Longchamp Le Pliage, $125-145, depending on size
I had one of these bags (until my puppy chewed it up), and I carried it everywhere. Depending on the size, you can fit several textbooks in one of the larger sizes. They come in all colors of the rainbow, and even some limited edition prints. If you're thinking the price is a bit high for what is a basic bag, let me assure you you're getting your money's worth. A Longchamp bag will last you a lifetime, no matter how badly you abuse it. They're easy to take care of (a soapy cloth will get them clean), and it will go with all but the most formal of wear. I carried my Le Pliage (RIP) and messenger bag all throughout college, and still use the messenger bag often. The messenger bag isn't as big as the Le Pliage, but is still quite sizeable. I can carry several Tom Clancy paperback novels (don't ask) in the messenger.
A Longchamp bag also makes a good baby bag for those who don't want something that looks too much like a baby bag. I had a friend who purchased a Le Pliage in red (same bag I had), because, as she puts it, "it didn't insult her intelligence." She spent months looking for something that wasn't a large black box, a cutesy duck print, or a pink and green paisley explosion. A Longchamp fit her bill perfectly.
There are a fair number of Longchamp knockoffs being sold, especially online. They're nowhere as near prevalent as Coach knockoffs, but they're there. A Longchamp bag is made in France, never in China. If you're looking at buying one from Ebay, don't buy any that come from China or Hong Kong, as they're not authentic. Also make sure that the Ebay listing clearly states them to be "authentic."
Guess who is a big fan of Longchamp bags? One of my new style icons, Kate Middleton:
This picture is from Kate and William's recent July trip to Canada/United States. I had the same bag Kate does in this picture, except mine had long handles.
She also carried one to her college graduation.
As the Duchess of Cambridge has proven, how many other purses out there that you will not only buy different colors of, but will use for several years to come?
Longchamp can be bought locally at Yarid's, which has several stores throughout West Virginia including in Charleston and Lewisberg. Visit their website for more store information. I bought mine through Nordstrom's and the online store Magnum's, which has excellent customer service.
