A few weeks ago, an NYC councilwoman proposed a bill in an effort to curb the counterfeit goods industry in the city. If this bill is passed, those found purchasing fake designer handbags or other counterfeit merchandise could face a year in jail or pay a $1,000 fine.

Perhaps this bill is needed. Although designer handbags can be outrageously priced, purchasing counterfeit merchandise is not advised, either. However, demand for such goods has increased. In August 2010, we published a post about counterfeiters targeting lower-end designer brands for handbags, such as Coach or Ed Hardy. Compared to a $1,000 Christian Louboutin clutch, a $100 Coach purse seems like a deal but, with the economy the way it is, is still far out of many budgets.

A more stringent crackdown actually began late in 2009. At the time, we wrote that police were confiscating counterfeit merchandise and shutting down businesses that carried such products.

For some, counterfeit handbags seem harmless. Priced about $40 each, a counterfeit handbag looks like the real thing on the outside, down to the texture of the material. But a closer inspection often reveals that such handbags are poorly put together: The metal name plate, glued instead of screwed on, falls off easily, the zipper jams, or stitches start to come undone. If showing off designer duds is your thing, finding counterfeit items allows you to maintain such a look without breaking the bank.

At the same time, why go through the trouble of finding counterfeit goods (they’re usually not visible from the front of a store) when designer-inspired handbags have the same looks? Websites carrying wholesale designer handbags, such as Best Handbag Wholesale, keep up with the latest trends. Similarly, discount designer goods are another option. Sites like Vision in Style carry discount designer sunglasses, all of which are authentic and affordably-priced. Why go to Chinatown for illegal goods – and risking jail time or a steep fine – when the web has plenty of honest options?

Wayfarer and clubmaster sunglasses are two of the “it” looks for summer 2011, and now as the weather is warming up, you are likely looking for a pair of shades for yourself. Although Ray Ban started both of these styles, other designer sunglasses brands have similar looks. Ray Ban, as the originator of these two styles, offers more variety, and if you want to go with more than a basic black pair, look through the brand’s many colorful looks.

If you are debating about purchasing wayfarer or clubmaster sunglasses for the summer, which one is best for you and how do you wear them?

Ray Ban’s Original Wayfarers go with nearly any face shape. Characterized but an angular-yet-rounded design, wayfarers have enough of a geometric look for round faces and enough curves for square visages.

Although you could call wayfarers the look that flatters everyone, the basic frame presents multiple style options. If you want a classic style – and that appears to be what the celebrities are doing – stick with the Original Wayfarers in black.

Sunglasses, particularly by designer brands, are both practical and a fashion statement. If your look tends to the latter, having two pairs of wayfarers is recommended. While the black goes with anything and everything, wayfarers come in a large array of colors: turquoise, pink, white, and red, to name a few. Ray Ban’s Wayfarer II offers even more possibilities with a two-tone look.

Clubmasters, originally introduced in the 1980s, can be considered a take on wayfarers but have some notable differences. Clubmaster sunglasses have a similar combination of rounded and angular lines, only with a half-rim style. Like wayfarers, clubmasters too come in a larger range of colors. The half-rim look, however, makes the introduction of color – be it turquoise, cobalt blue, or red – more subtle.

Don’t throw out your oversized sunglasses yet. But of course that depends on the style of oversized sunglasses you have. Seen on celebrities recently, oversized shades are still around but have gone through a few minor changes. If your oversized shades have a thick, pink frame and rhinestones, you should probably shelve them. If you went for a classic look with dark or gradient tones from the beginning, keep on wearing them.

As we have seen since the start of spring, celebrities are going for classic pieces, including sunglasses and handbags. Even though wayfarers and clubmasters are the “it” looks for summer, celebrities are still holding onto their oversized shades.

Carrie Ann Inaba, a Dancing with the Stars judge, was recently seen in a pair of brown and red-tinted Marc Jacobs sunglasses. Britney Spears sported a similar pair of Tom Ford sunglasses, and Amy Adams added a bit of color to her look with Prada sunglasses.

What’s different now? As you can see from the three styles worn by celebrities, basic goes with any outfit and does not always mean black. Instead, these three looks add a bit of dark red – but not too much – and have gradient lenses. Additionally, frames are thinner – but not just on these celebrity looks. If you take a look at any Marc Jacobs, Prada, or Tom Ford line, all oversized frames are noticeably thinner compared to styles from three years ago.

As far as your look is concerned, should you stay with oversized or completely ditch the look? That depends on your style and face shape. Although nearly every woman sported a pair five years ago, far more styles are in now. Large and rounded frames really only flatter angular or oval-shaped faces.

At the same time, don’t go for anything too tacky or bright. Sticking with neutral colors is a safe bet – and your sunglasses will always go with your look. But color isn’t bad for oversized frames, however. Add a little bit – but not too much – with a tinted frame or dark gradient lenses.

First, celebrities went for classic sunglasses, and now the handbag appears to be next. Don’t you remember when, just a year ago, studs and animal print were in, and Fashion Week 2010 came up with a bunch of bright designs? If you need your memory refreshed, some of these looks included neon Versace bags, bright animal prints from Mulberry, sequins on Dolce & Gabbana bags, and just plain oddities by Fendi. Looking at what the celebrities are wearing now, you’d be forgiven if you thought we were in a completely different decade.

Sarah Michelle Gellar has the classic handbag look down with an Yves St. Laurent Muse Tote. No sequins, no studs, no neon. Instead, Gellar’s bag is large and practical. A standard leather color, the Muse Bag is not shapeless and has a multipurpose look. Take it out on the street for a day of shopping or errands or on a vacation.

Alyson Hannigan, another former Buffy cast member, was also recently spotted with a similar classic leather handbag. Her Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel is smaller than Gellar’s but no less practical. For us average people, a satchel is the perfect all-purpose bag. Stylish enough for casual wear and sophisticated enough to bring to work.

Even though her classic actress-like turn in The Tourist was a flop, Angelina Jolie has always been one to stay away from tacky trends – at least in adulthood. While the public seems to forgive her for odd choices as a young adult, Angelina appears to consistently stick with a classic and basic look, and her recent handbag is no exception. A Chloe Aurore Tote, Jolie’s handbag combines the same type of practicality and fashionable qualities.

Although appearing to be the last celeb wearing the hobo trend, Keira Knightly also goes for a classic look with a Miu Miu Ostrich Hobo. Unlike the other bags seen on celebrities recently, Knightly’s has a two-tone look with some embellishments.

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.

The snow has melted, and we’ve seen a few days above 40°F degrees. Spring, then, does not appear to be too far off. Even though you trudge outside in a thicker pea coat and boots now, soon blazers will be the jacket of choice.

What do you pair with your blazer, sleeves rolled up, skinny jeans, and flowy top? First, find a handbag that goes with your look and then find one or more pairs of sunglasses that complement it.

As we have seen so far, handbags are no longer large and shapeless, unless you’re carrying a tote. In fact, purses are tending more toward clutch sizes than the hobo look of last year. To have the right look, find a rectangular-shaped clutch with a strap or a crossbody bag and choose a neutral color. Black, of course, never fades out of style, but the latest neutral shade is nude: slightly pink, slightly peach, or a light brown.

On the other end, your handbag could be the centerpiece of your outfit, and designers like Christian Louboutin, Nina Ricci, and Louis Vuitton want you to think so. If you keep the clutch size and shape in mind, look for a color that pops out. The overall palette of colors for designer handbags now appears to be shifting back 20 years: hot pinks, bright reds, orange, and turquoise. As long as the rest of your outfit is staid, this type of handbag is appropriate.

Sunglasses, of course, are also necessary in the summer, and in addition to finding UV ray-blocking ones, look for the right style for your face: Rounded faces need to look for angular styles. Those with square shaped visages need to go with rounded frames.

Classic looks are back: the wayfarer, aviator, clubmaster, and cat eye styles. For both sexes, neutral – black frames and lenses – is never wrong, although you could add a dash of color. For men, silver lenses are in for all styles. Women, in the other hand, have a palette of colors similar to that of handbags to choose from. Add a touch of red, a hint of turquoise, or a sliver of gold with a pair of Ray-Ban wayfarers or clubmasters.

We got it right back in February: Spring and Summer 2011 handbags are now smaller, brighter, and less busy, and the recent Christian Louboutin Spring/Summer 2011 handbag collection confirms this.

After taking a look to see what this top-of-the-line brand has to offer, we came to a few conclusions:
• Clutches of all styles – bright, shaped, and with or without a strap – are in. Put the hobo in your closet and be prepared to be economical with your purse.
• Embellishments are still fine, but do not go overboard. Some snakeskin and some studs give your bag character.
• Tote bags are in and preferably have a two-tone style. Louboutin’s have longer bodies and incorporate some bright colors.
• Satchels are the new black purse. With a dark color, a satchel is professional enough for work but not briefcase-like. It’s stylish enough to be used as an everyday bag.
• Bright colors are approaching 1980s levels. Expect to see some turquoise, neon pink, and cobalt blues. Just don’t match your bag with your eye shadow.
• Shapelessness is out. Your tote, clutch, or satchel should have a rectangular design or something different, such as Louboutin’s bow-shaped Bikini Pouch clutch.

You might have noticed that the typical Louboutin bag approaches $1,000, and the average person does not have that kind of money to shell out for style. Instead, turn to designer-inspired handbags to get the looks that fit into your budget.

Get the two- or three-tone tote bag with this grey and pink handbag from Best Handbag Wholesale. Longer tote bags do not always need a staid design. Instead, this zebra-print tote keeps the look and adds some character. Animal prints, as well, are still in.

For texture and bright colors, go with this hot pink crocodile leatherette handbags. You don’t need to go to Hermes or Louboutin for the crocodile skin look. As a bonus, this particular design has a tote bag style.

Not all handbags need to be bright, and if you want a toned-down style, go with the nude look. Handbag Distributor carries nude-colored handbags in tan, pink, and brown.

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.