As the famous words go, "It's not a bag: it's a f***ing Birkin!" screams Samantha when she uses Lucy Liu to score the coveted Hermes red "Birkin" in Sex in the city.

The Birkin has been called the 'perfect' bag. Just like other IT bags, it is the ultimate status symbol- you are guaranteed envious looks from your peers, looks of approval, praises and compliments from total strangers; you're allowed to look as smug (or more smug) than a cat who got to lick the cream. The IT bag is not only a must-have, it also promises to make its owner complete and whole and beautiful. Once you have an IT bag you will never want another.

I think that's where the problem lies. Just one bag? Whatever happened to mixing and matching? What about the other beautiful bags out there? Any girl who has experienced the thrill of finding the perfect bag to match the perfect shoes that goes with the perfect dress will agree that it is a rush like no other; the sweet feeling of euphoria when she finds the winning outfit. But, if you already have the perfect bag that goes with everything, where is the fun in that?

And of course, there is the problem of looking just like everyone else. What's the point of spending a fortune on a bag that everyone else also has? There are only so many women in small tees, tight jeans and big designer bags that the world can take before the look reaches its expiry date. And believe me, the IT bag is starting to look stale.

Contributing Writer Trish Koh

Trish is a writer, translator and a blogger with a BA in Media and Cultural studies. Interests in fashion, beauty, arts, crafts, travel, relationships, lifestyle and women's issues.  Trish's blog is Under Lock and Key.