FASHION FLASH

Totes are by far one of the most popular ways of transporting books and other scholastic materials for the girls here on the SMU campus. Look around almost any classroom or lecture hall and you can see at least one Louis Vuitton and one Longchamp tote. But how much do we really know about their fancy book bags?

In an interview with Michael Brink, Manager of Handbags Nordstrom North Park Center, I learned everything anyone could possibly want to know about the Longchamp tote bags. “The Pliage,” the proper name for the Longchamp tote, is apparently the best selling style for Longchamp in the stores where it is sold. It comes in about 15 colors a season, with the staples being the red, black, navy and beige bags. As a school bag, these totes are perfectly suited because of their durable Nylon exterior and easily accessible pocket on the back interior wall. The cushy leather handles and brown leather flap are perfect accents against all the fashionable colors the bag comes in, but they look best with the basic black nylon. Hardware is offered in both silver and gold tone with the Longchamp Jockey 1948 Logo.

Measuring 13 inchs by 13 inches by 7.5 inches, the lager of the Longchamp bags is the perfect size to throw some notebooks in, and at only $132 this bag is at a great price point for something so durable. Some things to look forward to are the gorgeous chalky colors with inlaid perfect accents, set to premier this spring. Longchamp also offers a higher-end fashion line, including bright colors, supple leathers and exotic weaves.

On the other hand, we have the Louis Vuitton totes. Most Louis bags have a beautiful back-story, and so does the “Speedy 25” (the 25 refers to the size – 25 centimeters). Audrey Hepburn requested that Louis Vuitton make a smaller version of the “Speedy 30”, and thus came about the second most popular size of the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.

Although there are many more styles to choose from, the most popular of the Louis tote bags is the “Cabas Mezzo,” the larger of the two Monogram tote bags. At 18.9 inches by 13 inches by 6.1 inches, it is a bit larger and a lot more expensive at $990. As a part of Louis Vuitton’s permanent collection, this bag is sure to be around for years. The “Cabas Mezzo” is only offered in Monogram print. With its rawhide trims and brown canvas lining, it is both durable and trendy.

When out shopping for bookbags this summer I was drawn to these two bags, among others, but in the end I found myself carrying my old Jan Sport from high school. It’s comfortable, carries all my books, and really says absolutely nothing about my fashion sense, but in the end, who cares- it’s just a bookbag. On the other hand, if you do happen to find yourself privileged enough to carry a beautiful designer bookbag just think in the back of your mind, ” I know right.”

I am more than happy to answer any questions or comments you have about my column, or any other fashion questions you might have. Just e-mail me at [email protected].