This is a trend that is as stylish as it is practical, and it also might be something that gets lost as you update your new season wardrobe!

When it comes to handbags, paying for quality is always a good idea, and we have seen many trends come and go.. from slouchy boho to structured top handle bags, and from clutches to shoulder bags. No matter what trend you prefer, you will always have a need for practical bag (something Read more: Handbag Trends Summer 2012: Tote bags in new colours & classic styles

If you want to add instant colour to your wardrobe, this is the trend for you! And what a fabulous selection to choose from..

We have been talking about the bright colour trend for a while now, and while this IS about colour for Spring/Summer 2012, these are less neon, and more pastel and sorbet. Pretty blues, soft lemon yellows, coral pink, cotton candy pink, even some reds and greens will make your wardrobe transition much easier.

If you work in an office, take note of this trend as it's very easy to forget about your handbag (you don't carry it with you while you work!) - you may not realize how an out-of-season handbag can actually pull down your whole outfit. Those new season florals, pretty shift dresses and fun pleats need to be paired with something other Read more: 2012 Handbag Trend: Bright colours - pastel, sorbet & more shopping the trend!

Alexander Wang's Rocco duffel handbag has always been a favorite here on the site - as well as with celebrities - and with new season accessories and handbags now arriving online, it's time to look at a new crop of Alexander Wang handbags.

Where the Rocco is rugged with pebbled leather and edgy studs, the Prisma Emile is smooth and supple with elegant touches of hardware, and how about this new season color? A rich shade of azure blue that will add a pop of colour to any outfit, whether it's your weekend jeans and tee, or elegant office attire. If you prefer natural colours, you will love the new toffee leather here - it will look terrific with summer brights and whites, but can definitely be worn right now with your rich winter shades.

The Robyn is a little more slouchy, but the rose gold hardware  at the bottom adds structure, which does make it more versatile. And since it is also available in the new azure blue and toffee shades, you can take your pick based on your own wardrobe needs (bright blue will add an instant style update, toffee is more subtle but can we be worn with everything). And of course, we still have the iconic Rocco duffel bag in a couple of fresh new shades - Barneys has a lush mustard version, and an exclusive caramel beige.

When you compare designer handbags, Alexander Wang bags are very high quality, and not as expensive as some of the other labels - personally, I would choose a gorgeous leather bag over a canvas Louis Vuitton, which probably costs twice as much! And while these are new season handbags (both style and color), you will carry any of them for years to come.

We already took a look at the new fresh color block trend with an assortment of dresses and tops, and now we turn our attention to handbags! The upcoming season is all about color, and you can choose red, pink, blue, green - or any combination of colors - to give your look a quick boost. You will be surprised to see just how much a color block handbag can  add a fun freshness to your current wardrobe!



Your favourite little black dress, or quality suit for the office, your Read more: Color Block Fashion Trend Part II: Handbags, clutches, shoulder bags & more shopping the trend!

Now this is a gift that will put a smile on every fashionista's face this holiday season - and if you happen to be looking for a holiday gift for someone who is difficult to buy for, Lulu Guinness is the answer!

Fashionistas can be a little tough to buy for as they usually know exactly what they want, and probably already own it.. but you can impress them with a special little something in a just-right name. Lulu Guinness has been designing her witty, quirky and timeless handbags & accessories for more than 20 years, and some of her pieces have become iconic classics (how many other current designers have items in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London?). There really is something in every price range - from little coin purses to statement clutches. If you are working within a budget for your fashionista, here is all Lulu Guinness Under $100.

I've put together a fun assortment of Lulu Guinness treats - including her signature Lips clutch in an assortment of colours (Union Jack as well!), and some quirky items like the Jewellery Box collection, and a personal favorite, the Doll Face clutch and handbag. These are irreverant and fun pieces, designed to bring a smile to anyone's face. Whether it's a gift, or just a treat for your own self, you are investing in quality and "tomorrow's treasures".

Here's a practical trend - instead of picking up (yet another!) clutch, how about a stylish little wristlet this season? Size-wise, it is somewhere between a clutch and a wallet, and will comfortably carry your phone, lipstick and perhaps even a small compact. There are a variety of sizes available (some close to standard clutch-size), but we recommend you keep this smaller.. The wrist strap is supposed to keep you handsfree for the evening - something that has always been an issue with a clutch - so you don't want it to be too heavy.

The holidays are soon upon us, so this is being profiled as an Evening Trend, but it certainly translates very well for daytime! If you have client lunches, or meetings out of the office, a wristlet is the perfect accessory.. after all, you don't want to lug a heavy handbag on your lunch appointment (just take it to the office in your regular handbag). For the day, simple quality leather will do, skip the animal print or sparkle! But a soft metallic, like this Burberry wristlet, works for both day and night.

Check out the fantastic assortment below - all the major handbag designers have now added statement wristlets to their collection! Also makes a great gift for the fashionista...