<p>I'm a female, and I'm trying to decide whether to get a tote or bookbag for next semester. I trying to revamp my image and be more collegiate couture next semetster.</p>
<p>So, which do you think is more functionable and stylish for college:</p>
<p>A large tote bag or a Jansport bookbag</p>
<p>Most people here just have totes. The <em>blanking on name</em> ones that are quilted and pink and green and patterned and such are really popular, but so are plain ones that people have decorated themselves, usually if they're in a sorority. I have one that has a vintage Twister game image on it, and I have gotten sooo many complements on it. But yeah, totes are used way more than backpacks or messenger bags.</p>
<p>vera bradley is what you're thinking of--I personally don't like them but they are very popular.</p>
<p>Totes are so much better than backpacks--much better for your back too. Plus it's easier to get your books out, and it looks more polished. You can also continue to use them after college and not have it look weird. </p>
<p>No one has mentioned her, but I realllly love sally spicer (spicier?) bags. I have her gym bag, which is really just a bigger tote with elastics on the inside to hold water bottles, and several pockets. I think it's also advertised as a baby bag. They come in many different fabric patterns and are super durable and nice.</p>
<p>Functionable - probably the bookbag, unless you have extra compartments in the tote bag (I personally like separating my pens, wallets, cell phone etc. from folders and books)</p>
<p>Stylish - tote bag all the way</p>
<p>I guess my school's out of the norm, and even though there aren't many girls, I see about 75% with backpacks, and maybe 25% with messenger bags. I'd just go with what works for you and your schedule. I know I have way too much stuff to carry around all day since I have back-to-back classes, and need a backpack.</p>
<p>I use both depending on how much stuff I need to carry.
I use a Ralph Lauren tote, and Jansport backpack.</p>
<p>DO NOT GET A VERA BRADLEY BAG. THEY MAKE ME WANT TO THROW UP, AND I DON'T SEE HOW THOSE OLD LADY BAGS BECAME SO POPULAR IN THE FIRST PLACE</p>
<p>I always use tote bags. I haven't carried a backpack since like 6th grade. I hate them.</p>
<p>i've always preferred backpacks because i like the weight being evenly distributed on both shoulders, plus it always seems backpacks are more functional for organizational purposes - and i never feel bad throwing in shoes or dirty gym clothes, or throwing it out on the ground at the beach, because it just feels more durable and hardcore. also, it's easier to ride a bike/skateboard with, better for the airport, etc.</p>
<p>but i wouldn't describe my style as polished and classy, haha. i think that if you're looking for a balance between class and funtionality and are planning to not need a backpack for traveling/day trips, a tote would be the way to go.</p>
<p>It depends on what I'm carrying that day. If it's a heavy course/book-load day, I use a backpack. I'm a commuter so I have to haul all of my stuff with me at pretty much all times. I've tried using a tote for these days, and I just end up with a messed up shoulder.</p>
<p>If I have a large project or only a few classes, I carry an LL Bean tote. I'd recommend the medium. I have a large and I get tired of jokes about how I could curl up and take a nap in my tote (I'm petite, so you maynot have this problem).</p>
<p>I just have a plain two compartment Jansport (as do most folks at my school). My roommate uses a cute tote, though. </p>
<p>It just depends on your style. Most folks here just throw on jeans and a school t-shirt/hoody, but my roommate (and most girls I see with totes) usually dresses a bit nicer so the tote works for her. </p>
<p>One of my friends carries a kiddie Ninja Turtle backpack, though. It's cute. lol</p>
<p>::edit::</p>
<p>Oh, but I do switch my backpack out for a tote every now and then. Like when I just have Calc or Chem lab and don't need to carry any heavy books...and then I use a messenger bag for carrying my clarinet and music over to band practice and private lessons. So yeah...I pretty much have all bases covered with the bag thing (though the Jansport is my main bag).</p>
<p>What do you guys think of Kate Spade tote bags?</p>
<p>Kate spade is ok...I prefer longchamp, more durable and slightly less expensive, still great looking</p>
<p>I say backpack... Personally, I'd feel wierd carrying a tote, but that's just me. In general, I think that at my school, girls carry backpacks more often than totes... Ha, my friend carries a tote, and I make fun of her, because on the days that she has a lot of classes, the thing is bursting at the seams... it also looks like it would be painful to carry all that weight on one shoulder... but she doesn't really seem to have a problem with it... So basically, go with whatever you feel comfortable carrying. Backpacks = easier, totes = stupid or more stylish, depending on your opinion.</p>
<p>Depends. I've got both, and I use them more or less interchangeably. I prefer the tote usually (L.L. Bean), but if it's raining, I definitely switch to the bookbag. It also depends on how many classes I'm going to before I'll get back to my room. I feel stupid carrying a huge bookbag around with just a notebook, book, pen, and my wallet and keys in it, but if I've got to carry around all my stuff for three classes (or if I've got to carry my computer), I always carry the bookbag.</p>
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Kate spade is ok...I prefer longchamp, more durable and slightly less expensive, still great looking
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<p>Great, because I just bought the Kate Spade one:)</p>
<p>I bought mine from Lerner New and York and Company. I've never used a tote in lieu of a bookbag, so I'm pretty excited.</p>
<p>Me neither. I'm pretty excited too.</p>