New York Fashion Week 2011 just passed, and while the clothing was, obviously, the main attraction, many designers provided previews of their spring 2012 handbag collections. Although handbags have not changed drastically since last year, designers appear to be going for more texture and are loving angular-shaped purses. If you’re still holding onto that hobo from 2009, realize it’s time to put it at the back of your closet.

What types of trends will you see for the next year? Based on what we saw from the fall Fashion Week 2011 collections, this may include:

• Clutches, some no bigger than eyeglasses cases.
• Bright colors. Think neon orange or hot pink – but definitely not together. If you need to go bright and bold, have a handbag in a single shade.
• Satchel styles, which are practical for nearly any environment: the office, casually walking, dressing up, or going out.
• Zippers may be more prominent. Expect some to go across the body of the bag.
• Texture. Instead of a passerby saying, “Hey, that’s a cute handbag. Where did you get it?”, expect some to ask, “Hey, that’s a cute handbag. Can I touch it?” Designers went all out with texture, from low-key velvet or snakeskin to more prominent feathers, studs, or frayed material. Bottega Veneta appeared to weave many of its bags and then take them apart, making them look like highly-sophisticated and boldly-colored ripped jeans.
• Tailored looks. In addition to zippers, stitches along the edges are more visible, as if to say, “See? This bag was sewn by hand!”
• Angles and cubes. It’s safe to say that the shapeless trend of two years ago is over. Most designers now give their bags rigid angular shapes. Marc by Marc Jacobs even has cube-shaped purses.

Since spring, classic sunglasses by top designers have been the “it”-look for celebrities? And, why not? It’s about time the stars started wearing something practical, a style that doesn’t alienate budget fashionistas. No matter if it’s Prada or Ray Ban, these classic styles stick with black and tortoise, with the occasional gradient lenses, and run the gamut from wayfarers and clubmasters to oversized and aviator frames.

At the same time, though, some celebrities are still having fun with their eyewear. After all, basic black starts to seem boring after a while. Despite its versatility, black often takes a backseat to brighter shades, and a handful of celebrities have been keeping this in mind over the summer.

While bright colors rarely end up on men’s shades, actor Emile Hirsch was spotted in neon green and black striped wayfarers. The design certainly pops out and, with his otherwise-plain look, they say, “I’m casual but still spontaneous.”

Whitney Port of MTV’s canceled The City also went for an out-there look while on the beach with a pair of Karen Walker Bunny sunglasses in translucent orange. Not practical in any way, Port’s Walker sunglasses are strictly for fun.

Rather than go with a bold color, Ashley Olsen’s Prada sunglasses stand out on shape alone. How often do you see oversized sunglasses with curved ends and prominent curlicues near the temples?

Or, as U.K. singer Cheryl Cole shows, embellishments glam up an ordinary pair of oversized sunglasses. Her Swarovski Amazing sunglasses (pun intended, I think) go beyond basic oversized shades with crystals and texture along the edges.

But what if you’re not a celebrity? Certainly a basic black or tortoise pair of shades should be in your wardrobe, but for a bit of fun and in casual settings as these celebrities show, a bright, embellished, or uniquely-shaped pair of designer sunglasses enhances an otherwise-ordinary look. If you have to have two pairs of sunglasses, mix them up: a practical set for everyday wear and a fun one, such as bright-colored wayfarers, you know you’ll wear often.

Basic is back for sunglasses, and it’s rare these days to catch a star wearing a novelty pair of frames, unless it’s Lady Gaga. While Ray Ban always seems to be the go-to brand for such a classic look, Carrera has been spotted on several celebrities as of recent.

One in particular is Pete Wentz, former bassist of Fall Out Boy and ex-husband of Ashlee Simpson. But rather than wear a single pair, Wentz is rumored to have stolen 10 from a recent event. How did he go about doing that? According to gossip blog Socialite, Wentz was supposedly approached by a Carrera rep to wear free sunglasses at Perez Hilton’s One Night, and the bass player is reported to have taken 10 pairs, amounting to $1,600, dumping them in his swag bag. Although the rep tried to stop him, Wentz took off with the merchandise.

Other celebrities, on the other hand, wear their Carrera sunglasses honestly – and out of style. Model Heidi Klum was spotted in Cancun wearing a pair of Carrera aviators at a photo shoot for an ad campaign for her upcoming fragrance this past week. Similarly, former Disney star Hilary Duff, who recently announced she’s pregnant, was also seen in Carrera aviators. But, while Klum went with a basic black, Duff’s Endurance pair seems to take a lighter approach, with gradient lenses and a tortoise frame. Additionally, Glee’s Dianna Agron was seen recently wearing a pair of oversized Margot Carrera shades.

So, what’s the appeal of Carrera sunglasses? As celebrities appear to be going moderately economical with their looks by choosing classic sunglasses, Carrera sticks with basics – no crazy colors and no rhinestones. Essentially, a pair of Carrera sunglasses goes with practically any outfit and will be in style for a few seasons.