Celebrity Bag: Camila Alves carries a vintage telephone bag

Who would have thought that Camila Alves would be carrying a vintage telephone bag by Almiya? It is an unusual accessory to her all white ensemble and Christian Louboutin spiked pumps and we are still on the fence if we like it or not.

If you are like Camila who takes fashion risks, here are quirky Betsey Johnson phone bags we found on the internet.

Celebrity Bag: Reese Witherspoon carries a Fendi top handle bag

Reese Witherspoon swears by simple and functional bags that's why when she is out and about in any city in the US, she always carries her Fendi bag.

This is the Fendi "Peekaboo" top handle bag. It's design is simple that is why you can mix and match it with almost every attire. It has enough space to carry your daily essentials. This is available in Harrods for $4,410. It is also available in various shapes, colors and materials.

SHOP HERE:

We found these top handle bags that are definitely budget friendly.

Spring/Summer Straw Bags

Urban Outfitters slouchy straw bag, $29.

It's Spring break once again, I know a lot of you, especially the students, will go to the beach, have fun and go on an adventure. Whatever plans you have this Spring and even Summer break, be sure to carry with you the most fashionable straw bags that come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Take a look at some of our finds.

Splurge, Save, Steal: White Tote

One of the secrets of Hollywood stars to look polished is carrying a white bag in structured and clean lines. Take a cue from Jennifer Lopez who is carrying a Valentino tote with golden hardware details. Of course, we have plenty of options to look expensive without breaking the bank. Take a look at our selections.

SPLURGE: Valentino "My Rockstud" tote, $2,895 at netaporter.com

SAVE: Thomas Wylde studded tote, $800 $400 at farfetch.com

STEAL: BooHoo "Scarlet" snake tote, $40 at BooHoo

STEAL: French Connection "Coy" tote, $90 $54 at Last Call by Neiman Marcus

Patriotic Bags

We've searched everywhere to find the most patriotic bags just in time for the 4th of July. From clutch to backpack and every budget size, here are our fantastic finds.

1. Style Star crossbody by Charming Charlie, $22 $11.87.
2. Aimee Kestenberg "Washington" crossbody, $111 at QVC.
3. Tory Burch "Duet Stripe" hobo, $495 $346.50 at Bloomingdale's.
4. Salvatore Ferragamo "Miss Varra" convertible clutch, $850 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
5. Cappelli "Straworld" tote, $80 $48 at Last Call by Neiman Marcus.
6. Tommy Hilfiger "Julia" backpack, $118 at Zappos.
7. Elena Ghisellini "Felina" stars and stripes shoulder bag, $895 $537 at LuisaViaRoma.
8. Edie Parker "Jean" lone star clutch, $1,295 at Neiman Marcus.

10 Expensive looking bags for less than $100

Bags are good investment, especially those that are made by luxury brands. Admit it, not every one can afford a bag that costs at least a thousand dollars per piece. But, what can a Bag Beggar do to still look chic without spending a fortune? Search for expensive looking bags, of course. Here's our 10 picks for you that cost less than $100.

Botkier 'Blair' purple tote

Botkier 'Blair' purple tote, $275 at The Outnet.

Regardless of the season, I personally think this Botkier tote with strap is appropriate to carry everyday.

[Buy here]

Real Deal: BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Chain Mail' clutch

BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Chain Mail' clutch, $64.90 previously $118 at The Outnet.

The 45% off the price tag is already a deal in itself, but, the real deal here is that this bag can go from day to night. Use it during daytime as a shoulder bag to match your casual jeans and shirt or as a clutch in the evening with your cocktail or party dress.

Sonia Rykiel leather embellished canvass bag

Sonia Rykiel leather embellished canvass bag, $190.50 previously $635 at The Outnet.

This is just the right bag to bring when you are feeling Bohemian or Safari chic.

Cash in Your Closet

Clean up your closet, sell bags you are no longer using and earn money! Join the Avelle | BBOS Private Sale now, fill out their online submission form and viola! Sit back, relax and wait for cash to come.

Marc Jacobs 'Ossie' braided shoulder bag

Marc Jacobs 'Ossie' braided shoulder bag, $615 previously $1,519 at My Theresa.

This great bag from Marc Jacobs can be your best pal from Spring to Summer. Its size is perfect to fit all our sunny day essentials. It is made of braided leather, single strap, snap flap closure with cognac tone ball detail to make it more special.

Sale Alert:Christian Louboutin 'Palais Royal' clutch

Bag Beggar: Christian Louboutin 'Palais Royal' clutch

I have featured this bag last September and now it is on sale for 30% off at Net-A-Porter. It is still good to bring to parties this Winter and even on other parties in every season.

BCBG Max Azria mirror clutch

I am thinking this mirror clutch by BCBGMAXAZRIA would be a great gift for my fashionable sister.  It is perfect for her night out with her equally fashionable posse.  But, I am also thinking this would be great for my parties as well.  Oh, I am having second thoughts.  Should I give this to my sister or keep it for myself?

This is available at Last Call by Neiman Marcus for $64.

Going, Going, Gone: Donna Karan 'Element' metallic clutch

This metallic 'Element' clutch by Donna Karan will be up for bidding in two days at The Outnet.    Originally, this clutch sells for $1,530.  It is made of silver-tone metal with chain strap, square structure opening with clasp at the top and black lining.  You like it?  Click on the link for more details.

Halston 'Henry' python clutch

A guy friend of mine asked me one time what pleasure do women get from buying expensive bags.  I said, the same pleasure men get from buying their expensive toys.  I actually don't buy things, particularly bags, that costs more than what I earn in a month.  If ever I buy myself something that is really expensive, it is something that I can use to help me with my freelancing activities--laptops or cellphones.  

Going back to bags,  I think what made my friend ask me the question is that his friend's wife bought a bag that is, well, too expensive... more expensive than a laptop.

See that clutch?  That's Halton's 'Henry python clutch that is as expensive as the wife's bag.  It sells for $2,497.50 previously $4,995.

Best Quilted Bags

Do you like the ladylike appeal of quilted bags?  I do!  It all started when Chanel released their ubiquitous quilted bags with chain straps... since then, we became hooked.  Of course, we all can't afford to have a Chanel but we can still have quilted bags to satisfy our bag begging pleasures.  Here are some of the best quilted bags that are really affordable.

Juicy Couture quilted mini leather bag, $198 at Endless.

Rebecca Minkoff quilted M. A. C. clutch/shoulder bag, $360.

BCBGeneration 'Skylar' quilted nylon tote, $59 previously $118.

Kate Spade 'Gold Coast Dolly' crossbody bag, $195 at Nordstrom.

Hermes 'Camail' leather hobo

This Hermes 'Camail' leather hobo looks odd and unique in a nice way.  Instead of putting the strap on the sides, the strap is in the middle.  You can still carry it like normally placed strap, though.  Do you find it cute?  Normally this bag sells for $2,950, but if you will hurry, you can have this for a discounted price of $2,389.99.

Fendi woven suede and snakeskin tote

The texture of this huge tote is so cool.  The woven suede is so luxurious and the snakeskin added more character to it.  This is the kind of bag the Hollywood it stars would bring if they will have a coffee at Starbucks or walk around the park with their beau.

This is available at Bluefly for $2,664 or 20% off from its original price of $3,330.

Trend Alert: Exotic textures and prints

Big names in the bag business agree that the current trend is exotic textures and prints.  If you have bags that can be classified as such, get them out of your closet.  I have found really interesting bags that will fit any budget.  Take a look.

For the Fat Wallet ($1,000 - up)

Carlos Falchi hobo made of python and crocodile skin.  This is also available in brick color and you can buy this at Neiman Marcus for $2,795.

Christian Louboutin pony hair satchel in leopard print, chain trim and patent leather handle.  This sells for $3,495 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Wear this with a simple shift dress and killer heels of the same brand.

Be & D 'Herlihy' whipstitch satchel, sells for $1,150 at Nordstrom.

For the Not-So-Fat Wallet ($500 - $999)

 Diane Von Furstenberg 'Stephanie' woven leather shoulder bag, $600 at Net-A-Porter.  This is perfect for evening night outs.

This Prada white cut-out shoulder bag is made of 100% saffiano leather.  It also comes with a white purse that can also be used as a shoulder bag.  You can get this at Farfetch for $991.  This bag is perfect for summer.

Michael by Michael Kors 'Hamilton' embossed python tote, $528 at My Wardrobe.

For the Slim Wallet ($100 to $499)

 Moscow Blue pebble leather satchel (also available in brown), sells for $278 at Lord & Taylor.

This cross-body bag by Timmy Woods is made of wood and was imported from the Philippines, you can have it at Endless for $241.50 previously $345. BEST BUY!

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Catty Q' cross-body bag, $202.19 at My Theresa.

For the Underweight Wallet (below $100)

Aldo 'Muehlman' leopard print satchel, $58.

Nordstrom cornhusk straw tote, $57.90 previously $88.  This is also available in turquoise.

Talbots zebra print tote with bamboo handle to add more exotic flare.  You can get this for $66.49. BEST BUY!

Marc Jacobs 'Wrath' studded shoulder bag

Perhaps Marc Jacobs' inspiration when he designed this studded bag is the actual meaning of wrath.  By definition, wrath is severe anger or fury.  Well, the bag actually seems to have a lot of angst.  You can have this at Bluefly for $3, 280... hefty price tag, and it is already the discounted price!