AS A fashion writer and shopaholic, I am all too aware of the obsession many of us girls have with the handbag.

Whether it's wanting the latest to die for' designer bag or simply having the right bag for every outfit, we just can't help ourselves - the feel-good factor of a new handbag is a powerful thing.

Well, hold on to your lipstick, purses and keys, you can now throw your old bag out!

Never ever have I experienced anything like the magnetism of the bag I have been wearing' this week. I have been stared at, pounced on and even followed, such is the quest of those who catch sight of my delicious handbag to find out where it came from.

With its heavy vintage clasp, clunk-clicking shut in a securely satisfying way, its firm pvc covering, protecting the wonderful vintage print fabric encrusted with diamante it needs to be handled to be appreciated fully. My bag comes from a small elite collection that has only just attracted the attention of the English designer market.

The inside of each individually-designed bag is equally sumptuous, in baby silk pink or deep opulent red. The handles bring youth to the elegance of the overall look, in tailored denim with knuckled silver clasps or black patent chic. These bags are designed to last. They cannot date.

I defy you to wear' one for a day and not get stopped truly attention seeking bags, so beware! They are not for the shy.

From designer Maria Andonia, of Los Angeles, now being worn' by Halle Berry, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Tyra Banks, India Arie and Faith Hill. There are even diamante encrusted Harleys, the ultimate designer handbag for the biker chick!

These bags are coming over direct to Bagstodiefor, available right now by exclusive mail order service. You can check out the collection on their web site (if you are very lucky there may also be one or two adorning the shelves of Caroline Blair, of Kendal, and Maguire Metcalfe, of Bowness).

Bags cost between £175 and £205. http://www.bagstodiefor.com (01434-601846). LH.

May 1, 2003 10:30