[Every girl needs a good purse (or 12). Whether you’re going for groceries or running from class to class, they are simply essential for holding all your, uh, essentials. Each week, I’m going to show you a fashionable, yet functional purse for the college crowd and let you know why you absolutely need it! I apologize ahead of time to your bank account.]

Since last week’s MBMJ bag was uber cute, yet uber pricey, I wanted to hunt down an affordable purse with just as much chic-ness for this week! I’m often so disappointed by the quality of cheaper brands’ purses; the seams rip open after a few wears, the faux leather looks terrible and the shape isn’t functional at all. It’s almost more difficult to find purses that are a good bang for your buck when you’re shopping bargain rather than high-end. Thank goodness for brands like Melie Bianco, who realize that not everyone can drop hundreds of dollars on a purse, but everyone deserves good style and quality!

The Melie Bianco Ethnic Applique Hobo is one of the prettiest bags out there. The tribal pattern will definitely stand out in your purse collection, but the neutral colors Melie sticks with make it super wearable. Even the mint – it goes with a whole host of shades and really spices up an outfit. The faux leather is quite nice and the wrap detail on the handle really up the ante. This bag is just a delight for the eyes!

On the inside, you’ll find a full fabric lining, a couple slip pockets and a back zipper pocket for valuables. One downside is the magnetic closure; it’s not as secure as a zipper, but the hobo shape of the bag wouldn’t work with a zipper. The handles have a generous drop, so you’ll have no issues slinging this over your shoulder on the run or over a heavy coat.

The ethnic trend is SO hot for summer and why not use your purse as a canvas to display that? The $60-70 price tag is also a huge bonus – you won’t feel bad about stuffing this under a cramped airplane seat and setting it in the grass at a music festival. Trust me, having a few great stylish bags that can get dirty without you having a coronary is a good thing!

If you’re interested, several etailers deal in Melie Bianco, and you can also purchase directly from the company at meliebianco.com.

Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

Apparently the name of one of the new favorite ‘It bag’ brands of the stars doesn’t begin with an F, G or LV. And it’s not plastered with logos either. What it is covered in is fringe, this year’s throwback trend made current and oh-so-haute! And the brand is J.J. Winters!

Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Haylie Duff, Paris Hilton and Ashley Tisdale have been flocking to the brand’s bohemian-style bags. In particular they love the J.J Winters Suede Fringe Bag in shades of Camel, Grey and Purple. But if the $400+ price tag isn’t your thing, shop these just-as-cute but way less-expensive fringed options: Read More »

Have you met our new BFFs over at What’s Haute? We love popping over there to do some “window shopping” of all the designer bags and accessories that we would have to work for life and beyond to afford. Still, we can’t stop. Well, our friends know how we feel and now they are bringing us some cheaper (yet still beautiful) alternatives, right here on CollegeCandy. To see more couture goodness, visit What’s Haute.

The new Gucci Large Jockey Python Hobo Bag is sure to be a hit amongst fashionistas. Celebs love Gucci, python, and typically anything expensive and exclusive! The hobo is made of genuine python in a cool black color. Sturdy leather trim and signature brass Gucci horsebit studs complete the sleek look. Sure it’s an amazing bag but don’t we all have a better way to spend $3,295? So what’s a recessionista to do?

Shop just-as-haute alternatives. Read More »