The Staples: Bags to Have

     Purses, totes, clutches, crossbodys, hobos,  there are so many types of bags and a girl could easily create an a excuse to own a couple of every style out there. But what bags do you need? The ones that you can't, and shouldn't live with out. Here's the round-up of my bags and why you need them.

The Office Staple

Cole Haan Leather Bag (similar). I got it for 18th birthday and started crying in the middle of the restaurant. For a bag like this real leather and quality craftsmanship are crucial. Keep it simple and elegant and oh so preppy. Bring this to the office, to the airport, anywhere you need a lot of stuff and style. The leather handbag is timeless so buy one that you will have forever.

The Campus Tote

Vineyard Vines Tote (similar). I got this through my school store; the band is little tigers waving class of '16 flags, so cute. A tote that will schlep your books to class, your stuff for a day trip to the city, and your clothes for a dorm room sleepover. The vineyard vines is a prep staple, and for good reason, they last an eternity.

The Weekender

LeSportsac (similar). A great christmas present forever ago. On my frisbee team we have weekend tournaments all the time, and this is perfect for them. Big enough for a couple of changes of clothes, uniform, and cleats and small enough to hike across fields with. You never know when you'll want to jet away for the weekend, so be prepared.

The Crossbody

Cole Haan Crossbody (similar // similar). I stole this from my mom in high school. The everyday outing bag. Grab your keys, phone, wallet and go! For shopping, drinks out, or a concert. I prefer this to a clutch in most circumstances. So rarely are events too dressy for a crossbody, plus you don't have to carry it and risk losing it. I love to shop at lower end stores for ones since I like to switch it up a lot.

The Backpack

North Face. Everyone had these in high school. I use mine less in college, but still a necessity. What I don't recommend is one of those bucket backpacks with the drawstring and flap on top. I have yet to see one that didn't break or break someone's back within a month.

The Not-So-Essentials

The Grown-Up Tote

Linea Pelle Tote. A bit like a Longchamp. Useful, but not necessary. You could always bring your leather bag or your campus tote.

The Overnight

From the Grand Wailea Spa in Maui. Basically, a giant tote that can almost fit everything for the weekend, but only if it's warm out.

I think I might have more, but I can't find them, which means they aren't useful. I love to buy bags, but for a student they take up so much room that if you don't need it don't buy it. With bags you should look for a couple of things

1. Material -- Is it real leather, thick canvas, or coated plastic or cotton?

2. Construction -- Are the seems sewn or glued. If glued are they melded (the pieces were melted together, common in snake and fake snake skin bags)? If sewn are the double stitched with sturdy thread?

3. Coating -- If its leather does it appear well treated? Does the canvas have a bit of a plastic feel? You want something that won't easily wear down against clothing or soak up any dyes it rubs against.

What are some of your favorite bags?