by emily hartl

Styled Out: Beautiful bags

Ugh. Sigh. Gag. It's back to school time and I'm kind of freaking out about finding the perfect bag. I'm into something that's not going to totally tear off my shoulder everyday, but I'm not crazy about backpacks. Does such perfection actually exist? I'm not sure that it does, but it's nothing a little virtual Nancy Drew style investigating can't take care of.

I love Brooklyn Industries, but I was starting to lose faith in them when the over-sized, compartmentalized dream tote that had once been an angel in my eyes started to hurt me more than help me. The thing about Brooklyn is that is that it rarely fails to let me down in the area of finding a dependable piece, always cute however lately it's becoming less unique as they grow and expand.

Awesome tip: All bags that you buy in store or online before August 30 are 30% off, which is kind of awesome. This is my favorite so far: Art Deco + Change bag. If I got it, it would basically change my life.

I'm considering throwing down for the Chrome brand. It's ultimately the most conventional and probably comfortable way to haul your life around, as it evens out the weight that you are carrying evenly across your torso and back if you opt for their most popular messenger bag.

They do have a super comfy looking backpack, better than a traditional one and with a lot more padding on the straps. Avid bike riders will appreciate the fact that they have a whole section just for you, and I've been told that they're a good extra defense against the elements and in the unfortunate off chance that you are propelled from your bike. They have a lot of different colors and styles, so they're definitely worth checking out.

So, it almost hurts me to give out this information but I have to spill on my new favorite obsession: Modcloth.com is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I found my perfect bathing suit, autumn wedding-appropriate dress and, now, this bag.

The Editor-In-Chief bag is my latest obsession. The problem for me is that it technically isn't the most practical of bags for what I need it for but, my god, it's so pretty. There's a compartment for my BlackBerry and my iPod, which to me seem pretty important, right?

Sigh. Maybe next year when I don't have to haul around a copy of Milady's Standard Cosmetology everywhere I go.

I guess if I get new stuff I'll drag myself back to beauty school. Are you ready?

emily hartl's blog

Submitted by

emily hartl

on August 19, 2009 - 1:00pm.

TAGS ::

Awesome bags!

Submitted by

nocturnal (16 posts)

on August 19, 2009 - 1:20pm.

I love your column. This is a great bag-maker out of Portland, but they are everywhere now: http://www.queenbee-creations.com/ I've had one forever and they hold up really well, plus there is no leather involved. I also really like orla kiely bags.

I have to stop reading these articles

Submitted by

Taylor (60 posts)

on August 19, 2009 - 1:22pm.

'cause they make me want to buy so much new stuff! Ugh. I am in love with the messenger bag with the hot pink stripe on the bottom!

ModCloth!

Submitted by

balaustine (97 posts)

on August 19, 2009 - 1:28pm.

I LOVE ModCloth! I have to go on there at least once a day, and check out their vintage items. Sadly, everything's already sold by the time I log on. :(

Watch out...

Submitted by

KVT (260 posts)

on August 19, 2009 - 4:50pm.

I own a Chrome messenger bag (the mini metro), and some people really seem to like pressing the seatbelt-like buckle, causing the bag to fall off. Here's something on youtube that demonstrates what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z74HCEDh6q0

mulberry!

Submitted by

alex (490 posts)

on August 19, 2009 - 5:03pm.

mmm i bike to work, and have been using a classic timbuktu messenger bag. not going to lie, though; ive been coveting the chrome bag. They're just so darn big - i always struggle to fit my gym clothes, post-work gear, book, laptop and assorted snacks in my timbuktu. plus, the seatbelt strap looks super badass =)

as for everything else - i dont usually do handbags with long straps, but lately ive been loving this mulberry my mom got me. Love their stuff, like the wallet i hope lasts me forever.

also obsessed with this marc jacobs, despite the fact that i can barely fit my wallet and a book in it:

-----------
tunes, snark and such: http://rightmindleftcoast.wordpress.com

Bag Love Sigh

Submitted by

lchaimandshalom (23 posts)

on August 19, 2009 - 5:40pm.

Oh this column is dangerous for me, i absolutely love the first bag. It's just so unique, i love it! Problem is, i have way too many bags already! Hmm maybe i could find some room for just one more?

Homaphobia Is Whack

sweet

Submitted by

Anonymous

on August 19, 2009 - 5:58pm.

I'm looking for a new bag.

When I look for a new bag,

Submitted by

Allie Ray (70 posts)

on August 19, 2009 - 8:53pm.

The first place I head to is Urban Outfitters online store. I've found a lot of bags that have held up well on there that are stylish and functional for school. I pick out about 10 different ones, usually and end up buying a couple. I always read all the reviews to make sure I'm picking a winner [;

Maybe try there!

Thanks for telling us about modcloth, I was on there for a couple hours earlier after I read this and I loveee their vintage-esque dresses. So cute & perfect for something to thrown on easily to make getting ready for school that much easier. Their jewelry was really kitschy cute, too.

XOXOX

Allie Ray<3

Modcloth

Submitted by

groovitational.pull (193 posts)

on August 20, 2009 - 12:05am.

has always been a favorite of mine. I don't have a credit card, so I can't actually buy anything, but it doesn't hurt to look and get inspired.

When I play doctor, I play to win.

Oh wow and next week

Submitted by

Marta Perenna (97 posts)

on August 20, 2009 - 7:07am.

Oh wow and next week stillettos and in two weeks a blusher rouge special and in a month a complete guide to heterosexualize your lifestyle that unique Sex and the City way! Oh super!

I come here to rest from all the effing fashion and accessorize grind that seems to inflame women's life everywhere.. but now even here..another guide to shopping.. because we're incapable of even chosing what we like at the store.. bah

BOOOO HUMBUG I say! Booo!

// those harper seals are biaaatchesss - Bridget McManus //

well...

Submitted by

emily hartl (113 posts)

on August 21, 2009 - 1:34am.

my column is specifically about style! ;/

I see your point but...

Submitted by

tesstracy (5 posts)

on August 24, 2009 - 5:31pm.

I see your point, but I think it's refreshing that AE doesn't limit how they portray the lesbian community to any one particular angle. We've got vlogs on women's basketball. We've got columns on Rachel Maddow. We've got articles on trendy, yet still quite gay (and I of course mean this in a good way) fashion.

One of the first things I got to get over was that being gay didn't make me anything other than someone who was attracted to women. Didn't make me good at fixing things. Didn't make me a fan of football. Did however, like the Indigo Girls more than I thought I would. Blush is not purely heterosexual, if it were, many fabulous men I know would be very confused about what, or rather whom they did over the weekend.

Emily, thanks for the tip on ModCloth. Unfortunately I cannot find the editor-in-chief bag on the site anymore. And now I'm seriously lusting after the foley and corinna tote. Bah!

Huh?

Submitted by

Noel8 (3 posts)

on August 20, 2009 - 9:53am.

What a prejudicial comment... I like handbags and accessories and blusher and none of these things make me any less of a lesbian.

And what's wrong with writing an article about shopping? Nothing. If you find this stuff boring, don't read it!

THANK YOU

Submitted by

aem (77 posts)

on August 20, 2009 - 11:55am.

Thanks to you I just bought the cutest bag for school! And to think it never would have found me without your blog!

Also, the Editor-In-Chief bag is fab. I hope you get it!

<3

Submitted by

foxy_boo (37 posts)

on August 21, 2009 - 1:47am.

I looooove Modcloth, I got these super cute red ankle boots there and they never fail to turn heads, along with being insanely comfy : )

______________________________________

Just so you know, my first thought when I see you is not "I want to fuck that girl".

I looooove Modcloth, I got

Submitted by

foxy_boo (37 posts)

on August 21, 2009 - 1:49am.

I looooove Modcloth, I got these super cute red ankle boots there and they never fail to turn heads, along with being insanely comfy : )

______________________________________

Just so you know, my first thought when I see you is not "I want to fuck that girl".

foley & corinna?

Submitted by

lissa (2 posts)

on August 24, 2009 - 1:13am.

i know they are a huge splurge, but have you considered the foley & corinna city tote? they remind me a lot of the editor-in-chief bag (i've been jonesing after the f&c one for years), but they come in different sizes (read: they have an extra large size). anyways, might be something to consider?

i'm super happy with my matt & nat bag, and they're vegan!

school bags...

Submitted by

SunriseShadow (181 posts)

on August 24, 2009 - 4:31pm.

Oh, the sweet hell of a new bag for your books... my first year in high school I had a HUGE backpack, like everyone starts out with over here, but I soon gave it up once we had our lockers. I'd say go with a nice Eastpak in one colour and paint or colour stuff on it ;) http://www.xelca.nl/images/dynamic/articles/_eastpacks.gif These rock ;) They're not too big so you won't look like your books are carrying you instead of the other way around :p

PS: I absolutely adore that first bag in the article!! it's sooo cute!

You didn't even take your clothes of, yet you've never looked more naked.

Welcome to AfterEllen.com!

by emily hartl

Styled Out: Beautiful bags