The right handbag is like Mr. Right. It’s always by your side when you need it, and it offers the perfect amount of arm candy. This season, structured duffel bags are quite the catch. Their classic, refined form mixes with 2010′s hottest trends (à la bold hues, patterns and embellishments) to create a fresh look that’s on mark with what fashionistas look for in a new bag. While this satchel’s shape may be reminiscent of a your grandpa’s bowling bag, its wide-set shape and top-zip closure translates into a spacious carry-all that’s easy to tote–and impossibly chic.

And the best part? All the bags below can be worn with just about any outfit imaginable.

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Alexander Wang “Rocco” satchel ($875)
2. Chloe “Aurore” leather duffle bag ($1,800; net-a-porter.com)
3. Bric’s micro-suede satchel ($242; forzieri.com)
4. Furla “D Light” bag ($180)
5. Zara oversized bowling bag ($169)
6. Rebecca Minkoff “Navajo Stud Flame” bag ($425)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Alexander Wang, net-a-porter.com, forzieri.com, Rebecca Minkoff, Zara and Furla

Shopping online via Gilt Groupe comes naturally nowadays, but the experience lacks the tangibility so many shoppers crave. For one day here in Chicago, though, that’ll change. On Saturday, March 5, the local edition of Gilt City is having a warehouse sale at The Ivy Room at Tree Studios (12 E Ohio Street) in the Gold Coast. From 10am to 6pm, swing by and shop the likes of Zac Posen, Chloe, Vera Wang, Tory Burch, Kate Spade and many more for up to 75% off. The luxury discounter will be selling tickets to the event starting today, February 24, at 12pm. The price is just $5 to attend–well worth the cost considering what you’ll save on designer duds.

To purchase tickets, click here.

By Meghan Turner

The color and shape of this Chloe saddle bag ($1,790; Intermix) are perfection. It’ll be fabulous with nearly any fall outfit.

Spring is upon us (thank goodness!), and that means it’s time to reflect on the season’s hottest trends. The Spring/Summer 2010 runways gave us an array of exciting looks—be it reintroduced classics or futuristic newbies—and we pulled together a list of our favorite six to kick off the season. Though it’s hard to get in a warm weather state of mind during a winter weather advisory, the mercury will soon rise and we’ll bask in a new season of fresh fashion. Take a look at these spring trends, and let spring fever set in! 

DIGITAL 
Moving beyond solids and into the world of prints isn’t always an easy feat. We love our black and white, but truth be told, prints are one of the easiest ways to add interest and individuality to your look. Enter: digital prints. Like a shot of fashion adrenaline, these graphic styles offer more edge and energy than any floral ever could. 

Images: Givenchy (left) and Versace (right)

DENIM
Remember your acid wash jacket from grade school? Oh, yes you do. Well, denim is back, and you’ll see light and mid-tone shades on everything: jackets, jeans, dresses, shirts and even overalls. This may be a hard trend to warm up to right away, but we’re sure you’ll come around soon enough. 

Images: Ralph Lauren Collection (left) and Mulberry (right)

WHITE
White is the consummate color of spring, and this season, the way to wear it is from head to toe. Such a style approach is innately chic and sophisticated, and always a stand-out outfit. The runway showed us flirty, girly looks and edgy, sexy ways to wear this color, so you really can wear this trend however you choose.

Images: Oscar de la Renta (left) and Gucci (right)

SHORTS
We saw lots of shorts last spring, and now the trend seems even bigger. Any hem goes this season, from Daisy Dukes to the Bermuda, so load up on several pairs and experiment with the endless ways to wear them. Our styles of choice are: jean shorts and footless tights and chino shorts and a classic button-up shirt.

Images: Pringle of Scotland (left) and Fendi (right) 

KHAKI
A true classic, khaki is probably one of the easiest trends to wear, and the runway demonstrated its infinite possibilities. Take the color from drab basics and into any garment realm you can imagine. From a menswear-inspired suit and military jacket, khaki has your every spring need covered.

Images: Chloé (left) and Chanel (right)

PASTELS
Spring wouldn’t feel quite like spring without pastels. This season, these pretty hues make another graceful appearance, displaying their ladylike, fashion-forward properties for us to relish. Whether you go with one color or mix and match, pastels have a distinct beauty that’s always spring-ready.

Images: Valentino (left) and D&G (right)  

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Givenchy, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Pringle of Scotland, Fendi, Chloé, Chanel, Valentino, and D&G