We’ve featured Vera Bradley bags many times before here on Cross Body Purses and for good reason: they’re cute, they’re functional, and the prints, oh the prints, are just breathtakingly beautiful.

Vera Bradley could put their prints on just about anything and it would instantly become beautiful. Here are some of the latest creations that are newly bestowed with Vera Bradley prints, the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Cases:

Different colors of the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Case

I’m having a hard time choosing which print I like the most!

These mini laptop cases are 11 1/4″ wide x 2 1/4″ deep x 8″ high so they can hold the popular 10.1-inch size for netbooks, no problem. They’re made of quilted fabric for extra outer protection but the inside compartments are already packed with padding and are already equipped with safety straps:

The inside of the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Case and as worn

Now that electronics brands are scrambling to get their mini laptops out, Vera Bradley couldn’t have released these mini laptop cases at a better time. Of course, you’re also free to use these bags to hold folders, files and books, and the outside pocket would hold your other personal things nicely along with them.

Get the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Case for $54.00 at Zappos.com.

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

There was a spike in celebrities carrying carrying cross body bags yesterday (at least three were seen) and the weird thing was they were all spotted in countries that are not their own.

If you can’t take a trip abroad this summer, indulge me for a minute and hop on with me and these celebs to take a short trip ’round the world via this post. Find out who was spotted where, starting with Katrina Bowden:

July 2, 2010 – Katrina Bowden out and about in Sydney, Australia with boyfriend

American actress Katrina Bowden was seen out in Sydney with her boyfriend yesterday afternoon. The cute couple was spotted walking in the city holding hands and Katrina was looking very stylish in an all-black clothes and sandal booties. The “30 rock” star is currently in Australia to shoot the Spring campaign for the Australian fashion label Wish.

Love Katrina Bowden’s grey leather cross body bag? Try the similar Diesel Concert in grey:

Diesel Concert, $130.00

From the Land Down Under, let’s take Australian superstar Kylie Minogue and go with her across the globe to London:

July 2, 2010 – Kylie Minogue arrives at the Radio 2 studios in London

Kylie Minogue breezed right into the Radio 2 studios in London looking fresh as a daisy in a crisp white shirt, khaki harem pants and beige accessories. She punched up her mostly neutral-colored outfit with a gold Chanel mini purse.

Love Kylie Minogue’s metallic gold mini cross body bag? Try the Cole Haan Village Crossbody Snake Print:

Cole Haan Village Crossbody Snake Print, $124.60 (was $178.00)

And from England we’re going back to America with Londoner Emily Blunt who has recently been seen out quite a lot in Beverly Hills, CA:

July 2, 2010 – Emily Blunt out and about in Beverly Hills, California

British actress Emily Blunt was dressed down in a t-shirt, jeans and flip flops yesterday. She was seen leaving a Beverly Hills hair salon and was carrying the same gorgeous studded leather tote she used to shop at Fred Segal a few days ago.

Love Emily Blunt’s studded grey cross body bag? Try the Big Buddha Jessica in grey:

Big Buddha Jessica, $98.95