[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 I paid my last MasterCard bill, I’ve decided that I need to buckle down and budget shop with a little more effort. I love my high-end purses, but surprisingly, many middle-end stores churn out wonderful bags at a fraction of the designer cost. One shop that I can always count on to keep on top of trends at an affordable price is Aldo. I was browsing their sale the other day (which is always full of great finds!) and stumbled upon the beautiful Machon.

Color-blocking is a huge trend for Summer and you can test out the waters with a safer combo of off-white and black synthetic with the Machon. The pattern on this purse is quite striking and reminds me, both in shape and design, of the Rebecca Minkoff Bombe M.A.B., but at a fraction of the price. It’s a medium-sized satchel, with one set of handles that rest comfortably on your arm or on your shoulder. The size will perfectly fit all your essentials, plus a notebook or a camera, making it a great everyday purse, whether you’re heading to class or out sightseeing. The slight sheen of the synthetic will also allow you to transition this purse both into fall and evening! Read More »

If I had to choose what I love most about this season’s fashions (and choosing one is no easy feat) it’s that purple is THE color to wear. From shoes to bags to dresses and jackets – shades of purple are popping up EVERYWHERE.

You can’t go wrong: neon, plum, eggplant. Deep shades of purple are h.o.t.

“But I will look more like a vegetable and less like a cute trendy person,” you say aloud as you hold up an amazing purple frock. To which I say: NOT SO! Add some black patent accessories, or a fun accent color and you are good to go!

Here are three chicks rockin the neon purple ensemble, but, as usual, the prices of these fabu garments are well out of our reach.

That’s where I come in! Your fashion researcher. Your best friend, the coolest person you “know” to bring you celebrity chic on the cheap: Purple Paradise. Read More »