Ever since Coco Chanel announced ‘I know women - give them chains, women adore chains’ (Hart, G , www.handbags-luggage.suite101.com ) chain straps have hung from the arms of the most fashionable fashionistas. Chanel’s introduction of the chain strap allowed women to have their hands free, as opposed to holding their purse which was convention at the time. During the Loreal Women’s Fashion Festival I was suddenly reacquainted with my love of the chain strapped bag when I saw it being carried numerous times by Melbourne’s best dressed. My mission over the next week was to find a more budget friendly option and surprisingly it wasn’t hard.

French Connection City Quilt Diamond Mini Bag $69.95

I love the clasp on this bag which actually hails back to the original Chanel bag as opposed to the Lagerfeld reissue with the interlocking CCs. This one comes in black and navy and two other larger sizes - the ’shopper’ and a larger clutch.

Sportsgirl Peaches Chain Sling Bag $39.95

Witchery Maddy Chain Bag $129.95

At $129.95 leather shoulder bag I thought this was a great price for a leather bag.

www.baganimage.com.au $20 per day (minimum 5 days)

And if you want the real thing a budget friendly option is renting a bag from www.baganimage.com.au