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

There may be many bold colors to choose from, but there’s even more ways to incorporate them into your look. Instead of the predictable graphic prints of seasons past, try one of spring’s biggest trends: colorblocking. Mix high-impact separates in different hues to wow on the street. If that sounds too loud for your taste,  just incorporate color with small accents like a skinny belt, cross-body bag and nail polish. Minimal classics and monochromatic whites are an immaculate backdrop for pops of color. Or, for the disco queens out there, embrace the 70’s revival with glittery, silky fabrics paired with gold accessories.

Whichever style resonates with you, don’t be intimated by vibrant hues. They have the innate power to bring excitement, life and playfulness into your look. To do just that, check out some of our favorite fashion pick-me-ups below (clockwise from left):

1. Lavin Summer 2011 satin gown in poppy
2. American Apparel “Manilla” nail polish ($6; American Apparel)
3. Nixon “Marmalade Marble Vega” watch ($60; Nixon)
4. Jil Sander long pleated skirt ($895; Neiman Marcus)
5. Rebecca Minkoff “Grape Studded Rockette” bag ($150; Gavin; 1939 Central Street, Evanston)
6. Issa halter gown ($714; shopbop.com)
7. Rag & Bone cobalt denim legging ($185; Intermix)
8. Logan blue metallic platform sandals ($160; Topshop)
9. Petit Bateau yellow raincoat ($144; Penelope’s, 1913 W Division Street)
10. Asos lime belt ($14, asos.com)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Lavin, American Apparel, Nixon, Neiman Marcus, Gavin, shopbop.com, Intermix, Topshop, Penelope’s and asos.com

FRIDAY

Shown above
Friday music picks: Strokes, Chromeo and Hot Chip.
Fashion picks: Channeling my inner flower child by rocking a boho maxi with some awesomely retro accessories.

1. What Goes Around Comes Around “Paloma” maxi dress ($278; ASOS). A maxi reminiscent of decades past.
2. House of Harlow “Carnelian” dome ring in Tiger’s Eye ($70; singer22.com). A festival-worthy bauble.
3. Tom Ford “Nicole” sunglasses ($390; Barneys). Rose tinted shades with a retro-glam feel.
4. Jeffrey Campbell “Snick” wedges in olive ($138; Lori’s Shoes). A clog meets a wedge for a modern interpretation of this throwback trend.

SATURDAY

Saturday music picks: Phoenix, Cut Copy, Empire of the Sun.
Fashion picks: Mixing girlie and grunge with the perfect denim cutoffs, wrap strap booties and a ruffled floral tank.

1. Jeffrey Campbell wrap strap booties ($230; shopbop.com). Rugged boots to protect your feet while treking from stage to stage.
2. Blank Denim patchwork cutoff shorts ($79; Saks Fifth Avenue). Bleached and ripped, just how jean shorts were meant to be.
3. Madewell floral tiered tank ($88; shopbop.com). A flirty, sheer tank to stay cool.
4. Rebecca Minkoff boyfriend crossbody bag ($295; Intermix). A rocker-chic messenger makes it easier to get through the crowds.

SUNDAY

Sunday music picks: Yeasayer, Arcade Fire, Temper Trap.
Fashion picks: Ending the weekend on a high note by standing out in a neon tribal romper.

1. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent cami romper ($275; revolveclothing.com). A lightweight silk romper with a festive print.
2. Ray-Ban wayfarer ($145; Ray-Ban). Classic shades with an edgy vibe.
3. Dolce Vita sandal ($78; Urban Outfitters). Metal accents with a twist – literally.
4. Alexander Wang “Brenda Camera Bag” ($425; Saks Fifth Avenue). A bag to fit only your most precious essentials.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, Intermix, ASOS, singer22.com, Barneys, Lori’s Shoes, revolveclothing.com, Ray-Ban and Urban Outfitters

With summer underway, music festivals are in full swing. Whether you’re seeing Gaga at Lolla or counting down the days until North Coast, one trend remains ubiquitous throughout: tie dye. However, this is not your parents’ Technicolor tie dye from Woodstock. This year’s reinterpretation calls for both sleek and slouchy silhouettes in monochromatic schemes.

While many may think tie dye should have died with Hanes t-shirt experiments at summer camp, the current looks have a level of sophistication that prove this retro trend might have some staying power. With styles ranging from Gryphon’s traditional tie dye to Helmut Lang’s marbled splatters, these pieces run the gamut from funky fun to abstract art. To make the trend work for you, complement the below statement items with solid colors and fitted denim. For the more adventurous types, keep the rest of your ensemble equally daring. Think chunky heels, Lucite accessories and layered patterns.

Get Psychedelic with these looks:

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Gryphon knot dress ($250; Saks Fifth Avenue). AVersatile crew neck dress. Add some edge to with a black wedge heel.
2. “Mimi” clutch ($129; Club Monaco). A wooden handle makes this clutch especially relevant this season.
3. Vince oversized tee ($128; Intermix). This shirt’s slouchy shape is a cool silhouette on hot summer nights.
4. Rebecca Minkoff “The Clutch” ($350;  Shopbop.com). During the day, wear this bag as a messenger. Come nightfall, hide the chain for a chic clutch.
5. Helmut Lang silk wrap skirt ($207; Krista K). A grown-up shape meets a playful print.
6. Elizabeth and James silk button-up shirt ($144; Nordstrom). A light and airy silk chemise: grungy yet glam.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, Club Monaco, Intermix, Krista K, shopbop.com and Nordstrom

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

CheekyChicago.com’s mission is to entertain us fun-loving Chicagoans. So, it’s no surprise we had a blast at the lifestyle website’s “Cheeky People of Style” last Thursday night. It was a luxurious and intimate evening of fashion, shopping and mingling. What’s not to love?

To start off the night, we headed to the fifth floor of Michigan Ave’s Saks Fifth Avenue, where we were greeted by flutes of champagne, trays of hors d’oeuvres, and racks of lust-worthy designer labels. The evening honored Saks’ “Contemporary Week” and featured a fashion show and appearance by handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff, whom we happily chatted with (our convo to come!) about her versatile, fashion-forward Spring 2010 collection. A definite must see.

We peeled ourselves away from Rebecca and all the spring wears begging to be bought and found ourselves in seats lining a bubblegum pink runway (very Cheeky Chicago) woven through the sales floor. Instead of somber models working the catwalk, six of Chicago’s well-known stylites lit up the runway with individual personality and energy. A very “real” approach. These impromptu models were Julie Darling (Julie Darling PR), Lynne Bredfeldt (Park Hyatt Chicago), Itika Oldwine (Harpo), Arturo Gomez (Rockit Ranch Productions), Marcus Riley (NBC Chicago), and Michael Mason (James Hotel), who presented some of spring’s biggest trends and hottest designers, including Helmut Lang, Elizabeth and James, and Catherine Maladrino. The show was lighthearted and friendly, like so many of our city’s fashion events. Not pompous or intimidating, rather just plain fun with a stylish twist.

After the show, we headed to JBar Lounge for an afterparty with friends, complimentary cocktails and treats. The James Hotel hotspot, clad in brown leathers and flickering candlelight, shifted the evening’s tone to a much sexier vibe. Between sips of our delicious martinis and nibbles on some beautiful desserts by David Burke’s Primehouse Pastry Chef Jove Hubbard, we chatted with the stylish partygoers. Everyone agreed: being cheeky is fabulous.

By Meghan Turner

Image (left) courtesy of CheekyChicago.com

For tickets, click here.

By Meghan Turner

Some of us are chained to our laptop. Literally. It may be a pain in the you-know-what to carry the office on our shoulder everyday, but with this Rebecca Minkoff “Virginia” laptop bag ($98), at least we’ll look fantastic doing it!

Image courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff