Black, white and neutrals are my wardrobe staples and seemingly the same goes for my handbag collection. I’ve never really felt the need to blow $5000 on a designer handbag (and to be honest I most certainly don’t have that amount of spare cash lying around) and with some smart shopping I don’t think its necessary if, like me you want to look chic but still have a healthy bank balance.

With the popularity of the ‘monogram’ trend and some clever designer look-a-likes I really feel like I’ve managed to ‘bag’ (no pun intended) a few bargains recently and thought I’d share them with you!

The mini box bag

This was an amazing birthday present that I bought to go with a beautiful (cream) Zimmermann playsuit. Sometimes you have to be practical and although it was a present to go with my outfit I knew I’d be able to wear it with pretty much anything. Literally everywhere I go with this handbag I get compliments and although it looks small it has quite a lot of space to fit my massive phone, keys, wallet, makeup, mirror. Zimmermann is one of my favourite Australian brands and I find their handbags, shoes and accessories really well made but affordable. I still feel like I’m wearing a designer handbag without the hefty price tag.

This baby comes in a few other colours as well….I would love all of them…haha! You can buy it, here

The monogrammed clutch

This was also another birthday present (my best friend knows me so well!)…..I had been eyeing off The Daily Edited’s site for quite some time after seeing their beautiful pieces all over Instagram so this was the perfect present for me! I love my monogrammed initials and the silver detailing (you have probably noticed I hardly EVER wear gold). I think this is a smart, easy option that looks classy and sophisticated and is a good size for all of my handbag essentials. LOVE IT!!

The designer look-a-like

I love Zara for their accessories….I picked this bag up recently for around $180 AUD and have worn it to death already. Yes, the inside is not the best quality but you could only tell if you looked really closely! There is also heaps of room in here and I added a little pom pom from Witchery which gives it a designer edge. This has definitely been my go-to handbag of late because of the size, colour, look and ease of wearing.

I have looked for the link everywhere but unfortunately I’ve had no luck. I found a similar one on the U.S site, here

I’d love to hear your feedback and hear where you go to up your handbag game

Sophie x x