Last week I ventured to Los Angeles on a business trip. And having been there quite often, it's become evident that New York City and the city of angels have two very distinct fashion sensibilities, and this pertains to handbags as well.

New Yorkers, in general, opt for timeless shapes like structured north-south totes, well-crafted satchels and semi-structured shoulder bags with refined surface treatments.

LA ladies, on the other hand, are much more casual in their handbag choices. Hobos with fringe, as well as cross-body styles rule. And classic '80s long strap flap-overs -- something we see in NYC, but in larger sizes -- are a Hollywood must-have.

The differences in purse preferences can be connected to social and cultural differences.

New York is much more of a walking city. It's not unusual for me to trot from appointment to appointment on foot, spanning many blocks and avenues throughout the day. It's also common for people to get together for after work drinks. As such, we need larger bags with the functionality of inner and outer pockets, since when we leave home at 7am we may not return until 7pm, at the earliest.

Also, living in a city overrun by fashion designers, old money and socialites, there is an expectation for New Yorkers to uphold a certain chic standard unlike any other part of the country. While colored options are endless, as with apparel, black dominates bags, too. We also love our timeless, exotic skins.

Three handbag styles you might find on the island of Manhattan (above): Brahmin Croc Tote with gathered detailing ($395), Coach Kristin Zip Top Tote ($698) and MCM Sportivo Satchel from the brand's New York Collection ($975).

In contrast, Los Angeles style is heavily to celebrity and the energy of a relatively young city. So there is a tendency toward the latest looks -- far from classic, but definitely fun.

And with LA being a driving city (no one walks!), handbag sizes are more flexible. You don't have to carry around your gym clothes all day in an extra large tote when you can drop them off in the car.
During my weeklong visit to the west coast, I noticed several exciting new styles and emerging brands worn by the 9-to-5 set. Even a Chanel finished in lime green tweed was eye-catching and shockingly divine for the work day.

In Hollywood you just might find a wannabe starlet sporting any of the following: Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Bag ($328), Bryna Nicole Harlow Purse ($380), as seen on "Gossip Girl's" Jessica Szohr or Lena Erziak Andrea hobo with tassel detail
($575).

Basically, if it's uber trendy -- bonus points if several celebrities have been spotted carrying it -- consider the bag a Los Angeles must-have. And while I wasn't about to give up my NY roots and style just because I was in La La Land, I did want to relax my aesthetic a bit. After all, as the old adage goes, when in Rome ...

Even back in my cozy Brooklyn, NY home, I left behind my current day bag of choice, the MCM Sportivo Satchel in green, and brought out the Lena Erziak's Andrea shoulder bag. The latter has the California casual vibe, while the cream color is classic and the spunky tassel is about all the pizazz true this New Yorker can handle.

Purse-onally Yours,
Pamela Pekerman

Pamela Pekerman is the founder of BagTrends.com