Has fashion become the career path for actors who just can’t get a gig? It appears that way. As we saw a few weeks ago, Katie Holmes debuted a handbag line at Barneys New York, Lindsay Lohan started designing her own handbag line, and, nearly a year ago, Rachel Bilson became the face of Sunglass Hut. Now another former O.C. cast member is taking the fashion route as well. Mischa Barton began designing handbags, and although none are sold in U.S. stores as of yet, they can be found in Japan, the UK, and online.

Celebrity fashion lines, from what we see time and time again, often appear to be created solely for the label and not for the style. Katie Holmes’ line, as you may recall, consisted of simple black and white, Hermes-esque bags, while Lindsay Lohan seemed to capitalize on more youthful trends like animal print and studs. Mischa Barton’s handbag line is no exception. With satchels, classic cuts, and nude shades, the bags are in style but offer nothing original. Aren’t celebrities supposed to be setting trends, not following them?

Don’t blow $100 on a Mischa Barton bag (or $4,000 on a Katie Holmes satchel) when plenty of designer and designer inspired handbags offer the same thing at lower prices.

If you take the designer-inspired route, what can you expect?

Best Handbag Wholesale has put together satchels and handbags with a basic, three-shade color scheme. As handbag styles start straying away from the studs and overt animal print, a classic but still original look is now in style.

Black handbags can still have some embellishments, like this one, also from Best Handbag Wholesale. The slouch or hobo look, however, is no longer practical or stylish, so go with a reasonably-sized bag with some shape.

Nude may be the new black, and every handbag line has been dabbling in a light tan to dark brown color scheme. Even if you try this trend, however, stay within current style parameters.

When does attaching a celebrity name to a brand go too far? Two lines influenced by B-list performers debuted recently: Holmes & Yang, a line designed partially be Katie Holmes, and Versace sunglasses inspired by January Jones.

Although Jones is presently part of a successful television show, the eyewear line is more inspired by her character, Betty Draper, than Jones’ personal style. However, basing a designer sunglasses line on Betty Draper is odd. Although the character, a former model turned housewife turned divorcee, has good taste in clothes, Betty Draper is Stepford Wife-like, openly expresses disgust for her daughter Sally, and has a list of other mental issues; essentially, she’s a passive-aggressive Mommy Dearest sans the star power. With Versace’s line, which seems to have wayfarers and cat eye styles, it appears that style significantly trumps substance.

On the topic of style versus substance, Katie Holmes recently debuted her handbag collection, a collaboration between the Dawson’s Creek actress and Jeanne Yang. Although made with high-quality materials from Valextra, the designs are boringly basic, at least from what can be found so far.

But, Holmes’ handbags are being sold at Barneys New York for about $4,000 a pop. Who does she think she is – Hermes?

When Dawson’s Creek is your most memorable contribution to the screen (although Holmes did a decent job in Thank You For Smoking), your star power is about as bright as a white dwarf. Holmes has stuck on the B-list because of her marriage and has turned into a moderate fashion icon, but who will really buy the bags? If she hadn’t married Tom Cruise, she would be in the same category as other faded teen stars. Would you buy clothing designed by Molly Ringwald or Julia Stiles?

Holmes’ handbag line is a conundrum. Who is her market? Should such basic handbags be sold for that high of a price? More importantly, if Katie Holmes was not attached to this line, would it have even seen the light of day, let alone get sold at Barneys?

Celebrities from Lindsay Lohan to Kristen Stewart have been spotted in clubmaster sunglasses, a style developed by Ray-Ban in the 1980s and re-launched in 2008. With a style combining rounded and angular lines, clubmaster sunglasses are similar to wayfarers but have a few notable differences. First, these designer sunglasses have a half-rim design: a horn rim top and nothing but rounded lens edges on the bottom. Wayfarers, on the other hand, are full-rim sunglasses and overall have a general angular look.

Much like wayfarers, as well, clubmaster sunglasses come in several different color combinations. Although a black-on-black look is classic, it’s not the only one out there. No matter if you wear the ‘80s style or a modern interpretation, you can add a hint of color with the half-rim frame.

So, who should be wearing clubmasters? Because the appearance is practically circular, those with rounded faces should probably go with wayfarers or cat eye shades instead. The balance between angular and rounded lines is not equal enough to be worn by everyone.

Instead, clubmasters are better for those with square or angular face shapes. The rounded lenses balance out the angles of square faces, and those with oval-shaped faces can pretty much wear any look.

What’s the best way for wearing clubmasters? As with any look, consider colors first. Basic black goes with just about anything, and the mirrored look – in for men this summer – is also versatile.

Like wayfarers, clubmaster sunglasses come in practically every color available. Want to add a touch or red or turquoise to your look but wayfarers and oversized sunglasses are too overpowering? Clubmasters have the right balance in this case. Take fashion cues from the celebrities: Kristen Stewart pairs her red-framed clubmasters with a matching skirt, and others, like Katy Perry and Natalie Portman, create a contrast between darker lenses and white or gold frames.

The crossbody bag, essentially a stylish messenger bag, appears to be the latest trend for young Hollywood stars. Disney actresses Vanessa Hudgens and Brenda Song were both spotted with this look recently, as was Emma Stone, actress from Easy A and Superbad. This handbag has a basic design: a large body to hold all of your things (and then some) and a long strap that can go over one shoulder or across the body. Not all crossbody bags are styled the same, however. Some, like Brenda Song’s bag, simply look like fashionable messenger bags. Others, like Vanessa’s, are smaller.

Vanessa Hudgens recently stepped out with a crossbody bag at Fashion Week, looking fashionable herself. The purse, a Cole Haan Phoebe crossbody bag, is made out of black distressed lambskin leather and has nickel hardware. As a basic but still fashionable black purse, this Cole Haan crossbody bag holds your basics and can go with nearly any outfit.

Brenda Song, another Disney actress, was also seen recently carrying a Balenciaga crossbody bag. Much like Vanessa Hudgens’, Brenda Song’s bag has a distressed look. In blue, this handbag looks like denim from a distance and gives off an early 1990s, everything-denim type of vibe.

Emma Stone, on the other hand, doesn’t go for a distressed-style handbag and, in fact, does the opposite. Her Rebecca Minkoff Love Letter handbag in cognac, a reddish-brown shade, is the center of her outfit with its bright appearance. The handbag, as well, has considerable space and merges the functionality of a messenger bag with the style of Vanessa Hudgens’ Cole Haan crossbody bag.

Such brands, however, are usually out of the average person’s budget, but that’s not to say you can’t get these looks. For the bright style of Emma Stone’s crossbody bag, get a similar look with this wine-colored western handbag from Handbag Distributor. Colored in red and silver snakeskin-patterned material, this bag has the same brilliance and will become the center of your outfit, too. The messenger-style western handbag has a similar look, slightly subdued, in blue and with an ornate exterior.

For the distressed look, a western crossbody bag from Handbag Distributor is made out of distressed leatherette material and has a few western touches. If you want a look similar to Vanessa Hudgens’ crossbody bag, go with this brown and leopard print handbag with an adjustable strap from Best Handbag Wholesale.

Being gaudy isn’t the only option for being in style in 2011. Although animal print and bright colors are anticipated trends for spring, subdued style, which started in the fall with nude-colored handbags, has been going under the radar. In September, High School Musical and Hellcats star Ashley Tisdale was spotted with a tan or taupe-colored purse, and recently, far more celebrities have been seen with this look. Instead of the light brown to peach look of the fall, however, “nude” has moved in a somewhat brighter direction, replacing these darker colors with blush or rose pink shades.

On the lighter end is a pale pink Coach handbag seen on Eva Longoria recently. With a satchel style, the handbag is a solid shade of light or frosty pink.

Cameron Diaz takes this simple style a shade darker, being seen recently with a rose-colored Valentino handbag. Much like Longoria’s Coach purse, the Valentino bag has a satchel style with curved edges and a small strap. Small embellishments are added to the strap of the Valentino handbag.

Most, however, can’t afford the styles of the stars, and to be up with the latest trends, find a designer-inspired bag with the same look at a lower price. Best Handbag Wholesale has a similar dark rose-colored satchel handbag with slight embellishments in front. Although a moderately darker shade than the purses seen on Eva Longoria and Cameron Diaz, this designer-inspired handbag captures the same look.

For a nude look leaning more toward peach than blush, this pink buckle purse by Best Handbag Wholesale uses a lighter shade and adds embellishments. With western-style rhinestones added to the edge and to the buckle, this handbag can be carried like a satchel or, coming with a larger strap, worn like a shoulder bag.

Cat eye sunglasses – not to be confused with wayfarers – have emerged as a popular eyewear style for women. Combining an angular and sloped top with a rounded bottom half, cat eye shades appear like wayfarers with a feminine touch. Somewhat of a vintage style, cat eye sunglasses are a fusion of ‘50s frames with ‘80s wayfarers and, much like the latter, are found in several colors and styles. Some designer sunglasses brands emphasize curves, and others go for a full-on angular look.

Celebrities can be seen wearing cat eye sunglasses, and because of the style’s quick rise, these shades will likely be an it-look for summer. Katy Perry sported a pair of bejeweled cat eye frames by A-morir before her wedding to Russell Brand, but here are some of the other stars wearing this look:

Dita Von Teese was seen wearing a pair of classic style cat eye frames recently. With a black frame and brown gradient lenses, such a style can go with any outfit, such as the fully black ensemble Von Teese is wearing or a more colorful look. Matching her vintage pinup look, these sunglasses emphasize curved lines, and even the top half has a softer touch.

Nicole Richie, who is now better known for fashion than her reality TV stint The Simple Life with Paris Hilton, was also seen recently in a similar look. While using the same black frame and brown gradient combination, these cat eye sunglasses are larger, thicker, and emphasize the top half of the frame.

The cat eye style sported by Scarlett Johansson favors an almond shape, which, unlike the style worn by Nicole Richie, does not cover half of her face. Johansson’s shades appear more ‘50s than ‘80s and, designed in a neutral style, can be paired with any modern or vintage look.

Rarely is Lindsay Lohan in the news for something good: no notable movie releases (playing a character like yourself in Machete doesn’t count), no fashion line success, and now charges of grand theft for supposedly stealing a necklace valued at $2,500. Although Lohan’s recent court appearance in a white Kimberly Ovitz “Glavis” dress increased sales for the designer brand, Lohan’s leggings line 6126 has faded out of department stores and is now in the process of rebranding. But not all Lohan news is bad, and similar to a story from earlier this year, the Mean Girls star is designing a handbag line, only it’s her own brand, 7286, and not for Ed Hardy.

Lohan’s designs are already appearing in stores and are presently sold at DSW Shoe Warehouse for $80 to $170 dollars. A quick look at DSW’s online store, however, shows minimal offerings: a few animal print and solid color bags in shoulder, satchel, and tote styles. Although the line will likely expand from these basics, 7286 can be summed up in a few words: dull and unoriginal.

7286 could expand to more designs just like 6126 now includes clothing and accessories. Of course, this is assuming Lohan will have time to design and won’t end up in jail. At the moment, however, why go for a Lindsay Lohan-brand handbag when such styles can be found in nearly every low- and high-end designer collection?

Instead of forking over $100 for a Lohan-designed handbag, find a designer-inspired style with the same look at a more affordable price. If you are looking for a bag similar to Lohan’s in the picture above, consider this purple leopard print handbag from Handbag Distributor. Embellished with rhinestones for a western touch, this handbag uses the same formula as Lohan’s above – leopard print in a bolder color variation.

Animal prints are still popular, but color variations are not the only options. With patent leather still a material of choice, these glossy animal print bags still retain the original colors of spots of stripes but may alter them slightly, as this animal print handbag from Wholesale Handbags USA does. With leopard spots and tiger stripes added together, the design is a collage of two popular animal prints.

Designers seem to get women’s fashion all wrong, and sunglasses are no exception. With tall and thin models displaying the latest fashions, most high-end designer attire is bound to look off and odd on the average woman (even a celebrity), and accessories for many of these lines have been colored pink or another bright hue and covered in rhinestones, studs, or other embellishments. While a few studs here or there are still trendy, not everyone wants to look like a Jersey Shore cast member, and if A-list celebrities are the barometer of trends, eyewear is taking a back-to-basic approach.

Blake Lively, a star on the girliest of girly shows Gossip Girl, was seen recently in Ray Ban wayfarer sunglasses. But instead of going for a feminine look, such as pink or red frames, the actress seen this year in The Town chose a classic look: a black frame with black lenses. In the case of Lively’s moderately androgynous look in the picture – a fedora and what appears to be a sheepskin coat – the neutral sunglasses fit right in.

Kristen Stewart, who was apparently the highest-paid actress in 2010, was also spotted recently wearing a classic pair of Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses. A look that debuted in 1980s, Clubmaster sunglasses have a design concept similar to wayfarers: angular lines juxtaposed with curves. Clubmaster sunglasses essentially have a half-rim look, which makes them seem automatically more masculine and look like something Chris Lowe, the soft-spoken keyboardist for the Pet Shop Boys, would have worn in a late-‘80s music video.

On the A-list for teens, Miranda Cosgrove, the star of iCarly, is seen in Christian Dior oversized sunglasses. Instead of succumbing to a more age-appropriate look, Cosgrove appears to forego the sparkles and bright colors and settles on a classic pair of shades: a black, rounded frame and dark gradient lenses.

Although slightly older and maybe now a B-list celebrity, Ali Larter, best known for television show Heros, was seen recently in Persol aviator sunglasses. Women’s aviator sunglasses, over the past few years, have become more feminine: a pink or red plastic frame with light-colored gradient lenses. Persol, much like Ray Ban, goes for unisex looks, and stars like Larter have added these neutral frames to balance out their overall feminine appearance.

Slouch purses are on the way out, but that doesn’t mean that bigger isn’t still better. Like we saw a few months ago with Twilight actress Nikki Reed, bigger bags are practical but, from a style perspective, need some shape. Not everyone these days is carrying around a large bag, and Sienna Miller, actress and wife of Jude Law, was spotted with a leopard print Prada bag the size of a clutch. With a strap attached, the leopard print Prada bag functions more like a small purse.

When you look at Sienna Miller’s bag from a trend perspective, animal prints are still in, but big and shapeless styles are out. Could it be that celebs are carrying fewer accessories, leaving the makeup at home? Or is the size of a hobo handbag too excessive for the amount of things a woman – famous or not – needs to carry?

While this leopard print Prada bag costs more than a month’s worth of rent, you can still get the same style at a lesser price. Designer-inspired handbags are capitalizing on this trend, rejecting hobo styles for distinct shapes and a smaller body.

Best Handbag Wholesale has a zebra print clutch embellished with a flower. The clutch has the print all over and the accents – the flower and a few rhinestones – are minimal.

Animal patterns cover larger handbags, and much like the bag Nikki Reed sported a few months ago, these white leopard print handbags have some shape. The animal print, for this purse, has some variation, which we have seen over the past year. Additionally, as many of these designer-inspired handbags from Best Handbag Wholesale have some western inspiration, this particular bag is embellished with rhinestones. Although not as modest as Sienna Miller’s Prada bag, this leopard print designer-inspired handbag is a bolder interpretation of the same trend.

Revamping your brand, known for decades for instant photographs, begins with collaborating with the hottest pop star of the moment. While Polaroid and Lady Gaga started working together a year ago, only recently were their camera sunglasses revealed. Shown at the Consumer Electronics Tradeshow in Las Vegas, the sunglasses function as both a digital camera and, like ordinary designer sunglasses, protective eyewear. An Instant Mobile Printer and Instant Digital Camera (get the “instant” theme yet?) also made at appearance.

While fashionistas may pass up the printer and digital camera, these sunglasses are a curious item. Gaga and Polaroid have released them under the Grey Label Line as product GL20. Although the sunglasses have Gaga’s popular shield-frame look, a camera is embedded in the frame near the nose area, allowing the user to take pictures and videos. LCD screens are added over the eyes, and the user, then, views all pictures and videos instantly on the exterior of the shades. A USB port is added to the side of the frame, allowing the user to put any pictures or videos onto a computer.

A price for the camera sunglasses has not been listed, and the product is not expected to appear in stores until later this year.

Although the camera sunglasses are a confluence between fashion and technology, can Lady Gaga’s presence (she’s Polaroid’s Creative Director) revive the camera brand? Ever since digital cameras appeared nearly 10 years ago, the brand once known for instant pictures has been disappearing along with film and darkrooms. Why would consumers continue to use a product that produces a subpar image and does not hook up to a computer?

Polaroid cameras were convenient up until about 2002, and since then, they’ve become an item with the nostalgic value of cassettes and VCRs. Too cumbersome to carry around everywhere, Polaroid cameras were always a novelty item. While the GL20, too, seems like an expensive novelty product, it could be easier to take around and, maybe briefly, make the instant picture brand relevant again.