Spotted enjoying a vacation in Jaipur was Katy Perry. And with her was none other than current squeeze, Russell Brand. The two looked like they were enjoying the place, walking around, sightseeing, taking pictures, while dressed so casually you wouldn’t think they were celebrities.

Both sported crossbody bags. Russell was wearing this fabric-type crossbody, and on Katy was this really cute black mini crossbody.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand in Jaipur, India

Mini crossbody purses are my favorite. They are handy, easy to use, and never in the way. It is the perfect accessory to use if all you need to bring is your cell and a few bills, but don’t have the pockets for it. It is also perfect for traveling, when you’re scouring a new place as a tourist, checking out bargains in the market, allowing both hands free to lug the goodies you’ve purchased.

If you want the bag, I found these truly irresistible options from Zappos.com:

Cole Haan Village Mini Double Flap, on sale at US$158

Juicy Couture Charming Juicy Crossbody, only US$98

UGG Shearling Mini Crossbody, priced at US$128

Just recently spotted this January was Ms. Britney Spears, out and about shopping in Beverly Hills. And on her was this black fringed crossbody bag from CC Skye. The bag looks good, but unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing about Ms. Spears. I think it’s her dark hair, or maybe her hairstyle. It doesn’t flatter her face. I guess I prefer her blond wavy locks.

Britney Spears shopping with a CC Skye fringed crossbody

If you’re into the bag though, as mentioned earlier, this one is from CC Skye. CC Skye bags cost around US$300 to US$600. But for those on a tight budget, here are  equally appealing alternatives below US$100:

Jessica Simpson Woodstock Hobo, US$83 at Zappos.com

Lucky Brand Foxy Lady, US$80 at Zappos.com

Wabags Texas Fringe Messenger, US$95 at Ebags.com

The raffia bag isn’t just for the crafty girls anymore.

Now that it’s being touted as the hot accessory for spring 2010, expect to see raffia weave its magic not just on purses but also on shoes:

Top: Bottega Veneta raffia bag and Missoni raffia purse; Bottom: Dolce & Gabbana raffia pumps and Donna Karan wedges

For raffia crossbody purses, we turn to one and only one brand: Helen Kaminski.

Helen Kaminski is an Australian company known for making modern accessories out of natural materials using traditional methods. They established themselves as a premier fashion and lifestyle brand when reputable fashion magazines started featuring their classic headwear. They soon had a strong customer base, which was inescapably followed by fierce competition who wanted a piece of their success. But as much as they try to copy Helen Kaminski, they could not imitate the fine craftsmanship of their products.

Helen Kaminski eventually branched out to other accessories such as purses, totes, and handbags. True to the core brand values that they have stood by for over 20 years, Helen Kaminski brought the same quality found in their hats to their new products. Now we have some of the most coveted natural-material bags, such as the Helen Kaminski Acrux:

Made from raffia ecologically harvested in Madagascar (the place where the best raffia is grown), the Acrux bag is strong yet surprisingly soft. Raffia becomes even softer the more you use it, but because of Helen Kaminski’s raffia treatment technique, the durability of the bag is not compromised.

Shown here is the bark color. The Helen Kaminski Acrux Raffia bag also comes in other neutral colors such as nut, nougat, and natural.

Purchase this raffia crossbody bag and check out other Helen Kaminski bags on eBags.com.