Fall Handbags: Hammitt Los Angeles collection, a favorite of Angelina Jolie and Miley Cyrus

Hammit Los Angeles Brentwood bag

You have a coveted invite to a chic Beverly Hills BBQ. You have a fabulous outfit, but lack the perfect “It” bag to carry. So what do you do? If you're Stef Hammitt, you simply make your own unique clutch, of course.

The Los Angeles native, former international model and wardrobe stylist became interested in leather and design while helping a friend re-work his belt collection a few months before the previously-mentioned BBQ. After her self-designed clutch became a hit at the party, she decided to start her own handbag company. Now, six years after that fateful lunch date, Hammitt Los Angeles is going strong, providing chic bags to the likes of Angelina Jolie, Lindsay Lohan and Kerry Washington, among others. A bag was even featured on Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus's hit show on the Disney Channel.

Using materials like Italian leather, croc suede and cobra snake patent along with a signature rivet design, Hammitt's bags come in trendy shapes that toe the line between slouchy and structured, casual and dressy. She uses leathers with rich hues created by using organic vegetable dyes and metals with a 24-karat shiny gold finish, which add to the bag's luxe look and feel. To top it off, all the bags are made right here in Los Angeles and are named after local neighborhoods. As the company's motto says, there is a bit of “L.A. stitched into every bag.”

The Brentwood bag is a sleek, professional silhouette, which works for both day and night, especially with the current trend towards oversized handbags. The studs along the sides and the handle are subtle, keeping the emphasis on the beautiful leather of the bag itself.

The Westwood bag is the company's number one seller. It's a little bit slouchier (a hot look for fall) and available in orange snake patent, giving it both a trendy texture and color with a unique spin that won't be carried by everyone this season. Orange is always great for autumn, and this shade is almost neutral, solidifying its ability to go with almost every outfit in your closet.

The Montana messenger bag is a cross-body design that's great for a shopping trip. The moveable shoulder straps let you wear the bag foldover style or flat, depending on what's inside.

The Robertson bag is similar to the Westwood, but bigger. The grey croc suede is a nice neutral that strays from the standard black or brown, but will still work with many outfits.

Bags are available at Bettina Duncan at Fred Segal in Santa Monica (310.458.2874) and Bloomingdale's in Century City (310.772.2100). Prices start around $400 and go up from there, so these are definitely investment pieces, but will last for years without falling out of style. All bags listed here are available in a variety of colors. To see more styles and purchase information, visit HammittCollection.com.