In the 1990s, the fashion industry pulled off the ultimate marketing coup by introducing trendy, luxurious accessories that women would feel compelled to replace every season.

Thus pricey handbags and shoes became the new stars in fashion, hyped to the max by photos of celebrities wearing them.

Among the “It” bags that caught fire in recent years were Louis Vuitton’s colorful and cartoony Murakami bags, Yves Saint Laurent’s Mombasa, Prada’s bowling bags and Fendi’s Spy bags.

The point of today’s designer handbags isn’t creating classics but pushing seasonal novelties to convince women who wear them that they’re on the cutting edge of fashion.

If you desire a truly classic handbag that will span the seasons, let your individual style guide you toward bags that are beautiful, functional and a bit more anonymous.

I prefer discount handbags with no logos, minimal hardware such as metal rings and buckles, and snappy-looking top handles that are long enough to fit over my shoulder.

Tags: buckles, celebrities, designer handbags, discount handbags, fashion industry, Fendi, functional, Louis Vuitton, luxurious accessories, metal rings, Prada, Spy bags