I need a new handbag.....any suggestions?

[Earlybird]

I was sitting on the tube tonight, and as I looked at my 5 year old handbag, realised it is finally time for a new one. I'm after a reasonably sized shoulder bag that zips or buckles to close. It should be a versatile style for casual or smart use, and should be a neutral colour. Don't mind paying a generous amount as I'm likely to be using it for the next 5 years!

Also would love to hear about/see links for any reasonably priced spring/summer bags...which could be trendy/fun (rather than classic) as they're cheaper!

Anyone seen anything that might be worth considering?

Another reason I tend to go for the more neutral/classic bags, is that I'm in central London and am a regular public transport user. As much as the idea of a lovely pea green or orange designer handbag might appeal to me, think it makes me far too conspicuous for those who look for targets...if I moved around London in a car, I might think/dress differently.

I have a largish brown suede on from Monsoon - £30, a small black one with a couple of pockets (hate the death-by-buckle look too) from M&S and a fairly dull black and tan one (unusual style tho) I use for work.

so Earlybird, did you see anything you liked on those links?

Probably a silly question - when you use a brightly coloured handbag, presume you make no attempt to match shoes, but just wear something complementary? What colour shoes would you wear with a green or orange or red handbag?

Frenchgirl - yes there are some lovely things there. I've only had time to glance at them in between fixing supper for dd. Will look more carefully later tonight - thanks for providing the links.

Where do you get your Longchamp bags? Going to the USA over Easter, and wonder if they might be cheaper there.....

just use it
no matching

HandbagAddiction I didn't know Coach had gone from the UK ! I'm gutted as I'm a big fan. I was looking forward to the end of our current economy bag, then going out to get a new bag..