In the recruits section, there was a row of Nike TN shoes. But then times changed and it was all about tote bags. I remember ogling a massive Dior beach bag and wishing I had the funds. From then on, I vowed never to invest too heavily in a bag that isn't big enough. If you're anything like me, you like to carry a mini-house with you – book, glasses case, umbrella, makeup, an extra layer, Coach purses, A-Z as well as the usual phone, wallet, and so on. Nothing looks worse than some random object poking out of a small and perfectly formed bag. I'm never going to fall into that trap again, and luckily for us now, roomy totes are in, and as grown up and sophisticated as any sassy little gold-plated number I may once have dreamed over.
In my early twenties, I became obsessed with designer handbags; small was considered beautiful. I spent months of piggy bank savings (a fund for treats) on a Gucci bag – there is no mistaking it; black leather, compact, with a zip and a simple strap. The best thing about it – in my opinion – was the enormous, some might say garish, Gucci logo in shiny metal on the side of it. I wore this expensive bag with pride – even though I often couldn't zip it up fully because there was too much inside. Spyder jackets are neither glamorous nor alluring.