I HAVE been fighting a battle against cigarettes, and - so far - I've been good.

I tell myself that I didn't quit, I'm just doing it less. I have no will power, so I have to trick myself.

This seems to works with shopping too.

I promised myself to be more prudent with my money, so I have to curb the nasty overspending habit.

But I don't tell myself I'll stop shopping. I'm just going to window shop a lot, and only getting stuff when I've exhausted all options.

My fingers are crossed that it works.

When even luxury label Chanel retrenched 200 of its staff members, it is time to be good.

So if we're in the same sensible boat, don't deprive yourself.

I've mentioned this in this column many times - forget designer clothes and go for trendy masstique labels, scale back the shoes and reward yourself with a nice bag occasionally.

Yes, watches and jewels are investments, but bags gives me so much more pleasure.

The person carrying it is happy, and the person who is looking at it and sighing with envy is also happy.

It's the gift that keeps giving.

But that's not to say you should throw your hard-earned money around.

What should you look for before you buy? I asked two of my most glamourous friends for advice.

The very stylish managing editor of Icon, Elsie Yah, said: 'Look for a bag that reflects your personality and something that can last a long time.'

The trendsetter, Dr Georgia Lee, added: 'Buy classic rather than seasonal bags.'

And even a fashionista like Dr Lee doesn't just jump right in to buy any bag she sees.

She said: 'I will get it if I really like it and can afford it.'

So look and look and look, and ignore the weary look the sales assistant is giving you.

Don't be pressured into buying. Do it when you're totally satisfied.

BAG IT

WHEN The Bag Snob - one of the most popular bag worship sites - devoted an entire entry praising Singapore label Kwanpen, fashionistas took notice. Bag Snob said Kwanpen has 'a true lady's bag... The details are meticulous down to the interior.' The brand was started in 1938 by the late Mr Kwan Pen Seng, who was a skilled craftsmen. This season's signature bag is the Amalgam. It is made out of croc - a Kwanpen signature skin - and is big enough for you to keep a copy of a tabloid-sized newspaper inside your bag without crumpling it. It goes for $8,900, and come in red, black and orange, for now.	MORE and more, I feel that YSL cannot go wrong. For the upcoming Spring/Summer collection, Stefano Pilati combines sheen with clean lines. This wristlet - called the Easy Mini - is gorgeous and will last you many seasons. It is made out of patent leather and will set you back a relatively painless $490. You'll find it in the YSL boutique at Paragon from mid-February.	BRONZE seems to be the key shade for Bottega Veneta this season. This is called the oxydised copper intrecciato cervo tote ($5,070), a very un-sexy name for such a sexy bag. It is a relaxed unstructured bag in deer skin. I like that you'll see different shades of colours too. There is a hint of green because of the oxidisation to give it the faded and old look.
NORMALLY, I would dissuade you from getting suede (geddit?), but since this Topshop bag is only at $143, you can throw your cares away. This is a large fringe bag with an adjustable strap. The fringe is an accent you'll see a fair bit of in the coming season, so at least you got the trendy part settled. The grey version of the bag is in store now and you might have to wait a few weeks before the yellow one hit Singapore.	HERE is a nice petite bag from Hogan that is less dainty than it looks. The Hippie Logo bag ($1,160, coming in March) is just about big enough for all your needs but it won't weigh you down. The colours are very pretty, so if you're feeling depressed about spending all your savings on a bag, this would remind you to cheer up.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Jan 18, 2009.