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

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

I never thought I’d support a revival of the pointy-toe shoe, but after years of round shapes and months of clunky boots, this classic style couldn’t be more refreshing. Unlike most footwear trends that rotate out of the closet after a season or two, the right pair of pumps are an investment that will reemerge for decades. Why? They’re timeless, versatile and loved by woman of all ages.

Basically, pointy-toe pumps equip us shoe collectors with all the practical reasons to justify coming home with another box of Manolos. Pointy toes transition from season to season, and more importantly for modern ladies, from day to night. There’re an array of styles–from d’Orsay stilettos to unconventional straps to kitten heels–that suit every occasion and taste. Whether your style is classic, edgy, glam or preppy, and you’re headed to work, date or cocktail reception, you’ll delight in all the pointy styles available for spring.

Practicality aside, though, there’s another reason these shoes are a must have: attitude. Ladylike yet fierce, these heels have a way of saying, “I’m sweet and classy, but get the hell out of my way.” Ranging from conservative ‘50s styles to full-out mod, pointy toes can tone down or amp up a look with their leg-lengthening silhouette, eye-catching embellishments, austere cuts and slew of delicious colors.

Simply choose one (or two, or three…) of the hundreds styles and pair it with cocktail dresses, pencil skirts, tapered trousers, boyfriend jeans, miniskirts, et al. One can’t deny the resurgence of this timeless trend is one chic, fashionably versatile move that allows us to accent just about any outfit with pointy toes. This spring, I think you’ll all join me by saying, “Welcome back, pointy-toe pumps!”

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Schutz lavender suede pump ($214; shopbop.com). The chicest pump for spring. Understated enough for work, pretty enough for tea and fierce enough for drinks.

2. Kate Spade “Licorice” pump ($285; Shirise; 341 Park Avenue, Glencoe, IL). Basic, black and just plain sexy.

3. Valentino studded lace ankle wrap pump ($995; Neiman Marcus). Edgy and fearless. This shoe is not what you would expect from a comfortable and surprisingly versatile shoe.

4. Blue pointed pump ($90; Zara). There’s a reason Elvis wrote a song about blue suede shoes. Colorful, fun and a perfect pick-me-up to cure the winter doldrums.

5. Giuseppe Zanotti red patent leather “V” strap pump ($550; Saks Fifth Avenue). Va-va-voom! Femme fatale at its best.

6. Christian Louboutin “Pigalili 120 mm” ($3,545; Christian Louboutin). The power to stop ‘em dead in their tracks. Literally.

7. Messeca “Jesenia” pump ($110; Pump Shoes and Accessories; 1659 W Division Street). Add some swing to your swagger with these show-stoppers.

8. Topshop “Glitz Bow Point Court Shoe” ($125; Topshop). Conservative for the office, but fashion-forward for the weekend.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Zara, Saks Fifth Avenue, Christian Louboutin, Pump Shoes and Accessories, and Topshop

Cure a case of cabin fever with the items below (from left):

1. Kensie “Nomad” shawl cardigan ($78; Nordstrom)
2. Chunky knit scarf ($60; Topshop)
3. K.Amato wood and gold leaf ring ($30. K.Amato; 1229 W Diversey Avenue)
4. Steven Alan plaid dress ($248)
5. “Everest Overnight” bag ($395; Rag & Bone)
6. Minnetonka fringe moccasins ($88; J.Crew)
7. Hue tweed cable-knit socks ($14; Bare Necessities)
8. Patterned beret ($36; Penelope’s; 1913 W Division Street)
9. Staring at Stars faux fur vest ($98; Urban Outfitters)

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of Kensie, Topshop, K.Amato, Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, J.Crew, Penelope’s and Urban Outfitters

The coupling of these two unlikely fabrics creates a fashion juxtaposition that’s hard to resist. Soft, supple leathers meet delicate lace for a combination that makes a downtown ensemble that’s distinctly ladylike too. To keep the look current, stick with black leather and white or cream laces. Looking to sharpen your edge? Pair with a strong red lip and layered silver chains, nothing is chicer.

Channel your inner vamp with the below items (clockwise from upper left):

1. CCSkye “Nika Lace Leather Pouchette” ($308; shopbop.com). From the shape to the print, this on-trend bag is perfectly girly.
2. Lace tee ($110; J. Crew). A dressed up fabric in a laid-back cut.  
3. Christian Louboutin “Lace Crepe-de-Chine” pump ($725; Bergdorf Goodman). The ultimate feminine pump: sexy and ladylike.
4. Diane von Furstenberg tiered leather skirt ($625; Cusp). Flirty and romantic with an edge.
5. Dolce Vita leather lace-up boots ($212; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue). This boot’s laces give it a throwback vibe, but the buckle and shape make it au courant.
6. Leather biker jacket ($310; Topshop) A tough jacket to contrast delicate laces.

By Leslie Garry

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, J.Crew, Bergdorf Goodman, Cusp, Lori’s Shoes and Topshop

Clockwise from far left:

1. Alexander Wang “Hannah Velvet Loafer Boot” ($745; Alexander Wang)
2. Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquière crocodile moccasin pump (price available upon request; Balenciaga)
3. Prada patent loafer pump ($850; Bergdorf Goodman)
4. Stuart Weitzman ($385; Stuart Weitzman boutiques)
5. Miu Miu red platform loafer pump ($690; Neiman Marcus)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Bergdorf Goodman, Stuart Weitzman and Neiman Marcus

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

Spring’s jade lacquer trend transitions nicely into fall with this deeper shade by Chanel: khaki vert ($25).

Fall is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to once again rethink our wardrobe. One of the key ingredients—and easiest tactics—for updating a look is incorporating the season’s hottest colors. Sifting through all the minimalist neutrals, ladylike pastels and bold jewel tones on the Fall 2010 runways, two shades continuously caught our eye: heather gray and lipstick red. Though these hues aren’t exactly neighbors on the color spectrum nor are they particularly new on the scene, they’ve still got the power to wow.

Heather gray boasts a flattering neutrality and universal appeal that make it a welcomed choice for fall. From nail polish to a completely gray ensemble, this muted shade is everywhere this season. Chances are you already own some heather gray garb, but working in items with au courant shapes and cuts will be an instant wardrobe refresher.

Lipstick red, on the other hand, is a bit trickier. Some women love its vibrancy; others hate it. When worn from head-to-toe, the shade can be a bit overwhelming for paler skin tones, but when used in smaller doses, this red is a radiant jolt of color. Find pieces with lipstick red mixed into the print or one-tone basics, such as a pencil skirt, cardigan, blouse, tights, bag or flats. Such options are plentiful for fall, allowing you to add an unexpected surge of color via dramatic, versatile pieces.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Gucci, Celine, Stella McCartney and Prabal Gurung