Designer Handbag Terminology:

The Baguette: A popular French loaf-shaped bag made famous by Fendi. It usually has a short shoulder strap and is of small to medium size. In 2007 the Fendi Baguette celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The Birkin Bag: The Birkin was created in 1984 by Hermès under guidelines from British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, who wanted a bigger, easier-to-handle bag in which to carry her many things, says Pedersen. Today to be seen carrying an oversized Hermès Birkin bag is the height of celeb cred. According to the New York Times, 11 August 2006, Jane Birkin remarked that the fame of the bag had exceeded that of herself, "Now when my daughter (actress Charlotte Gainsbourg) goes to America, they ask her if she is the daughter of the bag."

The Box Bag: Often doubling up as a vanity case, this style was popularized in the 1950s and bags were often made from Lucite, a shiny, hard material otherwise known as Perspex. Box bags were so named due to their cigar box shape and today this hard cased style can also be found in wood, straw, cane and plastic. Lucite has re-emerged as a popular material in 2008, particularly for women's heels.

The Bucket: This bag emerged in 1933, providing a popular, fun style which broke with tradition. Based on the shape of a bucket there are variations which can still be found in stores today and are produced mostly in leather.

The Clutch Purse: The go anywhere rectangular evening bag designed to be held or tucked underneath the arm. Many variations in all sized and fabrics have emerged over the years. The clutch bag has become just as versatile for daytime as eveningwear, and oversized clutches are now hitting the runways in line with today's current trend for big bags.

The Hobo: A soft, slouchy (usually crescent shaped) shoulder bag favored by Gucci.

The Kate Spade Bag: Categorised by many women as the bag that would go with everything, American designer Kate Spade set about creating handbags which were affordable and fashionable, without being boring. Famous for her box-shaped bags, Kate Spade's bags are made out of soft materials.

The Kelly Bag: Hermès so named this bag after Hollywood movie star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, who was hardly ever seen separated from her Hermes bag. It's smart, leather, tailored shape is reminiscent of a briefcase or document case and is a sophisticated, classic style.

The Messenger: The Prada Messenger bag has become a popular fashion item of late. This large, usually soft shoulder bag is based on the traditional messenger bags that couriers or postmen carry.

The Murse or Manbag: A man's purse which is fast becoming a hot fashion item for men owing both to their practicality and street cred. Manbags are right on trend this season.

The Pouch: A soft, small bag, often with a drawstring, which was designed to be worn underneath clothing in the early 1900s. Today numerous variations are available and are mainly used as an evening wear accessory.

The Saddle Bag: Based on the shape of a horse's saddle, this shoulder bag with a long front flap, is a practical holdall for everyday use.

The Satchel: A hard framed, handheld handbag reminiscent of a school satchel, some have a shoulder strap.

The Tote: One of the staples of any woman's wardrobe. The tote bag has a large open top with two straps or handles, very popular for the beach and casual wear. Tote bags can be colorful, in all manner of fabrics or classic leather for business or more versatile everday wear. The most famous tote bag of 2007 was Anya Hindmarsh's casual, environmentally-friendly "I'm not a plastic bag."

How to spot a fake Vera Bradley product.

7. If you can touch the bag before purchasing, the fabric should be soft and flexible. Fakes frequently have stiff, low quality fabric.