I agree about the jealousy/looks. I go to a tech school and am studying engineering. There are about 4 of us really girly girls who are very serious about what we do. We are always surrounded by guys and we sometimes try to downplay our femininity to blend in a little better. There is my one friend who doesn't hold back, and it is often distracting because she sticks out like a sore thumb. Women are so scare in Electrical Engineering as it is, having boobs is enough to draw attention. When I wear makeup all of my guys will wonder what is different about me or why I look dressy.
I have friends (aka other EE girls) who do the backpack and purse thing, or they put their purse inside their backpack and pull it out when necessary. I have the friend who has a little wristlet in her backpack or carries a very understated tote that fits everything she needs. I have the friend who only does the tote bag. I just carry my backpack with my dooney wallet tossed in.
I don't really know where I am going with this. I have been going through all the posts trying to get a coherent response. I had a really horrible time in middle school and have developed a lot of insecurities because I never wore the right clothes, so a lot of my obsession stems from wanting to fit in and wanting people to accept me. If that's why you are buying your bags and wearing them, then there are problems there that need to be addressed. (I am adressing mine, I'm not being a hypocrit). If you think you are well adjusted and wear the bag because it's a bag, then have at it. If you can afford to replace these expensive bags, then go ahead. But if you are continually worrying about the bag (is it getting dirty? I can't put it on the floor!) then you are just taking away from your classes. You are at school to learn, and that should be your NUMBER ONE concern, not the type of bag or your outfit. I understand those of you who feel better when you dress up, more power to you.
The brand of bag ultimately shouldn't matter. It's sad that it does...