I love the trend of vibrant Southwestern designs which is the vibe of the Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent ‘Mia’ Embroidered Crossbody Bag.  It has an embroidered pattern and contrasting black leather that makes it versatile and easy to coordinate with the many colors in my closet.  My second favorite element is the buckle-detailed straps which reminds me of a messenger bag.  There is a top handle and detachable strap for an alternative carrying options.  Additional features include magnetic-snap closure, interior zip, wall and cell phone pockets and signature jacquard lining.  Price: $395.00 at Nordstrom.

Regardless of whether it’s in style, I’m always digging “ethnic”, tribal-inspired accessories.  The Wayuu Taya Mochilla Knitted Cotton Crossbody is hand-sewn with bright-blue, orange, green and navy knitted cotton, woven strap, tasseled sides and drawstring top.  I appreciate that each bag is handmade, and no two bags are exactly alike. Price: $175 at NET-A-PORTER.

There’s nothing more exciting than getting a preview of bags that will be arriving in stores in the upcoming months.  It gives me a chance to decide which bags to immediately start saving up for, and which to add to my wishlist.  I’ve already mentioned that crossbody bags are one of those styles that everyone should own. They are versatile and perfect for the days you don’t need to carry around your entire life.  I spotted the lovely MARC JACOBS ‘The Single’ Metallic Leather Crossbody Bag at Nordstrom.com, and love everything about it.  The metallic quilted lambskin leather is both simple and elegant, with embellished logo-embossed decorative push lock and thick goldtone chain strap.  There’s an exterior slip pocket under flap and enough room inside for the essentials.  Price: $575.00 – available in metallic blue, bronze, metallic purple and black.

The All You Need ‘Guatemalan Stripe’ Mini Crossbody is on the very top of my summer bag wishlist.  Having a bag with all the colors I wear most means that I will spend a less time coordinating my accessories.  There are some days when you just want to throw on something easy and go. I love the handcrafted look of “Guatemalan-inspired stripes”, along with a shimmery faux leather trim, chain strap, turnlock-flap closure and exterior zip pocket. Price: $44.00 at Nordstrom.

Last weekend, I realized that I’m in desperate need of a cute crossbody bag.  While shopping Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale, the Hobo International ‘Roz’ Patent Leather Crossbody Bag immediately caught my eye. It’s perfect for traveling, shopping, running errands with the kids, or for those days when you just don’t feel like carrying a big shoulder bag.  I usually don’t tote much stuff around, so size isn’t much of an issue.

The Hobo International Roz Crossbody is compact with curved zippers at top and a front patch pocket.  There’s an interchangeable strap for the option of carrying on shoulder or crossbody style for more convenience.  The lined interior has a zip pocket and four card slots. It also comes in black, ivory, and spring green.  Price: $128.90 $84.90.

Style that’s effortless and exuberant, never heavy or formal; design that’s chic and refined, never stiff or stuffy; and a combination of quality materials, flexible usages, and practical flourishes (like pockets for your phone, glasses, and more) that take its assortment of bags over the top.

I absolutely love the Bryna Summer 2011 Collection which is filled with beautiful ikat prints in several different silhouettes.  My favorite is the Hermann Mini in seagreen and the Quintara Tote in multi ikat.  The Summer 2011 collection is available for pre-order at ShopBryna.com!

Hermann Mini in multi ikat and Hermann Mini in blue ikat, Price: $158.00

Hermann Mini in brown ikat and Hermann Mini in seagreen ikat, Price: $158.00

Serrano Hobo in cream ikat, Price: $295.00 and Quintara Tote in multi ikat, Price: $305.00

Quintara Tote in seagreen ikat, Price: $305.00 and Quintara Tote in navy ikat, Price: $305.00

Leopard is back!  It’s actually been back for months (or maybe longer?), so if you haven’t bought anything leopard yet, what are you waiting for?!  I have my eye on a few leopard items – a cardigan, Tory Burch flats, and the Badgley Mischka Platinum Label Claudette Cheetah-Print Calfhair Crossbody Bag. This crossbody bag is perfect both day and night, and just the right size for all the essentials.  My favorite details are the chain link shoulder strap and the three buckles.  It’s on sale now at Bloomingdale’s!  Price: $245.00 $171.50.

Although there are some designers that have yet to master making a crossbody bag look cool, Rebecca Minkoff nailed it! The style was once considered more for grandma, but these days, it’s becoming one of the hottest trends. This bag is appropriately named ‘ Eyelet Rocker’ because of the eyelet grommets that cover the entire bag. The colors aquamarine and passionfruit are perfect for spring. What’s not to love about this bag?! It has a detachable shoulder strap, top-zip closure and logo lining. Price:  $295 at Bloomingdales.

Banana Republic is constantly surprising me with chic, affordable bags. I love the chain embossed mini cross-body because it’s a classic style, made of embossed leather in beautiful spring colors – teal glaze, citron green and bronze. The cross-body can be carried three different ways: wear it across the body; drop the chain down to wear on your belt; or double the chain to wear as a shoulder bag.

Additional features include turnlock closure, cotton lining, and inner pocket. Price: $69.50 at Banana Republic.

I rarely check Old Navy for handbags because they are usually disappointing. If Old Navy wants to have a consistently good collection of handbags to offer customers, I would be more than happy to help. I am pleasantly surprised by the faux-leather crossbody tote because it’s a great everyday bag with wide appeal. Made of  pearlized faux leather, the tote features gold-toned turnlock closure and hardware, two hand straps plus larger adjustable shoulder strap, so bag can be worn crossbody style, and spacious interior. Available in Black Jack, Chinchilla, and Teal Tide. Original price: $32.50, now on sale for $25.00 at Old Navy.