Bring Me To School.

I am not looking forward to the start of the new school year, despite that fact that I will (finally) be an upperclassmen. I really dislike thinking about school because the more I think about it, the less I can pretend that the summer will not be coming to an end. Still, however much I hate it, there is a lot of preparation that goes into getting ready for a new school year. The part of preparation that is currently on my mind is my school bag. I've been considering countless options, and I've started to narrow it down.

One of the earlier ideas I considered was spending a little more than I usually would and getting a ginormous Longchamp tote. The size is nice, color selection, and style all work for me. However, I ended up passing on this particular idea. I've learned from experience that my school bags tend to be a bit of a mess by the end of the year. If my bag is going to get really messed up, I'd rather spend a little less and be able to toss the bag at the end of the year if need be.

At my school most people carry Vera Wang tote bags. It isn't a trend I'd like to take part in, but I also don't want to be the only girl carrying a backpack. Last year I had so many textbooks and binders that I had to carry both a backpack and a tote bag, as well as use my locker multiple times a day. This year I expect to have a lot of books too, but I'd like to avoid carrying a backpack, if at all possible. If worst comes to worst, Jansport backpacks have proved to be practical. Mine is simple and black, so at least it doesn't scream, "HEY, I'M A BACKPACK!"

A large black tote from American Apparel is the option I'm currently leaning towards. It's simple and kind of boring, so it'll go with everything. It's big, so it's practical. The price isn't crazy (just $34), so if it gets covered in dust or food or whatever else is lurking around my school, I won't need to have a heart attack.

What size and style of bag have you come to find works best for you?