Maison Martin Margiela's cultish line has a clean minimal aesthetic that is modern and sophisticated. The label, which launched in 1989, has quickly developed an elite following, including Nicolas Ghesquiere, the designer for Balenciaga. This pared-down cotton tote lives up to the line's reputation in a subtly covetable way.

I'm usually dubious about ...

Miu Miu's quirky approach to the trends always looks best to me when the label keeps it a little under-the-top. Of course I love its edgier fare, but for everyday its minimal aesthetic is a little more do-able. This cross-body bag is a great example of Miu Miu at its finest.

The rounded ...

This Travelon leather shoulder bag is all about security. It sits close to your body, which makes it ideal for carrying valuables. This makes the Travelon messenger bag a big hit with jet setters who love concealing their passport, camera, and traveler's cheques in the hidden rear compartment. For the rest of us, having ...