About three months ago, I stopped carrying a bag. After years and years of lugging around unnecessary belongings every day, I'd had enough. Actually opening up my Mary Poppins bag and delving into the unknown depths, I found receipts from 2014, sticky makeup products I hadn't used in months, books, keys, toiletries, tissues, socks, snacks – you name it, it was in there.
In reality, all I really need for work on a daily basis are my wallet, phone, lip balm, Oyster card and keys, which all fit neatly in my pockets, but as a bag obsessive I've been known to carry an almost empty gigantic tote, padded out with a scarf, just to... well, carry a beautiful bag.
I might not be a regular clothes shopper (in fact, I rather despise it but that's another story) but I do have a very healthy collection of bags. From Céline, Goyard and Prada to Marni and Chloé, whether they're on my arm or displayed in pride of place in my bedroom, my bag collection brings me joy every day. Trends come and go, and while of course there are seasonal It bags, a classic, timeless bag can transform any outfit and be picked up across decades. For me, a bag is a lifelong commitment and investment, and the only time I'll readily spend a significant chunk of my salary is on the exquisitely crafted companion I carry around every day.
As much as I've enjoyed the past few months of liberation – being hands-free, seemingly less materialistic and feeling far more nonchalant and spontaneous – truth be told, I bloody miss a bag. A bag is not only functional but an extension of your self. Bright and embellished, simple and chic, oversized and ornate, a bag is an immediate insight into your personality and without one, I feel pretty bare.
For SS17, miniature bags in playful designs were all over the catwalks, from Louis Vuitton's iPhone case clutches to Valentino's lipstick holders. I vow to say goodbye to my back-breaking oversized sacks (for now) and replace them with something more suitably sized and colourful for spring. Click ahead for the best bags to brighten up your post-winter wardrobe.
Ruffles are the trend that just keep giving. Extend your frills from your clothes to your fashion accessories with this Zara bucket bag.
A.P.C.'s chic, minimalist black June bag is crafted from smooth vegetable-tanned leather that, like a fine wine, will only get better with age.
A.P.C. June leather shoulder bag, £380, available at My Theresa
If you rarely veer away from a black or monochromatic wardrobe, enliven your look with a metallic flash.
& Other Stories D-Ring crossbody bag, £65, available at & Other Stories
Handmade in Sicily from woven natural palma-nana straw, this tote is artfully embellished with glass mirrors, black pompoms, and gold-tone metal buttons and lion heads to get you in the mood for summer.
Muzungu Sisters Sicilian pompom straw tote, £330, available at Matches Fashion
We can always count on velvet to add some oomph to our outfits. This turquoise pouch bag from our favourite new brand Attico, founded by Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini, will add colour to a dismal spring day.
Choose from 19 styles of McQueen's latest bag drop - our favourite is this lacquered red and ginger number.
Alexander McQueen Box Bag, £1,690, available at Alexander McQueen.
Featuring a classic fold-over design, this deep red, suede shoulder bag has a delicate golden chain and chic square buckle.
& Other Stories Small suede fold-over bag, £89, available at & Other Stories
This satchel will be the perfect addition to both your workwear and weekend wardrobe.
& Other Stories Leather crossover bag, £105, available at & Other Stories
Balenciaga's striped canvas 'Cabas' tote can carry your gym kit, office papers or beach towel thanks to expandable sides. But don't worry, you can secure smaller items in the accompanying zipped pouch.
Balenciaga Cabas leather-trimmed striped canvas tote, £595, available at Net-A-Porter
The fashion set just can't get enough of this turmeric shade. If you're not ready to try yellow clothing, this bag is the perfect place to start.
What did we say about turmeric? Simon Miller's SS17 collection is inspired by the colours and textures of moss-covered hills in Yamagata, Japan. Made from nubuck in the vibrant saffron hue, this mini 'Bonsai 15' bucket bag has shiny silver ring handles which complement its striking silhouette.
Simon Miller Bonsai 15 nubuck bucket bag, £320, available at Net-A-Porter
And one more for luck. This square bag from Zara is a cheap and cheerful way to take on the turmeric trend.
Spotted on all our favourite street style stars over couture fashion week in Paris last month, this candy-coloured zip-up is one of the bags of the season.
Balenciaga Striped Bazar Cross-Body Bag, £525, available at Browns Fashion
And if it's not a Balenciaga bag fashion editors are carrying, chances are it's this Chloé Faye bag, which comes in multiple sizes.
Chloé Small Faye Cross-Body Bag, £525, available at Browns Fashion
Detach the thick strap for a hand-held clutch that will take you seamlessly from day to night.
H&M Shoulder bag with suede detail, £17.99, available at H&M
This black Loewe cross-body bag boasts a spacious circular silhouette that you can either carry from the long shoulder strap or hold in your hand. Prepare to see this all over London Fashion Week.
Loewe Joyce Cross-Body Bag, £1,325, available at Browns Fashion
What better way to complete your look than with a glittery pineapple?
Last season, we were obsessed with the Loewe elephant but new for Resort 2017 is Jonathan Anderson's Panda mini cross-body bag, which will add a playful flourish to your ensemble.
Loewe Panda mini leather cross-body bag, £875, available at Matches Fashion
This little tote with a soft knot closure, from one of our favourite new bag brands, Yuzefi, can be worn three ways – using the ring handles, detachable chain or black leather shoulder strap.
This elegant evening bag looks far more expensive than it actually is and will add the finishing touch to your LBD or tailored trouser-suit.
Uterqüe Floral suede crossbody bag, £115, available at Uterqüe
The new mini Nano Milner from Sophie Hulme follows the same clean lines and streamlined silhouette of the popular original version. Wear by day with the adjustable cross-body strap or simply unclip for an instant evening clutch.
Sophie Hulme Pink Milner nano crossbody, £250, available at Sophie Hulme
Okay, a picnic basket isn't the most practical bag for everyday use, but we'd like to try and look as cool as Camille Charrière carrying one.
We may be a bit premature but this multicoloured bucket bag is just what we'll need come festival season.
Because we'll never tire of bucket bags, especially when they look this chic.
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