If you are paying full price, try The Sak. They have become much more stylish this season and have lots of great styles, almost all in price range:
http://www.thesak.comd
I would steer clear of an all patent bag because it's cute but maybe the trend wont last through the next few seasons. Also, it's kind of loud for an everyday work bag.
Anyways, I'm 21, and a senior in college, so I'm close in age to her. I would love to carry any of these bags. I think a good size hobo in luxurious leather in black, brown or red is the most useful. Here are my recommendations:
1.
$139.00 Michael Kors Ranger Hobo in Brown (very seriously considering ordering it for myself at this price! Almost too good to be true.
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catal...4639&CategoryID=5282&PageID=5282*1*24*-1*-1*9
2.
$149.99 ($238 retail) Michael Kors Astor Update Hobo
http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?...odid=1111442852&t=Cat.dept-11.cat-316.prod.20
3.
$129.99 ($250 retail) Via Spiga Mariska Large Leather Hobo. I love red so much and that's why I picked this one!
http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?...odid=1111440108&t=Cat.dept-11.cat-316.prod.31
4.
$99.99 ($195 retail) Via Spiga Krystal Suede Hobo. Very much a winter-season style but it's gorgeous for the price!
http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?...odid=1111437420&t=Cat.dept-11.cat-316.prod.13
5.
$151.95 Kenneth Cole Reaction Square Root Bucket If you think she'd want something on the simpler side, this is a choice.
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30538593/c/3.html
6.
$135 ($150 retail) Luce Butter Soft Leather Hobo
The embellishment on this one makes it a much more west coast/edgy/rock n roll style, but I secretly love it! Also comes in black and dark brown.
7.
poor quality pic b/c of ebay but I've seen this bag in person and I LOVE IT. Cole Haan Village Satchel @ ebay. Currently $16.38 (will probably sell for $100-150?)
http://cgi.ebay.com/COLE-HAAN-VILLAGE-SATCHEL-BAG-PURSE-HANDBAG-BLACK_W0QQitemZ230199694819QQihZ013QQcategoryZ63852QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I say bid on the ebay one and if no success there, go for one of the others.
Happy shopping!