This Affordable Handbag Label Is Like the Zara of the Accessories World

The high-street excels in so many areas. However, we find that handbags can be harder to shop for on a budget. It can be difficult to find affordable leather handbags that don't look cheap and won't fall to pieces the minute you put a laptop in them. But there is one under-the-radar high-street label that creates on-trend, expensive-looking handbags that won't break the bank. 

Singaporean label Charles & Keith is the Zara of the accessories world, and although you can order its bags online, it still remains a relatively insider name here in the UK. This has been our secret go-to place to go for minimal, pared-back designs with a selection of tan, black and navy bucket bags, backpacks and top-handle bags. As well as practical everyday totes, the brand has also nailed the micro-bag trend with mini saddle bags and sparkling clutches. Did we mention their impressive shoe selection is also a Who What Wear team favourite? 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF CHARLES & KEITH )

For those brushing up on Charles & Keith, the store launched back in 1996, originally specialising in shoes, but then later expanded its accessories offering. The brand has, however, only recently upped its profile here in the UK, partly due to Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams carrying its £40 triangular pouch bag on the red carpet several times, and mega stars such J.Lo and Sienna Miller being snapped in their designer-rivalling designs too. 

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(Image credit: @maxineeggenberger)

Keep scrolling to shop our edit of the 10 best Charles & Keith bags new to the site now. And the best part is, they all come in at under £200, so this A-list and editor approved brand may just be the smartest handbag investment you make this week. 

SHOP THE BEST CHARLES AND KEITH HANDBAGS:

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Emma Spedding
Freelance Fashion Editor

Emma is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years experience in industry, having worked at The Telegraph, Grazia and, most recently, British Vogue. Emma was part of the founding team of Who What Wear UK, where she worked for six years as Deputy Editor and then Editor—helping shape the team into what it is today is one of the biggest privileges of her career and she will always see herself as a Who What Wear girl, contributing to both the US and UK sites. Whether she's writing about runway trends or spotlighting emerging brands, she aims to write about fashion in a way that is democratic and doesn't promote over consumption.