“Go West” may be a Village People song about going out to San Francisco, but handbag trends this year are also going west, too – western, that is. Think about conchos, fringe, and turquoise or coral colors – all of which should be subtle. However, instead of going out and buying cowboy gear, how should you be wearing these new pieces of western fashion?

When it comes to clothes, less is always more. Consider a turquoise belt and pair it with something neutral. Go for onyx and crystal jewelry with an outfit but, similarly, don’t overdo it. With handbags, however, this is somewhat more difficult, as the handbag is often the center of an outfit and shouldn’t be too overpowering. Is it possible to have a neutral western style that won’t overshadow everything?

Long seen as only western gear, fringe is making its way onto many high-end handbags, such as these by Miu Miu. As you can see, these are all beige leather, with the ends lined with medium-length fringe on both sides. The fringe itself adds a unique and less formal touch to the bag and, without it, the Miu Miu handbag would simply be an ordinary beige hobo purse.

Fringed handbags, of course, are perfect for casual wear, as is the entire western trend of the moment. It’s about having fun and adding character to your clothing and bag. However, if you can’t afford the large price tag attached to the Miu Miu hobo above, don’t worry – many designer-inspired and western handbags are already capitalizing on this trend. Wholesale western wear dealer Western Express, for example, has their own fringed handbags. Designed much like the Miu Miu bags above, these are made with darker leather and have medium-length fringe in front. A silver concho, additionally, adds some slight but noticeable bling to the purse.

Consider it irony: Camouflage, once considered a print exclusive to the military, has crept into the ranks of high-end handbags. The pattern is popular through all ranks of fashion and all types. From clothing to handbags to jewelry, the pattern in its original green form and many other variations can be found. Nevertheless, although considered somewhat of a lowly and alternative pattern, camouflage will now be part of Gucci’s fall handbag collection, which has been making its way onto the internet gradually.

As you can see by the Gucci handbag above, the style takes the basic camouflage pattern and places it on a dark brown handbag. However, aside from this aspect, nothing’s entirely unique or interesting about the handbag itself. More importantly, where would you wear it? The handbag appears to be too casual for formal or even everyday use (could you take it along to your business-attire-only office job? Didn’t think so). But, being Gucci, it seems too formal to take someplace casual. So, essentially, this handbag is pretty much useless.

If you really want to go for the camouflage/military look that hasn’t really died off, consider a less expensive product, such as a design-inspired camouflage bag or clutch. This camouflage wallet with a cell phone holder by Best Handbag Wholesale captures the look of camouflage without the high price tag.

At the moment, military styles and garb are coming out as a trend, so watch which direction it takes. Although camouflage has been in fashion rotation as a popular pattern since the late-1990s, other pieces of military-inspired garb are making their way onto the racks. For example, old-fashion military jackets with slight shoulder pads and front buttons are all the rage now for adults and teens. Do you think this trend will last? Will it translate to a similar style for handbags?

Python has been around on handbags for the past two years. First, the pattern started out bright: python skin was used for the body of a bag, which was then dyed a color like purple or hot pink. But, then the boldness wore off, and stars, instead, went for natural hues or a less ostentatious presentation, which might have been python skin dyed white or black. What form has the trend taken on now?

Python skin will be one of those trends that takes a while to be fully gone. Recent findings of this trend have included Megan Fox at the Jonah Hex premier. However, Jonah Hex was a movie no one really cared about or even saw, and the same can be said of Fox’s handbag and her quickly dying film career. You can only last so long being a talentless hottie, and the same can be said for a handbag trend that has minimal novelty value. Her black python clutch contrasts with her dress, but, as far as uniqueness is concerned, the Salvatore Ferragamo clutch is simply, “Been there, done that.” It aptly captures Fox’s career: just a flash in the pan.

On the other hand, the recent Sex and the City movie still brings up this style through an Adriana Castro bag worn by Carrie Bradshaw during the film. As seen in the information about the competition to win said bag, this python clutch is bright, with a two-tone color scheme. Considering Carrie’s fashion choices, the bag makes sense and, if worn correctly, might even be a unique centerpiece to an outfit. Although SATC2 was panned as much as Jonah Hex was, at least the fashion choices made by the stars offer more in the way of interest.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to capture this trend, consider some of the designer inspired options by Wholesale Handbags USA, such as this purple python handbag that captures the natural pattern of the snake’s skin but adds some addition color.

Lindsay Lohan must really want to break into fashion, more so than to revive her now nonexistent acting career. With a leggings line doing modestly and her one season appointment at Ungaro, her experience in the field has been polarizing. Her Ungaro collection, seen here in New York Magazine, was a disaster, with nearly every fashion critic giving the line a bad review. The clothes themselves appear to mix club wear (harem pants, anyone?) with stripper garb (pasties on most of the models), although such concepts weren’t entirely new to Ungaro. Lohan also has her leggings line, which appears to do modestly and hasn’t been met with as much disgust.

Lindsay announced recently, however, that she’ll continue to dabble in the fashion world by designing handbags for Ed Hardy. Of course, with the amount of rhinestones and glitter added to the Ungaro collection during her brief time there, such news isn’t really surprising. But, then again, the trashiness of Ed Hardy’s line (designer condoms, clothing spotted on Jon Gosselin and the Jersey Shore crew) may make Lohan feel somewhat at home – and her fashion ideas appreciated. Although there’s no word yet on when her collection will debut, there’s a good chance that it’ll stay within the brand’s image of tattoos-on-everything.

If Lindsay Lohan is serious about fashion, Ed Hardy is probably the best place for her. According to various articles about her time at Ungaro, she was brought on to give the brand a more youthful perspective. Of course, “youthful” can mean anything – even designs inspired by the student-turned-stripper film I Know Who Killed Me. Lohan, clearly a mainstay at many Hollywood clubs, appears to fit the Ed Hardy brand well. In spite of their high priced t-shirts and gaudy designs (do rhinestones need to be put on everything?), the brand is essentially geared toward club kids – which is exactly what Lohan appears to have transformed into.

Considering her outlandish fashion choices, Lady Gaga still hasn’t shown up as a subject on our blog. Then again, many of her choices simply defy mainstream trends and most of her styles you’d need to make on your own. But, speaking about creating your own style, it appears that Gaga did this to a Hermes Birkin handbag recently by adding her own studs. Although some of the highest priced handbags on the market, Hermes Birkin bags combine aspects of a tote and hobo handbags, and Lady Gaga put several sharp metal studs through the surface.

Gaga’s trend isn’t really anything new – which is somewhat surprising. After all, we’ve seen countless celebrities sport the studded trend for the past year now that it appears tired. Not even adding gold studs seems to enliven a handbag. One characteristic for these other studded handbags has been the organization of the studs – everything seems too perfect. As with studs and the emulation of punk rock trends (or are they western trends?), the less orderly, the more believable it is. In the case of Gaga’s Hermes bag, it appears that all studs were added after and they end up having a disorderly appearance. And, when considering the emulation of punk or rocker chic styles, this is how it should be done. Having studs added in even rows to black leather just seems phony.

Of course, this isn’t the only time Gaga has altered a Hermes bag. A few months ago, she wrote on one with a Sharpie marker to Japanese fans. Fashion purists are probably now agape. Nevertheless, studs are still a hot commodity on handbags. If you can’t add studs yourself to a leather purse, consider purchasing one with studs added, such as this studded black leather handbag from Best Handbag Wholesale.

How much does it take to craft a handbag – or any piece of fashion, for that matter? With the amount of celebrity clothing brands popping up, you’d think it only takes some basic styling and drawing (maybe) skills. Nicole Richie, star of The Simple Life, is the latest celebrity to be developing a fashion line. Adding her House of Harlow 1960 brand, Richie will be designing a series of handbags. Known for her style and friendship with Paris Hilton, Richie is a moderate fashion icon. While her looks are somewhat inspiring but not truly unique, who knows what her handbag line will look like? Maybe it will be as successful as Paris’ perfume line.

But, while a celebrity designing a fashion line isn’t really news, the fact that designers want to take back their craft is. According to this recent news story, various designer houses, such as Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, and Viktor & Rolf, are “declaring war” on celebrity brands. Part of their campaign against celebrities usurping their market involves vocal disproval of recent fashion lines by Madonna, Kate Moss, and Lindsay Lohan.

Wait, Madonna? Didn’t she just start an ad campaign for her Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses line, MDG?

Nevertheless, Madonna isn’t the prime example of a celebrity fashion fail. The fashion advice given by Lindsay Lohan appeared to sink Ungaro even further. With club wear-inspired clothing that appeared to be designed by strippers, Ungaro’s collaboration with Lindsay Lohan experienced many negative reviews and is the ultimate example of why celebrities need to stay out of fashion.

Aside from essentially bad-mouthing celebrities turned designers, these labels will be showing off their craftsmanship as part of their campaign to attract more customers. According to the article above, this will be through ads for their clothing depicting the designing and creation process behind fashion – showing that it’s more of an art form – and, in some cases, similar demonstrations will be held in prominent stores.

What is the line between opulent and too tacky? In the case of handbags seen on two reality TV stars recently, these styles clearly approach the line. Khloe Kardashian was seen this past month with a gold Louis Vuitton Miroir Alma bag, which, with the exception of the “LV” logo patterned all over, has a metallic gold color that nearly looks as bright as the red dress she’s wearing. But, pairing gold with red? While Kardashian’s outfit seems to hark back to many Christmas decorations, one thing it has going for her is the handbag, particularly as bolder is often better with many recent fashion trends.

But Khloe Kardiashian isn’t the only celebrity to be spotted with such a handbag veering on tacky. Whitney Port, the star of The City, was spotted around the same time with a gold studded handbag. Unlike those matte gold studs seen on Vanessa Hudgen’s Balenciaga bag a few months back, these small flat studs almost have a mirror-like quality. On a background on beige, these studs essentially make the handbag, a Rebecca Minkoff Heavy Metal Flame Satchel. Without them, this particular handbag would be no more than a beige leather tote.

You don’t need to go for the big names to get this type of style. Gold is in at the moment – and not through those Cash4Gold commercials seen on television. While metallic hues were popular last year, many of those handbags has a gemstone quality, like an amethyst or emerald color applied to a snakeskin or leather bag. Going gold is just an updated look for this gemstone look. If you’re looking for a handbag or clutch with this look, Best Handbag Wholesale has various gold sequined wallets. Keep all your basics and your cell phone in one of these sequined metallic wallets.

One trend we saw somewhat last year was textured leather handbags. This was seen by various quilted styles by Chanel and with black-studs-on-black-leather handbags. This year, it looks like more of the same, but reinterpreted differently. One change is the black studs have gotten larger, and the quilted look has gotten puffier. Chanel continues to carry these purses with a quilted leather look in black and in other colors, but other fashion designers are getting on this trend of textured leather. It keeps the handbag simple on the surface – but more complicated than it actually looks.

One notable textured leather handbag was seen recently on Jennifer Love Hewitt. The Ghost Whisperer star has a black studs on black leather bag, only the studs involved are pyramid shaped and larger than we’ve seen before. Additionally, this particular handbag is made from reused components, older leather jackets in particular. While Hewitt hasn’t been the poster child for any cause (like PETA, for example), it’s certainly a step up from the typical celebrity fashion when someone decides to go green.

Another notable textured leather bag was seen on Ashley Greene, one of the Twilight actresses in the Cullen family. She’s seen here with a Dolce and Gabbana bag that has a textured leather surface – one that nearly looks like bubble wrap. But, would you really squeeze a Dolce and Gabbana bag, no matter how bubble wrap-like it looks?

Reptile skin patterns have been another way to achieve this textured look with a solid color, which can be seen in this black textured leather handbag with a crocodile skin pattern. Why blow your month’s rent on a Birkin bag when you can have the same type of style for less? This particular handbag has a reptile skin textured surface while being designed in solid black.

One trend we’ve seen on many celebrities this past year has been the combining of trends. Bright colors with reptile prints. Bright prints on hobo handbags. Western style on a cross-body bag. Animal prints re-imagined in bright colors. The list could go on, but, no matter which two you combine, trend hybrid handbags are more ubiquitous than the actual hybrid style of last year – the patchwork look. But, it doesn’t appear that this trend will end any time soon, as another celebrity was spotted with a trend hybrid handbag, sorts. Whitney Port, one of those reality-TV celebrities from The Hills, was recently seen with a fringed black hobo handbag.

Hobo handbags generally work best in solid colors, as we’ve seen from many celebrities, although animal prints do work on occasion but if, and only if, the bag is a solid print. Typically, a hobo handbag is too large to have embellishments and ornaments all over. Otherwise, the handbag simply looks tacky. In the hybrid of styles on Whitney Port’s handbag, she keeps a solid black style that’s embellished with fringe on the bottom of the bag and laced-up sides. The bag itself works as a high-end western bag or as rocker chic and clearly stands out from Port’s casual look.

Finding a western-style hobo handbag for the average person isn’t difficult, however. One option, if you can handle the less space, is to go with a retro slouch purse decked with fringe, as seen in this link from Western Express, a western wear store. The bag maintains the solid black color with only one embellishment from a concho. The fringe, additionally, lines the front of the bag instead of the bottom. As western style has become a common fashion trend for this upcoming season, such handbags combine high-end fashion with traditional western style.

This Miley Cyrus can’t get enough fur from the dog she’s carrying? Then check out the hobo handbag she’s carrying. This particular handbag has a basic hobo style, but it’s most notable characteristic is its full fur texture. Although the type of animal is specified in the Bag That Style post, it’s one distinct trend we’ve seen all season: Animal hair and fur. Although animal prints have been popular for over a year now, most of them are seen on patent leather, with the exception of cow hide. In fact, Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives was seen a few months ago with a full cowskin hobo handbag. While it’s not as furry as Cyrus’ handbag, it certainly has the same type of style.

But, while these high-end fur handbags can cost a significant amount of money, Best Handbag Wholesale has a limited edition cow skin purse that has the same type of style. Made entirely from natural hide still with the hair, these hobo-style bags are embellished with traditional western ornaments – such as the cross seen at the center of the bag – and have a small strap on top. If you’re looking for the fur style and want to look a little bit western in the process, this handbag by BHW combines both aspects.

As far as non-limited edition products are concerned, many of the western handbags at BHW have a combination of these characteristics. Some handbags, such as this one linked, have a furrier texture similar to Cyrus’ with western embellishments, while others are about contrasting hair on the handbag. In all cases, genuine cow hide or leatherette is used with the natural hair on top to give it a bit of texture. Most handbags, in the western style, are embellished with a belt buckle closure or a cross on the side for some character.