These days, you’re hard-pressed to find a star without one or more showy handbags, with the exception of the red carpet. Even Kim Kardashian has been rotating through a series of solid-color neutral Hermes Birkin bags. Perhaps, with the exception of whatever Lady Gaga is wearing, stars just want to look like the rest of us.

But, big names back many of these “just like you” looks. Salma Hayek was spotted with an Yves Saint Laurent Cabas ChYc Tote, a black Birkin-like bag. High-end totes like this one appear to be an extension of the hobo from two years back, only more defined lines and black or brown replace the gaudy colors and shapeless frame.

House’s Olivia Wilde was seen carrying a brown leather messenger-like bag. Only, rather than some no-name variety, a Proenza Schouler PS1 was draped from the actress’ shoulder. Such a look combines the refined style of a high-end brand with casual appeal and all-purpose use.

Katherine Heigl, who sort of broke away from the romantic comedy confines recently with One for the Money, carried a Rebecca Minkoff Romeo Satchel a few weeks ago. While honey-brown and a handbag-tote hybrid, this satchel has a bit of flair. Instead of studs, however, the surface of the bag is textured.

This trend isn’t solely found in the borders of Hollywood. On the other side of the pond, former Spice Girl Emma Bunton was photographed by the British paparazzi with a Chloe Paraty Bag. Still with a moderate slouch look, the dark grey purse makes a distinct presence with its brass-colored hardware.

When working with MAC, Minaj came up with a Pink Friday lipstick, named after her debut album. The lipstick sold 3,000 in 15 minutes, and then sold another 27,000 in three weeks. More recently, the Times reported, Minaj is taking over for Lady Gaga as MAC’s Viva Glam spokeswoman. John Dempsey of MAC’s parent company Estee Lauder, said to the press:

“She was fun and cute. […] She’s funny, loves makeup and has a mashup style between Vivienne Westwood and a Harajuku girl.”

So, what do you think Nicki Minaj’s fashion line could look like? Making her own clothing but also sporting some high-end frocks, the rapper already has her own style, sometimes considered out there but always eye-catching. Could her line end up being practical, like Madonna’s Material Girl collection, or could it end up being like any artistic line on the runway – attractive but not practical for wear?

Early in December, perpetual party girl Paris Hilton was spotted in Tom Ford butterfly sunglasses. Despite the fact that the heiress essentially made oversized frames trendy early in the aughts, she goes for a classic look here, with what appears to be black angular frames with gradient brown lenses.

Khloe Kardashian, another reality TV celeb, was seen with a similar pair of Tom Ford butterfly sunglasses. While Khloe is often considered the least attractive yet the most logical out of the older Kardashian sisters, her choice of butterfly sunglasses shows she knows her fashion. The geometric style – which is supposedly in for this upcoming spring – flatters her face shape.

Jennifer Lopez, who has seen her music career get back on track over the past year, was also spotted in a similar pair of Tom Ford butterfly sunglasses. Like Paris and Khloe, J. Lo’s use of them is casual, although the classic look is ideal for nearly any occasion.

Tom Ford, at least amongst the stars, seems to be the brand of choice for butterfly sunglasses, and the high-end brand has at least three options: Calgary Butte, which has a rounded shape, and FT0175 and Nico, both of which are more geometric. Although high-end, Tom Ford isn’t known for bright colors and glitter, so all sunglasses under the brand stick with a palette of black, brown, tortoise, or Havana, with solid or gradient lenses.

We saw the $39,000 Glazed Crocodile Backpack the Olsen twins did for The Row, and just two weeks ago, a red crocodile Hermes Birkin went for more than $200,000. Has the reptile look turned into an exclusive luxury-only item?

Since then, Reece Witherspoon was seen with such a handbag, the Chloe Python Shoulder Bag. While priced less than $4,000, it seems like a deal compared to the crocodile bags by The Row and Hermes, yet it’s far out of the price range for many.

Considering the stratospheric price range of these bags, should you even consider this a trend, or are reptile bags now relegated to the levels of – using an Occupy movement term – the one percent?

If you are truly considering this look, understand that such bags, when made with authentic materials, are in a higher price range than typical handbags. Crocodile, however, fetches considerably higher than python or snakeskin. But, that’s not to say you can’t have the look at all. Rather, be on the look for patent or genuine leather textured like reptile skin.

Because classic looks are now the fashion norm, stick with a color that will be practical for all occasions. Rather than opting for dyed purple, red, or orange, like the Legally Blonde actress’ bag, stick with black, brown, or a similar neutral shade.

The satchel, for the moment, seems to be the “it” bag – and practicality appears to take precedence over any ostentatious display. Essentially a hybrid between a standard purse and a larger tote, the satchel has all the style the hobo didn’t. Staid enough for the day and stylish enough for night, the satchel is the all-purpose handbag.

A few celebrities have been spotted carrying satchels. Jessica Simpson, with a Celine Triptyque Satchel, is one. Because the pop star-turned-fashion designer doesn’t need to worry about going into an office every day, her satchel is covered in tasteful leopard print — eye-catching but not too gaudy.

R&B singer Ciara, matching her pants with her handbag, was spotted with a Givenchy Antigona Satchel. Even with crocodile print, Ciara’s satchel appears more practical than in-your-face. Unlike the Olsen twin’s glazed crocodile backpack, the “Goodies” singer’s bag is fashionable but not over the top.

Actress Claire Danes also carried an animal print-like satchel, the Reed Krakoff Gym Bag. On close inspection, the satchel has a reptile-like print, but the bag itself does not appear to be made out of actual snakeskin. With “gym bag” in the name, this satchel seems to emphasize its practicality, but its style, again, is eye-catching rather than a Jersey Shore level of tackiness.

While the designer sunglasses brand is bringing back a full line, Marr has his own limited edition pair. With a clubmaster-like style, Marr’s limited edition Signets are characterized by a thin metallic frame and mirrored blue lenses.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Marr told the magazine: “How many people get to design their own sunglasses, you know what I mean?” He then said: “I got to take my pick. I didn’t really have it as an ambition – it’s something that just came along.”

Unlike the countless other actors and musicians that start clothing or accessory lines, Marr never designed before. For Ray-Ban, he is the first musician to design a new pair of classic shades. To tell the difference between standard Signets and Marr’s style, the limited edition frames have the guitarist’s signature by the temple.

In 2008, Ray Ban brought back their Clubmaster shades, which were introduced in the 1980s. Combining angular and curved lines, Clubmasters have a half-rim style and, like many Ray Ban sunglasses, are available in several colors. Signets, on the other hand, merge Clubmaster and aviator aesthetics to create a metal-framed design of a sleek horn rimmed-like top with rounded lenses. For those that find the colored frames of wayfarers and Clubmasters too tacky, the Signet has the same style but in subdued form.

“But the fact that we see nothing today, does not mean that we will not see anything tomorrow. When there are moments of macroeconomic concern, they always tend to affect our markets.”

Figures aside, the evidence of Hermes’ sales shows in the proliferation of its bags carried by celebrities in recent months, from A-listers like Beyonce to C-listers like Shannen Doherty. Both Jessica Simpson and Beyonce were spotted with orange Hermes bags, with the “(Run The World) Girls” singer sporting a Kelly model. On the other hand, former 90210 and Charmed star Shannen Doherty and heiress Petra Ecclestone were seen with Birkins in white and black, respectively. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Birkins are some of the more sought-after models, and the white design carried by Doherty is particularly difficult to come by. At the same time, the black Birkin is just another display of wealth for Ecclestone, who recently moved across the pond from the U.K. to the Spelling Mansion, one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the U.S.

The Olsen twins, while debuting their own expensive glazed crocodile backpack recently, were also spotted with high-end handbags recently, including a Hermes. While Mary Kate carried one from their collection for The Row, Ashley had a tan Hermes Birkin. Supposedly, their line for The Row is based on their high-end tastes of Hermes, Balenciaga, and Fendi.

Supposedly, ultra high-end luxury items sell well in hard times, which is why a fair amount of celebs have been spotted with Hermès bags recently. While Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have been involved in fashion, both high and low, for quite some time, they wanted their own handbag collection to mirror the Hermès, Balenciaga, and Fendi bags they carry but with their own style.

The Olsen twins’ collection for The Row is now being sold at Barney’s, and the high-end department store’s professionals appear to be gushing all over it. Creative-Ambassador-at-Large Simon Doonan said at the launch of the collection:

“Bags had become quite unstructured—as a trend they got gi-normous. To have a bag with precision design that’s more considered and beautifully executed is exactly right for now. I spent part of the evening with the black crocodile backpack, and that was a good feeling.”

Meanwhile, Fashion Director Amanda Brooks gave Fashionista her opinion about the bag:

“I think if you were every going to spend $39,000 on a bag, that’s the bag you should buy because I think you’d wear it for a really long time. There’s enough design to make it interesting and beautiful but they truly are classic bags — and I think you also might be the only one who has it.”

Apparently, Barney’s does not carry Hermès in store, and The Row bag seems to fill that void. Brooks mentioned:

“Obviously we don’t carry Hermes bags in the store so we were trying to find something that appeals to that customer who is willing to spend a lot of money on a bag that’s going to last a long time and has a classic design.”

Should even those with money to spend throw it all on a $39,000 backpack? Or, is it better to put that money away toward college tuition and, instead, go with an inexpensive but still stylish handbag instead?

In an interview with People, the Animal singer said: “Even though it’s a tiny surface area, I think I’ve done a good job packing in tons of signature K Monay swagger.”

As far as specific designs are concerned, one mentioned is an American flag-inspired print. Why something so patriotic? Ke$ha said: “I chose that theme because for me, the flag represents freedom of speech, a right I exercise every day.”

Leopard print, one more reminiscent of her style, is another look. About this one, the explained: “[It's] a theme I have in my look often. It reminds me we are all animals inside, and I wanted this watch to do the same.”

Far more designs are expected, and in advertisements, Ke$ha has been pictured sporting eight of the watches. As far as wearing them is concerned, Ke$ha seems to take the watch-as-jewelry approach: layer them or wear them on other body parts. Should we expect to see watch arm bands or anklets from Ke$ha in the future?

Maybe not. But, as the singer mentioned in her interview, she has been designing clothing since she was a child and has input in the props, sets, and instruments in her stage shows. With a career move like that of any other celebrity, Ke$ha told People: “I’m definitely plotting my next design moves. Stay tuned! Look for animal-friendly organic jewelry and fake fur.”

To stay relevant, watches for women are now being designed like jewelry, or have a celebrity name like Ke$ha or Jessica Simpson attached. Would you wear watches designed by the “We R Who We R” singer?

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.