Dear Style Rehab

I got some Christmas money and I'm thinking of investing it in a new handbag for work. It needs to be stylish but also big enough to fit all my feminine wares - personal organiser, car keys, mid-morning snack, that sort of thing.

Where should I start looking?

Jenny, Farnworth

Your search for the perfect "work" bag should start and end in Debenhams. They have a fantastic selection of bags to suit all price ranges, tastes and desires.

If like me you take the kitchen sink to work then how abou this black leather one from J by John Richmond at £50. The chains are right on "rock" trend and the baubles are an alternative twist on the luggage tag Hermes Birkin bag look. It would be fine to throw all your valuables into because of the those zips - you're not going to lose the contents off the seat of your car either if you keep it fastened up.

If you want something a bit smaller and on a smaller budget then try this Red Herring Daisy bag at £22.

Again it's black, not the most interesting but it will go with everything. The cut-out embroidery gives it a sweet look and again the zip is really useful. The handle is chunky enough so you can sling it over your shoulder. Moulded on the retro bowling bag, with a new century kick you can't go wrong, especially at this price.

If you're bored of black then how about this funky red patent one. They'll see you coming as my gran used to say. From J Jeans by Jasper Conran this is slightly smaller than the rest but it might just help you to de-clutter that arm candy. At £55 you could get your money's worth by using it as an evening bag - it's small enough for that too.

If you want to make a great style statement then go for this magenta version from Butterfly by Matthew Williamson at £60. It's the most expensive of them all but it's certainly striking. It's got the all important zip and thick straps will ensure your shoulders don't ache (spreading the weight of the contents - kitchen sink included). Those subtle intricate butterflys give it that Williamson stamp but it's not OTT like some of his other superb creations.

Of course there are other high street shops you can try... the sky's your limit. New Look, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Marks and Spencer... the list goes on.

Don't forget too, the sales are still on, rifle through those bargin bins, you never know you might find the one for you.