Structured handbags are so chic right now – they put the polished finishing touch on any outfit, whether dressy or casual! When worn with an office-ready outfit, they look polished and businesslike. I also love the contrast of carrying a structured satchel with a casual, laid-back outfit such as jeans and a baggy sweater. This fall, why not switch out last summer’s slouchy hobo or bright tote bag for the more sophisticated look of a structured handbag?

Here are some great options for just $20 (or less) each!

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In between mega data entry today, I found myself browsing the beautiful pages of Anthropologie’s website. It is truly the most gorgeous and visually-pleasing store I’ve ever been in. Anthropologie pays careful attention to details that really make a difference in one’s shopping experience. Not only that, they also carry a wonderful selection of clothing and accessories, including this week’s feature, the Bold Strokes Satchel!

This satchel is made of 100% leather and is a bargain at $198! Seriously, I couldn’t believe that this is the full price of this gorgeous bag. It measures 11.5′ L x 9.5′ H x 4.5′ D, so it’s a medium-sized bag and normal for a satchel. This means that there is enough space for your necessities (wallet, cell, makeup, etc), but you can also fit in some extras, like textbooks or a DSLR camera for street style shooting. The two carrying straps are attached with silver-toned rings and feature faux-buckle detail. There is also a cute little keyring that clips on one of the rings. These rings are awesome for attaching your own accessories, whether it’s a cute and functional change purse or faux-fur tail that’s very “in” this Fall.

The interior is fully lined and has two slip pockets and one zip pocket. The outside also features two slip pockets on either end of the bag, the perfect hiding place for your cell phone or a lipgloss. It all closes with a heavy-duty zipper. And as if it couldn’t get any better, the Bold Strokes Satchel also comes in yellow! I prefer the green, as I believe it can carry you through the winter, but you sunny types may jump for joy over the yellow shade.

If you’re looking for a bright, leather bag to punch up your purse collection, look no further than the Bold Strokes Satchel. Green is definitely the more year-round option, but yellow is fun too! Like I said, it comes in at under $200, which is a steal!

[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.]

Lately, I’ve found myself using canvas tote bags a lot. When I can’t fit all my textbooks, notebooks or other awkwardly-shaped junk into my gorgeous purses, I opt for a tote. Most of mine are quite boring and were free at various conferences or academic events, so I wanted one that I wouldn’t be slightly embarrassed to be carrying. And I found it in the Out of Print Book Bag!

Out of Print is a company that makes books fashionable. Seriously – they print old book covers onto just about any item of clothing! If you have a fave classic novel, I guarantee you can find a tee with a print of it in this shop. As this is a bag column, I’ll speak about the tote, but if you’re a book worm like me, you’re definitely going to want to check out the whole store!

Currently available are totes featuring A Clockwork Orange, Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, Animal Farm and Moby Dick. My fave is A Clockwork Orange featuring the original 1972 artwork! That and The Great Gatsby one are so visually stunning and eye-catching; perfect for the girl who likes to carry conversation pieces. The entire bag is screen-printed with the cover art and I think it looks magnificent!

They each measure 13.5′ L X 14′ H and have 10′ straps made of durable, woven canvas. The totes have a flat bottom, which gives the bag sturdiness and also allows you to pack it a bit more full than the average tote. A nice bonus is the inner slip pocket, where you can put a lipgloss and cell phone for easy access. I think these tote bags are so cute, I would absolutely consider wearing one out and about, as a purse. These totes are the perfect marriage of beauty and brains. Paired with a stylish outfit (even a good fitting pair of jeans and a tee), they add another element to your outfit that’s a bit more academic.

If you’re a bibliophile, or just love vintage artwork, check out the Book Bags from Out of Print. They are a cheap $18 and will definitely make a statement.

Browsing through magazines last week, I noticed that fur accessories have popped up in lots of editorials. Not only fur hats and fur-accented scarves, but strangely enough, purses featuring fur details. I admit, at first this seemed kind of odd, but the furry handbags have really grown on me and I’m itching to add one to my collection. ALDO is a great brand, especially for affordable accessories and I was thrilled to see some fur in the their purse section, including the Opdyke.

ALDO came out with a purse last year called the Cyphert. That totally blew up. Everyone and their dog had one. They’re banking on the success of that shape and adding a fur flap, giving you the Opdyke! PS – what’s with the totally bizarre names? Anyways, let’s move on.

The Opdyke measures 12′ L x 10′ H x 5′ D. It is made of a taupe synthetic and features a magnetic flap covered in faux fur. The inside consists of a three compartments, one of which has a zipper. There is also a back zipper pocket and two slip pockets on the front side. That means tonnes of storage and great organization.

There are also two carrying options: the satchel handle and crossbody strap. The strap is removable, which is nice for days when you’re channeling Betty Draper and only use the single handle. The fur accents just scream cold weather and I can only imagine how darling this will be paired with a wool coat or even a plaid shirtdress.

If you’re looking to stay on trend and add some fur to your purse wardrobe, look no further than the ALDO Opdyke! It’s even on sale for $40.50 right now at Zappos.

[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’m going on 2 weekend trips this month, and have realized how non-functional my purse collection actually is. Most of the better-designed ones are also made of super light leathers or too big to bring for a full day of shopping and sight-seeing. I was on the hunt for a well-made, functional and cute purse that could serve me well in my travels. And I think I found it!

The Fossil Modern Cargo Convertible Tote is truly a travel-friendly gem. Fossil is a staple brand; they make great quality accessories in classic shapes and styles. I knew I could turn to them to find me a perfect, timeless tote.

The Modern Cargo Tote is made of 100% genuine leather, with no detail overlooked. It measures 12.5′ L x 13.5′ H with a couple inches in depth. This is the perfect size for your wallet and everyday essentials, as well as a map and other travel gear. BUT, it’s not so big that you’ll be weighed down, which is a common travel mistake. The 2 carrying methods are a favorite of mine – you can tote it by the 2 top handles or the removable, longer strap.

You can also fold the tote over (hence the “convertible” in the name). This makes it much easier to sling it over your shoulder and carry with the long strap. You can also wear it crossbody with it folded over, leaving you hands-free to take photos, browse shops, etc.

The inside is lined with fabric that matches the cute key accessory (love matching!), with a back zippered pocket and a few slip pockets. There is also a top-zip, so no worries about pick-pocketing!

Another bonus is the multitude of colored leathers that the Modern Cargo Tote comes in. There are at least 7 variations of this bag, meaning that you’re sure to find one that fits into your current collection. My personal favorite is the dark purple. It’s classy but won’t get stained!

And just so get an idea of size and how to wear this amazing tote, here’s a model shot.

This tote truly is timeless and will be a happy member of your purse collection for years! If you’re interested, pick it up from Zappos here for $168 – a steal for a well-made, leather classic.

[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.]

Despite being a poor college student, I still crave designer looks and shapes, especially when it comes to purses. I tried (unsuccessfully) to get my parents to gift me with a Louis Vuitton Speedy for my most recent birthday and am constantly in pursuit of purses that have that designer aesthetic without the price tag. Gap is a classic American brand, known more for their blue jeans than their impeccable style and accessories. However, the Metallic Chain Strap Bag has caught my eye and may be just what the doctor ordered!

Metallic bags, when done correctly, scream class and style. The gold crackle finish of the this faux-leather tote, along with the gunmetal strap and details, is super chic. This tote bag is mid-size, measuring 14.5′ L x 14′H, but will still fit a notebook for class or your internship, as well as your everyday essentials. I liken this bag to a super-upscale canvas tote; it’s relatively the same shape and size, but the cracked gold and details are just so much nicer than plain cotton.

The outer pocket doesn’t have any closure, so you won’t want to leave anything precious in there during your commute. However, there are inner pockets (one zip and two slips!) and a magnetic closure along the top of the purse. You also have 2 carrying options: the short, chain strap and longer strap- which is adjustable by buckle.

The Metallic Chain Strap Bag by Gap is super unique. The gold crackle finish will ensure that you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re on an office coffee run or just dashing across the quad. Get your paws on it and Gap for about $70.

“Oh my God, I love her shoes!”

“Check out that bag!”

“That dress is amazing.”

We ladies are constantly on the look out for the hottest fashion (at the lowest prices) and the coolest trends. Even the girl who just wears the same pair of jeans every day is looking for a comfortable pair of denim that make her ass look great. And that’s why we’re constantly providing a running commentary on the fashion we see on a daily basis. While some of it is certainly cringe-worthy, there’s a lot of it that is ooo-ahh-I-want-it worthy.  It’s not uncommon to see strangers ask each other where someone bought something.

But what about those things you can’t have and the people you can’t ask? The Manolo Blahnik’s you see Carrie Bradshaw wearing on almost every episode of Sex and the City or the Hermes bracelet on Kim Kardashian? Everyone wants it but few can have it…and that’s why I have a never-ending list of celebrity closets I want to raid.

These women have the clothes that make me wish I could walk into Barney’s, whip out a Fendi wallet, take out my limitless Amex Black card, and buy the entire store. Of course, this is currently impossible for me so instead I have to spend my days ogling the fashion magazines and fantasizing about shopping in my fave celebs walk-in closets.

Step with me into my fantasies, will you?

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!

The leopard print on this one is a fun (and super fashionable) alternative to a solid-colored purse.  It’s practically a steal at only $13.98! Plus, the chain strap is removable, giving you options for different looks!

This bag is perfect for a fancy event or any special night out. With all that bling, it’s the only accessory you need!  And don’t be fooled: the pretty beading on this clutch only make it look expensive.  It’s only $18.80!

This clutch is simple enough to be dressed up or down, and the separate zippered compartments are perfect for separating the important stuff (i.e. your money and cards) from everything else (i.e. the band-aids you brought for the walk home).  Plus, the color is just gorgeous.

This clutch’s simple design makes it perfect for night or day, and it’s just another example of why quilted bags are are always in style! It comes in five different colors, and at only $15.90, you might think about buying a few!

I am a firm believer in all things sparkly when it comes to nighttime clothing and accessories.  This bag will get you lots of attention and  compliments!

Oh, where do I begin with this bag?  It’s purple , the ruffles are adorable, and it’s only $8.99!

A black clutch is essential, but this one is far from basic.  The studs and chain strap will add a little bit of edge to any outfit.

The classic envelope shape of this clutch is updated with a pretty, goes-with-everything metallic snakeskin material and zipper trim.  Everyone will think you spent a lot more than $17.99 on it!

While you could lug everything around in your backpack all the time, a more stylish option is having a cute shoulder bag. Why drag a giant bag around when all you need is a notebook and a fountain Diet Coke? (Although I’d definitely stick to the backpack for days your need your laptop, three textbooks, a notebook AND your lunch….) Backpacks are boring, but these cuties are great transitional pieces; you can take whatever you need with you (in style) to class, and not be weighed down when you meet your friends for coffee or an afternoon shopping sesh.  They also add interest in your outfit, even if you’re simply in a shirt and the jeans you picked up off the floor 10 minutes before class.

And, because college girls need options, I’ve also scrounged up several cute options for going out bags… none of which are clutches. Come on, every girl knows you need your hands free to double-fist dance and snap some Facebook-worthy selfies. Shop away, ladies!

[Click on the image to see more info!]

So I know that half the country is covered in pounds of snow right now, but for some reason I can’t get my mind off the sunshine. All I can think about is pretty colored drinks in hollowed out fruits (and what I’ll be wearing when I drink them). Plus, spring break is coming up sooner than I realized, which means that in the hours that I’m not in the gym (or thinking in my head that I should be at the gym when I’m really on the couch eating Doritos) I’m shopping online for some cute spring outfits.

And let me tell you, I’m drooling over these trends!

If you’re ready to lose the Uggs; the long, colorful scarves; and the gorgeous riding boots behind like me, then read on to know what to start shopping saving money for this spring!

1)   Printed Skirts.

Currently I have about five skirts Bookmarked online, just waiting for someone to love me and purchase them for me. (Mom, I know you’re reading!) But seriously though, printed skirts are probably my favorite trend this spring because you can do so much with just one! Pair a floral skirt with a striped top, or put a simple white tank under a geometric print skirt. No matter the look you’re going for, a printed skirt screams instant style.

2)   Nude Shoes.

I know, sounds boring, right? But nude shoes go with everything… and I mean everything. How often have you worn those black heels (that are totally ripped up and falling apart due to rough nights you’ve spent in them)? It’s time for something fresh, girls! And nude heels look elegant, clean and stand out against the colored hues in your outfit. Plus it totally elongates your legs, and who doesn’t want long, sexy gams?

3)   Blue Handbags.

With a pineapple-filled pina colada in one hand, and a blue handbag in the other, you’ll look good. (And once you finish that cocktail, you’ll feel good, too.) Spring is all about bright colors, so ditch the black bag and opt for something in a happier hue. A blue bag under your arm will blend perfectly with all of the florals and whites in your wardrobe and will spice up any outfit.