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

Some really hardworking paparazzi snapped these pictures of Halle Berry all the way in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s there currently filming for her latest movie Dark Tide:

August 12, 2010 – Halle Berry on the set of Dark Tide in Cape Town, South Africa

Halle Berry has got on a cute summery outfit but I’m particularly liking her knit cross body bag! I wish there were profile pictures of Halle Berry from the left so we could see more of the bag but these are the best shots.

Although no one’s ID’ed Halle Berry’s bag yet, it really reminds me of the woven cross body bags from Helen Kaminski which we first featured here on this blog early this year. Just take a look at this Helen Kaminski Acrux Bag and see how much it resembles Halle Berry’s bag in the paparazzi pictures:

Helen Kaminski Acrux Bag, $180.00

This Helen Kaminski bag is crocheted out of raffia harvested from Madagascar, the place where the best raffia in the world is grown.

Here are 5 more Helen Kaminski bags made out of raffia crochet:

1. Helen Kaminski Marjani, $175.00
2. Helen Kaminski Asali Medium, $305.00
3. Helen Kaminski Fadey Large, $475.00
4. Helen Kaminski Kinna, $225.00
5. Helen Kaminski Theta, $155.00

Helen Kaminski can make raffia look really classy, can’t they?

Shop for more Helen Kaminski bags at eBags.com.

Credit: Bad Pictures/WENN

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.