This Hub contains advice from the 2patricias on choosing a handbag. We have bought so many handbags between the two of us that we might be considered experts.

Tricia has most recent purchase was at 50% off the original price.  She found a fashionable bag, made from leather.  This made the bag 'good' on three counts in that it was on trend, should wear well and (best of all) it was a bargain.

Another good things about her bag is that it coordinates with many items in her wardrobe, so allows her to give a new look to existing outfits.

Pat's most recent purchase was something of a bargain, in that she bought it at 20% off full price.  Likewise her new bag is leather and fashionable.  However her bag is a stunning dark pink/light red colour, so unusual that she then bought a new jacket to go with the bag.  That rather cancelled out the bargain element of the bag.

A good bag is not always an expensive one.  In 2007 Pat bought a metallic-look bag from Marks and Spencer (Sheffield branch) for £15.  She had mentioned to a friend that she thought she might like a metallic-look bag, but was worried that maybe she wouldn't use one.  So her friend suggested buying a cheap bag in synthetic material.

That bag is still in use, and looks good.  It shows no sign of wear.  We have heard of people having problems with expensive metallic-look leather bags where the metallic finish flakes off the bag.  So, cheap can be good.

What we try to set out in this hub is our list of things to think about and look for when buying a new bag.

We hope you enjoy shopping, and that you are able to find something you like now and will continue to use in future.

There are days when you look at the contents of your wardrobe and wonder what to wear.  You actually have loads of clothes, and they are in good condition.  But you feel just a bit tired of them all, and yearn for a new look.

Why not buy a handbag?

Here's what we think you should consider when choosing a handbag, regardless of your budget:

• What have you got already? Not only by way of handbags, but what colour is your winter coat? Do you have any colour themes to your wardrobe?
• Do you need a smart handbag for work, or for social functions? Or would a casual bag be more appropriate?
• How big? Over 2006 and 2007, the most stylish handbags were huge! Some of the bags shown in the fashion magazines were positively hernia-inducing. In real life, consider what you need to carry with you, and plan your purchase accordingly.

Looking at handbags in the shop:

• Is all the stitching intact, and are the handles secured firmly to the body of the bag?
• If it fastens with a zip, test it to make sure it opens and closes smoothly.
• If it is a formal bag (as opposed to fabric), is it lined? If so, is the lining smooth, without any loose threads?
• Are there any internal pockets, say for your mobile phone, or to hold keys? -Expect more as the price increases.
• Will it be comfortable to carry? Pay particular attention to the handle - if you have to carry the bag during the day, or perhaps back and forth to work, this is important.
• Does it fasten securely? If you will be carrying the bag through crowds - say commuting to work - would it be easy for someone to steal things from inside your bag?
• If you have items that you really want to carry in your bag, such as a BlackBerry, make absolutely certain that they will fit inside, together with everything else.

Buying a bag on-line:

• Check the measurements. If measurements are not given, ask for them before you commit yourself to purchasing the item.
• Make sure that the supplier has a returns policy!

If you're short of funds, and want something that looks expensive, try on-line auction sites.. Take a look before you say ‘not for me' - there are so many bags listed everyday that you can narrow your search down to colour and style - and still have a huge choice. Okay, some of them are still expensive, but you can always find something at £10 or below. It may be close enough to what you want, or you could strike lucky and find the exact thing you've been looking for, and within your budget.

Museum shops can be a good source of unusual bags at affordable prices. Some of the very large museums have on-line shops.

Don't turn your nose up at charity shops. You might find something almost new.

Have fun trying to bag a bag!