Trend: Statement Bags

Celebs: Ashley, Leighton, Victoria, Sienna


All stylistas (I don't like the word "fashionista") know that the key to a sick outfit is either a) killer shoes (which is an entirely different post, and will be discussed another day), or b) a to-die-for bag.

Ashley Olsen was caught walking around with a coffee in-hand (shoker), looking very casual in a simple black sweatshirt, jeans and flats (and Chloé sunnies). A bit of a boring outfit right?
Well, notice what she is also carrying around: a navy YvesSaintLaurent Easy Y bag. Makes a difference, doesn't it? It's a very laid-back, yet completely appropriate finishing touch.

Leighton Meester - or should we say, Blair Waldorf - is on the set of Gossip Girl with a red, patch-work Christian Dior handbag. A very sophisticated choice for a very sophisticated outfit.
This is a perfect example of how matching can end up working to your advantage.

Everyone's favourite skinny-bitch style icon Posh was spotted shopping at Saks with her son, looking every bit as elegant as she always does. Her choice? Why the classic Hermès Birkin bag. It's powerful, it's practical, it's totally desirable.

Last but not least, welcome back Miss Sienna Miller!
Apparently Sienna's been in hiding because her high profile relationship with some dude I've never heard of was rather controversial and the press had a field day with with and the poor girl's feelings got hurt. Whatever. It's no reason to stay inside and not be photographed wearing something fabulous, but I'm not hear to judge.
The hippie-chic turned modster chose a cute little crocodile-skin (not sure if it's real) B Romanek "Rockstar" clutch. Though it's not over-sized, it works. Simplicity is the theme she's going for, and may I say it's a rather nice outcome.

Whether it be a tote, a hobo, a pouch, a clutch, a messenger, a canvas, or a good old shoulder bag, there are a few rules/guidelines to using your "It"-bag:

1) The bigger, the better! Simply because you get more space for necessities. Plus, bigger bags always look more flattering. Even over-sized clutches are totally hot.
2) Make sure that the bag is always event/location appropriate. Do not (I repeat: do NOT) wear an evening bag during the day or vice versa. It's just bad taste.
3) Don't be afriad to clash. The old match-your-shoes-with-your-purse deal is so '50s. Be careful though that the clash doesn't appear too messy.
4) Splurging can be a good thing. No matter how much I love cheap stuff, sometimes it's better to spend more on quality.
5) Pick a theme. If you're going for glam-rock, have a badass bag. If you're going for romantic, have a cute bag. It's not very difficult.

Ashley's bag: 7/10

Leighton/Blair's bag: 8/10

Victoria's bag: 10/10

Sienna's bag: 8/10

Rock on.