All the A-listers have one. A strong, desirable, stylish and very sexy article draped over their arms – no shopping trip or celebrity party would be complete without them. No we aren’t talking Jennifer Anniston’s latest squeeze, I’m talking true arm candy: the ultimate handbag.

Women and bags are as perfect and natural a combination as strawberries and cream, sugar and spice, gin and tonic. We aren’t too fussy either, really. We’ll settle for clutch bags, frame bags, shoulder bags, totes, oversize bags, purses – as long as we can take one piece of leather, patent or fabric gorgeousness with us whenever we leave the house, we’re happy to compromise. For us ladies, there can be no greater indulgence than setting out on a trip to buy a new handbag – in this Shopping Spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at size, because let’s face it ladies, size does matter when it comes to the perfect bag and it’s always important to ensure you’re carrying only the sweetest candy in town.

Size Matters

As seen sported by fashion femmes Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton the Oversize seems a little hefty for day-to-day shopping trips but are currently the perfect companion for the fashionable lady about town. Stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe reportedly made this trend big business in Hollywood, as a way of slimming down comparatively skinny celebs. There’s no doubt that Oversize bags are fantastically spacious with room for all your usual gear plus much more (great for trips to the gym and weekend breaks away) but there’s something quite ridiculous about adopting a passing trend simply to create the “illusion” of slimness – you only need to look at one of the many Size 0 Hollywood celebrities heaving around one of these monster bags with nothing but a lip gloss rattling around inside to see that maybe it’s best to stick with a more discreet sized shopper for a more normal look.

Cute Clutches

From one end of the It Bag spectrum to the other the much-coveted clutch is making a comeback and is the perfect evening accessory. Who needs handles and shoulder straps anyway? With these little numbers you’ll never want to let them go, clutching them close to your side like a new best friend. The clutch is perfect for formal evening dos, proms and fancy dinners – for a real touch of class look out for framed purse clasps (specifically antique brass), giving you instant vintage glamour. Be warned though, if you have more than your phone, loose change, keys and lippy you might struggle to keep it closed – clutches are for ladies who like to travel light.

So, what’s your candy? Are you of the dinky clutch persuasion or do you like to carry some serious baggage? Make your mind up whilst browsing some of these great websites where you’ll find everything from slick black patent clutches to luscious tan leather holdalls – enjoy!