Katy Perry and Russell Brand were recently spotted nature trekking in L.A.’s Griffith Park.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand

(photos care of Just Jared)

Love the leggings and tunic outfit on Katy. Hate the tank and skinny jeans on Russell. What was he thinking really? That kind of outfit will only look good on a girl. But let’s not ponder on Russell’s outfit too much, shall we? Surprises like that (outfit) should be expected from an eccentric funny man like Russell.

Now going back to Katy, she finished off her look with a cute mini crossbody; not very ideal for a walking activity, but nonetheless cute and goes well with her outfit. A closer look will tell us that it’s a foldover, shaped like a saddle bag.

A clearer view of Katy Perry’s mini crossbody

(photo care of Just Jared)

Such a size is just perfect for storing must-have essentials like lipstick, compact, bills, cards, keys, and phone. In fact I can picture this bag as the ideal accessory to bring if you’re headed to the club or to a party.

If you like Katy Perry’s crossbody style, try these equally appealing options:

Fossil Mini Turnlock, US$55

DKNY Vintage Leather Classic Small Crossbody, US$189

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Gansvoort Crossbody, US$168

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.

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