No matter how bad the economy is, there will always be an exclusive group of handbags, usually unaffordable to most, that will garner a lengthy wait list, celebrity fan base or a price tag equivalent to a high-school student’s first car. In 2003, we were inundated with Instagram photos and images of style stars toting Celine’s lust-list purses; the Box bag, Luggage Tote, Phantom and of course the Trapeze; Chanel’s now infamous Boy bag, Givenchy’s Lucrezia and the Rottweiler tote…just to name a few, but in my opinion, there are a number of desirable pieces of arm candy that deserve to shine in 2014…

1. Stella McCartney “Beckett” Bag

Whether you’re a 22 Day Vegan like JayZ and Bey or you are a devout vegan and PETA supporter, this bag is your holy grail. I’m always amazed at how McCartney is able to produce such phenomenal  accessories without using animal products. For the “Beckett” bag, the designer developed a new material, Eco Faux Leather that uses vegetable oil rather than petroleum.

Available in: Small and large sizes, an envelope clutch, shopper bag and shoulder bag; in various colour options – $770

2. Kenzo “Kalifornia” Bag

The French label finally released this drool worthy and uber quirky bag late into 2013 and is the perfect mix between Parisian chic and West Coast cool thanks to the brand’s designers Humberto Leon and Carol Lim’s Los Angeles roots. Taking inspiration from the aesthetic of leather jackets, these bags with it’s zippers and funky shape take on a bit of a moto vibe. Seen on the shoulder of cool girls like Jessica Alba and Rashida Jones

Available in: Biker Black, Racer Red and Colour Block Blue – $1,190 for the black

3. Saint Laurent Sac du Jour

I know…I know, you probably have the same initial thought that I did when I first saw this bag – it sure looks a lot like the iconic Birkin bag. But really who cares, I’m in love with it’s clean and classic aesthetic and it rings in at just a fraction of the cost of the Hermes cult fave (and without the ridiculous wait list). Created by Hedi Slimane late in the fall, the Sac du Jour (Bag of the Day for English speaking folks), will allegedly be a part of Saint Laurent’s permanent collection!

Available in: Small and large sizes; Red, Black, Royal Blue, Beige, Navy Blue and Powder – $2,550

4. Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag

Personally, I love a bag that can forgo flashy hardware and logos and depend on only its craftsmanship, quality materials and rich colours to get attention. There’s only one bag that comes to mind and it’s none other than the bucket bag by Mansur Gavriel. Seen slung on the shoulders Emma Watson, Kirsten Dunst, everyone’s favourite style blogger Blair Eadie of Atlantic Pacific and pretty much every Accessories Editor out there, makes it a bit challenging to snag one of these beauts.

Available in: Camello (pictured above and available for pre-order only), Brandy and Black with various interior colours – $495

5. Coach Borough Bag

You are probably just as shocked as me that a Coach bag made my list. I will admit, even in the height of Coach monogram bag hysteria in the early 2000’s, I still refused to play follow the leader. But this gorgeous design by the American heritage brand , which is inspired by New York’s five borough’s, definitely caught my eye with it’s sleek and classic design. And with it’s more than affordable price tag, this purse has been flying off the shelves.

Available in: Small, medium and large sizes; polished calfskin, retro and pebbled leather finishes  in Black, Alpine Moss and Oxblood – $548

7. Chloe Baylee Shoulder Bag

Two tone colour (the other side of the bag is black)…check; elegant gold hardware…check; versatile top hand and cross body strap…check; detachable chain you can also wear as a bracelet…check. And yes, you read that last part correctly. With a feature like that, I really don’t even need to say anything about the Baylee bag. Celeb fans of the “Baylee”; Rita Ora, Kate Bosworth and Rihanna.

Available in: Small and medium sizes, perforated leather, calfskin and ostrich and comes in various colour options – $2,250