We love a satchel that isn't just trying to be the Proenza Schouler PS1.

So many “it” bags are only pale imitations of Proenza Schouler's number one hit. Not so the Cambridge Satchel: bold, bright, and recognizable in its own right. Each 13” or 15” satchel is handmade in the UK from crisp, sturdy leather in one of a zillion crayon-box colours. At the bag shop A to Zane, you can score one in sun-yellow, rose-red, purple, or—booooring—black. If you  have neon sympathies, scoop a limited-edition fluoro style in green or orange, as seen at Dover Street Market.

Who needs a logo when you've got the stamp of cool?

From $169 at A to Zane, 1040 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-803-7754, a2zane.com

Chic women don’t clutch a clutch bag but rather hold it loosely in one hand with a fashionable degree of insouciance.

Our latest clutch crush comes from Toronto designer Ela Kowalewska. Reducing the clutter is a must with a clutch and this one is designed to carry the five necessities, M.I.L.C.K. (money/identification/lipstick/cell/keys). The collection is crafted from supple nubuck and comes in a range of gorgeous hues, including our favourite, the watermelon pink ($280).

Now, how to achieve that air of nonchalance? —AT

At Rac Boutique, 124 Cumberland St., Toronto, 647-352-4433, http://racboutique.com

We love our summer totes as much as you do, but if the recent snow flurries haven’t convinced you that it’s time to make the switch, then these lovelies surely will.

From local design duo Alison Booth and Alison Lovell (between them they have a resume that reads Parsons School of Design, Celine, Pink Tartan and Coach), Brunswick + Co is a line of bags that are as practical as they are chic.

The combination of durable canvas with buttery leather appeals to our globetrotting needs. Indeed, the urban shopper ($495 in sage, black and slate) makes the ideal travel companion.

Once the snow settles, were heading south. Care to join us?

At La Merceria, 506 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, 416-848-0057, http://lamerceriatoronto.blogspot.com/

Chapstick, phone, keys, cash, Visa, and I.D.


These are the essentials to carry for summer, not the 25lb baby we’ve been lugging around. In fact, since we spotted this cross-body number in ultra-soft leather, we’re determined to downsize. Even the buttery brown shade feels lighter than our signature black.

After all, on a sunny day your handbag should say, “laissez-faire,” not “I belong on an an episode of Hoarders.”

The Shasta, $98, at Heel Boy opening the doors to its new location today: 773 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-362-4335, www.heelboy.com

The contents of your handbag says a lot about you. We asked Sarah Shell, designer of the Toronto-based handbag label 442 McAdam, to reveal what’s in her purse:

A wallet that is eight times the size it should be.


A case for my business cards.


An HTC Snap, my first data phone. It’s been difficult to ignore the email and text notifications when I’m in the car, but I’m being a law-abiding citizen and keeping it tucked away in my purse when I’m driving.

My laptop (most 442 McAdam bags are large and durable enough for this purpose). I have a hard time being separated from him. He’s a MacBook. I call him my Silver Stud.

A pair of glasses. My aunt and uncle used to own an optical store and so I have built a collection of uber-chic and vintage glasses. My favorite pairs are never-worn vintage Christian Dior, and a new Jackie O-style Roberto Cavalli.

Lipstick: L’Oreal’s Classic Wine is in my purse right now.

www.442mcadam.com

We love the exaggerated Balmain shoulder, but what to pair with such a bold statement silhouette?

Try slinging BCBG’s gunmetal purse ($166) across your body. It’s tough enough to play on the feel of armour, but delicate enough that it won’t compete with your powerful posture.

In fact, gunmetal is a truly versatile accent tone for fall. Dab Urban Decay’s best-selling eyeshadow ($16) across your lids and you’ll be truly ready for battle.

Medium Crossbody Metal Bag at BCBG Eaton Centre, www.bcbg.com

Urban Decay Eyeshadow at Sephora, www.sephora.com

When we heard that whimsical London socialite Fifi Lapin had a blog, we hopped right to it.

After all, Lapin is a uniquely stylish bunny and her list of runway must-haves and enviable wardrobe is a dangling closet carrot we love to chase. Plus, we just can’t resist the way she signs off all her posts with “bunny kisses.”

Most recently, Lapin teamed up with LeSportsac as its artist in residence to create a curious and playful collection, like this stylish compulsive shopper bag ($138, pictured).

She may be a silly little rabbit, but her shoe collection is to-die-for.

See more of Fifi at www.fifi-lapin.blogspot.com
Order LeSportsac online at www.lesportsac.com

You clear out your wallet weekly, but still the pennies and dimes pile up. Before you break the zip on your chic designer number, why not invest in a penny pod from local felter Katy Chan? 

Round and soft, with a chunky zipper down one side, these super handy pouches can carry coins, makeup, gobstoppers, mini playing cards…whatever you want.

They come in a bunch of colours as well as three different sizes (from $19) that’ll fit into your bag like peas in a pod.

At Made, 867 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-687-6384, www.madedesign.ca

Check out more of Chan’s textiles, stationary and home accessories at www.schoolyardstudio.com

We need a new bag like the Wildenstein woman needs another facelift. But a Klutch (from $100) is hard to resist.

Spearheaded by local design duo Victoria Selano and Sonia Pinto, these handmade lovelies are crafted from fine leathers, linens and silks. The ‘District’ is wide and sleek while the ‘Savoy’ is handily small and compact. Both are available in a gamut of textures and colours.

And hey, facelifts you can O.D on, but bags, never.

Available at Shopgirls, 1342 Queen St. W., Toronto, www.shopgirls.ca and www.etsy.com

From plush patents to sumptuous skins, it’s easy to get carried away with this season’s crop of bags.

If the idea of a chic, croc clutch handcrafted in Florence tickles your fancy, you may want to take a peek at the purses from EllyKelly Designs.

“Functional works of art,” is how local design duo Eleanor Shen and Kelly Connacher describe their freshly launched line of luxury bags.

Made from exotic skins like lizard, python and eel, the purses are perfectly sized to fit every glamour girl’s needs. They also come with interchangeable flaps and chain straps so you can zip from boardroom to bar without switching accessories.

We may have to eat air for a month to save up (they start at $1,495), but who needs food when you can have crocodile alla Florentine?

Available at Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., Toronto, 416-922-2333, www.holtrenfrew.com