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

This oversized “Julie” shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs ($1,250; net-a-porter.com) flaunts a classic shape in the perfect shade of taupe. The chain straps and tassel embellishment cap off this feminine accessory.

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Samurai gold embroidered skull clutch (Alexander McQueen; $2,295)
2. Studded leather clutch (Matthew Williamson; $718)
3. Geometric beaded clutch (Aldo; $50)
4. Silver lizard-print clutch (Nine West; $30)
5. Rocio clutch with wood and snakeskin detail (farfetch.com; $610)
6. Nicole Miller silver beaded clutch (Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue; $175)

Images courtesy of Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Aldo, Nine West, farfetch.com and Lori’s Shoes

By Meghan Turner

Yet another Marc by Marc Jacobs bag we love: the “Ozzie” square flat bag in “tomato” ($358; Saks Fifth Avenue). This structured bag in a bright hue will be a welcomed pop of color this fall and winter.

One of the “it bags” of Fall/Winter 2010, the “Gucci 1973″ small shoulder bag ($760; gucci.com) is welcomed fashion comeback. It’s on-trend yet timeless—an heirloom piece to add to any wardrobe.

There’s nothing quite like vintage Chanel, and Chicago’s Sofia Vintage (72 E Oat Street) has one of the best selections in the city. One of our current favorites is this navy bag with embossed leather, a chain strap and tassle detail ($2,200).

The Rebecca Minkoff name is synonymous with style, design, quality and wearability. The label’s clothing, accessories, and handbags–the latter being the most celebrated venture–are a favorite among celebrities and women around the world. Only 27 years old, Rebecca Minkoff (shown above with her Spring ’10 bags) has built quite the fashion empire in a very short time. In 2001, she started her namesake label as a women’s clothing line and didn’t branch into handbags until her friend, celebrity Jenna Elfman, asked her to design a bag for an upcoming movie. That bag was named the “Morning After,” and it’s still Rebecca’s most popular item. More importantly, it launched the emerging designer into handbag stardom.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca on Thursday night at CheekyChicago.com’s “Cheeky People of Style” in Saks Fifth Avenue. Whenever I meet a nationally recognized designer, there’s always that one looming question: Is he or she a diva? Chatting with her is like chatting with a girlfriend. She’s warm and kind, without an ounce of snobbery (Phew!). In our conversation, we talked about Rebecca’s Spring 2010 handbag collection, which was presented in a trunk show that evening. As her designs have done to me many times before, I was wowed. The buttery leathers, edgy hardware, must-have tie-dye prints (a personal fav), and many shapes and sizes came together in a versatile collection of classic and trendy bags and pouches.

Here’s how our chat went down:

SA: You’re known for your bag’s style, versatility and quality. What else should we know about a Rebecca Minkoff bag?
RM: I think it’s fun and not so serious. I think you know who the designer is without it being flashy and showy. One thing I hear about my bags over and over again no matter where I am is that women wearing my bag get stopped and asked where they got it. So, there’s an interest factor that other women are drawn to it.

SA: What was the inspiration behind the collection? You’ve got lots of amazing detail going on.
RM: There were three distinct groups. One was based on a motorcycle jacket. Then we have a group that has the studding I had been doing the year before, but this one [has] the multicolored studs. It can go with whatever jewelry you are wearing. It doesn’t matter; [your jewelry] will go with your bag! And the third group was more classic, more of the basic shapes. But those are some of my best-selling shapes and styles. So…I’m trying to make my line a one-stop shop for whomever you are.

SA: We love these tie-dyed cross-body bags. What was behind the print choice?
RM: It’s all hand-made in Ethiopia and hand tie-dyed. I just thought it was really beautiful. I thought I could put it on some fun new shapes!

SA: What’s personal to you about this collection?
RM: The overall theme was that the president of my company just lost her best friend, so I named the collection “Best Friends” in honor of her. And then we did a pouch in honor of that. You buy the set and give one away, and we did these cute [best friend] charms. The whole ad campaign is around two girls having a really great time.

SA: I’m noticing lots of small pouches and clutches.
RM: A year prior to this spring, we introduced small leather goods, so we have quite a wide range. We have wallets and card cases, and we also have bracelets and belts too.

SA: You design bags, jewelry and clothing. Where does your heart lie among these three divisions?
RM: It’s hard. I never thought I would be a bag designer. I have so much fun doing it, and the process is very easy for me…and freeing. And for me, clothing is always what I wanted to do, and I would say it’s the most challenging. It’s nice to have a challenge. If nothing was hard, you wouldn’t feel like you accomplished something in the end.

SA: So…are you doing any shopping while you’re here in Chicago?
RM: I’m trying not to, but I’m seeing lots of stuff I want here tonight!

SA: Do you come to Chicago often?
RM: I actually haven’t been in about two years, but my cousin lives here, amd I’m going to come back and visit her.

SA: Well, you’ll have to come back and explore some of Chicago’s amazing boutiques.
RM: I know! I love small boutiques, and Chicago has got some good ones.

Just because I enjoyed my conversation with Rebecca so much, I’m treating myself to that tie-dyed cross-body bag (in yellow!) I had my eye on all night. As if I really needed an excuse…

By Meghan Turner

Cover images courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

*You can find Rebecca’s designs at various retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue and shopbop.com

The bucket bag is making a comeback, and we’re happily welcoming it back into our wardrobe. Its 80’s quirkiness and au courant urbanity make it a versatile accessory that pumps up an outfit’s style power—plus, it totally negates the “It Bag” mania. The variety of shapes, sizes, colors and strap lengths make it a fantastic everyday accessory, but it’s the drawstring detail that really draws us in. Any one of these bucket bags is an amazing way to add yet another 80′s-inspired trend to our closet.

Brighten these dreary Chicago days with Coach‘s drawstring bag in melon ($258). It may be small but its crossbody strap and fresh hue make it a worthy carryall.

Since it’s mega popularity in the 80′s, MCM is reinventing itself for today’s shopper, and this small black bag with a chain strap ($695) is proof they’ve still got it.

Accessory design is a newby on Alexander Wang‘s resume, and boy did he master the craft quickly. This “Diego Studded Bucket Bag” ($795) has the signature studded bottom that speaks to the designer’s beloved originality.

A handbag in an expected color is eyecatching and statment-making. Balenciaga’s “Arena Giant Covered Pompon” in “Maldives Blue” ($1,895; Barneys) won’t blend with any other bag on the street.

Deux Lux’s bucket bag ($140; shoprumor.com) in chocolate has simplicity with an edge. The gold disk studs and rich brown leather is a classic combo refashioned for this handbag trend.

Do you need any more reasons to get a new bucket bag of your own?

By Meghan Turner

Have you ever crafted the perfect bag in your mind, but no store carries anything like it? LAUDI VIDNI may be able to help with that. The website allows you to design your own bag by choosing the exterior fabric, hardware and lining! Bag as shown is $395.

H&M has thrown their Jimmy Choo collaboration in our faces for far too long, and tomorrow we finally get to raid the merchandise! Chicago is one of the select cities blessed with the Choo, but the Michigan Avenue location is the only store selling it. Shoppers will be lined up in hopes of adding the famous label to their wardrobes at a fraction of the cost for the real thing. Get there early, though, because the first 160 shoppers will be given bracelets with allotted time slots to shop the accessories, shoes and bags. After two hours, the store will open to all shoppers, allowing everyone else their grab the remaining goods. If you are shopper number 161 and up, one consolation is that everyone can purchase only one of each product. In other words, they can buy the entire collection, but no more than one of any given item. We have our eye on the black long-sleeve mini dress and thigh-high leather boots! Good luck, everyone!

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of H&M