I cannot emphasise enough how much I do not know or understand about fashion, style and handbags. I use a rucksack because it's practical - it's one my 12-yr-old used to use as a school bag.
However, the 18 year old is quite interested in fashion, cares deeply about aesthetics, is beautiful and arty and always looks so lovely. She's a little bit alternative - Arial-red hair and mostly wears black and lace. She makes her own clothes, and buys from charity shops.
She really appreciates quality. Her grandparents bought her a watch, and she did lots of research and chose a very classic, elegant style, and it was important that it was a Swiss watch-maker, not a fashion brand. She wears it every day. She also wears her grandmother's jewelry. She likes old things, and things with meaning or history.
I would like to get her a handbag. I might end up asking her what she would like because she's quite particular, but start me off on my research by telling me what you would get in this case. Thank you if you have a suggestion!