It is a creative writing exercise of the highest order: Naming the rabid riot of intense pink that is all over the spring collections right now. Some designers call it hibiscus. Fuschia is popular. Hot pink, magenta and blush all make appearances. Geranium, even.

Whatever you call it, it’s one of the It colors of the season. And because we’re in a mood to browse  handbags, we’re sampling the shade across the price spectrum — from $23 to $2,300. Enjoy.

The best place to start? In the aisles at Target, of course, where their soft-sided Xhilaration ruffle top tote carries all the exuberant spirit of the season while leaving some green in your wallet. ($23, at top)  Patent leather is tres chic right now, and this Guess shine candy tote gives you the sparkle at a PVC price. With double handles, metal feet and four inside pockets, you’d be happy even without the free shipping (but it’s yours anyway). At Ebags ($88, above)

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Break into the piggy bank.

Followers of The Style Insider know that we are over the top about Net-A-Porter, the online site that sells all manner of designer clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories. Their list of designers is exhaustive, whether American or European; it’s where you’ll find everything from Prada sunglasses to Herve Leger bandage dresses, from Alice + Olivia to Zac Posen. Their boutiques-within-the-site include Salon, Cutting Edge, Contemporary, Essentials, Loungewear and Vacation; each has scrumptious selections that are perfect for one mood or the other.

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It’s everything The Style Insider swoons for on screen: gorgeous clothes, a shallow gene pool, pretty people saying misguided things, and a happy ending. (Oh, do not go whining about spoilers. Did you really think it might end poorly?)

Confessions of a Shopaholic is the chic-lit tale of Rebecca Bloomwood (played to panic-attack perfection by Isla Fisher), an aspiring fashion writer who’s in over her head — in debt, in love, and in a job she barely interviewed for and doesn’t know how to do (except she has a snappy pink iBook!). But her muses — Prada, Gucci, Louboutin — ensure that even if she gets found out as the imposter she is, she’s going down in style.

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The official winter uniform of East Coast businessmen and elected officials, especially those of the D.C. ilk, was out in force last week.

Whether standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, or meeting the crowds for the inaugural parade, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and a phalanx of other elected officials, secret service agents and male family members showcased the style in polished fashion. On inauguration day, Portfolio reports, the president wore a Brooks Brothers coat. (more…)

It’s winter. We know this. We have moved through denial and into acceptance. But we are tired of clouds and dark neutral fabrics. We want sunshine, and color for the sake of color. We need a handbag that doesn’t pout, one that announces our arrival with glee. So, we bring you bags in the spectrum of the rainbow, which brighten your winter wardrobe and bring a promise that spring is in the wings.

At first blush:

Prada’s pink nylon bow clutch ($636, was $795, above) at Bluefly.

Jimmy Choo’s fuschia pleated satin Cent bag ($796, was $995, left) at Bluefly.

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The Style Insider could stand to gain from a few fashion resolutions. Despite our sage advice for you, we’re as bad as everyone about adding new wardrobe items, getting rid of things we’ll never wear, ‘fessing up to what fits and what doesn’t, what looks good and what doesn’t.  

Thus, our collective brain trust has come up with 10 resolutions for 2009. Perhaps some apply to you: 

1. Act as if we are French. The French have it nailed when it comes to wardrobe and style. So we will proceed with a red beret and perfectly tailored clothes. A

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Courtney Cox wears Chanel. Beyonce has been seen around with Louis Vuitton. Angelina Jolie plays the field with Dior, St. Laurent, Ferragamo and more. Heidi Klum shimmers in Dita (well, when doesn’t she shimmer, dammit?), and Katie Holmes throws an A-list party with Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Kors  and Armani. And we’re all over Celebrity Sunglass Finder, a site dedicated to finding out just what the stars are wearing in the way of shades.

Here are the Ray Ban Clubmasters, for instance ($104 at Best Buy Eyeglasses), and here’s Ashlee Simpson heading out for the day in them. She also worships the Wayfarers (red ones in this case), which are ubiquitous enough to have their own Wikipedia entry (no, we refuse to mention Risky Business. Get over it. But we will let you look at Drew Barrymore wearing the same shades, which are $139 at Bloomie’s). (more…)