When I saw this picture of Lea Michele a few weeks ago, I knew I had seen her crossbody bag before, but from where I couldn’t pinpoint. The Glee star was spotted heading to a Sara Bareilles concert with her BFF and co-star Jonathan Groff that night (July 7).

Lea Michele and back view of Jonathan Groff, July 7

(Thank you Just Jared for your picture!)

Fast forward to yesterday, while I was browsing through Shopbop’s inventory of bags, I saw this:

MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Pouchette in Cement

Boy was I ecstatic! It’s Lea’s bag! Hurray for me! Finally, I can now put my mind to rest. For a while there, her bag got me going in circles.

That aside, the bag is actually quite notable. For such a small piece (only 6″H x 8″L), it can store more than your usual. Apart from the main compartment, the flap also serves as another space for storage.

It also comes in Black and Newsprint, which is like charcoal gray. If you want it, it retails for an accessible US$228; not exactly cheap, but accessible.

MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Flap Pouchette in Black and Newsprint

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

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