Donna Summer Endless Summer 01

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You know the latest trends from the hottest designers. You make sure to follow what all of the Hollywood elite are wearing and carrying on their shoulders. You are the epitome of a trendy woman and very in-the-now. So what are you wearing this season? With a plethora of new bags hitting the scene, it can be difficult to find the designer handbags that are right for you. Take a look at this helpful overview to get some great ideas and inspiration.

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2009 is more about color than previous seasons. Of course, black is at the top of the list and this will likely never change. In 2009, as is the case each and every year, black is a staple in both wardrobe and handbag collections. Few women can say that they own a purse that isn't black, whether it's your everyday handbag or one for a special occasion. This year, blacks and browns are both quite popular and, in fact, can almost be interchangeable.

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Whether we are talking tan or sand, sable or chocolate, brown is a perfect color because you can easily wear this neutral in every season. In warmer months, tan or beige goes quite well with just about any outfit. Lighter browns tend to be worn with finer fabrics and fancier occasions. Of course, your darker browns can warm up a winter white outfit, or coordinate perfectly with a number of reds and other fall and winter ensembles and coats.

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Eggplants and other deep purples are also tremendously popular this season. In fact, purple of all sorts made a comeback last year, and continues to remain a trendy color for the 2009 season. Because it is such a strong, vibrant shade, it is perfect for a handbag color. You can accentuate a black and white combination or highlight a warm, deep brown outfit with a number of purple-toned handbags. You have endless choices this season, even though purple is a strong singular color.

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As far as casual bags are concerned this season, tote bags and hobo handbags are still quite trendy. The Manhattan tote, by designer Jim Thompson, is one of the most popular bags in this category. This roomy bag will make most of us breathe a sigh of relief, as we tend to carry around everything but the kitchen sink on a daily basis. A lady must be prepared! Whether it's for business or pleasure, a smart woman knows that she needs various critical items on her person at all times.

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The Manhattan Tote has been seen on many celebrities' shoulders; including the fashion forward Jessica Alba. The bag is a limited edition that comes in brown, black and green, and offers an enormous amount of carrying space inside.

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Of course, you are not limited to this particular tote; many tote bags are trendy this season. Louis Vuitton has an absolutely gorgeous line for fall, and Gucci does too. The shoulder bags and hobos that Gucci put out last year are still quite popular this season as well. While whites and brights were the name of the game for Gucci this summer, this season offers some beautiful subdued leathers, complete with his signature tassels, hardware and of course the famous Gucci label.

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Another trend this season is the use of environmentally conscious materials and production processes. Suddenly, it has become tres chic to actively care about our environment through our purchases, and this applies to our handbags as well. Many designers are creating custom-made beautiful bags from recycled materials, and you would never know the difference!

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Stella McCartney, for example, has a gorgeous clutch this season that is completely vegan. Although her bags are pricey, they're now made from materials you can feel good about! Donna Karan, too, makes an incredible black zippered bag this fall that is not only funky, but is made from organic lambskin. Be sure to check out her "Gotham" collection. How great it is that celebrities and designers alike are realizing the need to convert in this area by going green? It not only helps spread the word, but we get some gorgeous handbags out of it too.