I wonder how many Chanel purses Rachel Bilson has. I honestly have lost count of the number of times I’ve seen her tote a bag that comes with the intertwined double “C” logo. And just the other day, our favorite celeb crossbody junkie was spotted slinging another Chanel purse, this time, a classic black oversized messenger-like piece.

Rachel Bilson, July 20

(photo credit: JustJared)

It really pays to be a celebrity because you get to afford such expensive pieces. And Chanel bags ARE expensive. Even the vintage ones run at US$4000++ or more.

I do understand the fascination though. The experience of owning a Chanel purse is simply priceless. It represents a certain exclusivity or status that not many women are able to achieve, mainly due to its high price. Of course, it is also iconic; and that only fuels the fascination even more.

If you’re eyeing for a Chanel bag for the very first time, I suggest you go for the classic pieces, like these authentic vintage Chanel bags currently being sold at Shopbop:

WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag, US$5,395; WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel Jumbo CC Lock Bag, US$5,945

WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel Black Patent Bag, US$4,995; WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel Black Horizontal Stich BAg, US$5,500

You can use the classic Chanel bag as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody; the chain strap is actually adjustable.

Remember, buy a Chanel because you want to own a Chanel, not because you just like the quilting design, the flap feature, the turn lock, or the chain strap.  Because if those are what you are after, you don’t need to spend US$5000 on a purse to get it. There are alternatives in the market that are way more affordable, like this one for instance:

Stuart Weitzman Lucky, US$498

Here’s yet another cross body purse sighting on Rachel Bilson. I have yet to make an official count but I think she’s the reigning cross body purse queen here on our blog!

The sighting was made on the the 28-year-old actress’s zoo trip to the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens with her stepmom and her half-sisters last July 13. Here are pictures of what Rachel Bilson wore for the family day and of course, the chain strap cross body purse that she carried:

July 13, 2010 – Rachel Bilson with stepmother Heather Medway and half-sisters Hattie and Rosemary at the  LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Rachel Bilson keeps her hands free with a cross body to carry half-sister Hattie

Close-up of Rachel Bilson’s purse

I already gave away what Rachel Bilson’s purse is in the title of this post. It’s the Rebecca Minkoff Alligator Impression Boyfriend Mini Bag in Grey Alligator:

Other colors/materials are Black Alligator, Pale Grey Leather, Tomato Nubuck and  Olive Nubuck (I’m partial to this Grey Alligator color too though). Purchase this bag for $325.00 at Shopbop.com.

Want more proof of Rachel Bilson’s obsession with cross body purses? Check out our previous posts on Rachel Bilson here.

It seems fashionable young star Rachel Bilson can’t get enough of the crossbody. Check out recent sightings of her toting our favorite purse:

May 4

May 12

June 14

Among the 3 purses, I can only ID one of them; in the last picture is the 3.1 Phillip Lim Studded Bow purse which I featured months ago. As for the cute mini purse and that blue chain strap bucket, I have yet to ID those.

But if you like Rachel’s purses, not knowing what she’s wearing shouldn’t stop you from getting the look. For the 3.1 Phillip Lim Studded Bow Purse, you can check the recommendations I provided in my previous article (click here). As for the chain strap bucket and the mini, you can easily get the same look with these:

Fossil Mini Turnlock, US$55

The Sak Silverlake Bucket, US$169

You can purchase these bags from Ebags.com