If you’re off to another academic year this September, then this write-up is for you. I’m sure you’re in the middle of your back-to-school shopping, so while you’re at it, how about if I convince you to make the crossbody your official bag for the coming school season?

And why not? It’s a pretty handy purse; it will make carrying those school things a whole lot easier by keeping both your hands free. It’s also a popular purse choice used by TV shows like Gossip Girl and Vampire Diaries, so you’ll actually be wearing something in-trend and fashionable.

If that still hasn’t gotten you convinced, well then how about if I show you six more?

Feminine and Frilly

for days when you want to simply feel like a true blue girl

Steve Madden BRufflr Zipper Satchel, US$98

Glam and Gorgeous

walk the halls like you own it with this chain strapped patent crossbody

Gustto Kimberly Bag, US$96

Bohemian Babe

feelin’ like a hippie for the day? this fringed purple Gustto bag will do the trick

Gustto Celia Bag, US$93

Preppy Princess

for days when you want to look crisp and clean and insanely well put-together

Big Buddha Zippy, US$83

Sports Star

part of the school’s swim team? no problem. this roomy black purse will house all the extra clothes you need.

Nine West Spot Light Medium Satchel, US$79

Reliable and Ready

can’t decide what to wear? this ever reliable classic brown flap crossbody will save your day

Aldo Lamantagne, US$46

So there you have it, six (6) reasons why the crossbody should be your designated school bag; six (6) reasons that tell you the crossbody is NEVER boring; AND six (6) wonderful reasons that are ALL priced under US$100!

You can shop for these “reasons” at Zappos.com

Ever wonder what Emmy Rossum, also otherwise known as Emma Rossum, is up to these days? I don’t know if she has a movie coming up; what I do know is that the Phantom of the Opera star likes wearing white dresses and crossbody bags.

Last month, she was spotted shopping in Soho looking fresh and girl-next-door chic in a white dress with a brown crossbody. And just last week, she was seen hailing a cab in guess what? Yes, in another white dress paired with a brown studded crossbody.

Emmy Rossum, July 23

Emmy Rossum, August 13

What do you think of Emmy’s summer style?

Love it? I do too. I love how she toughened up those delicate looking white dresses with brown crossbody bags. If you want to grab her casual chic white summer look, get any of these dresses:

Diesel Dippa Dress, US$109 (sale! @ Zappos); Corey Lynn Calter Ava Strapless, US$88 (sale! @ BlueFly); Gabriella Rocha Beti, US$84 (Zappos); Nanette Lepore Strawberry Fields Dress, US$116 (sale! @BlueFly.com); MICHAEL Michael Kors Cross Halter Dress, US$110 (Zappos)

And complete it with the following accessories:

Nine West Alojzy Sandals, US$53 (sale! @ Zappos); MICHAEL Michael Kors Fiji Sunglasses, US$95 (Zappos); Shih by Stephanie Lin Monica Suede Messenger, US$289 (sale! @ BlueFly); Linea Pelle Perry Studded Messenger, US$325 (Shopbop); Steve Madden BFlame Convertible Hobo, US$89 (Zappos)

Jessica Stroup was seen filming for “90210″ with co-star Michael Steger somewhere in LA on July 29th. I wish there were more pictures from a different angle because we can’t quite see the messenger bag she’s using.

These are the best from the set:

July 29, 2010 – Jessica Stroup on the set of 90210 filming scenes with co-star Michael Steger

I have to admit I don’t watch “90210″ so I don’t know the character Jessica Stroup plays. For those who do follow the show, could you please explain what Jessica is wearing?

I see that the show’s stylists are trying to mix floral boho chic with the military trend. Does this have anything to do with her character? As a non-watcher, all I really see is a hodgepodge of unrelated clothes and accessories.

I’m going to separate Jessica Stroup’s messenger bag from everything else because by itself, it looks like it could be a really cool bag. Like I said in a previous post, I love beat up bags and military-inspired canvas bags like Jessica’s are one of the few things that look even better after being worn out.

As it’s difficult to identify Jessica Stroup’s bag with just these pictures, here are my 5 guesses as to which bag Jessica Stroup is carrying:

1. Fossil Men’s Octane E/W Messenger, $78.00
2. Fossil Men’s Voyager E/W Messenger, $88.00
3. Fossil Men’s Troop E/W Messenger, $78.00
4. Wabags Grant Messenger, $124.00
5. KAVU Slung Low, $79.00

Nearly all of ‘em from Fossil, nearly all of all men’s bags, and nearly all of them from eBags.com.

It’s a good idea to check out military messenger bags and more at eBags right now because they’re currently holding a Campus Style special. They’re offering an extra 20% off and free shipping on orders over $50.00. Get a head start on your school bag shopping for next school year! Sale ends August 24th.

Credit: MATEI