HANDBAGS ARE ARMOUR, ESPECIALLY THE BIG ONES YOU CAN HIDE BEHIND

I haven’t actually shopped for anything in a long time. I know – I can barely believe it myself, but one thing I have realised, during a year spent at home, is how much I’ve missed the need to carry a proper handbag. I’ve also realised I don’t want to re-enter into the world looking the same as I did a year ago. Surely if there were ever a time for reinvention post-lockdown, postmarriage, it’s now?

I don’t have money to burn (my divorce lawyer has it all) so, instead, I’m looking for a quick update, which this season has to be the raffia bag. I’ve found loads I love. Available in all different shapes, sizes and price ranges, from Stella McCartney to Prada to Celine, most big name designers have one in their range. But all hope is not lost for those on a smaller budget – the high street has a great range on offer, too.

Don’t worry about looking too “beachy”, no one cares about fashion rules any more, not after the year we’ve all had. I’ve bought myself a big one by M&S. Half-shield, half-pet, there’s something deeply comforting about filling it to the brim just to pop along to the pub. If you consider a spare pair of skyscraper heels nonessential, that is.

4 1: Straw grab tote bag £19.50, marksandspencer.com; 2: Falabella raffia large tote £795, stellamccartney. com; 3:Woven palm and leather tote £650, prada.com; 4: Yvonne Waska crochet bag £175, toast

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