This LA-based brand is all about accessible pieces with serious fashion cred, and their retro-fabulous handbags are a highlight. Toggle between croc-embossed, '50s-style totes and pastel bucket bags, all of which are surprisingly well-priced.
Prices: $280 AUD-$700 AUD
Carolina Santo Domingo
For the playful accent piece in an otherwise dreary work wardrobe, you can't go past Carolina Santo Domingo's functional-yet-eye-catching designs. From fun, fluffy raffia totes to her signature triangular 'Amphora' bag, the brand's pieces are one-of-a-kind additions to your daily look.
Prices: $700 AUD-$1300 AUD
Bembien
Designed in New York City and brought to life in a village of artisan weavers in Bali, Bembien creates the kind of basket bags that will have you instantly dreaming of a holiday on the French Riviera. With the label recently expanding to offer silk scarves and must-have jewellery too, it's your one-stop shop for the kind of accessories perfect for pretending you're on a permanent European vacation.
Prices: $130 AUD-$370 AUD
KARA
Despite their lack of branding, Kara backpacks and their chunky zippers quickly catapulted to 'instantly recognisable' status among the New York style set. If you're not a "backpack girl" fear not: nowadays the line—designed by ex-Gap accessories designer Sarah Law—has expanded to cross-bodies and clutches.
Prices: $280 AUD-$700 AUD
PB 0110
Sticking to a strictly minimalist design aesthetic, designer Philipp Bree's handbags have become the cornerstone of cool-girls' oufits in every corner of the globe, from his native Belgium to Venice Beach, Los Angeles.
Prices: 250 AUD-1000 AUD
OAD New York
Sydney Suh-Lee—who cut her teeth designing accessories for Calvin Klein Collection and Kate Spade—has a simple design philosophy: stylish bags with a practical number of pockets. The result? OAD, her line of sensible, business-appropriate bags with a chic twist.
Prices: $210 AUD-$700 AUD
Simon Miller
If you've been stalking street style galleries or making your way through a particularly busy Sydney cocktail bar of late, you'll immediately recognise these cultish Simon Miller mini bucket bags. A favourite at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, we're expecting to see a lot more of these babies.
Prices: $280 AUD-$845 AUD
Dylan Kain
The brainchild of genetically #blessed sister trio Bonnie, Whitney and Stephanie Gilmore (yes, the six-time world champion surfer)—Dylan Kain is a range of simple leather handbags, elevated with metal hardware detailing and a chic crocodile effect finish. It-bloggers Rumi Neely, Alexandra Spencer and Elle Ferguson are all fans.
Prices: $340 AUD-$840 AUD
A.P.C
The go-to for French staples a la trench coats and Breton tees, A.P.C expanded their cult appeal with the 'Demi-Lune' handbag, a fashion industry favourite thanks to its perfect everyday size, minimalist design and 'Jeanne Damas on the weekend' vibes.
Prices: $420 AUD-$985 AUD
Sophie Hulme
You're likely to see any number of street style stars toting Hulme's playfully-coloured, structural bags, preferably in a bright hue of red, pink or blue or a fun graphic print.
Prices: $550 AUD-$1100 AUD