Hayden Panettiere's Dooney & Bourke handbag

The economy may be in the tank, but that hasn’t stopped celebrities from putting their stamp on pricey fashion lines. Next up is “Heroes” resident cheerleader, Hayden Panettiere, who has collaborated with Dooney & Bourke to create the Hayden Clutch, a striking jewel-toned clutch with a dramatic gold lion’s head closure (apparently Hayden is a Leo). Priced at $295, the clutch comes in blue, red, green, brown, and cream with gold piping, which gives it some everyday potential - but perhaps not so much evening potential. What do you think? Are you in love? Or would you rather spend your hard-earned money on a bigger label?

Lauren Conrad Balenciaga motorcycle bags

Lauren Conrad sure has developed an affinity for Balenciaga, no? The reality TV star has been seen with a few Balenciaga motorcycle bags. The purse is timeless to some, trendy to others, and completely over with for the handbag elite. With so many fantastic bags to choose from the label, why keep going for the standard City in covered hardware? The stark white bag does nothing for her outfit. Between the shiny leggings and the bag it looks like LC has been shopping at the Olsen twins’ garage sale.

Victoria Beckham's Chanel

By now you’ve no doubt heard about TomKat’s Thanksgiving rendezvous with the Beckham family. But have you seen the purses? While Katie Holmes held on to Suri, Victoria Beckham swapped a tot for Chanel. The quilted black leather is chic and glamorous on an epic level. Bonus: It’s just roomy enough to hide some secret stashes of leftover stuffing and dinner rolls.

Katie Holmes Hermes Birkin handbag

Sheesh. Could Katie Holmes look any more chic? From her artfully draped scarf to her perfect knee-high boots, she’s the picture of sleek and sophisticated style. So it’s only fitting that she’s got her trusty Hermes Birkin handbag on hand. I just love the presentation from head to toe: classic, confident, and cool. Suri would be proud.

Coach Amanda collection

Just in time for the holidays, Coach has launched the Amanda collection. Handbags, wristlets, and pouches in delicious jewel tones that amp up the standard LBD with just the switch of a purse. Yes, the bags are satin, so we aren’t sure how they’ll hold up, but you can guarantee they’ll catch some attention thanks to the gold trim and candy colors like hot pink, lime and grape. Coach has come out with an interesting new collection - the Amanda. The Amanda range presented in satin comes in fun, flirty shapes and eye catching jewel tones giving an elegant look for a night out of town

Louis Vuitton Surya XL

To-die-for bag alert! I am absolutely loving the Louis Vuitton Surya XL, an awesome, hefty, gleaming purse that will undoubtedly do the job for women who have a habit of carrying way too much. “Surya” means sun in Hindi, and this bag’s name pays homage to the Hindu sun god. And indeed it does shine crazily thanks to the supple, lightweight yet sturdy patent leather. It’s one of those purses that will really stand the test of time, turn heads and wear well with just about anything.

Made from supple and discreetly perforated Monogram patent leather, the XL bag with sophisticated pleatwork for body friendliness is part of the Surya collection which was named after the Hindu Sun God because of its glowing radiance. The Surya leather is known to be qualitative and lends itself to play with feminine details as well as an array of gloss and bright colors.

Surya XL features microfiber lining and leather trimmings, golden brass pieces, press lock closure and an inside zipped pocket and interior D-ring to attach a pouch or a key holder. The bag measures 29.5" x 12.8" x 9.8" but the size could be adjusted thanks to the side buckles also made from perforated patent leather. It can be hand-held, or carried on the elbow or on the shoulder. Available at Louis Vuitton in three classy colors; Purple, Brown and Black for $3,360.

Burberry Lowry Tote

It’s interesting how completely unexpected this Burberry Lowry Tote is. Would you even know it’s Burberry by looking at it? Made with some seriously ruched leather, this roomy tote has a bit of a croc-like appearance thanks to the color (an “English racing green”). I’m not loving it, actually, and think totes so practically designed should be a bit more sensible for everyday use.

Renee Zellweger Tod’s Pash** Luna Nylon purse

I think we can safely chalk this up as a bad hair day for Renee Zellweger, she of the wind-ravaged locks. On the bright side, we can also chalk it up as a good hair day, given Ray-Zay’s chic Tod’s Pash** Luna Nylon purse, casually styled across the body in a manner that works with her laidback outfit. Given the beyond-WASPy Tod’s campaign starring Gwyneth Paltrow, it’s nice to see their handbags translated to real woman style (if a movie star who gets paid to smooch Hugh Grant and Tom Cruise can be considered a real woman, that is). Bonus: With exposed zippers being all the rage this season (and next), it’s a good time to revisit this multi-zippered favorite.

Coach Leather Julianne

Coach will always be a coach and nothing brightens up a dark mood quite like the host of jewel tones that have ushered their way into our collective wardrobes this season. Though purple, mustard and wine seem to be particularly well-received, I’m awarding favorite honors to the bright teal on this Coach Leather Julianne. Bold and so pretty, it’s an instant eye-catcher and will add a note of interest to a slightly somber color scheme. Julianne is a fabulous everyday purse, uniting function with luxury and doing so in that inimitably classic Coach manner.

Britney Spears & Her Louis Vuitton Monogram Shimmer Comete

Britney Spears has been on fire lately. She looks better, is already getting buzz for her new album and seems to be cleaning up her personal life. This picture may not be the best representation of Brit’s return to form, but her Louis Vuitton Monogram Shimmer Comete handbag is still one of the chicest accessories I’ve seen in a long while. Limited for fall/winter ‘08, this light-reflecting bag has a cute pompom charm dangling from the front. Britney’s been seen with this bag a few times now, and it marks a welcome respite from the Versace and Christian Audigier purses she was attached to for so long. It retails for $2260 and is also available in gold. If you’d love one for yourself, call 866-VUITTON.