Unlike her alter ego, Blair Waldorf (who prefers handbags), Leighton Meester goes for crossbody bags that are easy to carry and never in the way, allowing both her hands free to do other things. Crossbody bags may not be as feminine as handbags, but they sure are practical. And for a busy multi-tasking actress like Leighton, a crossbody bag is a better companion as it acts as a support rather than a hassle.

Actress Leighton Meester sporting different kinds of crossbody purses

You can easily tell that she’s crazy about this kind of bag because she has it in different styles and sizes, from the mini to the large. And she wears it wherever she goes! In fact, I have rarely seen her NOT wearing one. Her trips to red carpet events may have required her to don the clutch, but outside, it’s crossbody all the way. She obviously has a thing for crossbody bags, it’s more like a love affair rather than a passing admiration. And for this, I’d like to name her as our #1 Celebrity Ambassador for crossbody purses.

If you’re into crossbody bags yourself, here are a few practical but attractive options from the latest arrivals:

Frye Blair Crossbody

A classic looking piece that is both practical and versatile

Fossil Talita Crossbody

Spring may be a few months away, but why not stock up on fresh releases? Patterns and prints are the trend this coming season so this piece will keep you in fashion

Steve Madden B Val Crossbody

Nothing says sweet like this B Val Crossbody bag from Steve Madden!

Kate Spade Darien Jan Crossbody

This is not just for spring ladies, this is an all-timer. Enjoy a white winter with this cute Kate Spade Darien Jan Crossbody

Joe’s Handbags Denise Fold Over Crossbody

Patchwork is an artwork. Toting this bag will not only bring you character, but will make your look hippie sweet!

We just can’t get enough of versatile bags that turn into other handbag styles. The extra options give us more to play on, not to mention allow us to plan more outfits around on.

Inspired by last week’s post on the Lucky Brand Patch Abbey Road Bag, we went looking for more bags that give bang for our buck. Here are 5 crossbody bags that turn into totes and more:

High Fashion Handbags Medium Fold Over Cross Body

The 3″ double metal handles are what sold us on this bag. This is also available in black and ivory (both gorgeous), but the fuchsia pink is the only one with a pebbled leather finish. $186.00 on eBags.com.

Fossil Harper Foldover Tote

Fossil created a winner with this tote when they put contrasting fabric prints on the handles and the bag’s main body. The light and dark floral prints are equally beautiful, but this neutral multi print will be easier to mix and match with. $108.00 on eBags.com.

Joe’s Handbags Denise Fold Over Crossbody

Another crossbody tote in a great pattern, this bag also has a contrasting plain-handle-and-printed-body design. The extra thick foldout handles keep the bag in proportion when used as a tote, and extra long width doesn’t look awkward when it’s folded over as a crossbody bag. Now 33% off, $149.99 at eBags.com.

The Sak Handbags Solana Crossbody

If you’re the kind of person who likes using only one bag for each day, then we suggest going for this one. Its classic design is good enough for everyday, but the sleek black leather, gold hardware, and sassy silhouette will still win over the stylish crowd. Now $125.84 at Zappos.com.

Foley + Corinna Disco City Bag

This is actually a mini version of a different Foley + Corinna bag, but based on the model, it looks like it’s just the right size. It gives the appearance of a big clutch when folded over and worn as a crossbody bag, but it’s still roomy enough as a tote. The rolled handles and the super soft pebbled leather make this bag so lovable. $198.00 at Shopbop.com.

We are loving this new arrival over at eBags.com, the Lucky Brand Patch Abbey Road:

It’s a crossbody bag slash handbag slash shoulder bag. How great are those options?

Lucky Brand came out with the first edition of this bag sometime 2009 (see our review of the first version here). It looks like it was a big hit because just less than a year later, they launched a new design of the Abbey Road bag. Check out the first version, the Abbey Road, compared with the newer Patch Abbey Road:

2009 Abbey Road on the left, 2010 Patch Abbey Road on the right

The earlier version is decidedly more masculine, with its boxier shape and more somber colors. But even though the newer one is made more feminine with the hearts, flowers, and dove patches, all the great elements of the original are still there: the soft rugged leather, the gorgeous topstitching, and the detachable long straps that allow you to carry it 3 different ways.

The Lucky Brand Patch Abbey Road carried as a handbag and a crossbody bag

Carrying it over your shoulder with the top part folded over shows off the bag’s amazing stitch and patch detail (which also extends to the back), but look how roomy it is when carried as a handbag. You could fit a few days’ worth of groceries in there!

It would make a really stylish grocery bag but a really expensive one too: the Lucky Brand Patch Abbey Road retails for $199.00. Waiting a few weeks for it to go on sale might be a good idea, but if you want to be ahead of the trend curve, you have to pay the (full) price. Sometimes, it’s worth it.

Purchase this bag through eBags.com. Both brown and white colors are available.