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

This Zip Tassel Handbag got me interested in the handbag and accessory brand Make Love Not Trash and they’ve been on my “handbag brands to keep an eye on” list ever since.

I’m so glad that I jotted their name down because check out this little gem from Make Love Not Trash that I found over at eBags.com:

This is the Make Love Not Trash Safari Convertible Purse in Ivory, Tan and Grey. It’s made of 100% organic cotton canvas, printed with non-toxic inks, part of its profits go to supporting organizations with compelling causes, and best of all, they’re 20% off at eBags right now!

So buying from Make Love Not Trash not only means getting yourself a cute handbag, but also means reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a worthwhile cause at the same time. Add to that eBags’ extra 20% off sale, then this sweet deal just got even sweeter.

I have to admit that what first attracted me to this purse was its pretty angel wing print and not its convertible cross body/clutch style. For those who are also loving the pretty print, it’s also on three other Make Love Not Trash handbag styles that are available at eBags:

1. Make Love Not Trash Safari Cosmetic Bag, $26.40
2. Make Love Not Trash Safari Draped Hobo, $158.40
3. Make Love Not Trash Safari Frame Bag, $172.80

All of these bags are part of Make Love Not Trash’s Safari Collection. Check out more of their collections and find out more about Make Love Not Trash at MakeLoveNotTrash.com.

I know that the added process of distressing leather can hike up the price tag on a bag, but is it really worth this much?

This is the leather cross body bag in question:

Free People Leather Mail Bag

The price for this piece? Two dollars short of $1,000.00.

Don’t get me wrong, I actually really love the look of worn leather be it on rustic furniture, boots, journals, jackets and yes, on handbags. I can’t get enough of the warm, cozy and comforting vibe that worn leather gives. But as for this Free People Leather Mail Bag, I understand why some people would wonder why anyone would buy anything that looks used, especially if they pay nearly a thousand dollars for it.

The one person who bought this bag and wrote a review for it has this to say:

“Super cute, but definitely not worth the money. very soft, but not very strong. Wears great, but should have been half the price.”‘ - natti9 from Cincinnati, OH

Half the price? I completely agree. In fact, it could even be less. Check out these quality distressed, pre-worn and pre-weathered leather cross body bags from Novica:

Novica World Traveler Leather Travel Bag

Novica Crazy Coffee Leather Backpack Messenger Bag

Novica Leather Adventure Spirit Messenger Bag

Simple yet very elegant and very beautiful bags. The price tags on these? $304.49 for the Novica World Traveler Leather Travel Bag, $249.36 for the Novica Crazy Coffee Leather Backpack Messenger Bag and $288.74 for the Novica Leather Adventure Spirit Messenger Bag.

Aside from the fair prices for such fine craftsmanship, you will also be happy to know that Novica, in partnership with National Geographic, is a global team with a socio-economic mission and vision. They seek out artists and artisans from all over to list their unique products on the Novica website and other online stores in order to create a revolutionary system wherein these people can showcase their fine works and talent to a global audience. No one is charged any fees. The creators are free to set their own prices. It’s fair trade on a global scale and you truly know what you’re buying and who you’re buying from.

Find out more about Novica, meet their artists and artisans, and shop their boutique at Novica.com.