What to Wear: Quirky Handbags

The 'mini trend' - see; clear plastic accessories, underwater prints, fetish and the like - all great in theory and on the pages of Vogue, are often too 'trendy' to incorporate in everyday life and become a real trend of the season. One mini-trend I'm finding myself seriously buying into are these quirky, printed small bags. Easier to wear than the fashionistas at Paris Couture Week (see the Prada number above) would like you to think, I've picked three favourites with simple outfits to flatter.

This 3.1 Philip Lim tote (£645) is one of the more bold bags knocking around designer stores this season, and without doubt the most novel item on my radar! I love the bag teamed with a simple, black outfit, I'm obsessed with this Burberry Prorsum Cut-Out Cashmere jumper (£895), teamed with a leather skirt like this McQ Alexander McQueen Circle Skirt (£645) you have instant effortless chic. The Valentino Studded ankle boots (£670) are just too perfect with this skirt to leave out, and a simple Mulberry Gold Plated cuff (£200) finishes the outfit.

Exhibit B- how to wear black and red without looking like a prostitute - even with leather, studs and oversized red lips. Genius. Button your Erdem Floral Shirt (£645) to the collar and team with full length, scarily skinny leather trousers (£710 from Theory) to create the sexy side of conservative look. Ramp up the sex appeal even further with 6" studded Christian Louboutin Alti's (£895) and complete the look with the talking point; Charlotte Olympia Big Kiss Leather Bag (£345).

You dont need to be dressed to the nines to rock a quirky bag, this Jimmy Choo acrylic clutch (£495) can be dressed down as simply as it can be dressed up, and is the perfect size to tote around all of your summer essentials. I'd also team this look with the aforementioned Theory leather trousers (£710), but a simple grey tee (This one is £15 from J Crew) and contrasting Preen blazer (£615). Even off duty, I'm a heels girl through & through - these DVF wedges epitomise casual-cool and are currently in the Net a Porter sale for £112! rachel xo