Now that’s more like it. Last time Kate Moss carried one of her own Longchamp designs (the Gloucester, to be exact), it fell flat because the purse’s brown hue clashed with her black ensemble. This time the model get it right, flawlessly pairing a black Longchamp purse with skinny jeans, sexy black stilettos, a gray tee and an off-white blazer. I’d wear this outfit just as it is, bag included.

Photo from FabSugar.co.uk.

Whoa — now that’s a striking color combination! Leighton Meester hit the “Gossip Girl” set in a bold, not-for-everyone lime green and neon yellow ensemble accented with a Longchamp Gatsby handbag in Citrine. Okay, so the look has me craving a 7-Up, but I do adore the cheery vibe of the purse. I’d skip the green coat and pair it with a white sundress come spring. How about you?

Photo from DailyMail.co.uk.

Um, could Reese Witherspoon be any cuter? Methinks not. The clean-cut starlet stepped out in yet another polished and pretty ensemble, a belted dress paired with a lovely 3.1 Phillip Lim Page handbag. Perfect! The brown and black purse’s satchel style is smart and versatile — a great bag to carry for spring and even autumn.

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

I would like to give a shout-out to all of my Irish friends out there…You are all devastatingly gorgeous, and boy do you know how to party…

I’m sorry to say that I am not particularly fond of green beer , and would like to propose that we celebrate the verdant theme in more stylish ways:

The Kooba Peyton bag in Green for $495 is a good choice for pub-hopping.  The rocking style is in waxed crinkle leather with rows of tiny brass studs.

Show your love for the fair isles with Alexander McQueen’s Flapper bag with crocodile texture patent leather.  It’s currently on sale for $532 (down from $1330).

Need something a  little more compact?  How about Rebecca Minkoff’s Beloved Mini at $395? This Evergreen bag is worn cross-body and holds just the essentials for maximum portability.

Well, that’s one way to draw attention to your designer handbag. Rachel Bilson stepped out with her latest purse du jour, a fiery red 3.1 Phillip Lim number. With a vibrant purse like this, your outfit has to take center stage. I dig the brilliant hue, though the geometric flaps aren’t really my thing. What do you think?

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

The House of Givenchy has come along way since Audrey Hepburn was a fan.  Several current designers have gave the iconic label their spin.  For the Ready-To-Wear  collection, current director Riccardo Tisci restrained himself from his more Gothic tendencies to show very accessible sportswear.  The uber-sexy black pieces were off-set by sedate beige jackets.  The big pop color of the collection was a tomato red.  Black fur, leather and lace was were toned down with interesting variations of fair-isle knits.

Handbags were few.  The few purses I did spot were in the for of soft, beaded pouches.

Spotted in the Front Row: Fellow designers Alexander Wang, Gareth Pugh

John Galliano showed a very sexy collection last week for Christian Dior’s Ready To Wear offering.  It was a mix of English equestrian meets the Libertine and the naughty moppets who love them. Menswear fabrics were tailored into feminine jackets and jodphurs.  Frilly chiffon dresses were accompanied by constructed vests.

Handbags were luxurious satchels, interpreted in velvets, ponyskin and pleated soft leathers.  Otherwise, there were larger, box clutches of several sizes with gilt chain handles.

Spotted in the front row: Charlize Theron

So much of fashion week coverage and designer collection inspiration is pretty shallow.  What does the customer want this season? Color? Black? Cashmere? What does a chic fashionista wear in Paris?

Albert Elbaz on the other hand reached beyond and considered this question in global terms.  This examination led to a project in Africa via the United Nations.  He realized women on an International level want vocational skills and empowerment.  How did this translate aesthetically?

While pounding tribal drums played, the looks increasingly showed a power play of pronounced shoulders, austere suits.  The color palette was an urban-friendly charcoal grey, olive, black and taupe. However the outfits were embellished with lavish ethnic embroideries, big native statement necklaces and stiff feathered accents.

The handbags were small, but not discreet.  Chunky chain handles were accessorized with feathers, motifs.  The bags echoed the patterns of African animal skins.

Spotted in the Front Row: Juliette Binoche, Jared Leto, Jade Jagger

I had forgotten how much I loved this Asian luxury brand until recently. At a small cocktail party to celebrate the Lunar New Year (yay Tiger-tinis!) I got to re-familiarize myself with the sophisticated tongue-in-cheek style of Shanghai Tang. Blending ancient motifs of clouds, fans and dragons, their collection of handbags reinterpreted these themes into chic, modern must-haves for today. The Double Happiness clutch at $295 is styled in a fan silhouette in graphic, pop art colors. The piecing is a variation of the classic Chinese symbol and reminiscent of Hong Kong of the 1960s. There were several pieces in silver metallic inspired the moon and clouds. The layered moon bag for $645 is perfectly contemporary, but draws inspiration from traditional Chinese Shan Shui paintings. The sleek elegant dragon clutch was my favorite. A richly detailed dragon was embroidered in crystal for $965.

Chace Crawford AND a hot Foley + Corinna handbag in electric blue? Leighton Meester is one lucky girl. The star hit the “Gossip Girl” set in head-to-toe blue with animal-print tights to boot. I’ll be honest — the hat, coat and tights aren’t really doing it for me, but I adore the purse. That bright blue hue is just what my spring wardrobe needs!

Photo from People.com.