Red is the color of love. But it is also the color of power. There’s nothing like a red bag to show people you’re sexy, confident, daring, and definitely in control. Besides, it’s a great piece of accessory that you can use as a highlight. There are days when all you need to brighten up your look is a red bag. And this basically explains why every girl should have at least one red bag in her closet.

Don’t have one yet? Here are 10 selections, one for every woman or girl:

For the bohemian chic

Lucky Brand Get Laced Fringe Crossbody, US$99

For the urban collegiate

Foley + Corinna Disco City Bag, US$198

For the lady with expensive taste

Furla Rubino Shopper Media, US$599

For the disco-dancing, party-going, club-hopping butterfly

MATT & NAT Hendrix Mini Bag, US$165

For the sophisticated and independent career woman

Liz Claiborne Bike Eest/West Doctor Bag, on sale for US$63 at Zappos.com

For the rocker chic

The Sak Studded Small Drawstring, US$55

For the lady who prefers the classic and the timeless

Cole Haan Village Mini Double Flap, US$195

For the Chameleon

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mini, US$295

For the bold and glamorous

Dooney & Bourke Giraffe Tear Drop Hobo, US$335

For the fuss-free, always-on-the-go lady

Kate Spade Westbury Jan, on sale for US$220 at Zappos.com

I came across several candid pictures of Katie Holmes, a.k.a., Mrs. Tom Cruise, and noticed that in most, she’s wearing a crossbody bag – whether it’s taking Suri for shopping, getting coffee, or simply doing mommy errands.

Katie Holmes in Olivia Harris Crossbody

Katie Holmes in Coach Parker Crossbody Bag

Katie Holmes in a Fendi Crossbody

(Photo care of Splash News)

Katie Holmes in Ralph Lauren Saddle Bag

It’s pretty clear this lady loves wearing the crossbody – from Coach, to Ralph Lauren, to Olivia Harris, to Fendi, she has it.

Now because my focus in this article is her collection of crossbody bags, I will try my best to ignore her wardrobe style, or lack thereof in some of the pictures. I mean, is the stylish Katie Holmes on sick leave or something? What’s up with the baggy jeans?

Ok, back to the crossbody bags. You can tell from the pictures that she prefers them in classic styles and colors. Quite understandable because it is easier to pair and wear with basics. Plus it looks more timeless and will definitely last longer in anyone’s closet.

Celine is actually coming out with its own classic crossbody this Spring, and I’m betting my whole bank account that it will cost $$$$!

Celine Handbag (with adjustable strap), Spring 2010

Now if you don’t want to spend so much money buying high-end luxury handbags, I completely understand. But remember to still purchase something of good make and quality.

Check out these affordable classic-looking crossbody bags, all made of genuine leather:

Osgoode Marley Pleated Crossbody, US$150

Cole Haan Raleigh Whipstitch Small Crossbody Flap, US$297

Fossil Sutter Large Crossbody, US$138

Hobo International Naomi, US$228

As fashionistas already know, off-duty model style is as fascinating to follow as on-catwalk fashions. As models are the first to wear and showcase designer stuff, it’s interesting to see how that constant exposure to arts and fashion influences their way of mixing and matching pieces on and off the runway.

Take Bar Rafaeli for example, who is best known for her modelling work on Sports Illustrated and as Leo DiCaprio’s arm candy:

Bar Rafaeli battles the wind in Paris, France

Bar Rafaeli strolling in Paris

She was spotted shopping in Jimmy Choo in Paris last week. She wore this blazer + shorts + tights + combat boots outfit on that very windy Parisian day.

Models are supposed to get away with wearing anything (or nothing) right? But Bar disproves that here and makes us question that denim shorts combo. Rolled-up cuffed denim shorts at that. Are her upper body and feet the only parts of her that get cold? Everyone else in the pictures (including her bodyguard) is in double coats and even parkas, so those semi-sheer stockings she chose to wear with shorts must’ve not been very warm at all.

Her leopard print scarf and her crossbody bag are nice though. They sort of help cover up some parts of her lower body.

ID-ing Bar’s bag is tough work, but here are some similar styles down to that fringe tassel. If you like Bar’s outfit from the waist up, then cop part of that look with these crossbody purses:

Roxy Kids Dress Up

Osgoode Marley Mini Tassel Bag

Fossil Sasha Mini

Botkier Tao Shoulder