What Would She Wear: Fall Handbags

It goes without saying that one of the byproducts of working at a fashion magazine is that you see loads of lovely things. What is perhaps less obvious is the fact that during the process of unpacking garment bags and flipping through the racks, you invariably find yourself cataloging the pieces that would be perfect for other people. (Aren't we altruistic?) On that note, we've recently come across a few amazing bags that we think are completely in keeping with some of our favorite trendsetters' tastes. We couldn't keep these finds to ourselves, so we decided to spotlight a small selection in this special edition of What Would She Wear. Please enjoy today's on-trend group of designer totes, satchels, and shoulder bags, as well as the cost-conscious alternatives we also uncovered!



Mary-Kate Olsen / Yves Saint Laurent Sac Y-Rock Bag ($1895)
As dedicated recorders of Olsen's wardrobe choices, we've noticed that the fashion enthusiast isn't afraid of a few tough details. Whether it's a feisty Balenciaga bootie or a studded Matthew Williamson for H&M belt, the petite style-starter often incorporates buckles, grommets, and other spike-like elements into her daily ensembles. Yet she always manages to elevate these downtown details, which is why we thought Yves Saint Laurent's Sac Y-Rock Bag should be Olsen's next carryall. The flat silver studs give the iconic bag a motorcycle-chic look, while the simple double-handle style is understated, yet special. While still an investment, we also like the look of Tory Burch's Studded Satchel ($595); it has a similar compact shape and slightly bolder accents in the form of gold pyramid studs.

Leighton Meester / Chloe Marlow Bag ($1550)
Each season, the Chloe accessories team produces an amazing assortment of handbags that are invariably beloved by celebrities and civilians alike. If you need proof, simply consider three styles from recent seasons: the Heloise, Sally, and Paraty—all beloved, all quite yummy. The Chloe savants are poised to pull it off again with autumn's new shape, the Marlow Top Handle Bag. Call us crazy, but the shopper looks a bit like a less stuffy, less structured Birkin, so we figured this relaxed-yet-polished style would be perfect for Leighton Meester. The sophisticated lines will appeal to Meester's more traditional side, while the gorgeous caramel color and tasteful zipper embellishments make it a youthful choice. Plus, it's lined in gorgeous teal velvet, which is just the sort of secret detail any girl is sure to love. The small tan version ($1495) shown above will be available at select Nordstroms locations, or you can pick up a small gray bag ($1550) at luisviaroma.com. If the Marlow's not on your budget this season, you can get a similar fix with Francesco Biasia's Lilian Double Belted Satchel ($398).

Kate Moss / Mulberry Large East West Bayswater ($995)
It's impossible to predict with absolute certainty what kind of bag will appeal to Kate Moss, but after years of careful observation, we have some ideas. The lady loves her big designers (YSL, Gucci) and the newbies too (Genevieve Jones), but she's really dedicated to one British company in particular: Mulberry. In fact, we suspect she owns nearly every single bag in the entire collection, which is partially why we are convinced she'd like this new style from the luxury brand. The East West Bayswater's iconic structured look is updated with gray croc-print suede, resulting in a touchable, covetable, must-buy bag. If the ladylike style of this shoulder bag appeals to you, but you'd rather not deplete your budget, definitely check out the Liz Claiborne L.C. Classics Faux-Croco Satchel ($90) in putty. It's designed by Isaac Mizrahi (always cool) and makes a great guilt-free substitute!

Kate Bosworth / Bird Lil Lady Bag ($1785)
We've had our eye on the lovely handbag line Bird for quite some time now. There's much to appreciate, as the collection offers a tightly edited selection of bags that are notable for their modesty and integrity. Something about the brand's lack of logos and flashy details—not to mention its preponderance of subtle flair—made us think of Kate Bosworth. She's never one to favor shouty designs, so we think she'd love the whole range, particularly the Lil Lady's hobo-meets-bucket bag style. The new-for-fall navy ostrich version would be perfect for Bosworth: the dark blue hue is an offbeat choice and the bag's unusual hybrid shape is unique and thoughtful. If you'd like to buy this exact bag, place your order by emailing karen@birdhandbags.com. Or you can satisfy some of those slouchy bag cravings by picking up Chocolate Blu's Shopper ($155) today.

Photos of Leighton Meester and Kate Moss, from Splash; Photo of Mary Kate Olsen, from Bauer Griffin; Photo of Kate Bosworth from Wenn.