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.

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.

Bold and big best describe handbag trends from the last two years. Hobos were in, animal or snakeskin prints covered everything, and studs were the perfect rock star – or is that western? – embellishment. For the upcoming fashion season, some of these trends are still in, so don’t retire your current purse to the closet just yet. Brands Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino have all rolled out their spring 2011 lines. Based upon what they’ve added, here is what to expect for designer inspired handbags in a few months:
• Bold but solid colors. As Marc Jacobs’ collection shows, you can be bold, but just choose one color. Louis Vuitton takes some liberties with two-tone, bold-colored handbags, but the looks aren’t much of a stretch.

• More shape. As you can see by the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton bags, no look is shapeless this year. Everything has angles or a slight curve.
• Smaller purses or satchel styles. The latest Valentino handbags range from clutch sizes to medium-sized rectangular styles.
• Texture. Solid colors aren’t always boring. As Nina Ricci’s collection shows, textured fabric makes an ordinary pink or black clutch distinct.

• Quilted Leather. Even though Chanel has had this look for a few years, Marc Jacobs is adding the style – angular, solid-color purses with a quilted or bubble texture – to his line. Could Blake Lively, the Gossip Girl star and face of Chanel, begin to sport Jacobs’ bags instead?
• Longer Straps. While not a trend on all bags, all of these spring lines have a few looks consisting of a thin metal or leather strap attached to a clutch or medium-sized purse.
• Studs, metallic shades, and animal prints. These have been in for the past few seasons. Although Valentino toned the stud embellishments down, don’t expect any of these to drop off the fashion radar just yet.

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.

The Situation already debuted his clothing line, which looks like an Ed Hardy knockoff, and J-Woww’s Filthy Couture came to a stop, but Snooki appears poised to be the next Jersey Shore fashion brand, according to a story from the New York Post. Not entirely recent news, Snooki was expected to get involved in designing sunglasses with J-Woww back when Filthy Couture was in the works. Instead of being J-Woww’s partner in crime, the pint-sized guidette is going off on her own.

According to the New York Post article, Snooki’s clothing line will, in initial stages, encompass slippers, jewelry, and sunglasses, all blinged out beyond recognition. Clothing, lingerie, handbags, and beauty products may be added later. Brand Happy Feet, known for the large puffy slippers Snooki wears on Jersey Shore, is already beginning to collaborate with the reality TV star.

Although no designs have appeared, what do you think Snooki’s fashion line will look like? We can suspect that she’ll capitalize on her image, going for low-cleavage clothing and brightly-colored, and rhinestone-covered accessories. But, while Sitch’s line looks like cheap Ed Hardy gear and J-Woww took the lace and corset look too far, Snooki could combine these two tawdry trends or go for something completely different.

Snooki tweeted nearly a year ago about creating a line with zip up hoodies and decals, but who knows if she will follow through. As the overly-tanned reality star is doing a book tour at the moment, her fashion line may take a while to hit stores.

Examining her fashion choices, what should we expect? Rhinestones everywhere are inevitable, and her styles will make such Valentino sunglasses seem modest. Her handbags and clothing, if added later, may even out-bling some of the recently popular western handbags.

How do you change your image from a lower-tier department store for the middle-aged set to a hipper, more youthful character? You bring the Kardashian sisters on board. But considering their recent debit card debacle, is this a wise approach for Sears? Maybe or maybe not. Although no one really associates the Kardashian clan with financial responsibility, they – Kim and sisters Kourtney and Khloe – are often photographed by the paparazzi for their fashion and handbag choices. So with a Kardashian fashion line consisting of handbags, clothing, lingerie, and jewelry coming to a Sears near you, what should you expect?

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that their line, designed for the 17 to 35 age group, promotes a curvy body image. Aside from a sex tape and reality TV shows, though, isn’t this just what Kim Kardashian, along with her sisters, is essentially famous for? The clothing line, as well, will capitalize on their individual fashion choices, but, really, how often does a celebrity clothing line capture the star’s individual style?

If their line will truly take into consideration their individual fashion choices, what would be seen on store shelves? Youngest sister Khloe seems to have the most out-there style, appearing in red and gold in May and with a pair of western handbags at the end of 2009. If we are to take these looks as representation of Khloe’s style, bold attire and western handbags best describe her look.

As far as the other two sisters are concerned, Kourtney seems to be photographed the least, while Kim, despite a rise to fame with a sex tape, appears to go for a classic look. We reported her wearing a Chanel quilted leather handbag back in October, and more recently, she has been seen with Hermes Birkin bags — even at the gym.

Taking each look into consideration, what could this Kardashian clothing line look like? A mix of classic and western handbags and bold style? We have to wait and see.

Grunge music may not be at the top of the charts (and emo pales in comparison), but a 1990s revival has appeared to be going on. Although merged with many ‘80s styles (off-the-shoulder shirts, skinny jeans, and ra-ra skirts), the looks of the early ‘90s are back on the racks with a modern interpretation. Let’s hope that the ‘70s revival and designer logo overload of the late ‘90s don’t resurface any time soon.

With flannel and skinny jeans everywhere, fashion seems to be considering Nirvana style icons again. Because of this, Kurt Cobain’s Christian Roth sunglasses may be coming to a store near you. If you can recall, Cobain sported a pair of women’s sunglasses that, if you analyze them from a modern perspective, are a cross between cat eye and oversized styles. Silver Lining Vintage, working with style restoration experts, will re-release the sunglasses at Opening Ceremony.

These sunglasses, however, aren’t exact copies of Cobain’s. The frames from the 6558 and 6556 styles by Christian Roth will be replicated, and Silver Lining Vintage has added their own tinted lenses.

Not everyone was a grunger from 1991 to 1996, however, and if you’re looking to capture this ‘90s style, various brands of designer sunglasses offer a few options.

Wayfarer frames, for example, didn’t die on January 1, 1990. Instead, they hung around for about the first half of the decade. Although the style is often associated with the ‘80s, it blends in well with any 1990s-inspired outfit. As flannel, skinny jeans, and Dr. Martin’s (or combat-style boots) are everywhere from Nordstrom’s to Forever 21, why not add a basic black pair of wayfarer sunglasses to your look?

Wraparound styles, on the other hand, are the definitive look of the ‘90s. Now relegated primarily to athletic brands, wraparound sunglasses often had dark or mirrored frames 15 years ago. For an authentic 1990s look, find a pair with a black or silver frame and black or mirrored lenses.