Just as you can never have enough shoes, these days you can never have enough handbags either.
With so many different looks - from a roomy tote for a casual weekend to a pretty pouch for a night out - it's a fashion lover's dream to have a different bag for each outfit.
BAG THEM HERE
alldressedup 02-37 Paragon
Anteprima 01-06 Paragon
Calvin Klein Jeans Accessories Basement 1, Isetan Orchard
Charles & Keith 02-186 VivoCity
ck Calvin Klein 01-07 Forum The Shopping Mall
Fossil 01-139 Suntec City
Gucci 01-40 Paragon
Hogan 01-07 Paragon
Mango B1-39 Ngee Ann City
Nine West 01-33 Raffles City
On Pedder 02-12P Ngee Ann City
Raoul 01-13 Raffles City
Robinsons Level 2, 176 Orchard Road
Tangs Orchard Level 1, 310 Orchard Road
Indeed, a survey in Britain's Daily Mail newspaper last August reported that the average 30-year-old British woman owns 21 handbags because she loves variety.
'You'll never know what they'll go with,' was what almost 70 per cent of the women said when asked why they hoard more bags that they can carry.
The paper dubbed the bag obsession the Sienna Miller syndrome after the British actress who is always photographed with a different bag in tow.
But unlike Miller, most Urbanites don't have a stylist - let alone the time and money - to bag bags all the time.
So Urban picks five essentials - the oversized clutch, the pocketbook handbag, the structured tote, the slouchy hobo and the document-cum-laptop holder - every woman should own.
You can never go wrong with foolproof, classic pieces like these, whatever the occasion.
POCKETBOOK HANDBAG
The classic pocketbook handbag is one of the ultimate weapons in female power dressing.
Who can forget images of then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher pulling statements out of hers in Parliament?
Paired with a suit, it adds a sexy, womanly touch to an otherwise androgynous pantsuit.
Go for one with bold colours to liven up your work wardrobe. And yes, its classic style means you can carry off carrying it into the night as well.
A slightly larger, broader piece makes for a more practical, professional-looking carry-all, by the way.
PVC handbag, $65, from Mango
Leather and patent PVC handbag, $298, from Fossil
Leather handbag with magnetic clasp, $1,199, from Anteprima
OVERSIZED CLUTCH
Dainty handheld purses might look pretty with an evening gown. But unless you're a tai tai, you're unlikely to be swishing around in a long, trailing silk number anytime soon.
Rather than splashing out on a purse used only rarely, go for something that can do double duty both day and night.
The new oversized clutch provides just the solution.
These folio-like clutches were seen on the runway of the ck Calvin Klein show at the recent Singapore Fashion Festival.
The extra large size also means that you can fit in more than your lipstick and a couple of cards.
Do note: Don't overload it until it loses its slouchy shape. You'll look like you're carrying a file, not a stylish clutch.
And hold it in your hands instead of tucking it under your arm.
Metallic PVC foldover clutch, $125, from Nine West
Fabric clutch, $339, from alldressedup
Marc Jacobs leather pouchette, $2,699, from On Pedder
SLOUCHY HOBO
Fashion is all about the right mix 'n' match, so for a dressed down weekend type of do, nothing beats a hobo-style bag.
The slouchy, sling carrier conjures up images of carefree hippies in the 1960s and is favoured by the boho-chic set made up of celebrities like the Olsen twins and singer Joss Stone.
Lazy, however, does not mean sloppy. Go for one with a slight structure so that you don't look like a real street creature.
Bright colours and embellishments team nicely with the weekend look, so go with the flow, flower child.
PVC boho with chain sling by Perllini, $45.90, from Tangs
Leather hobo by Tocco, $329, from Robinsons
Leather hobo messenger, $1,440, from Hogan
STRUCTURED TOTE
The way you carry a bag can affect your entire look.
Nothing quite shows this like the structured tote.
Hoist its handles over your shoulders and you look like a busy Urbanite with errands to run. Dangle it from your arms celebrity-style and you're transformed into a girl about town.
For this very reason - and the fact that it makes for a good everyday bag - the structured tote is a must-have.
Because it's such a classic shape, you can afford to go for more fun, edgier finishes and embellishments. Or invest in one of the It bag forms like the Balenciaga Lariat (from $2,199) or the Yves Saint Laurent Muse 2 (from $3,080).
Metallic PVC foldover tote, $145, from Nine West
PVC shopper, $179, from Calvin Klein Jeans Accessories
Givenchy leather tote, $2,730, from On Pedder
SNAPPY WORK BAG
Most laptop and document bags seem designed more for the office geek than the corporate chick. Women, however, have the advantage of choice.
Instead of your average laptop holder, pick a stylish tote or document bag that's big enough to bag it all. Hardy materials such as leather help protect the contents from hard knocks.
For worry-warts though, we suggest you encase your laptop in separate padded holders before placing it in the bag. Some fashion bags these days come with these extra touches. Then, both your laptop and style factor can get all-round protection.
PVC document bag with pull-out laptop holder, $69, from Charles & Keith
Leather document bag, $279, from Raoul
Leather document holder, $1,680, from Gucci
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Apr 17, 2008.
