Rockabilly and Pin-up style often seems to me the perfect retro summer look, with plenty of bright prints and tropical flavours throughout.
This Karen Millen bag definitely has an air of the toughest 50s chicks’ style about it, from the fantastic shaping to the tropical floral print. The yellow leather lifts this from the ordinary to a definite summer accessory with slight bubblegum appeal.
It’s currently available from ASOS online for £89.95.
The mid-season sales are on, which means it’s the perfect time to grab a bit of retro style from the high street.
Roxy aren’t usually known for their vintage inspiration, but they’ve hit the nail on the head with this great Trading Places shopper. This sturdy 8 litre bag is perfect for carrying your groceries and it has the perfect looks for an everyday bag too.
It’s currently available from Debenhams in the sale for just £14.
Gina Pierce has produced a range of location-inspired textiles, which in turn have been made into bags.
The two History Maps Bags take an early map of the East End of London and a recreated map of the Underground from 1919 which features tube stations that have either since closed or been renamed. So as well as a stylish design, they offer an interesting glimpse at London in days gone by.
The large tote bag measures 41cm high by x 46 cms wide and is fully lined with an internal pocket. It costs just under £50. A small bag is available available (measuring 34cm by 31cm) for just under £30. Both are available to by online from Hidden Art Shop.
To match your Mondrian dress, you can now pick up this Kara Ross Mondrian-style clutch bag.
This high-end leather accessory has a chain-link shoulder strap, those geometric coloured panels on the front and back and pockets that sit on the lining.
If all that appeals, maybe the price will put you off – a whopping £1,675.
Find out more at the Browns website
We’ve bemoaned the demise of the Mix Tape here before so were pleased to see that we weren’t alone in missing it when we came across the “Play a Song for Me” Bag.
Designed by Hanna Melin, it is a white bag decorated with blue pencil drawings of a collection of old mix tapes of songs filled with memories of the past. It is made from 100% organic cotton and although produced in India, it hasn’t been flown here so it has sound environmental credentials.
It costs £9.95 and can be bought from the Hidden Art Shop.
Retro accessories have been cropping up in increasing numbers of high street fashion shops of late, and they just keep coming.
With a welcome departure from over-selling the 60s, Topshop have spread their wings further into vintage inspiration with this distinctly 20s-style clip box bag. The art deco lines are modernised somewhat by the teal colour and an optional chain strap.
This one’s faux leather and suede which means an affordable price tag of just £25.
