The New ‘It Bag’: Duffle

The new ‘It bag' for this season is... The Duffle Bag. Or as many high street brands have re-branded it, The Bucket Bag. Yes. It's back. And before those painful childhood memories come flooding back, don't panic - no longer will it be used for your mud-caked P.E kit. The duffle bag has been refurbished and is now being sported with as much ease as a tote or clutch by the queens of the fashion world. This bag is practical, definitely on the roomy side and despite its painful school day connotations we are willing to team it with our favourite flowing maxi dress for a more boho-chic look. And if it's good enough for Alexa Chung, Rachael Bilson and Jessica Alba, it's surely good enough for us. They do look happy, and fashionable enough, don't they?

Following on from the satchel trend of last year, opt for tan leather or embrace the latest pastel colour palettes and crochet fabrics. Our favourite has to be this perfect-for-when-the-sun-comes-out drawstring crochet bag by Missoni, £175. If you're a little more traditional Team LBD receommend this simple leather bowling bag by Chloe, £1250- where were these chic styles when we were subjected to mandatory sport!? For a more grown-up but quirky handbag update, this 1a Prima Classe number with old-fashioned map print is the perfect choice. Snap one up now for £298!

If these beautiful bags are a little out of your price range then we've found some bargainous super-luxe pieces hot off the high street to keep you in the fashion know. If you're looking to combine the classic black handbag with the new duffle trend for a great work to bar bag we love this black Marc B bag with cute gold charms, £49 (above far left). This black bucket bag from Topshop (above far right) can be worn over your shoulder too, £55 making it a fabulously versatile piece. And since it's pay day why not splurge on the bag trend that is guaranteed to take you through to Summer with Mango's leather bucket bag for £69.99. Go on, it's worth it! Shop our latest collection of bags by Alison van der Lande here. Or shop our extensive bag collection here.