When you can’t hold out for a Chanel 2.55, have a little Cha Cha.

Handmade-to-order in Toronto by one woman show Lori Chalmers, the handbags feature soft leather outers and custom, hand-printed canvas interiors with cute details like a duo of studs. For heavy hauls, we love the tall Naomi tote ($265) which comes in classic colours cognac, dark brown or black. And for light loads, the Mimi bucket bag ($115) is the epitome of chic simplicity.

Carry on.

www.chachalifestyle.com

From fashion writer Derek Blasberg’s freshly penned book for young girls called Classy to Louis Vuitton’s fall runway of nipped waists and full skirts, being a lady is back in vogue (Lohans take note).

And in keeping with the return of ladylike behaviour is carrying a smaller, more structured purse. Covet the Céline classic box bag, but bring home a Rebecca Minkoff now. Her Heartthrob Clutch ($380) is a little Chanel and her Mini Morning After Bag ($575) is not unlike the doctor’s bags carried down LV’s fall runway.

Will it bag us a proper gentleman? Here’s hoping.

At Charlie & Lee, www.charlieandlee.com

The wedding invites are rolling in and now you’re on the hunt for attendee attire.

Start with the purse first. Our pick is Davie & Chiyo, a local line designed by two sisters. The clutches come with romantic bows, ruffles or rosettes in coloured silk from wedding white to vibrant fuchsia.

For the betrothed and bridesmaids, they also do bespoke bags. You choose the fabric, detailing and personal label, and unlike the dress, the clutch is sure to be seen again.

From $55 at www.davieandchiyo.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

On the world stage, it's not just Canada's climate that has a cool reputation.

The fall bag collection from Roots had us waving our patriotic fashion flag. We loved the patent leather styles, especially the Lauren bag ($258) that comes in black, red or white. Made from rich and durable Vernice leather, this chic–and–stylish tote is sure to be your go–to bag for the season.

And when you have a little more to store, the Super Shopper bag ($348) in black or cherry Vernice/Organza leather is large enough to hold your laptop, lipstick and little black book.

We hear Angelino David Beckham recently stopped in to the Bloor Street shop in Toronto.

Now if only we could bag him….

For store locations and to preview bags visit www.roots.com

News Flash: the limited edition "I'm not a plastic bag"cloth totes with rope handles by U.K. designer Anya Hindmarch launch in North America tomorrow.

Just 300 of the $18 shopping bags are available on a first-come-first-serve basis (limit 10 per customer) at Vancouver's Holt Renfrew and every customer gets a free copy of the book "Change the World for 10 Bucks."

Or 18 bucks. Whatever. Just get us one of those bags!

View bag here.

Exclusive to Holt Renfrew, 737 Dunsmuir St., 604-681-3121, www.holtrenfrew.com

Somehow your trusty black bag is starting to feel all dark and dour now that the magnolias are in bloom.

But the cheerful designs from Pemberton B.C.'s Ellis Designs are sure to put spring in your step.

With 30-plus fabric choices, there's one to tickle all your fancies, in styles like the structured "Claire" bag or the totable "Linda."

But there's something about the "Sarah" bag that just draws us right in...

View styles and order ($20-$75) at www.ellisdesigns.ca