Handbags

Once a year, Congress summons the President to discuss the country's priorities in the State of the Union Address. And while we certainly have no constitutional requirement to do the same, recently we felt compelled to give our own version of this historic speech. Of course our lay of the land, if you will, is not your typical political oratory. Instead of focusing on proposed legislative initiatives and goals, we're more concerned with one of the most important pieces in any girl's accessory arsenal: the handbag. We realized that sounds silly and perhaps overly simplistic, but these transitional months between full-blown winter and early spring are the key time to assess your personal handbag policies for the upcoming season! Accordingly, we decided to provide you with a detailed survey of what satchels your favorite celebrity subjects are schlepping at this very moment. That way, if you do decide to purchase a new bagor simply choose to stick to a tried-and-trusted-toteyou will be making an informed decision. (Knowledge is power, dear readers!) Just take a few pointers from our trusted style-stars in today's Who Wears What: Handbags feature and you'll be up-to-date on all the most pressing purse possibilities pronto!


Kate Moss
Longchamp Glastonbury ($780)
When it comes to personal style, Kate Moss is a heavy-hitter, and she recently got into the bag-designing game by collaborating with Longchamp. Her highly anticipated capsule collection will be in Longchamp boutiques and Bloomingdales on February 11th, but until then, you'll simply have to be satisfied with watching Moss make the rounds carrying her Glastonbury shoulder-strapped sack (which Moss named after her favorite music festival).

Cameron Diaz
Chanel Coco Cocoon ($2395)
Though Lily Allen looked lovely in the adverts for this semi-newbie Chanel tote (it debuted this fall), we also think the Coco Cocoon style is pitch perfect for Cameron Diaz. Not only is the reversible lambskin tote sporty and chic, it's also lightweight and roomy, making it an optimal way to carry all of your essentialsand any extras. Plus, as an added bonus, the bag's beautiful cherry-red hue adds a kick to a more-mellow outfit!

Taylor Momsen
Dior Pouchette Promenade ($730, 800.929.3467)
Gossip Girl's youngest star looked stylish and sophisticated carrying Christian Dior's Pouchette Promenade on the Upper East Side late last month. We love how Taylor Momsen mixed her mini cross-body bag with a more rough and tumble ensemble, creating a high-low contrast that captures the essence of her quirky and youthful élan! This shape and size is perfect for the fashionable fan who knows how to pack light and make a subtle satchel statement!

Elle Macpherson
Louis Vuitton Monogram Underground ($3730, 866.884.8866)
Some girls may wear their heart on their sleeve but Elle Macpherson proved that the season's hottest status bag also makes quite a bold statement without saying a word! In this case, the bag is Louis Vuitton's Monogram Underground, and it's the perfect selection if you want to cause a sensation. No wonder these charm-adorned multi-hued handbags have been buzzed about since Paris Fashion week last September!

Whitney Port
Chanel Timeless Caviar ($2995)
We couldn't do a spotlight on satchels and not address the quilted Chanel iteration. Proving that quality and iconic design never goes out of fashion, Whitney Port's pale pink purse is as timeless as it is chic. Almost every fashion-phile either owns one of these or wants to, so make sure you give this Chanel proper consideration, as it will always be in style, and a light color looks particularly smart for spring!

Nicole Richie
Balenciaga Arena Weekender ($1695)
Nicole Richie is a loyal fan of the classic Balenciaga Weekender Arena, and it is helpful to note that if you fall in love with one style, that a brighter color will help you feeling fashionable through the next season. Her light-hued handbag is the perfect way to stow all of your essentials stylishly and we are particularly besotted with the tote's discreet classic hardware.

Nicky Hilton
Alexander Wang Rocco ($850)
Alexander Wang is a bona fide fashion world darling who is responsible for designing some seriously covetable cult items. We loved his Coco Studded Duffle, but his new Rocco Bag from the resort 2010 season is also sure to whip Wang's followers into a frenzy. The shape is streamlined and the studs add an extra edgy element, while the gray shade is the ideal color for spring!

Rachel Bilson
Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Sasha Hobo ($498)
Rachel Bilson always looks effortlessly chic when she is spotted off duty, and part of that je-ne-sais-quoi has something to do with her simple, well-worn, and unfussy closet staples, like her rust-colored Marc by Marc Jacobs' Petal to the Metal Sasha Hobo. Though her exact style is sold out, there are other great look-a-like pieces on the market, like the Totally Turnlock Sasha Messenger Bag ($458) in Oak Brown. A slouchy shoulder bag a la Bilson's is always in fashion, so remember to look for a classic and easy-to-wear shapes when you are on the prowl for your next purse!

Miley Cyrus
Rick Owens Fox Fur Satchel ($3000)
Miley Cyrus' accessory of the moment is definitely a wild thing! The tween-icon looked marvelous in her fuzzy Rick Owen's bag, proving that you don't have to stick with canvas, suede or that go-to leather; mix it up and keep things interesting with an unexpected texture this spring!