Remember the days of the LL Bean backpack? You really weren’t cool unless you had one; and you were even cooler if yours had your initials embroidered on it. I had the deluxe size. Which not only made me cool, but it also most likely permanently damaged my posture and caused me to knock over any small child who crossed my path.

In high school, I went through the, “I’m too cool for a backpack” phase and I carried my books everywhere, stopping at my locker in between every class. But that wasn’t really feasible in college. Walking across campus to class, it was impossible to juggle my books, laptop, cell phone, snacks, Venti Latte and various other staples.

Unable to carry it all - and completely unwilling to pick up another LL Bean monstrsity - I needed something cute and functional.

I searched high and low. The good news is: there are tons of cute bags out there. The bad news is: I bought them all.

5 Hot Bags For College:

1) Kate Spade Belle Meade Cana Tote- Kate Spade will have you actually feeling excited to gather your books and head to class. The Belle Meade Cana Tote is made from tumbled cowhide, which pretty much just sounds awesomely luxurious. Of course, the tote packs a pretty price tag at $425, so you may not be able to afford your books after purchasing it. But hey, you can always throw in a few sheets of loose-leaf paper and borrow a pen from the kid who sits next to you. This tote is worth it.

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I have an account on a dating site. But I never use it. Unless I want to depress myself. Then I use it.

It’s easy to depress oneself on an online dating site – especially if A) you know for a fact you’ll never find the person you want online and B) all your “matches” are either really unattractive or cover their profile with flowery prose that’s so full of sh*t there’s no room for actual talent.

Aside from the shirtless mirror shot attached to a Faulker-esque description of New York City in the winter or a predisposition for “coding computers”, there’s nothing that turns me off faster than when one of my weird, douchebag-like “matches” has NPR listed as one of their loves. Which is strange. Because I love NPR.

I love being serenaded on long Sunday car rides by Ira Glass’s calming monotone during This American Life. I enjoy All Things Considered, BBC World Service updates, and the occasional funny op-ed by a slightly famous quirky writer. I feel comfortable with NPR’s obvious liberal bias – as I myself own such a bias – and there’s nothing better than sitting alone in my apartment with a glass of wine as deep-set, unhurried voices click their well versed tongues against my eardrums. NPR is like a womb. A liberal, literary, sophisticated womb where I take comfort at least twice a day (if not more).

So why the shuddering when I notice a potential mate might enjoy themselves some Fresh Air with Terry Gross?

I’m not sure, exactly. Maybe because most of the people I know who listen to public radio are bleeding heart liberals, and even though I consider myself one of those bleeders (with a shot of hippie thrown in), I get a little nervous when a guy describes himself that way. Read More »

Retail is an interesting business to work in. Though there may be some snotty kids your age trying on the entire store and buying nothing, making you hate your life and your job more than ever, you learn that there are certain things you will always miss about that career path, no matter how hellish it may seem. One of these is the employee discount.

After spending more than a year of my college life in retail, I couldn’t bring myself to purchase clothing that wasn’t on sale. I still can’t. I was used to my standard thirty-plus percent discount. And so, walking back into that same chain which shall remain nameless, I am shocked and appalled to see that the brand’s prices have only inflated, and now there’s a handbag line that costs on average more than a Coach.

Perhaps it’s just me, but chain stores striving to be high-end is a huge pet peeve. Take J. Crew as an example, which has never exactly geared toward the sale shopper, but has always had great basics that last forever. Now this prepster Mecca is home to a pair of sunglasses that sells for $275.00. Do they say anything? Do they have an exclusively J. Crew look? No! They’re AVIATORS that every frat boy on the planet bought for no more than $12 at CVS on their way to the bar last weekend. Read More »

I don’t know when it happened, but in the course of a few years the prices at Steve Madden have gone up and up and up. Yes, the man makes some cute shoes, but come on; they are supposed to be for the common (yet chic) lady.

Well, the good news is he is having a major online sale. And I mean major. Up to 75% off of what seems like a thousand different styles.

Unlike other sales I have found lately (namely, at KateSpade.com), this sale isn’t on the old and outdated stuff. Sure, there are some ugly inclusions in the sale section, but most of the stuff being marked down is simply marvelous. Looking for a hot new pair of boots? There are so many good ones to choose from! Read More »

I may not be one of those girls who are into labels, but I am the kind of girl who is into bags.

Call me stereotypical, but I love getting a new bag, a new pair of shoes, a new wallet. And for a deal? And online? Pinch me!

KateSpade.com is currently in the throes of an amazing online sample sale where you can snag anything from a new purse to a new diaper bag (hey, I don’t judge…) for up to 60% off of the retail price. And they aren’t offering up bottom of the barrel duds either.

Everything they are offering seems to be top-notch and, to this shopper who is more H&M than D&G, it’s all beautiful but not stuffy.

Some of the best pieces are found in the handbag section.

This animal print bag is small enough to carry without feeling overloaded and packs enough punch to add some spice to an otherwise simple outfit. And the Hudson bag? It’s so chic and simple that it’s an investment worth making! And at more than half off…now’s the time!

Quantity is limited so scrounge up some cash and get on it! Online sample sales are few and far between so you better take advantage of this pre-holiday convenience, ladies! Read More »