[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.]

Browsing through purses the other day, my eyes fell upon this adorable clutch! I instantly fell in love and knew it needed to be featured on Baggin’ Out. Let me present the Topshop Heart Padded Clutch! If you’re not a lover of all things cute and quirky, this may not be your favorite edition of Baggin’ Out. Considered yourself warned. Read More »

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.

I love summertime. And you know why? Because I can be outside! Northern Ontario winters are not fun (unless you consider -20F on a good day fun), so we like to celebrate the few months of gorgeousness we get and be outdoors. That means beach parties, outdoor patios and all the BBQ I can handle. I took a look at my measly clutch collection the other day (I’m such an ashamed handblog blogger) and realized that everything I owned was more suited to winter. Basic black and brown leather, but nothing fun or “warm”.

The Cleobella Mexicana Clutch is going to suit my summer needs perfectly. Made in a rainbow of bold leathers, featuring beautiful cutout and lacing details, it’s completely ethnic and screams HOT. Each and every Cleobella product is handmade in Bali (just like the gadogado dress!), including all the intricate characteristics on this 10 L x 5 H beauty.

But, besides looking great, this clutch is super organized and functional. Inside you’ll find dedicated slots for bills AND cards, as well as a space just for your ID! Two zipper pockets, both the entire length and width of the clutch while closed keep your lipstick and cell phone safe. The clutch secures with a magnetic closure and even has a tiny strap you can carry it with, if you choose. Leather is great for summer and winter, so this clutch could really prove to be season-less. The deeper leathers will wear especially well through the colder months!

And, bonus, it’s celeb-approved chic! Homegirl Emmy Rossum was spotted with this very clutch in a gorgeous green leather. She looks super cute, as always, and shows us how to dress this clutch up for a nice dinner or cocktail party.

If the Cleobella Mexicana Clutch has tickled your fancy (as it should have!), head over to the brand’s website and purchase it for $160. Enjoy!

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.

Considering I’m done school for the year, my mind is permanently set on dress-up party time. I love a casual weekend of fishing and camping as much as most Northern Ontario girls (not stereotyping ladies – all girls I know like this stuff!) but sometimes you just want to look your best and head to a chic club! I admit, despite having a huge purse obsession, I’m lacking in the clutch department. The graduation ceremonies for my university are this weekend and that means lots of fun in town, which means I need a new clutch. And I think I’ve found my winner!

Enter: the American Apparel Medium Leather Pouch.

Upon first look, it might seem a little bit silly. I mean, the clutch really does just look like a “pouch.” However, these clutches are all the rage right now with the stylish set and the original by Celine will cost you mucho precious pennies more than this American Apparel version. And the more I think about it, the more I like it! I always struggle with fitting all my stuff into a teeny wristlet when I go out. I mean, what girl can fit all their important things into a purse the size of a blackberry? By the time I tuck in my phone, one lipstick and my cards, the seams are practically busting! Read More »

Let’s be honest, money stored in your cleavage is not sexy. What comes next…your lip gloss, cell phone, camera? (You gotta be packing some major weight up there to store all that.) When your skinny jeans pockets are so tight and small that they’re non-existent, don’t be tempted to store things where you think no one will see. The only place money should be inserted into intimates is most likely not the kind of bar you’re headed out to this weekend.

I’ve been searching for the perfect clutch for years. I’ve been able to take my time because I’ve been spoiled by my boyfriend’s ridiculously deep man-pant pockets. It was working out well until I went overboard and tried to convince him it was OK to store my tampons in there…. I knew I had three options: get some man pants for myself, cut down what I bring out with me, or get a cute clutch to put all my Saturday night necessities in.

Option number three was definitely the most attractive once I found this Jessica McClintock Mini Bark Embossed Bag. Read More »

One of the biggest fashion trends for the 2010-2011 fall/winter season is velvet.  The ultra-soft fabric looks and feels luxurious, so it’s great for holiday parties.  It’s also warm, making it perfect for cold weather.

Just because velvet seems luxe doesn’t mean it has to be pricey, however.  For under $20, you can add any one of these great velvet pieces to your wardrobe this holiday season! Read More »

When you go out, you need to be able to carry around all your stuff–money/cards and I.D., keys, phone, camera, lipgloss, etc.–but you don’t want to be weighed down by your usual purse.  Which is why a clutch or wristlet is an absolute necessity for every college girl: they’re small enough that they won’t get in your way while you’re trying to navigate a crowded bar, but big enough to hold the essentials.

These options are all cute, big enough to hold everything you need, and cost $20 or less! Read More »

Neutral blazer: worth the splurge

It’s really easy to get swept away by trends and brand names when you’re shopping. The stuff is just so pretty! Not pretty, though, is a closet full of overpriced clothes that are torn, tattered or out of style six months later. Before you hit the mall and load up on all that Spring cuteness, take a moment to assess the difference between an investment and an indulgence.

Which is which?

Let’s break it all down.

Worth it: Black pencil skirt
Not Worth it: Sequin mini-skirt
Why: While sequins are a hot trend this season, they are just that – a trend – and who knows if they will still be popular next season? On the other hand, a black pencil skirt is a classic; it works for multiple occasions, will last you for years, and will never go out of style.

Worth it: Good pair of comfortable pumps
Not Worth it: Flats
Why: No matter what flats cost, they are still very…flat. That means they wear out easily, so it doesn’t pay to fork over $100 for a pair; they’re still going to be beat up by the end of the year. Read More »

Let’s face it: in these wintery months looking somewhat presentable takes way, wayyy too much effort. When there’s 5 inches of snow on the ground and a 15-minute walk to class ahead of me, the last thing I want to do is think about cute shoes, cute pants… cute anything. And I know you’re all with me cause I’ve seen you walking around campus looking just as hideous and sloppy as I do…

BUT (obviously there’s a “but”; this is the way we look, after all) you can make that throw-on outfit (jeans, boots and a white or black top) instantly fabulous with a simple pop of color. And the best way to do that? A big, bold, bright bag.

There are so many great and afforable bags out there that allow you to have a little fun with your basic winter wardrobe. Add some life to the drab and slushy streets or those so-effing-cold-you-don’t-wanna-leave-the-house-but-you-wanna-get-your-drink-on-so-you-throw-on-a-big-black-sweater winter nights. Whatever you’re doing, there are tons of awesome bags in every color of the rainbow. It’s like Skittles, only instead of making you fat it will make you fashionable.

Here are just a few of my favorite bags that will take your look from blah to bomb. As in the bomb. Read More »

Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

Ask any college student about the rivalry between their school and its arch nemesis, and they’ll tell you it’s gone on for-ev-errrr. While it may seem that way to most, to students at Lafayette College and Lehigh University, the seeming eternity of their rivalry is the closest approximation to truth in American college sports. Having met one another for 144 times in football since 1884 (only one year after standardized rules for the game were established), their rivalry is the most played in college football history. Still going at it after all these years, the annual game is often sold out months in advance. But you don’t have to travel to eastern Pennsylvania, where these schools are located, to learn more about “The Rivalry”– we’ve got the scoop!

1. Mascot Match-up

Lafayette: If you find yourself in Easton, PA, you’ll be quickly accustomed to all of the Lafayette Leopard pride. Go Leopards!
Lehigh: Lehigh athletics were known as the Engineers up until 1995, when the decision to assign a mascot, the Mountain Hawks, was made. Only last year, in 2008, was the Mountain Hawk given a name: Clutch!

Three credits to: Gotta go with Lafayette. How can you cheer for a team for hundreds of years without a mascot? Read More »

It doesn't matter what you wear. This bag will make the outfit.

Going out 3-5 nights a week is a lot of pressure. You have to learn to pace yourself so that you can go out again the following night, you’ve got to learn your limit so you aren’t throwing up in class the next day, and you’ve got to look cute.

The “going out top” has become an often-used phrase in the shopping vocabulary of college girls nationwide, but oftentimes we forget about the rest of the outfit. Like the bag. Stacy London will tell you that a bag is just important to a complete look as your top. It makes a statement and not just “I’m hiding this girl’s tampons.”

That being said, using the same clutch 5 nights in a row is not only a big fashion mistake, but it leaves your trusty black “going out bag” covered in beer stains, marks from the dirty bathroom floor and some sticky crap that landed on the side after you dropped it on you walk of shame home. That’s a good look on no one.

But how does anyone justify buying a new clutch when they’re so damn expensive? Seriously? $200 for something that barely fits my cell phone?

Well, not anymore!

Now you can complete your “going out” look – bag and all – without breaking the bank! I found some of the cutest clutches around (big, small, ruffled, leather…)and all of them are – wait for it – under $30! At that price you can snatch them all up, or at least grab two that make a bold statement and rotate. You’ll look good and still have a little money leftover to store in one of these clutch clutches. Read More »