Northeastern collegiettes come in all types, and so do these bags. There’s something for the organized, the creative, the work-and-study, the alternative, and the work-out-after-class types. Stylish, yet functional and affordable, these five schoolbags may be the perfect remedy to rescue you from that backpack you’ve been lugging since high school or that Longchamp bag that every other girl owns.
For the organized type
This Large Distressed Leatherette Bag ($34.80) from Forever 21 has nine zipper-closure pockets, making it the best accessory for the organized collegiette on the go. The six zigzag compartments on the front make your pens, makeup and cell-phone easily accessible. The large interior compartment is protected from the elements with the zipper closure. There’s even a small zipper pocket on the back to keep small valuables like your Charlie Card or Husky ID handy and secure. The bag is a roomy 17.5” wide, 14” high, and 5” deep.
Where to get it: A new Forever 21 has opened at 343 Newbury Street. The bag can also be found online.
For the creative type
Get your creative juices flowing with this next bag, the Ellie ($72). Featuring a simple interior lined with easy-to-clean nylon and a trigger snap to keep your keys safely inside your bag, this tote is completely customizable at 1154 LILL Studio, both online and in-store. That’s right, you have the freedom to choose the interior lining (black or gray), straps (black or white), and the exterior fabric (dozens of patterns). The Ellie is 13-16” wide, 12” high, and 5” deep, making it the perfect size to carry your books to class in style. It has a magnetic snap closure, and its straps drop at 13”.
Where to get it: The Boston location is only a short walk away from campus at 220 Newbury Street. The website also has Note: 1154 LILL Studio also carries pre-designed bags that can be purchased in-store or online. Custom bags are made in Chicago and are ready in three weeks.
For the work-and-study type
A versatile bag that’s sophisticated for work and stylish for class, this Tasseled Tote ($28.50) from Old Navy may be just what you need to make the class-to-work transition on your busiest of days. The classic shape is functional, with two exterior pockets and an interior side pocket. The gold, hardware trim and tassels add subtle design elements to this basic black, faux-leather bag. The bag measures at 17” wide, 10” high, and 5” deep.
Where to get it: Old Navy is located nearby at the South Bay Shopping Center. The bag can also be found online.
For the alternative type
Made of felted wool with drawstring and magnetic snap closures and rich faux leather accents, this BDG Wool Bubble Bucket Bag (on sale, $39.99) from Urban Outfitters is anything but ordinary. The drawstring closure makes this bucket bag a stylish alternative to the typical tote bag shape. The main compartment has organizer pockets, and there’s an easily accessible front pocket, too. At 15” wide and 14” high, the bag looks great when worn with the cross-body, removable, adjustable shoulder strap.
Where to get it: Urban Outfitters is located at 361 Newbury Street, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Newbury Street. The bag can also be found online.
For the work-out-after-class type
Waterproof, roomy, and cute are just a few words to describe this versatile Saltbox tote bag ($24.99). It’s large enough (18” wide, 14.5” high, and 5” deep) to fit your books, gym gear, and even some snacks.
Created in a Manhattan-based design studio known for its creations in canvas, this canvas tote is made from waterproof, heavy-gauge canvas that exudes a laid-back style while remaining sturdy and functional. Saltbox uses graphic prints and color palettes that are inspired by travel, history, nature and architecture, making it the perfect alternative to your basic tote bag.
Where to get it: The Northeastern Bookstore in the basement of Ell Hall carries the Saltbox tote bag for $24.99. The Saltbox website has a wide selection of tote bags.