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

]]> http://www.crossbodypurses.com/2010/07/22/rachel-bilson-slings-chanel/feed/ 0 http://www.crossbodypurses.com/2010/07/15/rachel-bilson-rebecca-minkoff-alligator-impression-boyfriend-mini-bag/ http://www.crossbodypurses.com/2010/07/15/rachel-bilson-rebecca-minkoff-alligator-impression-boyfriend-mini-bag/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:01:03 +0000 Erika http://www.crossbodypurses.com/?p=1386 Rachel Bilson and the Rebecca Minkoff Alligator Impression Boyfriend Mini Bag is a post from: Cross Body Handbags & Purses

Here’s a crossbody that I really, really, really, seriously want to have – the 3.1 Phillip Lim Adin Purse. I actually want it more than the Edie Studded Bow Purse (featured last week). And I mean, waaay more.

Now just recently, Rachel Bilson was spotted wearing this purse while walking in LA (see photos below). Love her outfit, cute Elizabeth and James spring trench, and definitely cute bag! Seeing it on Rachel makes me want this bag even more.

Rachel Bilson and her 3.1 Phillip Lim Adin Purse with Click Lock in Onyx

(photo care of Just Jared)

Here’s a clearer view of the Adin Purse. It’s a simple black and tan combination, but how the combination is done is beautiful to the bone, especially with the silver studs and hardware that go with it.

3.1 Phillip Lim Lambskin Adin Purse with Click Lock

(photo care of Style.com)

I’m not going to keep on describing each and every element I think is wonderful about this purse. I am simply going to let the pictures below tell you how gorgeous this tiny purse is.

Front View

Up Close and Personal

Up Close and Personal

Side View

(all product shots care of Lagarconne.com)

Like it? Or definitely love it?

If you want the 3.1 Phillip Lim Adin Purse, it’s available at Lagarconne.com and it retails for US$425. Not bad actually; I mean, it is not cheap, but it is attainable.

Now if getting the look for less is all you want, try these other crossbody purses with the same black and tan combination:

Dooney & Burke New Leather Letter Carrier, US$165

Nino Bossi Belted Crossbody, US$209

You may also try this very affordable Bagallini creation which features the same zipper and compartment elements as the 3.1 Phillip Lim Adin Purse:

Baggallini Triple Zipper Bag, US$35

By the way, just in case you want Rachel’s Elizabeth and James trench, it’s available at Shopbop.com for US$545:

Elizabeth and James Field Jacket, US$545

Hey everyone, the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse is coming back for Fall 2010!

3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse, US$800

This purse came out fall of last year, but it sold out so fast that it left a lot of ladies wanting. Of course, the immediate sell out could only be attributed to its strong celebrity following – Diane Kruger, Alexa Chung, Rachel Bilson, Nicky Hilton, and Leighton Meester, to name a few. That, and also probably because Phillip Lim likes to keep his offerings lean.

Diane Kruger wearing the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse

Rachel Bilson wearing the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse

Leighton Meester wearing the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studden Bow Purse

Though celebrity exposure played a big part in this purse’s fast sell-out, I would also like to think that the women who bought it (celebrities included) also liked it for its aesthetic and functional appeal.

For instance, the bow shaped flap may be too girly, but the sprinkle of gold studs on it balances this out and makes it look edgy instead; kind of like, girly meets punk.

The flap also features a vertical stripe that appears to look like grosgrain from afar, but if you look closer, it’s actually made of metal, like a bracelet chain – a very subtle way to add bling to the bag, but definitely adds to the wow factor.

Vertical Stripe on the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse

The way the strap is made is also another notable feature; apart from the sprinkle of studs on the shoulder pad, the sides where the straps are looped and attached are fastened with gold studs.

Studded shoulder pad of the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse

Gold stud strap fasteners on the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse

All that, plus the Edie’s spacious interior and multiple compartments, make  it a very marketable piece and a definite sure-buy.

Interior of the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse

If you want to purchase the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Purse,  check Net-A-Porter.com regularly in case stocks become available.  It retails for about US$800.

For those who like the Edie’s edgy look without the hefty price tag, here are great studded options for you to choose from:

B. Makowsky Las Vegas Crossbody, US$162

Steve Madden BJoker Medium Crossbody, US$69

Rafe New York Rafe Mini Crossbody, US$230

Here’s a celebrity couple that I truly adore:

Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen in Vancouver

(Photos care of Just Jared)

Don’t they just look so cute together? It’s like, when you look at them, they are really meant for each other. These two met on the set of the movie “Jumper”, and from then on they have been inseparable. They are engaged by the way, in case you don’t know.

The two were recently spotted in Vancouver, Canada (Hayden’s home country) last February 20. The lovebirds were seen heading for a coffee-and-crepes shop, after which they went walking around the place.

On Rachel was a classic Chanel Flap Bag  and she wore  the piece as a crossbody. The beauty with this bag is that apart from the fact that it’s iconic, you can wear it in two ways – as a crossbody or as a shoulder bag.

Want the look but don’t want to spend too much for a Chanel Flap Bag? Try these really affordable dual-purpose quilted crossbody options instead:

Roxy Stud Muffin Crossbody

Purse + Crossbody

Roxy T.T.F.N. Handbag

Handbag + Crossbody

Element Luella Bag

Tote + Crossbody

Now if you’re more of a crossbody person and you can do away with having a dual-purpose bag, then you might like this quilted crossbody purse from Kate Spade as well:

Kate Spade Tutti Fruitti Kirk