The Perfect Handbag Collection

Anyone who has ever purchased a designer handbag knows that these aren't just accessories, they're investments. Whether you're spending $200 or $2000, you've probably put thought into the brand, style, color, etc. and said to yourself, "Am I still going to like this bag in _ months/years?"

Picture this: you're at Saks, Nordstrom, Barney's, or your store of choice, and you see the neon envelope clutch that you just need! It's perfect, you think. You're nearly ready to pull out your credit card, when you see that it's over $1000. You love it, but not that much. We've all been there. The key to a designer bag is to make it a classic. No one wants to spend $800 on a bag, use it for a week, and then ask yourself, "WHY did I think cheesy gold studs were a good idea?"

And do not confuse "classic" with "boring." After you read our Guide to a Perfect Handbag Collection, we can guarantee that the selection process for your next designer bag will be an easy one. Or, if you don't have any investment bags yet, you'll know right where to start! Here are the must-haves:

1. The Everyday Bag
The most important thing to have handbag-wise is a go-to, comfortable, everyday handbag. However, this varies highly from person to person. To someone, an everyday bag is big, black, and quilted. To someone else, it's little, white, and crossbody. (You didn't think that a handbag guide could possibly be the same for everyone, did you?) An everyday bag most likely falls under the category of satchel/top handle, shoulder bag, tote, hobo, or crossbody, and it should be solid colored. Some people go for neutrals (always a safe bet, and recommended) while a pastel or bright colored bag fits better into some people's wardrobes. This bag is easy to find once you know what style suits you and your lifestyle most. Practically every bag you'll find in the handbag department falls under the "everyday bag" category. The key is finding the one for you!

2. The Clutch
You're going out with your girlfriends on a Saturday night, and the last thing you want to be bothered with is lugging around your big black-hole of a tote. That is where the handy clutch comes in! Smaller than an everyday bag, but like an everyday bag, it varies highly in size and style. For some people, a clutch is meant for holding a cell phone, lipstick, ID, and nothing more. For others, that's not even close to enough (if that's you, we suggest an oversized clutch). Whether you want an envelope-style bag, or one with a strap (then there's the additional questions of long or short, leather or chain, etc.) is completely up to you! 

3. The Travel Bag
This is the bag that you want for when you're heading to the beach for the weekend and need a duffle with enough room for clothes, shoes, and accessories for 48 hours, or when you're rushing to catch the red-eye and need a bag large enough for your slippers, neck pillow, snack, laptop, magazines, and other flight essentials. 

4. The "It" Bag
The fun one that you've been waiting for. Go for the floral tote, or the neon boxy satchel. There's just one rule (of course, some people are exceptions - we wish we were one): Don't blow the same amount you would for an everyday bag. That pink and green embellished Valentino flap bag is tempting, and you might want that cute Gucci shoulder bag in bright blue python instead of a more reasonable color, but we're telling you don't do it! If you're going to buy a Valentino or a Gucci, for example, buy one that you KNOW you're going to get a lot of use out of! Don't buy one that's going to be out of style next season - we beg you! (Unless of course you're a billionaire and buy designer handbags like they're candy bars. And if so, adopt us!) For us, the "It" bag doesn't need to be by a top designer. Look for more affordable brands, such as Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, etc. for trendier bags. 

To aid you in the fun part of choosing which one is for you, we've provided some links with our favorites for each category. Good luck, and, as always, happy shopping! 

EVERYDAY BAG: Alexander Wang Black Satchel, Celine Tote, Balenciaga Satchel, Givenchy Tote, Chanel Classic Flap, Louis Vuitton Tote, Proenza Schouler Shoulder Bag
CLUTCH: Alexander Wang Clutch, McQueen Box Clutch, Perfect Oversize Clutch, Fendi Pouchette with Chain, Prada Clutch, Studded Rebecca Minkoff
TRAVEL BAG: MCM Weekender, Tory Burch Tote, Longchamp Tote, Louis Vuitton Keepall, Alexander Wang Tote
IT BAG: Emerald Crossbody, Orange Purse with Bows, Perforated and Tassel Satchel, Red and Clear Crossbody, Cobalt Colorblock Tote, Patent Oxblood Satchel

ICON: Audrey Hepburn

At the 1954 Academy Awards, where she won Best Actress

When Audrey Hepburn's first starring role was released (for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress, by the way), my grandfather was nearly my age (Roman Holiday, 1953). For most people, that would be reason enough for them to not watch it, or even know about it. To me, that's more of a reason to love it. Old films are some of the best, and therefore some of my favorite - something that most people would easily disagree with.

Hepburn's most memorable and well-known film, undoubtedly, was Breakfast at Tiffany's. From her outlandish character Holly Golightly, to the one of a kind cat (named, of course, Cat), to that breathtakingly memorable opening scene when Hepburn emerges from the old cab in that Givenchy little black dress (one of the first of its kind, I might add), Breakfast at Tiffany's is a film that everyone should experience - no matter what generation your from. 

Iconic Givenchy

Let's look closely at Roman Holiday. Hepburn's second outfit of the film (the outfit that she subsequently wears for most of the film) at first may seen outdated and old fashioned (pictured below). But when you think about it, it's an outfit that you've probably seen on the street or in stores. It's an outfit that you can maybe even picture a celebrity of today wearing (Taylor Swift? Marion Cotilliard?) 

Roman Holiday, 1953

Beautiful in a big hat in Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961

In 1954's Sabrina 

Audrey Hepburn can be remembered not only for her amazing acting chops, but as well as for her memorable style, on and off the big screen. 

Who are your style icons?  

TRENDING: Oxblood

Whether it's in a head-to-toe look or just in the details, oxblood is by far this season's hottest color. Although you might now have known exactly what it was at first, it should definitely have found its way to a top spot in your fashion vocabulary - as well as in your closet.

ON THE RUNWAY: Nanette Lepore, Christian Siriano, and ACNE

Chloe Moretz in a belted mini;
Miranda Kerr incorporating the trend with a leather tote;
Emma stone in a fringed gown at the Golden Globes;
Elizabeth Banks charming in a tea-length frock

It is a very simple fall trend to try, whether it's a pair of pumps, a fun bag, or a top. If you're looking to spice up your wardrobe but don't want to go too fashion-y, go straight for this beautiful burgundy. 

GET THE LOOK

Look 1 - White Oxford, Studded Pumps, Pleated Maxi Skirt, Ladylike Handbag

Look 2 - White Top, Leather Skirt, Clutch, Ankle Booties

Look 3 - Black Tee, Black Jeans, Bowler Hat, Dome Bag, Ankle Boots

Look 4 - Lace Peplum Top, Skinny Jeans, Pump

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT: Emma Stone

The style of Hollywood's favorite funny girl is anything but funny. It's serious couture, and I seriously envy it - and I'm not the only one. Believe it or not, this girl wasn't originally known for excellence in fashion. Emma got her start in comedy - with flicks like Superbad and Easy A - but can now be seen on the big screen in nearly everything: dramas like The Help, rom-coms like Crazy Stupid Love, and even action films like The Amazing Spiderman. Thanks to stylist Petra Flannery (and a countless amount of perfect designers), natural beauty Emma never disappoints on the red carpet. 

She's also one of the few who has a street style that's just as perfect as her red carpet looks. Check out some of my favorites below, and let us know what you think!

Wearing Elie Saab, Miu Miu, and Preen

In Chanel, Calvin Klein, Bottega Venetta

Wearing Tom Ford, Giambattista Vali, and Valentino

Beautiful in Alexander McQueen, Elie Saab, and Chanel

Emma's casual style
Left: Maje Coat; Center: Lanvin Flats, Chloe Bag; Right: Alexander Wang Bag

TRENDING: Peplums

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton; Duchess Kate Middleton in LK Bennett;
Emma Stone in Martin Grant; Charlize Theron in Lanvin

Commonly mistaken with something related to biology, peplums have been seen everywhere for the past year, and seem only to be growing in popularity. Made popular by the Spring 2012 runway collections (Jason Wu, Vera Wang, YSL), they're now on every red carpet, from Michelle Williams' red Louis Vuitton Oscar dress to Kate Middleton wearing LK Bennett, to Charlize Theron and Emma Stone both rocking peplums on their MTV Movie Awards dresses. 

Peplums on the Runway
Vera Wang, Jason Wu, Armani, YSL

This trend has been around for a while, and in my opinion it is a great way to make your look more fashionable in a simple way. If you haven't tried it yet, there are so many ways to and I highly encourage it. While they may seem too high fashion to wear, with the selection of wearable tops, dresses, and skirts, you can be assured that you won't stick out like a sore thumb when you're walking down the street. 

Here's how to get the look

If you want to try the trend without breaking the bank

LOOK 1: Tie Neck Ruffle Blouse, Magenta Peplum Skirt, Mary Jane Platforms

LOOK 2: Lace Peplum Dress, Black Booties

LOOK 3: Nude Lace Peplum Top, Skinny Jeans, Ballet Flats

LOOK 4: Paisley Peplum Blazer, Black Mini Skirt, Patent Pumps

If you're looking for more high fashion pieces

LOOK 1: Cobalt Peplum Jacket, Cropped Trousers, Platform Sandals

LOOK 2: Tweed Peplum Top, Leather Pants, Suede Cutout Booties

LOOK 3: Dark Grey Crystal Pumps, Metallic Lace Peplum Dress

LOOK 4: Bow Blouse, Black Leather Peplum Skirt, Black Spiked Heels

STYLE INSPIRATION: Gossip Girl

Even if you don't watch the CW hit Gossip Girl (guilty right here), you've probably heard of it. With the talented Eric Damen at the head of the costume department, every week when I watch I know that I will not be disappointed - as far as the fashion goes. There's Serena van der Woodsen (played by beautiful Blake Lively), the blonde bombshell, whose outfit choices are more contemporary, young, and trendy. There's also Blair Waldorf (the lovely Leighton Meester), the Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn adoring brunette, whose fashion choices are more classic, elegant, and ladylike. Whether it's Serena's killer shoes or Blair's classy dresses, I know there's always something I'll be coveting at the end of the episode. 

Here are some of my favorite and most memorable looks of Blair and Serena. I personally prefer Blair's, but whose style do you prefer: Serena's or Blair's?

The best friends at the bridal shower Serena threw for Blair in season five

Preppy Blair and Chuck at a polo match in season two

Serena and Blair's different looks at season two's white party

(My favorite episode as far as fashion goes)
Season four in Paris - perfection.

Another set of looks from season four's trip to Paris

Season two in the Hamptons

Ladies in dresses in season six.

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT: Nina Dobrev

There are many places in which people find inspiration for their personal styles. A big inspiration for myself is celebrity style.  I don't know about you guys, but I certainly spend a lot of time reading Best Dressed lists, voting "Who Wore it Best," and looking at red carpet pictures online.

Over the past few years, one young lady in Hollywood who has made a name for herself is the lovely Nina Dobrev. You might know her from her early career days on Degrassi, from her supporting role in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, or from the show that made her famous, The Vampire Diaries. You may envy her for her natural beauty or her hot boyfriend, Ian Somerhalder, but I certainly envy her for her style. In particular, the exquisite couture she wears on the red carpet. From her stunning red Donna Karan at the 2011 Emmy Awards that landed her on all the Best Dressed lists, or the fun Zuhair Murad from the 2012 I Heart Radio Music Festival, she's always trying new things and always seems to get them right. 

Below are some of my favorite looks of Nina's. Which is your favorite? 

Dolce & Gabbana, Monique Lhuillier, Elie Saab, Max Mara

Farah Khan, Naeem Khan, Monique Lhuillier, Zuhair Murad

DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Monique Lhuillier, Donna Karan

Elie Saab, J Mendel, Gabriela Cadena, Monique Lhuillier

Get Nina's look: Cobalt Blue Knee Length Dress, Floral Maxi Dress, Hot Pink Mini Dress, Black Lace Dress, Gold Beaded Dress, Red Peplum Dress