Whether you need it to carry your books on the walk from South Halls to the Business Building or your cell phone and lip gloss for a night in fratland, it's essential to find the perfect bag to start the school year off right. You can either save or splurge on one of these five trends.
Canvas Totes
Upgrade from your beach bag and score one of these classic carry-alls in a fun color or print with rich leather accents.
Splurge: The Cole Haan Small Box Tote ($146.25 at www.dillards.com) is made of a natural looking canvas but remains appropriate for fall with a funky green leather trim. The simple yet bold design of this bag complements any daytime look.
Save: The Fossil Weekender Tote ($88.00 at www.fossil.com) comes in an assortment of subdued floral prints that exude the essence of summer but are still useable for the fall. Leather pockets and buckle detailing add to the style and the function.
Graphic Messengers
Graphic prints are emerging in countless lines of fashion this season. Keep up with this edgy trend by carrying one of these shoulder-slung beauties to class.
Splurge: Ed Hardy Tess Messenger ($229.00 at www.zappos.com) reminds everyone that "Love is a gamble," with this enlarged inscription. The bag's rich orange color is also not lost in the chaotic graphics that has become the signature of this line by Christian Audigier.
Save: With JanSport labels beginning to take over campus, the Elefunk Messenger Bag with the Alculpulco Blue Vain Love print ($44.90 at www.rockymoutaintrail.com) is a great backpack alternative. The skull and flower graphic detail of the bag channels more expensive labels, but can become your own at a fraction of the cost.
Snakeskin Satchel
The animal skin fad appeared in fall bags a few years ago and has continued its popularity in the shape of a modern satchel.
Splurge: The Dooney & Bourke Short Zip-Zip Satchel ($395.00 at www.dooney.com) takes a more classic approach to this material that was originally reserved for only the wildest of bags. This bag is meant for keeping with the trend without making any sort of daring fashion gamble.
Save: The Botkier for Target Satchel ($39.99 at www.target.com) comes in a subdued grey python color. The pocket and buckle detail also increase, but do not surpass, an appropriate level of ruggedness.
Woven Clutch
Not to be confused with a summer straw bag, these clutches are made of a woven metallic fabric with texture that balances perfectly with a simple top or dress.
Splurge: The MICHAEL Michael Kors "Newbury" Woven Clutch ($248.00 at www.dillards.com) has a pewter color and a bold design that would guarantee to get you some attention during a night on the town. Also, a noticeable label plaque will get some extra attention from the fashion-savvy.
Save: Forever 21 never fails to replicate designer style at affordable prices. The Basketweave Clutch ($10.80 at www.forever21.com) in metallic gold gives the same great detail of the more expensive brand, but would be much less of a frustration to any owner who happened to lose the small hand-held bag.
Preppy Leather
Patent leather will always be sexy, but it can also take a sweeter approach in a preppy, equestrian-esque saddle bag shape.
Splurge: Donna Karan Collection "Modern Libra" Saddle Bag ($2,195.00 at www.shop.nordstrom.com) is so simple and sleek, it is almost necessary to pair it with khakis and a popped collar. The single brass buckle detail screams elegance to anyone who sees it and conveys effortless fashion for anyone who uses it.
Save: Although Urban Outfitters offers a variety of laid-back hippie brands, the Pannier Pocket Handbag in Whiskey ($58.00 at www.urbanoutfitters.com) has a look and a price that would make any prepster happy. The polyester faux leather bag is vintage-inspired yet refined with structured flap pockets and a classic shade of brown.
