Off screen celebrity couple Blake Lively and Penn Badgley were spotted doing some PDA while out in New York City two days ago (July 13). Penn did a bit of butt squeezing on Blake and the naughty but cute deed was fully captured on camera.

Blake Lively and Penn Badgley, July 13

(thank you Just Jared for the pictures!)

I have to say, I never thought these two would last. But they seem to be going really strong. Penn is one lucky guy, that much I can say. Blake is such a catch – tall, blond, beautiful, and likes being in the relationship. What more can a guy ask for?

PDA aside, I love Blake’s outfit; her look is the precise embodiment of summer chic. The dress is simple, but with the accessories, she’s all picture perfect.

In case you’re wondering, the sandals are by Jimmy Choo and the bag is by Anthropologie.

Blake’s Accessories

(Jimmy Choo Allena Elaphe Sandals and Anthropologie Bag)

Try checking Net-A-Porter.com if they have the sandals on stock. As for the bag, it remains to be a bit of a mystery because I can’t find it in the Anthropologie website. It’s probably a fresh one that’s not available online yet.

If getting the look is all you need, no need to go breaking the bank. Go for these instead:

Sound & Matter Tie Strap Woven Dress, US$25 (PacSun.com);  Lucky Brand Peace Cuff, US$38 (Zappos.com); Kangol Spiral Knit Lola Hat, US$69 (Zappos.com); Moda Spana Barkley Thong Sandals, US$58 (Zappos.com)

WITH

Ecko Red Into the Wild Flap, US$64 (Zappos.com)

OR

Ecko Red Hold on Tied Up Crossbody, US$63

A crossbody bag is a versatile piece of accessory. The numerous crossbody sightings on celebrities are a testament to the popularity and usefulness of this bag. If you’re a crossbody junkie, then I’m sure you know what I mean. For the newbies who are just starting to love this kind of bag, here are top 5 places where you can wear your crossbody:

1. School

This is probably the most popular place to wear a crossbody bag. Even TV shows such as Gossip Girl and Vampire Diaries use crossbody bags as props for cast. For crossbody spottings in movies, try watching “Jennifer’s Body” and you’ll see that Amanda Seyfried’s school girl character sported several crossbody bags. For school, a bigger crossbody bag is most ideal for your books and laptop.  This way, you enjoy the benefit of having both hands free to carry whatever – like that tray of food when eating in the cafeteria, a few more books or school materials, or  your boyfriend’s hand while walking in campus.

Serena Van Der Woodsen (Gossip Girl) and Elena Gilbert (Vampire Diaries) sporting crossbody bags

2. Mall / Grocery Store (Shopping or doing errands)

It’s no secret that a lot of the celebrities spotted sporting this bag were out shopping or doing errands. It’s the perfect accessory if you’re off to do such tasks since it allows both hands free to carry the purchases you’ve accumulated.

Hilary Duff out shopping with a crossbody bag

3. Beach

Going to the beach doesn’t mean you have to leave your cell and bills. What if you need to call someone? What if someone needs to call you? What if you want some ice cream to cool yourself? The crossbody purse will solve your problems. Carry a big one if you want to bring along your towel and other beach essentials. But if you’re just out for a stroll on the shores, a mini crossbody will do.

Denise Richards and model in crossbody bags

4. Club / Party

I’m sure all of you girls go clubbing or partying. I know I do. And I hate bringing my big bag. It’s too bulky, plus I have to worry about it getting stolen if I leave it on the table. So I use a mini crossbody, which I tag along wherever I go.

Leighton Meester ready to party with her mini crossbody

5. Airport / Travel

Just like school and going to the mall, wearing a crossbody bag to the airport (or when you travel) is the most logical thing to do since it allows both your hands free to carry the other things you need to bring. And if you’re already in that foreign place you call your vacation, scouring the market or shopping district will still require you to wear a crossbody so you’re hands can be free to carry the purchases you’ve made.

Michelle Trachtenberg in a crossbody

Katy Perry and Russell Brand exploring the streets of Jaipur, India

So there you have it, five (5) places to wear that crossbody bag. Don’t limit yourself to the five though, if you find an appropriate opportunity to wear that crossbody purse you have in your closet, feel free to do so. Just remember, wear the right crossbody for the right occasion.

To give you an idea, here are a few crossbody selections and where you can possibly use them:

Fossil Montreal Crossbody

The Sak Silver Lake Flap

These two (2) selections are great for school or traveling because of its spacious interior and outer pockets

Jessica Simpson Jimmy Crossbody

A perfect companion when you’re out shopping or doing errands. Not too big, nor too small.

Liz Claiborne Vivien Small Crossbody

Lucky Brand Desert Rose Crossbody

Head to the beach with these two (2) lovely and colorful crossbody options from Liz Claiborne and Lucky Brand.

Betseyville Zsa Zsa Crossbody

Liz Claiborne Crossbody – Glazed P

Head to the club with any of these mini crossbody purses. Not going to the club but need a small purse to fit your cell phone and a few bills? These will do as well.

On and off-screen Gossip Girl sweethearts, Blake Lively and Penn Badgley can’t seem to get enough of each other as they have been seen together almost everywhere, garbed in their usual casual attire – walking, shopping, dining, holding hands, swimming, and everything else.

And as usual, in every photo taken of her, Blake looks gorgeous, even in simple T-shirt. Blessed with a beautiful face, blond hair, and truly long legs, everything she wears gets elevated to a whole new level.

In these two pictures however, I believe it’s the other way around. Yes, she looks fashionably casual in T-shirt and jean shorts, but I think wearing that plush leather crossbody bag has raised her look several notches up.

Blake Lively and Penn Badgley obviously posing for fans (notice the bag?)

Blake Lively and her beautiful crossbody bag

To get this look, the bag is the key. A good choice is the The Sak Dixie Messenger in Cocoa. This one is made of 100% genuine leather, and it has a colorful and patterned grosgrain strap that gives character and an illusion of texture to the bag.

The Sak Dixie Messenger

The flap opening of the bag has a unique design. Composed of two patterns, one is slightly crinkled while the other is smooth. The finishing touch is an embellishment of metal studs lining the center where the two patterns connect. Although it looks a bit odd, it is equally appealing as it adds to the character of the bag.

Uniquely designed flap opening of the The Sak Dixie Messenger

With its size (17x13in), the bag surely has a lot of room. The printed interior also adds bonus points to the bag.

Interior of the The Sak Dixie Messenger

Using this bag will definitely bring your look to a higher plane. The The Sak Dixie Messenger is priced at US$179 so it is pretty accessible. You can buy it at Ebags.com. I found out that this site regularly offers discounts, so it might be useful to regularly check their offerings. Who knows, you might get lucky and get this bag at a promo.