I'm always excited to check out the latest seasonal trends to find out what colors, textures, fabrics and shapes are the most popular. While we can always look forward to an of-the-moment trend, each season ushers in many return trends -- and for summer this means oversized canvas totes and wicker bags, fun colors and a more casual look.

Classics like satchel handbags and shoulder bags will always have a place in the lineup. You should always have a tried-and-true handbag in your closet no matter what. With that said, let's take a look at this seasons hottest handbag trends.

Handbag Styles

A handbag is a handbag right? Wrong! There are many different styles out there. Here's a quick look at the most popular styles right now.

The Shoulder Bag

Photo: Zac Posen Daisy Bag:
eLuxuy.com

With the exception of clutches and handheld bags (bags with handles too small or short to be worn over the shoulder), most handbags fit into this category. Every woman should have at least one shoulder bag in her wardrobe. They’re practical (but that doesn’t mean that can’t be stylish!) and come in handy on shopping trips, out running errands or for the office. They free up your hands to carry other items.

While I admittedly am over the 7 for All Mankind denim pocket design (let’s change it up people!), I am a fan of their new collection of sturdy oversized handbags like the Mixed Media Top Zip Satchel. I like the fun print and eye-catching details.

I also really like the 7 for All Mankind Pleated Straps Tote. For $895, you get a luxurious soft leather bag with pleats on the front and back. It’s a breath of fresh air not to have their company insignia monogrammed all over the bag too.

Photos: 7 for All Mankind

::A.Covington for The Divas Dreams

I bought my first LeSportsac six years ago and it’s is still my favorite lightweight tote (my DVF being my favorite heavyduty travel bag). It’s classic, practical and stylish. It gives hope that we can live without leather … okay, maybe not. It comes as no surprise that environmentally responsible designer Stella McCartney has designed a collection of bags for LeSportsac, which will debut on LeSportsac.com in February (right around the corner ladies!).

Functionally chic women’s laptop bags are hard to come by. One of my biggest complaints, and I’ve heard this from my friends too, is finding a women’s laptop bag that’s both feminine and functional. Most business women don’t want to carry around a pink briefcase with flowers on it, or lug around a bag meant for a 6ft tall man. And why does it seem that most women’s laptop cases don’t have shoulder support? Men have so many cool options; they can go, techy or sophisticated, casual or urban. All they have to do is walk into a store and find a plethora of laptop bags to choose from.

I have gone on a search and found some pretty good options. My favorite is the bag by Hayden Harnett. It’s not stiff like a lot of the laptop bags for women that I’ve seen, and it has a long adjustable shoulder strap.

You know you've been thinking about it for the past six months. You knew swimsuit season was right around the corner. So why does it feel like it just crept up and caught you off-guard? It's okay. We're right there with you. Swimsuit styles are varied and flattering this season, with tons of 60s inspired bikinis and one pieces (Yes! One pieces are sexy and cool again!).

Here's a quick-hit list of some of my favorite suits with all the essential beach/pool gear for a red hot summer.

The return of the one-piece swimsuit

You can forget that image of the frumpy one-piece suits with the ruffles. Show off more than a little skin but leave some to the imagination in this Yellow Floral One Piece Swimsuit by Alice + Olivia and this adorable cut-out one piece in pink, aqua or black.

The classic yellow  polka dot bikini

Okay you hate the song but don't take it out on this unsuspecting and sexy bikini.

Can't go wrong with black

Slimming, sleek and sexy, this black bikini by Brette Sandler shows just the right amount of skin with a flattering halter top with double straps for extra support no wardrobe malfunctions here.

Throwback to the 70s

You either love the 70s or you hate them. Personally I love the swimsuit styles of the 70s, with the fun greens, yellows and tube top styles. This green number by Shoshanna is inspired by the 70s but not overshadowed by it. Browns was big in the 70s and Ella Moss brings it back with this striped 70s-style bikini.

Looking for a little more coverage but still like the flexibility of a two-piece? The DKNY Bandeau Tankini & tie side bottom combines the sexy hip-hugging style of the 60-70s with a flirty bandeau top for a youthful, yet sophisticated, poolside look.

Set sail for stripes

This summer, it's all about nautical themes. This nautical stripes bikini from Target is spot on for this summer's nautical trend-but with a smaller price tag than designer suits.

Calling all children of the 80s

Whether you were born in the 80s or rocked out to Flock of Seagulls at your senior prom, you'll love this geometric pattern bikini by Trina Turk.

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Bohemian look is still hot, summer after summer. This indie-print bikini from Victoria's Secret pulls double duty with a Miracle BraR wireless push-up top (but it will be your little secret.

Must-have summer accessories

Cover up with these cute cherry shorts by Juicy Couture or a stylish caftan by Diane von Furstenberg. Target is giving top designers a run for the money with its trendy collection of beachwear, like this Merona Swim Tunic.

Go from beach to street in style with these black canvas espadrilles from Anthropologie.

Where the wild things live

Show your playful side with these animal print flip-flops.

Made in the shade

Protect your eyes from harmful rays (and look good at the same time) with these oversized sunglasses.

Accessorize at the beach? But of course!

So maybe it's a little indulgent. That's okay. As long as you're happy. This Batik painted bangle bracelet looks great with all swimsuits styles.

Just because you want to prevent premature aging doesn't mean you want a ticket from the Fashion Police. This Juicy Couture Malibu Hat will get you a get-out-of-jail free card-from the Fashion Don't monitors and the sun.

If you're a celebrity looking to keep the paparazzi at bay, this Kokin Oversized Metallic Hat will keep your identity under wraps (yet give off enough mysetery to attract the right kind of attention). Keep flyaways in check with a pretty silk scarf like the Hibiscus silk scarf from Belisi.

Throw in the towel

You've thought of everything else, you can't forget a luxury beach towel. Our pick is this DVF eyelit lace beach towel.

Hot summer reads

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

The author of the Poisonwood Bible gets in touch with the southern Appalachia landscape in this earthy account.

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Afraid of the mail? Can't say no to a new credit card offer? Actually believe that buying something you didn't  plan to buy on sale is making you money? Then this book is for you!

A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

by Marianne Williamson

If you don't have hope what do you have? This Oprah Book Club title explores the not-much-talked about phenomena in life : miracles. Do you believe in miracles? There's nothing like a lazy summer afternoon to get in touch with your spiritual side and to let your mind wander-and wonder.

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Don't let the title fool you, this book, and its author, are anything but ordinary.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

From the author of Everything Is Illuminated comes the tale of a nine-year-old amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player and pacifist. Foer's latest work will make you laugh, revel and question.

Bag it

Carry that juicy romance novel, beach towel, mad money and sunscreen in this cute yellow mesh tote from Target, or if you want to go all out I love this Gingham Marc Atlan Bonjour Tote and the Santorini Beach Tote by Michael Kors.

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

This summer is all about bright, playful colors and patterns. For women, everything is casual—even work clothes are lighter and brighter. The generational influences run the gamut of 50s glam to 70s bohemian to 80s rocker.

Tunics and free flowing tops rank high on the wish list for summer, like this fluid empire top from Nordstrom .

For tops, dresses and skirts it’s all about thick stripes, modern geometric patterns and nautical themes. For a re-interpretation of the bold stripes look, I like this Ella Moss dress.

Long shorts are hot, like these Bermudas at the Gap. Conversely, the style powers-that-be decided to revive short shorts for another season.

Premium denim is still a hot trend that goes with everything. When you have on a great fitting pair of designer jeans, you can get away with a lot on top. A $10 shirt looks like a $100 shirt paired with the right denim. I’ve seen a shift toward labels with more reasonable price points (I think we’ve all had about enough paying over $200 for a pair of blue jeans). Joe’s Jeans are super comfy and come in a variety of styles to fit a variety of shapes and sizes.

For handbags, small, hard-cased clutches along with animal skins, python and croc in particular, are really hot right now, as is colored patent leather, oversized satchels and sleek, extra long evening bags.

And finally, the ultimate “it” accessory for summer is the silk scarf. Colorful solid and print scarves are everywhere: you can spot them holding bag youthful ponytails, tied playfully around a wrist or handbag, worn as a belt, headband or around the neck. Scarves a great way to add instant, personalized style to any summer ensemble. There are so many options—small scarves for wrists, long scarves for belts and headbands, even as a cute summer top ... the possibilities are countless!

Along with the right swimsuit, oversized tote, sunglasses, flip-flops, and Lucite bangle bracelets, silk scarves are a great way to accessorize and keep the elements at bay. Wind, chlorine and sand can wreak havoc on your tresses. A stylish silk scarf helps tame fly-aways, protect your precious hue from the sun's fading rays and keep pesky sand particles at bay.