Back-to-School Bag Hunting

I gave up backpacks in junior high after I got in on the wheely backpack craze and became the target of every varsity football player looking for kicking practice. I also gave up cute handbags that holds all my makeup and pens while I casually balance my books in my arms look after high school because it’s just way too impractical trying to get a laptop across campus without some kind of protection against the crowds and the elements.

So what kind of bag do I get? If your image is defined by the kind of bag you carry and that bag has to go with you everywhere with you, it better be representative of you right? And if it’s going to hold all your stuff and survive enough years of wear and tear to make the purchase worth it, it better be a quality bag right? Everyone seems to solve the problem by getting a Longchamp Le Pliage, which I adore, but I also want to make my own statement.

So what are the options?

Sassy: light canvas with a couple of pockets and a cute graphic (pictured here - Angry Little Girls “Sometimes I get tired of my own bitching” Tote)

Sophisticated: sturdy and conservative patent leather that screams designer brand (pictured here - Coach Legacy Leather Tote)

Sporty: Bright and shiny vinyl in a practical cross-body messenger shape (pictured here - Tumi Voyageur)

Casual: Muted navy cotton in a rounded shape that gives off a humble, well-worn jean effect (pictured here - Abercrombie & Fitch Vanessa Bag)

Girly: Pink and fuzzy velour with Victorian-embroidery inspired decoration (pictured here - Juicy Couture Day Dreamer Velour Tote)

Funky: Anything from your own hand-made patchwork creations to the cheap Chinese Mao bag souvenir from the summer to puffy quilted nylon (pictured here - WeSC Trish Nylon bag)

p.s. In case you’re curious, my bag is a last-season shiny beige Liz Clairborne with pink and white polka-dot interior lining. Practical, clean, cute, and CHEAP (I’m an outlet store clearance shopper, what can I say). And really, who can admit Tim Gunn hasn’t made them fall in love with Liz Clairborne.