www presents: fall 2011 bags

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011 via whowhatwear

Almost nothing in fashion is universal—we all have our own preferences and predilections—save for the fact that just about everyone agrees on the fact that fall bags are truly exciting. Is that overstating the importance of this key accessory? Perhaps, but frankly, we don't care and we have a feeling that you don't mind our hyperbole either. In fact, we think they're so noteworthy that they deserve their own story, hence today's biannual handbag installment of What Would She Wear. Now, bear in mind, we're not saying that the above ladies actually own any of the selected satchels, totes, or top handle bags. Nope, we're not reporting per se. Instead we're simply imagining and showcasing a few of the most drool-inducing options on the market this season and matching them up with a famous potential carrier. From a haute pseudo hobo to an on-trend tote to luxurious satchel, we've got some of the season's best bags for your perusal so let the drooling commence!



1. Zoe Saldana | Diane von Furstenberg Drew Tote ($695) in Gold
While we definitely love our mini bags and anything satchel-shaped, we're also totally interested in larger totes too, which is why we decided to include this soft and slouchy bag from Diane von Furstenberg. We love its warm bronze color and the fact that it has both top handles and a shoulder strap—options are always a good thing, right? Both minimal and memorable, we think it would be the perfect pick for someone like Zoe Saldana, a girl who knows a thing or two about chic schleppers! Spotted above carrying a metallic Stella McCartney Falabella Tote, Saldana often tends to go for accessories that are both unfussy and glamorous, which is exactly we picked this bag for her! For those readers who love the idea of a metallic tote, but don't want to commit to one, be sure to check out Gap's Metallic Chain Strap Bag ($69.95) for a likeminded pick.

2. Rosie Huntington Whiteley | 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel ($895, 310.359.1988) in Ink
Season after season, we find ourselves falling for 3.1 Phillip Lim bags. Last year we swooned for the brand's leopard-print camera bag, but this year the new Pashli Satchel captivates our hearts. Available in a rich navy, shown above, as well as a lovely taupe and black, this zipper-detailed bag is like the love child of a Hermes Birkin and a Celine Boston bag, with a little bit of YSL Muse Two thrown in for good measure. Its brand of under-the-radar chic would certainly appeal to the always-elegant Rosie Huntington Whiteley, who is seen above carrying a Chloe Paraty Top Handle Bag ($2168) in Mistral Red. If you're looking for something a touch less expensive but with the same flap-front silhouette, top handle, and boxy shape, be sure to check out Rebecca Minkoff's Covet Ostrich-Stamped Leather Tote Bag ($425) in Navy or try Marc by Marc Jacobs' Preppy Hayley Tote ($498) in Prussian Blue.

3. Rachel Bilson | Chloe Mixed Python Gabby Bag ($4195, 212.717.8220)
Over the years, we've seen Rachel Bilson carry a boatload of bags—typically Chanel, Burberry Prorsum, and most recently a Miu Miu Ostrich and Leather Bag ($1595, select Miu Miu boutiques), as seen above—so we feel pretty comfortable saying that we think she'd adore this Chloe snakeskin bucket bag. Snakeskin accessories are huge for fall and Bilson's always on-trend, so it's kind of a natural fit! Plus we think she'd be drawn to its simple shape, slightly '70s vibe, and neutral color palette, all things that compliment her off-duty style! Though decidedly more of a tote than the bucket bag shown above, we also like Ann Taylor's Exotic Leather Avenue Tote ($248) as a seriously less-pricey substitute!

4. Heidi Klum | Reed Krakoff Kit Bag ($990, 877.733.3525) in Dark Magenta Tumbled Leather
One of the things we adore about Heidi Klum is the fact that she's always switching up her look and that she's never afraid to wear an extraordinary bag. The German stunner is often seen with an across-body style—always a good choice for an active mom/mogul—typically in an interesting color or unexpected pattern, like the multi animal-print NewbarK Lauren Shoulder Bag ($940) she's carrying above. That's why we think she'd embrace the petite-yet-powerful Reed Krakoff Kit Bag in this delectable shade of violet. The flap bag's handle and shoulder strap are both detachable, so she could wear it a number of ways, and that versatility combined with the knockout color makes it a sure bet for Klum. For a less pricey (but still cute) option, check out Repetto's Small Drawstring Purse ($280) in Caban.

5. Ashley Olsen | Jason Wu Melodie Doctors Bag ($2195, 310.550.5900) in Bordeaux
While it's true that lately Ashley Olsen's been wearing her own creations—like The Row's Day Luxe Bag (price upon request) in Caramel Alligator, seen in the image above—if she was going to step out on her brand, we have a feeling she'd do it with this suitably chic bag from Jason Wu. Available in a stunning wine hue at Neiman Marcus next month (it's also available in black right now via Saks), this timeless top-handle satchel has a refined, vintage-like look that we think Olsen would appreciate. Though the Wu bag is a total knockout, you also might like Tory Burch's Robinson Satchel ($550) in Bordeaux, as it has a similar shape and comes in a rich wine color.

Photos of Zoe Saldana and Rachel Bilson, courtesy of X17; Photos of Heidi Klum, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Ashley Olsen, courtesy of Pacific Coast News.

via whowhatwear