We can't all afford to dress in head to toe designer gear. But most of us can afford to buy one or two mid-range designer accessories. Some people swear by their branded sunnies; others are addicted to high-end shoes. But for the rest of us, it's all about designer purses.
Designer purses are one of the most accessible luxury items. Surprisingly affordable, and incredibly durable, they pay for themselves in terms of cost per use.
However, there are a few brands which are clearly head and shoulders above the rest without costing a small fortune. Whether you're looking for luxurious leather, or a classic style that will last season after season, our edit of designer purses is the only guide you need.
1. Radley
+ Best for: sweet prints & sturdy designA quintessentially English brand, Radley is best known for its adorable dog logo, which adorns most of its bags and purses. Unlike most other mid-range leather specialists, Radley focuses on long-term usability, choosing thicker leather, double stitching, and extra-strong zips to ensure the quality of its wallets and purses. Over the past few years, Radley has become known for its quirky prints and bold colours. As a result, there's now a Radley purse for every personality, and every budget.
Expect to spend... around £50
2. Michael Kors
+ Best for: grown up chicThe Michael Kors brand is synonymous with ladylike chic and matching separates, and its purse collection is no different. Each purse has been created to match one of the designer bags in the collection. Although the style of the purse stays largely the same, you can expect a new range of colours to drop every season. Mix and match your tote and wallet, or co-ordinate both in the colour of the season – currently pastels and metallics. If you really want to make a fashion statement, look for the brand's upmarket Bancroft leather wallets – so exclusive that they come with a waiting list in most stores.
Expect to spend... around £100
3. Ted Baker
+ Best for: luxurious leathersAs the master of affordable couture, Ted Baker's purse designs are just as luxurious as you might imagine. Think hand-painted silkscreens, butter-soft leathers, and gem-encrusted clasps. Each purse is a mini work of art – and some are so pretty that you could easily carry it on a night out instead of a clutch. The Marta purse is a staple of the fashion set, and big enough to carry a fashionista-sized collection of credit cards.
4. Fiorelli
+ Best for: simplicity and styleAlthough it sits at the more affordable end of the scale, Italian fashion house Fiorelli doesn't compromise on style. These purses are design classics, in good quality leather with strong zips and clasps. Fiorelli is no slave to the trend of the moment, instead focusing on perfecting the ultimate 'everyday' purse. Go here if you want a simple leather wallet in a neutral colour, without breaking the bank.
Expect to spend... around £35
