a) Cloth purses are very casual fashion items, so colorful fabrics and whimsical patterns are the strongest trend. If you love bold colours and striking contrasts, you'll have a great time shopping for cloth purses this season.

b) Soft leather is a beautiful fabric for handbags because it's durable, always very stylish, and it goes with everything. Sling handbags are very comfortable to carry, and perfect, either for business or as a casual accessory.

c) Hobo purses can be cool and casual for shopping, or groovy and glamorous to go with evening wear. Casual style hobo purses come in suede or leather, and soft colours like pastel pinks, beige, cream and white are very much in vogue. These purses are a new take on the traditional evening purse, and make an eye-catching alternative.

d) Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they're the perfect size to carry all those little necessities. The big look for clutch purses and clutch handbags in the coming year will be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colours of the season.