bit retro and a little bit punk. Perfect! The prices aren't extortionate either, though it's cheaper to buy on their online store ( www.motelrocks.com ) than when it's stocked in the boutiques where I have seen it. I'm loving the patterned dresses and leggings- I'll post a few pics of some of my favourites...

Travel with Louis, c1900

It feels like only yesterday that I was unpacking what felt like all of my life's possessions after returning to Ireland, but three short months later, here I am again, filling my life (and my bedroom) with boxes and suitcases and bubble wrap. I have managed to get my hands on a cool, dark pink holdall to fly back to London, but the prospect of maneuvering it onto the tubes and lugging it around the streets of London is pretty grim. I'm made for a different era- that is, one with servants, or a chivalrous man, to carry around my Louis Vuitton trunk. Of course, I'm assuming that I would be the lucky, and more importantly rich, daughter of a Lord, which seems unlikely. Anyway, I wistfully researched vintage Louis Vuitton luggage, and it is stunning- some of it has been restored to excellent condition. But so impractical! I'm a modern gal, and all to aware of the weight restrictions on Ryanair flights- I'm sure the trunks alone weigh 15kg, never mind what has to be put inside them! Oh well, most of them are around the cool $30,000 mark to buy anyway, so I'll have to keep dreaming.