Would you bring a high end bag to college classes?

[rainrowan]

The feeling I get is that your bag really puts you in a happy mood, so I say just do it and bring it to class.

Before the designer bags phenomenon came on, I was a bit of a "mod" on campus (NYU '86) and friends would usually find me carrying a handbag in addition to my bookbag (don't ask how I managed but I knew I wanted to and I did).

School was my life, so this was just a natural thing to do. These are the days, I say -- to be young and free to experiment. You could carry it off better on campus than, say, trying to do the same in a corporate work environment after college...

 

[merika]

Yikes that sucks. :s Yea, definitely makes sense. How'd the advisor know it was authentic?

I don't think it's fair. I know some ppl who don't do designer at all and have tens of thousands in the bank (saved while in grad school can you believe it)...and others who have no savings because they spent it all on bars and cigarettes. Do they really deserve more funding than the ones who buy bags? Kinda arbitrary, but hey what are you gonna do. Good to keep Medhavini's account in mind.

It may have not been that particular occasion that made her advisor take note, but she was pretty upfront about telling people that she did buy designer stuff, bought bags to school and so on, and that that was what she did with her money.

 

[Jenny111]

I just finished earning an MBA and before that I earned a four year Honours B.Comm degree. I graduated at the top of my class for both degrees. I had a daily uniform for 5 years and that consisted of designer jeans, a (non-designer) zip-up or long sleeved t-shirt, pumas and a designer bag. I never really dressed up (or down) for school but when I carried a designer bag and wore great jeans, I somehow felt a little more confident. I always carried small bags that would fit in my tote bag if necessary. I carried a Kate Spade messenger with my books and a small Fendi, Prada, Gucci, etc. I never carried a large purse only because lugging around that much stuff was just too awkward and heavy.

I own a Blanc Paddington and would NEVER bring it to school for two reasons.
1. It is just way too heavy! I can't even spend an hour at the mall without feeling pain.
2. The only place to put school bags or purses was on the ground and I would never put a designer bag on the ground.

So, after all of my ranting, what I wanted to say was carry what you want. Whether you dress up or down, or carry a designer bag or not, I don't understand how this could possibly affect your grades, or level of competition for grades (as some others have suggested). Carry what you want, wear what you want, but just think about what is practical for your needs.

P.S. I would hate to see you ruin such a beautiful bag at school. I cherish my Paddy and would absolutely hate if someone stepped on it, or a textbook scratched the leather.

 

[Miss Dior Cherie]

Honestly? If it makes you happy, then carry it! My only advice would be if it gets heavy or anything you may wish to get something smaller/lighter.

I don't get the people that say designer bags are 'distracting' in a learning environment -- if I see someone else with a nice bag, it basically doesn't move beyond "oh, I love your bag!" for either person. And just because I'm in a learning environment doesn't mean I'm going to let hygiene fall by the wayside and come to class in pajamas. If people here laughed at me for 'dressing up' for classes, it'd make me pretty mad (no one who doesn't shower in the morning is going to judge my appearance)

Sorry -- tangent there! In short: do what makes you happiest!

 

[BoyAboutTown]

I carry my Prada messenger everyday to class and don't have any problems (I'm in high school, btw.) The only impact it has on my grades is it inspires me to study harder -- so I'll be able to buy hundreds of designer bags after I get into a good university and graduate!!

 

[Vintage Leather]

Only carry the bag if you don't care about it, or can refurbish it easily.

Don't carry anything to draw attention to yourself - mugging isn't fun. Maybe it's safer in your neck of the woods, but really - mugging isn't fun.

Don't carry more than one big bag... do a backpack or a purse that carries your books - Your Spine is Your Friend. Do Not Be Mean to Your Friends.

 

[Bitten]

I think you should carry what you want. I really am annoyed by some of the sour grape type comments here that carrying a "designer" bag to classes essentially means you're shallow and aren't going to get good grades. That just sounds like people are trying to put you down for being able to carry a gorgeous bag and they're jealous.

Personally practicality dictated what I carried to university. I used to take my mac and texts either in a Ralph Lauren tote or just in my arm if there weren't too many, and carry a smart handbag for my personal stuff and pencil case. I have to say, I never understood the idea of "We're at university now, we'll all dress like homeless people as though we're really dedicated to learning, when in fact we're just lazy and have no respect for ourselves". It was never really rampant at UQ, but certainly a lot of the US exchange students would walk into classes looking like they'd just come from a gym! I was a pretty successful triathlete at university, so I was always of the mindset that runners and lycra/tracksuits are for training and sweating in, not for appearing in a group with other adults at a lecture. Seriously, grow up.

I agree with what someone said above: you can wear nice jeans, a casual top or tee with flats and look smart and still be comfortable. It's about respect for yourself as well as other people. Remember, the teachers are at work and they deserve to address a group of mature, dressed adults, not smelly scruffy teenagers.

 

[CooCoo4Chanel]

I agree with everyone who said carry the bag that you want to carry.

If it makes you feel good to bring the bag, go ahead. If you want to bask in small jealous looks, go ahead. If you just want the bag to match your outfit, go ahead.

Just be sure you know that your bags will take a beating as school bags. Even purses will take a beating.

I remember when I was in college and high school (took all the bags that my grandma and mom weren't into anymore... was into this vintage bag binge when I was in high school) --- the books were heavy, I sat on pavement, floor, grass and chairs. My bags were tossed and had things tossed into carelessly. I'm glad I had a sturdy coach that I was using and an LV epi and monogram (jeez could those bags take a beating!)... I can't imagine using my ponyhair balenciaga that way.

 

[Virginia]

I use to carry my Coach's & Dooney's to class. The most "flashiest" was probably my Dior Girly Boston but I only brought it the first week I had it and then after that, I just went back to my older bags.

 

[Zophie]

When I was in college I think I had a LV bag and a Gucci. I carried them to class and carried them to work. I used them just as I would use a bag now, whenever I felt like it. If you like them, use them as you like. Do whatever makes you happy. Don't leave it in your car though. Maybe it has to do with being raised in New Orleans, but I was taught to NEVER EVER EVER leave your purse in your car and to this day I won't anywhere in any city.

 

[helpl!!! slush]

haha this is a funny forum! i think that its so funny how upset people are by others carrying designer bags

i live in nyc go to school here and everyyone carries designer stuff to class and who cares, they are nice, we spend a lot on them so why not use them!

I dont tend to carry small bags to school i use my large designer bags for classes and on wkends i use my smaller designer items

but i dont have bags that i dont like, or didnt buy to use , what would be the point?!

and i am not someone who gets dressed up for class, i dont roll out of bed and go to class but i do wear comfortable clothes, a sweater, or a tee shirt, whatever and maybe some yoga pants (not the super tight kind) but just comfortable clothes, clean neat looking ones of course!
i put on light make up just soome mascara and eyeliner, lipgloss

and then i carry my beautiful bags! and i think they are a beautiful addition to comfortable clothes! they are the thing that jumps out at you and thats what i want my beautiful babies to do!

SO I SAY CARRY IT! if it isny practical and doesnt hold a lot though, it may just get in your way, but whatever makes you feel good

and to all the people hating on everyone who likes to look nice in school, why are you laughing at them? let them do their thing, if they want to get up 2 hours early and do their makeup, hair, everything thats totally up to them let them feel comfortable in their own skin!

 

[Style_Baby]

I've seen a girl with an MJ Hudson, which I love, and I even complimented her on it, but then I saw her biking away with her laptop sticking out the top. That didn't look right.

That just made me laugh out loud! First of all, an MJ Hudson... and a laptop... AND a bike... at the same time? I am all for all three, but each has their time and place. (Maybe the MJ and the LT together... but not on the bike!) It'd be an interesting sight to see someone combining them all at once.

 

[misspiggy]

Personally I would do whatever makes me happy, as long as it doesn't make my close friends uncomfortable. And ditch the heavy lock )

 

[sonya]

I carry the Chloe Edith Conteen to class sometimes. Not these days because I'm wearing big old coats and backpack feels much better. It fits my laptop and notebooks, along with a novel or two and all my little necessities. I would not carry my Chanel, though. I think the Edith looks school-ish enough to pass, and I don't think people know what it is. As long as you don't feel uncomfortable with what you're carrying or wearing, go for it. I would personally feel uncomfortable carrying an instantly recognizable bag.
That said, I do doll myself up for class...around 70% of the time. Usually on days when I only have afternoon classes, hehe. It makes me feel good to look cute. Part of that is putting on a show, but I like a little attention, what can I say?
And jen, I know you meant well with your grades comment in the beginning, but I think it's a fallacy to assume the best-dressed girl is getting worse grades than everyone else. I'll bet there are some people who think I'm an airhead, but I'm really not!

I can relate to what you said.

I've actually found that the more put together looking (ie "best dressed") girls tend to get the best grades and be super involved with extracurriculars, just like some of the more successful people in their jobs tend to be the ones dressed professionally and polished. (By "best dressed" I don't mean clubbing attire. I don't remember seeing anyone dressed like that. I went to a very preppy school where the majority did not wear sweats.)

 

[anghelq]

I never bring designer purses in school. It's just a distraction to be worrying about it.