The 2000s were certainly a time to be alive. Low-rise jeans were the rage as was High School Musical. Paps followed the every move of waify-thin stars like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton around LA and the world. Plus, let’s not forget that in the early 2000s, Sex & the City was a seasonal weekly TV show airing on HBO, not one that was available to stream at any waking moment. Ah, the good old days!
On this throwback Thursday, we’re taking a step back in time to see what some of the most popular celebs from the 2000s were spotted carrying. We dug deep into our photo service and found over a dozen shots of the starlets of yesteryear and their beloved bags. Fashion and trends are cyclical, so it comes as no surprise that many of the below bags are relevant again. However, some of these outfits we would be perfectly fine leaving right where they lay; in the past.
One thing is for certain, stars loved their fair share of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balencaiaga. Some things never change. Take a look at our finds and let us know which of these bags you’d carry today!
Sarah Jessica Parker – 2003
Dior Trotter CD Top Handle Tote – Shop Similar Styles via Vestiaire Collective
Paris Hilton – 2004
Louis Vuitton Multicolore Keepall 45 – Shop Louis Vuitton via Fashionphile
Jennifer Lopez – 2005
Balenciaga Work Bag – Shop Balenciaga via Nordstrom
Lindsay Lohan – 2005
Dior Saddle Bag – Shop via Fashionphile
Mischa Barton -2006
Dior Gaucho Double Saddle Tote Bag – Shop via Fashionphile
Gwen Stefani – 2006
Fendi Spy Bag – Shop via Vestiaire Collective
Nelly Furtado – 2006
Chanel Timeless Flap Bag – Shop Chanel via Fashionphile
Jessica Alba – 2006
Chloé Paddington Zippy – Shop via Vestiaire Collective
Lindsey Lohan – 2006
Balenciaga Matelassé Quilted Satchel – Shop Balenciaga via Nordstrom
Jessica Simpson – 2007
Louis Vuitton Beverly GM – Shop Louis Vuitton via Fashionphile
Vanessa Hudgens – 2007
Balenciaga Brief Bag – Shop Balenciaga via Nordstrom
Blake Lively – 2007
Bubble Quilt Flap Bag – Shop Chanel via Fashionphile
Victoria Beckham – 2007
Hermès Birkin – Shop Hermès via Fashionphile
Ashley Tisdale – 2008
Prada Cervo Antik Deerskin Tote – Shop Prada via Nordstrom
Ashely Tisdale – 2008
Louis Vuitton Multicolore Alma – $765 via Fashionphile
Love this! I remember wanting some of these (and still do) only in the smaller versions What I do notice is that huge handbags were very much in style.
I would live to have Hilton’s Keepall, a small Gaucho, and a small Spy. The Chanel Timeless is my favorite out of them all. Beautiful bag.
Starlets? Really!
The word starlet refers to a young actress trying to make it big, which some of the ladies we included would fit that category at the time they were photographed. It wasn’t used to be demeaning, I think we all start off and want to make it big in whatever it is we do – grow and be a better mom, get a promotion at work, etc. But with that being said, note taken and we changed the title of the post 🙂
if you have to cite the definition (Which I recognize because I looked it up when I first saw the headline) you’ve already lost the argument ….. but I appreciate the change
I’m not trying to win an argument! I was simply noting that the term could be seen as fitting, but point was taken and word was changed. Appreciate the feedback and will be sure that isn’t a term we use going forward!
Sure! If the paparazzi photographs anyone they become instant “Starlets”!
how about actor actress artist musician celebrity its outdated and demeaning (IMO)
Totally agree, it’s an outdated, demeaning and perhaps sexist word. It sounds like a word they used in the 50’s and 60’s to describe women actors (who today don’t want to be called actresses, go figure)?!
Agree.
The best time when celebs didn’t use stylists or and bought their own stuff – pre influencer Era
Stylists are not a new thing. A lot of the women in this article had the same stylist (Rachel Zoe)
Not just that, but with social media and the ubiquity of phone cameras requiring most celebrities to be on each time they are public facing in any way, there’s increased pressure to be polished. You can’t have many casual moments anymore.
And that’s why fashion is not organic, and background and good taste just not spontaneous anymore
Yes! Personal style doesn’t really exist anymore since everyone uses a professional stylist, most of which use the same stores, showrooms and designers and subscribe to similar aesthetics and “tastes.” I know that stylists do cater to their individuals client’s preferences, but these preferences are still dissected and then components are re-selected and expanded on through the stylist’s streamlining process, so there’s a whole deconstruction and then reconstruction process that happens in that one degree of separation between the clothes and the wearer. Imagine how Jane Birkin or David Bowie’s style would have been defined if they had professional stylists making choices for them?
Yep…. boy how things have changed!
LOL I had some many of these OUTFITS! Paris’s 2B Free pants, Posh Spice’s LaRok sequin tank, JLo’s Frankie B’s…the beads and giant hoops! Loved those days 🙂
Lots of fun and crazy fashion in the 00’s, but LV Multicolores and Juicy Couture sweatsuits (+Coach logo bags, I suppose) are THE things that come to mind for me.
Bring on the big bags!!! I have been waiting for this. Yea!!!
We could not agree more…the bigger the better for 2020.
Right?! So many big bags in the 2000s, not a mini in sight!
I agree with you Kaitlin…the fashion can stay in the 00’s. Although SJP still looked great head to toe.
I don’t understand how the Paddington reached cult status. I think it’s one of the ugliest bags ever made.
Really?! People loved that bag (yours truly included). I think it was so different – the lock that is!
I agree with Sparky, I can’t for the life of me see the appeal of the Paddington, nor the Balenciaga city for that matter! 🙂
The size of a particular design influences my buying decision because each design has an optimum size. You mention the Bal City. I have a mini that’s fabulous. PERFECT for casual wear. However, I see women carrying the full size City bags and to me they look awful. Another example is the Chanel classic flap. I don’t think it works in the largest sizes.
Sometimes its straight up “NO” as in the Paddington, other times it depends on the size.
Just wondering out of curiosity, what age are you Megs? 🙂
36!
This post is everything!!!! Please do more!
I miss low-rise jeans so much! Mom jeans can def stay in the 2010’s please 🙂
Good on you being able to wear low-rise jeans. I gain weight around my center, and low-rise jeans post 2 kids and my body at this stage in my life would be a disaster! Ha
I totally get you! I wish there were ALL options instead of one or the other. Impossible to find good LR jeans now, just Armani, Balmain really. I have a low waist and struggle to keep weight on so LR jeans really gave me more shape than the high rise jeans that looks RIDICULOUS on me!! Maybe we can all have options one day!
Ya, I think trends are fine but I also think brands should create a variety because all of our bodies are different. Low rise looks great on some, no problem having some for those who prefer it over the super high waist denim happening!
This article makes a good argument for purchasing classic vs. trendy bags which, over time, look silly and outdated.
Totally Agree!
Agree. Other than the black Birkin, which is timeless, I didn’t see a single bag that I wished I had bought back then — or have any interest in seeking out on a reseller today.
wow, Lindsay(2005) and Jessica Simpson (2007) look so fresh and gorgeous. Jennifer Lopez hasn’t changed at all, how does she do it?
Ummm..botox, mini facelifts, expensive face creams, overpriced doctors and maybe good genes?
Statelet? Really? SJP, JL, GS, and VB were full on stars or maybe even a former star in VB’s case. This headline would have worked just as well without the word “starlet.”
While some of these celebrities would easily fit the definition of ‘starlet’, we changed the title!
Interesting read. We do love the Miu Miu Leather Coffer Bag and always refer back to it when seeking our top 10 greatest bags.
Interesting read. We do love the Miu Miu Leather Coffer Bag and always refer back to it when seeking our top 10 greatest bags.
Man those Chole bags were always hideous. eek
I still have 3 Spy bags in mint condition I can’t part with. I also have 3 daughters (6,8,10) so I’m hoping they might make a come back!
Back then I was obsessed with anything LV Multicolore.
It’s funny to see people’s style evolution (or stagnation:)) as well! Totally remember the Fendi Spy madness! LOVE the Dior Gaucho!!!
What does “Paris-Moscou” refers to in the Blake Lively pic?
The Paris Moscou collection wasn’t released until may 2009 (fashion show held in early December 2008), is it the name of the bag?
Hi! I did a lot of digging and scouring through Google to identify some of these bags. There was an old Tradsey listing of a nearly identical bag with that name but it is possible it was identified there incorrectly. Thank you for pointing that out, we will amend!
I went through the ‘handbag stage’ quite a few years back. Had a whole closet just for my Balenciaga collection. 2005’s were my pride and joy…lol! Then I realized how absolutely stupid and materialistic I was. Sold them all. Now I carry $100 bag with a whole lot more cash inside than the other way around. So over collecting things…
Im 46 yo ? and besides i enjoy this blog a lot ; i only buy what a like ( i have in my collection a Balenciaga Classic City that i bought in 2013 on a trip that i’m still enjoying … ? so may i giving you a heart advice? buy what you really like , what you really enjoy using , be true to your guts on style ????