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

Last month, we saw Jessica Szohr looking downright sexy and casual in a purple fringe crossbody while filming a scene for Gossip Girl (click here to read article).

Jessica Szohr, filming a scene for Gossip Girl, July 26

And just last week, she was spotted with our favorite purse once again, this time, a more classic looking saddle-like piece which she wore together with a frilly, ruffled, and girly outfit while filming another scene for the hot show.

Jessica Szohr, filming for Gossip Girl, August 17

So here’s the question I would like you to ponder on, which Jessica Szohr (or should I say Vanessa Abrams?) version do you prefer?

The uber casual, slightly bohemian, jean shorts wearing hot chick we saw a month ago? Or the ultra girly, ruffle wearing, sweet looking, lady like version spotted last week?

If you’re into flirty florals and ruffles, then you’d probably prefer the latter. In which case, you can get Jessica’s/Vanessa’s look with these pieces:

Shumaq Sarah Ruffle Trim Dress, US$158 (BlueFly); Lucky Brand Saddle Up Crossbody, US$159 (Zappos); Jessica Simpson Gobow Sandals, US$74 (sale @ Zappos); ABS Allen Schwartz Linear Drop Earrings, US$55 (sale @ Zappos); Juicy Couture Multi Layer Necklace, US$79 (sale @ Zappos); Lucky Brand Hippie Lux Daisy Necklace, US$44 (sale @ Zappos)

Now if you simply love the no-fuss no-frills sexy casual look she had on last month, then you will probably enjoy grabbing the style with these:

Signorelli New York Aids Tank, US$29 (ChickDownTown); Joe’s Jeans Sammy Roll Hem Stretch Denim Shorts, US$98 (ChickDownTown); Susan Farber Suede Tahoe Fringe Crossbody, US$266 (sale @ BlueFly); Jessica Simpson Beaded Cuff, US$43 (sale @ Zappos); Kendra Scott Otylia Ring, US$79 (Zappos); Lucky Brand Bonaroo Bound Voyage Necklace, US$35 (Zappos); Fossil Inspirational Cluster Necklace, US$75 (Zappos); Stuart Weitzman Studclog, US$197 (Zappos)

We’ve featured Vera Bradley bags many times before here on Cross Body Purses and for good reason: they’re cute, they’re functional, and the prints, oh the prints, are just breathtakingly beautiful.

Vera Bradley could put their prints on just about anything and it would instantly become beautiful. Here are some of the latest creations that are newly bestowed with Vera Bradley prints, the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Cases:

Different colors of the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Case

I’m having a hard time choosing which print I like the most!

These mini laptop cases are 11 1/4″ wide x 2 1/4″ deep x 8″ high so they can hold the popular 10.1-inch size for netbooks, no problem. They’re made of quilted fabric for extra outer protection but the inside compartments are already packed with padding and are already equipped with safety straps:

The inside of the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Case and as worn

Now that electronics brands are scrambling to get their mini laptops out, Vera Bradley couldn’t have released these mini laptop cases at a better time. Of course, you’re also free to use these bags to hold folders, files and books, and the outside pocket would hold your other personal things nicely along with them.

Get the Vera Bradley Mini Laptop Case for $54.00 at Zappos.com.