A small bag for yourself before Double Eleven

These few days it is 19 degrees morning and evening, 24 at noon. You need a light coat when you go out. Once the coat is on, a big bag in hand feels heavy; a small crossbody bag is easier. If you want to give yourself something before Double Eleven, start with a small bag.

The Longchamp crossbody bag is nylon, light. The zip opening is about 30cm, the body about 16x14x10cm. Phone, card holder, lipstick, keys fit. Two ways to carry: shorten the strap to sit at the waist, so it does not catch on a long coat; lengthen it to crossbody, and with the coat open the bag sits at the hip bone. Flat ankle boots or white trainers both work. A full day walking does not feel tiring.

For a gift to your mother or a friend, a scarf or accessory is easier to get right than a bag. Pick the colour of the coat she wears most: beige, grey, navy are safest. On budget, small leather goods and accessories are the entry point, a small bag is one step up. This Longchamp at HK$1488 is at the level where buying it for yourself does not hurt.

If you want to give a partner a bag that lasts a few years, the Burberry women's black backpack is about 33x22x13cm. Black goes with any coat. Carry it on both shoulders, shorten the straps a little so the body sits against your back; it will not swing side to side under a big coat. Put a small zip pouch inside for cards and loose change, so you do not have to rummage through the whole bag.