What's in My Tote: Fall 2011 Edition

I did this post around this time last year and I have decided to do it again since I have been getting many requests. Not too much has changed from last year however, since I am living off campus, I usually carry around more than I did last year. I always have my rain gear on me. The weather is usually very cooperative here, however, I don't want to be stuck on campus without rain gear and have the possibility of being wet all day and not have a chance to run home and change. I also always carry my sunglasses with a pair of croakies. I have two pencil cases--they're actually supposed to be makeup brush cases, but they work just as well for pencils/pens, etc. One case has pencils and pens and then the other case has markers and twistable crayons. I know, it sounds like I'm a 5-year-old, however, I am crazy about color-coding things and it's also handy to have when class gets boring. I carry around the Kate Spade wristlet and I use this to throw in my purse. It has everything from lip gloss, to wisps, to bobby-pins and band-aids. Having all of that in one pouch makes it quick and easy to change bags. I always have some sort of snack and it's usually sugary because if I don't eat for a while, I get light headed. I usually carry fruit snacks, Mike 'n Ikes, or Nature Valley Granola Thins. I always have my planner which is a Leatherman planner. Most girls I know use Lilly Planners and while I love the look of them, I get too distracted on each page. The Leatherman option has a very clean and organized layout that I love. I also always carry sticky-notes, hand-sanitizer, orbit gum, note cards, a koozie and my wallet (which I 'll have to do a separate post on because it's the best wallet EVER).

I'm currently using a madras J. Crew tote from several years ago, however, at the end of September, I'll change to a more fall appropriate option. Several things that are not pictured include a book or magazine, my school books and folders (of course), my keys on my J. McLaughlin key chain...

This picture was actually taken this summer but how cute is the needlepoint key fob!

What do you tote to class? What are your necessities? Have a fabulous day!

Yours, 

sCe

To Vera or not to Vera?

So I've been a fan of Vera Bradley for a long time. The first bag I ever got was a big tote my freshman year in high school. I have many patterns and really think that they are good quality bags. I've never bought a VB purse (I think they look like they're for old women, no offense to old women or those who like VB purses!) but I do have totes and wallets galore. The real question is: Should I buy another one. I feel as if VB has lost its pizazz, I don't really know how else to describe it. Being on vacation, a friend pVe, has the Botanica print, which I am absolutely in love with, it's so colorful, but the base color is black, so it won't look that worn when it does wear out. I want to buy this off of ebay:It is the Vera Bradley Large Backpack in Botanica. The print is very old, and retired but I absolutely love it. I have never purchased anything on ebay before, but it's never too late to start! I can't find it anywhere else, so that's really the reason. The price (buy it now) is around $50, which is almost half off of the normal Large VB Backpack price. The only time I would ever use this backpack is for going to class, and toting my books (which obviously that is what a backpack is for.) I honestly haven't used a backpack since middle school. Once I hit highschool, I was a tote bag girl all the way. I've blogged about getting a nice coach messenger bag from my parents that I will want to use quite often but of course, not in the rain, or in threatening weather! I've also blogged about definitely getting the Vineyard Vines tote bag with the Steelers pattern they are coming out with this September. I know I will use this as my rainy weather bag, my football sunday bag, and and the August September months because the coach bag is more of a fall/winter bag. So I have two trusty brand new bags that I've already spent a pretty penny on, not to mention the bags I already have (Lilly tote, many L.L. Bean totes, Brooks Brother tote, RL tote, etc.)

So pretty much, what I am saying is that I in no way need a new bag. Do I want this backpack, YES! But the level headedness I am trying to have with myself is saying that I don't need to spend $50, and just have it take up space in my little dorm room. But my personality, and bag lover-self is saying, "get the bag, it is so cute, and for $50 you can't beat it!" And the fact that you can use it any season, and it has so many pockets makes it seem so worth it!

What would you do? I really can't decide, it is a great bag. Is VB getting old? Does anyone else have a VB backpack and can give me feedback on how they like theirs? Should I buy a retired fabric? I would love to hear your feedback!!

Yours,
sCe