Handbags: from Practical to Polished, High Street to Designer

AnnabelDecember 17, 2019

This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.

HANDBAGS have a magical power to transform your look from practical to polished – they are the accessory that every woman loves to need.

Handbags date all the way back to the 16th century. And throughout history, fashion has given us a range of iconic styles, from exclusive Birkin totes to Louis Vuitton’s timelessly classic monogram collections.

They’ve grown to become a staple womenswear accessory.

They’re like a second limb, helpfully carrying your personal items – mobile phones, make-up, keys, bottle of water.

More recently fashion has welcomed back statement bags from Dior’s saddle style to Fendi’s monogram babies.

But not everyone has a designer budget so we’ve found you the best bags on the high-street now, with a couple of labels thrown in for good measure.

BEST CROSS-BODY HANDBAGS

**MARKS & SPENCER** Croc effect saddle crossbody bag SHOP **HERE**
**& OTHER STORIES** Leather Crossbody Utility Bag £110 SHOP **HERE**
**& OTHER STORIES** Half Moon Croc Embossed Crossbody Bag £85 SHOP **HERE**
**MARKS & SPENCER** Snake effect crossbody £25 SHOP **HERE**

BEST TOTE HANDBAGS

**& OTHER STORIES** Rainbow Wooden Beaded Tote Bag £65 SHOP **HERE**
**ANTHROPOLOGIE** Greta Snake-Printed Tote Bag £110.00 SHOP **HERE**
**OLIVER BONAS** Willow Green Shearling Tote Bag £46 SHOP **HERE**
**MANGO** Leather shopper bag £59.99 SHOP **HERE**

BEST BACKPACK

I don’t think you can beat the Marks and Spencer backpacks – a variety of fabrics and colours
Laptop backpack £45 SHOP **HERE**
Faux fur backpack £35 SHOP **HERE**
Leather backpack £119 SHOP **HERE**
Cord Slouchy backpack £29.50 SHOP **HERE**

BEST EVENING BAG

**& OTHER STORIES** Pearlescent Beaded Clutch Bag £55 SHOP **HERE**
**ANTHROPOLOGIE** Nathalie Embellished Bucket Bag £75.00 SHOP **HERE**
**& OTHER STORIES** Circle Handle Beaded Bag £55 SHOP **HERE**
**ANTHROPOLOGIE** Vivian Beaded Clutch £48.00 SHOP **HERE**

BEST INVESTMENT BAG

**COACH** Prairie Satchel ~~full price£295~~ £147.50 SHOP **HERE**
**LIBERTY LONDON** Marlborough Iphis Canvas Tote Bag £495.00 SHOP **HERE**
**COACH** Sadie Crossbody Clutch £175 SHOP **HERE**
**ANYA HINDMARCH** Mini Dairy Milk Tote Bag £895.00 SHOP **HERE**

I hope Father Christmas pops one of these in your stocking!!

For more fashion posts click HERE

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.

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