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

Belly-button grazing trousers have been a favorite for seasons now, but the nostalgic bell cut is one that’s finally catching up. Its slimming, leg-lengthening fit not only flatters many a body types, it adds a fresh approach to American’s love affair with all things denim. A welcomed contrast to the omnipresent skinny jeans and jeggings, this revival embraces voluminous, angular fits that accent a woman’s curves in a way that’s sexy, relevant and hip.

This spring, bring the fashion institution back into your wardrobe. Check out our favorite high-waisted bell-bottom jeans below (from left to right):

1. 7 For All Mankind bell-bottoms ($198; piperlime.com)
2. Blank Denim bell bottoms ($75; singer22.com)
3. Gap wide-leg trouser jeans ($80; Gap)
4. J Brand 1277 “Bette in Wonderama” jeans ($218; J Brand)
5. Current/Elliott high rise flare jeans ($210; net-a-porter.com)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of piperlime.com, singer22.com, Gap, J Brand and net-a-porter.com

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.

One crucial thing to remember when wearing this style is to keep it simple and clean. When wearing an entire outfit of jewel tones, it’s important to balance the colors to create a cohesive look. Pair a brightly patterned blouse with a solid skirt in a matching shade, or a mix a multi-hued dress with a black belt and opaque tights. But, jeweled accessories cannot be overlooked. Try bright cobalt or indigo pumps or booties, and chunky collar necklaces, chandelier earrings and bangles as an easy way to add a bit of oomph to a look.

Clockwise from left to right:

1. Runway look by Oscar de la Renta
2. Coach “Kristin” satchel in emerald ($398)
3. Runway look by 3.1 Phillip Lim
4. Callula Lillibelle fuchsia petticoat dress ($594; SHE Boutique)
5. Tibi cap sleeve dress with floral print ($380; Perchance; 3512 N Southport Avenue)
6. Sam Edelman ‘Novato’ slingback in ruby red ($100; Nordstrom)
7. See by Chloé’s purple skirt ($207; net-a-porter.com)

By Courtney Cunniff

Wearing white after Labor Day is an unnecessary fashion faux pas, and the season’s winter whites is living proof of that. When winter strikes and sunlit afternoons fade into four o’clock sunsets, this trend brings light back into our lives. We all know black is the typical city garb, but it can also translate to bleak and predictable. White throws a fashion curve ball at that predictability! Bundle up in some alternatives by opting for a piece like a faux fur white shearling coat instead of a somber North Face puffy coat. Or, try monochromatic layers in a mish-mosh of textures such as a white fur vest, white cotton tank, white shorts and white tights like we saw at Erin Wasson X RVCA. Be the center of attention at your holiday party and replace your LBD with the LWD–a fashion-forward substitute. If any look ever feels too overly white, tone it down with black tights or ground the look with gray or brown accents. By embracing the season’s winter whites, your winter doesn’t have to be so dreary after all.

Clockwise from left:

1. A look from the Fall 2010 Erin Wasson X RVCA collection
2. “Nathalie” silk pant ($139; Club Monaco)
3. Talula cashmere blend sweater dress ($80; Aritzia, 835 N Michigan Avenue)
4. J Brand vintage white skinny cord ($160; Intermix)
5. La Rock “Joplin” Rabbit Vest ($378; Neiman Marcus)
6. 3-D Flower Mesh Jumper ($84; American Apparel)
7. Mackage “Macy” Coat with shearling sleeves ($895; Perchance, 3512 N Southport Avenue)
8. Haute Hippie sequined silk-chiffon wrap mini skirt ($395; net-a-porter.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Erin Wasson X RVCA, Perchance, Intermix, Club Monaco, Neiman Marcus, net-a-porter.com, Aritzia and American Apparel

Clockwise from upper left:

1. A.L.C. mini jersey dress ($298; Intermix). A simple long-sleeve mini in the season’s most coveted color and ruching at the hem makes it extra flattering.
2. Alexander Wang “Willow Frame Messenger” ($925; Barneys NY). The messenger bag grows up with a structured, ladylike shape and sultry red hue.
3. Sam Edelman “Zachary” ($208; Lori’s Shoes). A platform bootie that looks amazing paired with tights.
4. Drape neck sweater ($100; Zara). Cozy and chic, a modern cowl neck top is appropriate for work o play.
5. Ali Ro cutout dress ($264; Cusp). Unexpected cutouts give this cocktail dress a fresh approach.
6. Dana Rebecca Designs “Samantha Elizabeth” earrings ($1,540; Dana Rebecca). Black onyx paired with super Seven Quartz make these statement earrings a justified splurge.
7. Helmut Lang shearling jacket ($1,840; net-a-porter.com). Style meets function in this edgy yet warm jacket.
8. Essie’s “Sew Psyched” nail polish ($8; Essie). A refreshing alternative to fall’s standard Bordeaux nail lacquers.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Intermix, Barneys NY, Lori’s Shoes, Zara, Cusp, Dana Rebecca, net-a-porter.com and Essie

Camel is a chameleon of a color that can create looks that range from military to office-chic. One of my favorite ways to wear this trend is to pair it with crisp whites or by opting for a monochromatic, head-to-toe camel-hued ensemble. Now, if you want a burst of color to jazz up such a neutral outfit, add one of the season’s beauty trends: Bordeaux nails and lips.

Indulge in the below luxurious neutral items on your next fall shopping binge.   

Clockwise from upper left:

1. APC corduroy blazer ($400; Net-a-Porter). A luxe velvet blazer to dress up your slim cargos.
2. Chloé ribbed wool skirt ($490; Nordstrom). A form fitting skirt to offset a billowy silk blouse.
3. J Brand skinny twill jeans ($111; shopbop.com). A sleek pant to go with everything.
4. Romygold biker slash tote ($585; Intermix). An edgy handbag sporting this season’s hottest hue.
5. Mackage “Bessie” hand-woven cape ($495; Perchance; 3512 N Southport Avenue). A cozy knit in a fashion-forward shape.
6. Smythe cadet coat ($995; Nordstrom). The quintessential fall coat with impeccable tailoring.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com, Nordstrom, shopbop.com, Perchance boutique and Intermix

With temperatures hovering in the 90s, we might just have a steady stream of summer weather hanging around Chicago. That said, swimsuit season is officially in full swing. For hot days appropriately spent at the pool, beach, or on a boat, a fabulous suit is the key component to lounging lazily by the water. When considering a new one- or two-piece, the right fit, proportion, cut and pattern always come into play. However, also think about how to incorporate some of the season’s biggest trends into your swimwear. The season’s extensive variety of suits makes experimenting with new styles and patterns an exciting part of the swimsuit pursuit. Take a fashion-forward approach to that itsy bitsy teeny weeny and confront the summer sun in style. H20 optional.

All images from left to right:

1. Floral bow bandeau bikini ($140; emobi)
2. “Lorena” bikini in “Vintage Red Spat” ($114; Diane von Furstenburg)
3. Asymmetrical one-piece ($78; Calvin Klein)
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs one-shoulder, fish belt one-piece ($95; Neiman Marcus)

5. “Cha Cha” ruffle top bikini ($162; Letarte)
6. Indah ruffle bikini ($55; Nika Butik; 143 N Northwest Highway, Park Ridge)
7. Missoni “Amalfi” cut-out woven one-piece ($580; net-a-porter.com)
8. Cynthia Rowley for Roxy “Tanlines Monokini” ($48; Roxy)
9. Neon yellow twist bandeau top with double string bottom ($37; Victoria’s Secret)
10. Mara Hoffman  ruched bottom bikini in “Kaleidoscope Pink” ($168; shopsheboutique.com)
11. Loeffler Randall zipper one-piece ($158; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market)
12. Undrest strapless zigzag knitted one-piece ($210; net-a-porter.com)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of emobi, Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Neiman Marcus, Letarte, Nika Butik, net-a-porter.com, Roxy, Victoria’s Secret, She Boutique, and Loeffler Randall

Spring/Summer 2010 opened the door to a bevy of pieces covered in fringe, like vests, bags, shoes, and jewelry. Basically, anything and everything. Any such item is guaranteed to draw attention, so use fringe sparingly for a look that’s current, fresh and distinctly bohemian. Here’s some of our favorites to date:

Clockwise from upper left:

1. American Retro wool fringed dress ($124; theoutnet.com)
2. Oryany white fringe bag ($325 ; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue)
3. Citrine by the Stones “Rio” earrings ($98; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market)
4. Dip dye fringe top ($70; Topshop)
5. Fringe and beaded clutch ($169; asos.com)
6. Vanessa Bruno fringe mini skirt ($450; net-a-porter.com)
7. Alexander Wang “Dree” fringe stiletto ($650; shopzoeonline.com)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of theoutnet.com, Oryany, Citrine by the Stones, Topshop, asos.com, net-a-porter.com, and shopzoeonline.com

For many of us, our cell phone is our lifeline. If we leave the house without it, we feel “naked,” like we do when we forget to put on our favorite jewelry. On a day-to-day basis, this gadget is literally at our side. So, why not view it as a stylish accessory? The iPhone is one of the most commonly used phones, and, consequently, there are a bevy of fashionable cases to choose from. With so many choices like cases vs. skins and leather vs. plastic, you can extend your own style to your treasured lifeline. Here’s a few we love:

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Plia Designs “Religieuse” French pastry case ($28; Plia Designs)
2. Nancy Gonzalez crocodile case ($385; net-a-porter.com)
3. Louis Vuitton monogram case ($250; Louis Vuitton)
4. AB Sutton custom leather case with silk lining ($88; AB Sutton)
5. Diane von Furstenberg “Kiss My iPhone” case ($20; Diane von Furstenberg)

By Danielle Parker

Images courtesy of Plia Designs, net-a-porter.com, Louis Vuitton, Diane von Furstenberg, and AB Sutton