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

It’s another Ashley with a cross body bag sighting!

This time it’s Ashlee Simpson who was seen on her way to the Ken Paves Salon in West Hollywood on Monday:

Ashlee Simpson out at Ken Paves Salon on July 19, 2010

She was there to promote the salon’s “Makeover Madness” charity event wherein part of the proceeds from the beauty packages go to Rally for Kids with Cancer. Another celeb who also took part in helping promote the event was Eva Longoria.

It’s nice to see Ashlee Simpson out and about again but doesn’t she look so different from the time when she first became famous? Her hair’s lighter, she’s so boho chic with that band around her head, and she’s wearing bright yellow! Oh well, at least she’s looking happy and seems to be very comfortable in her newfound style.

As for her tan cross body bag, Ashlee was first spotted using it for traveling:

Ashlee Simpson heads for an outbound flight at LAX airport on July 7, 2010

I like that this cross body bag is big enough to use as a carry on but small enough to fit just your everyday things. Oh and the zipper-edged florettes on the flap are cute too!

Ashlee Simpson’s bag is the See by Chloe 9S7086-N80 Marti Large Cross Body Bag:

The tan color is available for £414.40 at Net-A-Porter.com while the dollar/silver grey color is $599.00 at Zappos.com.

Do you prefer Ashlee Simpson’s old rocker chic style or new boho chic style?

Credit: Wenn.com and FamePictures.com

Check out Ashley Tisdale’s exposed abs in this picture:

Ashley Tisdale, July 10

It looks like this Disney darling works out religiously to keep that figure in tip top shape. I love the slightly bohemian cowgirl look, even if the boots were probably a little too warm to wear for the sunny weather. Put a hat on her head and she’d fit right in Texas. Outfit aside though, what I really noticed firsthand was the bag.

Ashley’s Bag

It’s the Cleobella Zula Bag; the one I thought Vanessa Hudgens was carrying (click here to read article) then soon realized that it was a different variant of the bag called the Cleobella Daniella. The two probably shop together. Either that or Ashley likes copying Vanessa’s style because check out this picture taken just last July 12:

It’s the same look V was spotted wearing last month (click here to read article). So what do you think?

Actually, I don’t think she copies V. And it’s probably no mere coincidence either; but they probably share and compare notes, know what I mean?

Anyway, if you want Ashley’s rocker slash bohemian looking Cleobella Zula Bag, you can get it from  Shopbop.com. The purse can also function as a clutch when you need the variation.

Cleobella Zula Bag, US$310