All I want for Christmas...or even earlier!

As Christmas is under five weeks away, my Christmas wish list is in full swing here at CarrieMe HQ.

Anya Hindmarch has really understood the many different reasons we may fall in love with handbags and created her own formulae that results in true love.

At the top of the list is therefore naturally the Anya Hindmarch Tinsel Carter Clutch, beautifully elegant with a strong seasonal feeling - perfect for standing out at the office Christmas party whilst allowing the bag fill up with memories of cheer.  With tinsel, bells and glitter this bag is truly reminiscent of childhood and Christmas trees, all the joy that comes with decorating the tree in a more sophisticated and adult form, not to mention its easier to carry!

Tinsel Carter Clutch, Anya Hindmarch

As the Christmas list is increasingly growing I have decided to categorise.....  

Clutch bags are now a sub category in the handbags section (have I told you how much I love handbags...) and the Lauren by Ralph Lauren Shenandoah Luxe Clutch is high on the list competing with Anya's Tinsel, its classic elegance in gold suede, still allows you to be the main attraction, rather than your bag taking all the glory. 

Shenandoah Luxe clutch, Lauren by Ralph Lauren 

Finally in the top three contenders for the clutch to open on that special day, is another love of mine from the Anya Hindmarch collection - the Melchoir Clutch.  Shaped like a bauble that looks encrusted with gold, two shades of colour to excite your magpie side, and like the star that is followed in the traditional story, all eyes will be following you around the room with fascination and envy that is dripping with luxury.  

Melchoir Clutch, Anya Hindmarch

Now you have seen some important competitors for my Christmas list, its time for you to finish writing yours....remember leave it lying around surreptitiously under something, easy to spy, as everyone appreciates some well meaning hints, rather than rush around last minute or risk disappointment with something dreary, that your fabulous partner in all other ways might buy! 

Alexander McQueen launches the new Heroine handbag... and CarrieMe swoons

Ohhh the whole CarrieMe team is lusting after this new handbag - saw it at the weekend, it looks like Alexander McQueen is going to corner the market with its new timeless classic "Heroine".

Alexander McQueen "Heroine" handbag in black
www.fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Alexander McQueen Heroine in black crocodile
www.styleite.com

We love the envelope loop over the handles and the zip on the side, perfect place to place your CarrieMe finder for your mobile or keys... though the Heroine in Oxblood Suede starts at £1,345, the smart money will be on the crocodile version, a mere snip at £22,295!

Alexander McQueen Heroine in Oxblood Sued medium
www.fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Zoe Saldana with a medium-sized black Alexander McQueen Heroine
www.abeautyfeature.com

Ohhh fitting that the heroine of Avatar is spotted carrying one of the early pieces - wish I could trade places for 24 hours!

So what will Sara Burton and the company have in store for us all for Fashion Week coming in September?

Top 5 Handbag designers

Hope you all had a fantastic holiday and are ready to take on 2011 as today is the start of new beginnings.... 

Did any of you lucky people get a handbag for Christmas?  I confess that I didn't, but before I get back to work on CarrieMe, I would like to share with you my Top 5 handbag designer brands (it was really difficult to narrow it down to just these 5!).

I absolutely adore Orla Kiely handbags and Orla as a designer. Her use of vibrant prints and colours appeals so much to me as I’m such a colour and texture person.

 

http://www.orlakiely.com/

I wouldn’t be without a Lulu Guinness, its their quirky, London inspired handbags I like best, being a London girl at heart!

http://www.luluguinness.com

I love Anya Hindmarch because she makes lovely bags with her signature style.

http://www.anyahindmarch.com/

Fendi handbags are always trendy with at least one being on every “It-bag list” but at the same time they are classics with simple lines which really appeal to me.

http://www.fendi.com/

and lastly, Mulberry handbags will take you from season to season without ever looking dated.

 

In fact, the gorgeous Mulberry Tillie bag is set to be the IT bag for 2011 after being shown at Fashion Week – what are your thoughts about it?

http://www.mulberry.com/

I would love to hear your favourite handbag designers too in the comments.

Hope you had a fabulous party last night to celebrate the end of 2010 and the beginnings of 2011…. I definitely woke up with a hangover, but I have a feeling its going to be a great year ahead!

Love Carrie xxx