Photo: Phil Oh

While this blog is inspired by today's endless stream of up-to-the-minute chic things, I also very much appreciate the forever-stylish classics. Like the Chanel bag above. My husband gave me one a few years ago for my birthday, and I don't think I'll ever tire of it. It's a wardrobe workhorse. But, with every new season comes so many fresh and alluring bags. Most of them will have their day in the sun and then disappear into the recesses of our closets (or hopefully be given away). Thus, I often find myself asking, which one will stand the test of time and become a classic that will never go out of style? My friend (actress, discerning vintage hound, , and gorgeous mother of two) Shiva Rose and I were talking about this at lunch yesterday. We were contemplating the current "it" bags out there (like , , and ) and we asked each other, which ones will evolve into forever bags? It's like investing in stocks. Which ones would you place your bets on?

I love the lacy see-through sleeves. I love that it can go from the office to dinner. Good for weekends too. Wear it with...

One of my best friends is . She designs amazingly stylish and immensely practical travel bags, from compact jewelry cases to plastic-lined makeup pouches to compartmentalized Dopp kits. She is hilarious and chic and generous--and adoringly Type A. We traveled to Capri, London and Madrid last summer. She packed seven days worth of outfits for various climates and swanky events into a single carry-on bag. I did not. And even though I brought an inordinate amount of evening clutches for the trip, I found myself poaching one of her gorgeous little makeup pouches to wear instead. Day and night. (See the pic below of Steph and I in a water taxi, off the coast of Capri. She's on the left, with an SJ bag in her lap, holding our Euros, cell phones, and whatnot). Over dinner the other night at my new favorite Santa Monica spot , Stephanie showed me her spring collection look book, filled with glinty metallic clutches, raffia totes and patent pouches. As she succinctly said, "There's not a dog in the bunch." And I love how functional they all are, doubling as wear-everywhere bags. The above cost about $35. How brilliant is that? I will be toting them proudly.

It's Marni. And it's on sale (reduced from $900!) at The Outnet which is Net-a-Porter's outlet. The shimmery, elegant jacquard--a major spring trend--makes it even more of a must-have. Wear it with...

Rich, floral, Italianate (think Versace, late 90s') motifs were all over the spring 2012 runways. Which means this bold bomber is spot-on. Wear it with...

A very gypset-cool statement. Wear it with...

The ultimate throw-it-on-and-go dress. Wear it with...

A dash of glimmer distinguishes this easy, neutral staple. Wear it with...

A dash of neon elevates these everyday flats. Wear them with...

But so what? It's still cute--and roomy, and canvas, and practical. Wear it with...