Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

Not Your Expected Back-to-School Bag

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Tess Mackey
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Sabel Harris
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.
A new school year is dawning upon us and like most girls returning to college, a fresh fall wardrobe is at the top of our priorities.  Scarves, toggle sweaters, and cognac boots are just a few items that we covet. Often though, many overlook the most practical fashion accessory to invest in-a carryall for our books.  The right bag can take a basic t-shirt and your favorite pair of skinny jeans to the next level by making your outfit look effortless.  The Jansport and NorthFace have ruled for years among students, and recently it appears that every other person owns a Longchamp or a knock off Longchamp for that matter.  Break the mold and invest in a bag that you can use not only for school but also for the office or a weekend trip to your favorite city.

Bags that are full proof and worth the investment include a classic leather tote or a canvas drawl string back pack in your favorite color. Either of these pieces can make you stand out from the heaps of identical shoulder wear that dominate campus. A new semester is every girl’s chance to start fresh in fashion, whether it is experimenting with color, textures, or patterns take advantage of trends without stepping out of your comfort zone.  Purchase carry alls that will not only stay in style but that can be reinvented. Try tying a scarf around the handle or switching out the hard ware.  Putting your own spin on accessories make them worth more and easier to justify your hard working money on.  It also allows you to experiment with what you already own instead of replacing pieces every season.  Here are four bags that will help you show off your style without breaking the bank.


1.   Ecote Around the World Back Pack $69 – Ditch your basic back-pack that you have had  since high school  and opt for a fashion forward one that shows off your true colors. Urban Outfitters


2.  7 Chi Heavy Studded Two Pocket Tote $78 – Studs are a go to trend for fall.  Incorporate this must have accessory and turn any basic outfit into a statement.  Urban Outfitters



3.  BDG Studio Wool Tote $59 – Purchase in yellow, or green for a little spunk or camel for a classic feel.  Urban Outfitters


4.  Deux Lux Two-Tone Bag $59 – Color Blocking is seen throughout the runways as well as chain stores.  Fit all of your text books in this great bag, take it to the gym, or out to dinner with friends.  One of my favorite bags I have seen thus far and the perfect price! Urban Outfitters


 
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Tess Mackey

George Mason University

Tess is a senior at George Mason University majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.  She has been addicted to fashion since she was a child frequenting the streets of New York City with her mom, and collecting copies of her favorite magazines Instyle andVanity Fair.  Along with HerCampus, she is a style guru for CollegeFashionista.com, and she is beginning an internship this summer in journalism.  When she is not writing, she spends her time working at a local high-end local boutique and consignment shopping with friends.  
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar
Sabel is a senior at George Mason University majoring in History and Economics. Although she'd rather stay a student forever, she is excited to see what the future brings her in the fashion industry. Besides her endeavors at HerCampus, Sabel is a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista.com writing the Style Advice of the Week column for Mason. Adding to her busy schedule are her duties in her sorority, volunteering for Operation Smile, contributing to the social media world, feeding her soda addiction, shopping at J.Crew and coloring everything around her pink. And yes, the last three are major priorities in her book.