Even though class may be a month away still, we know back-to-school shopping starts now! Here are our top picks for the perfect school bag.

This is our number one pick for a backpack alternative! Our Melie Bianco Front Pocket Tote offers a fun pop of color via soft, pebbled leatherette, and is big enough to store any and everything you may need for class. Our 2 favorite features of this fabulous bag? First, the removable canvas and leatherette shoulder strap. (Blue and white striped - so collegiate, don’t you think?) You can throw on this strap to instantly transform this tote into a cross-body messenger bag. This way, you can wander campus hands-free and in style. Secondly, we love the extra roomy pouch on the front. Store your cell and student ID in this convenient pocket!

When it comes to school bags, you can never have enough pockets to stay organized. We love this Nicole Lee Push-Lock Handbag not only because it’s super unique, but also because it offers such savvy storage!  Two individual pockets on the front allow you to grab what you need easily without having to dig through your entire bag. (Think: calculator? Keys and cell phone?) There’s even a zippered pocket on the backside, too, for added organizational options. Perfect!

If you rely on your laptop to get you through the day, you’ll need our Giraffe Print Laptop Case to keep it safe and secure - and stylish, of course! Pack up your computer in this padded bag, equipped with two Velcro outer pockets for that wireless mouse and Blackberry. You’ll also find two more compartments inside the bag, which happens to be lined with bright red fabric. And don’t worry about hurting your shoulder. Our bag has a wide, leatherette shoulder strap for added comfort and support.

Our New York Patent Shopper is perfect for the girl who’s sophisticated yet funky. This glossy leatherette bag offers a punch of bright color and silver hardware, but that’s not the reason we think it’s great for school. When you open up this edgy tote, you’ll see a zippered compartment that divides the bag into 2 sections for easy organization. There are two pockets to store your i-Pod and phone, and ample room to carry a water bottle and assignment notebook to class. There’s even a zipper on the back so you can have easy access to your student ID and room key.

If you need a bag to function as a book bag, our Broad Ripple Oversized Satchel can be your best friend. This satchel can be worn with anything, and sports a professional, classic shape that is sure to always be in style. This bag is meant to carry some weight, so you can easily throw in your computer, books, and binders. It’s perfect for the girl who has little time between classes and must pack for a full day of lectures and notes!

Why should purses get all the attention? It’s equally as important to find the perfect wallet, don’t you think? Your wallet is holding all the REALLY important stuff in your purse, anyway - you know, that credit card, wad of cash, and license you want to keep safe! There are so many different types of wallets out there, so obviously consider your own personal needs and fashion sense when picking one out. But don’t forget to consider your current bag, too! Let’s address the “matching purse and wallet” debate, because we see the appeal of both sides. Contrasting wallets and bags can be super cute, as long as the pieces complement each other well. For instance, a neutral animal print bag with a vibrant, colorful wallet can be a fun combo! Just make sure the 2 pieces don’t look gaudy together. But for those of you who don’t like playing match-maker, we think there’s nothing wrong with coordinating your bag and wallet to a T. It’s an easy way to look sophisticated and perfectly put together.  Here are some of our favorite combinations from our site - check them out, or get creative with your own matches and let us know what you come up with so we can share with others!

Giraffe Print Canvas Tote	Giaffe Print canvas Wallet
Emily Patchwork Bag	Emily Patchwork Wallet
Bermuda Dawstring Tote	Bermuda Wallet

The Envelope:

Category = Small

This tiny bag stays true to its name - it’s shaped like an envelope and isn’t fit to hold that bottle of Diet Coke you carry around. (Think envelope = opposite of tote) This basic purse was popular in the ’50s and still has the same proper, feminine feel today. They are square or rectangular in shape with a clasp to secure in those few items. It’s perfect for the girl who wants a bag that won’t get in the way. It tucks right under your arm and looks neat and sophisticated with any outfit. Some envelope bags have shoulder straps while others take on the appearance of a strapless clutch. Either way, these minis are good to have around if you’re a minimalistic chica. But PLEASE: don’t try stuffing too much in! These bags are supposed to be flat with 4 sides, not round like a basketball. When the shape is distorted, the bag loses its appeal.

Classic Quilted Shoulder Bag