What’s the best bag I’ve ever owned? Hands down, it has to be the Longchamp Le Pliage large tote. No other bag serves my purposes quite like the Longchamp Le Pliage does. I’ve had my staple black Longchamp tote for over a year and a half now, and no other bag comes close to its sheer awesomeness.

Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote, Nordstrom, $145

It’s perfect for everyday use, for almost any imaginable casual occasion. Its large size and comfortable, long straps allows for use as a book bag, a work bag, a bag to take when shopping or traveling, and even an overnight bag. I like to think of it as sort of a “Mary Poppins” bag, a) because I can fit almost anything in it and b) it’s so versatile and useful.

One thing that I dislike about most tote bags is that they’re not very sturdy or durable. The Longchamp Le Pliage is both sturdy and durable. Despite not having any inner boning, the bag has an attractive shape, and the fabric is water-proof, so I don’t have to worry about it getting ruined even on rainy days.

Another reason why so many women love this bag is because it is so easy to store and pack. It folds into itself, in a neat little rectangle with just the straps hanging out. This helps save closet space or luggage space, for more clothes, shoes, and bags, of course!

Courtesy: WeHeartIt.com

In addition to being useful and versatile, the tote is classically stylish. The simple design is timeless, which makes it great for use year-round. It comes in several different colors for each season and in different prints for those who want to use the tote as a statement piece. For me, the tote has a muted, simplistic elegance that complements several outfits and styles for a multitude of women.

While the tote isn’t the cheapest, I believe the bag pays for itself in usefulness and ease of access. It is a French designer tote, after all. I got my staple black tote from my mom on my birthday two years ago and a light green colored toe from my boyfriend on my birthday this past year. When I’m older and have a more established career, I plan on investing in another color as well, or possibly one with a printed design.

Le Pliage Arbre De Vie Large Tote, LYST.com, Out of Stock

Some of us may be excited for the new school year to begin while others may not be prepared and just don’t want the summer to end. For those who are beginning to get ready for school, we all know that for back to school shopping one of the essential things to buy, besides clothes, is a backpack. But who needs a backpack when there are so many other bags out there that can be used? Although backpacks are never bad for carrying those heavy loads of books, there are just so many options out there that can not only be helpful with carrying books for class but can come in so many different styles too.

Your favorite designers could make some of the cutest bags for school and the best thing about that is that you may not see anyone with the same bag as you. One of my favorites when looking for a cute bag for school would be the fabulous Betsey Johnson. Her Betseyville/Betsey Johnson collection of bags is trendy, and can be found in floral, animal print and multicolored patterns.

Betseyville Cheetah Bows Tote, 6pm.com, $62

Betseyville by Betsey Johnson Handbags Rosey Days Tote, beauty.com, $88

Betseyville Tote, endless.com, $98

Some other favorites could be Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole and Juicy Couture. Each of these designers take their own route with their creation of the tote bag that's suitable for anyone. Plus it's never wrong to have more than one tote because it’s always nice to change it up every once in a while.

Coach Madison Leather Tote in Aegean, coach.com, $298

Michael Kors Large Bedford Dressy Tote in Red, neimanmarcus.com, $147 (sale)

Kenneth Cole Reaction Twice the Beauty Tote, kennethcole.com, $58

If you are looking for a bargain, some designer bags can be sold at consignment stores, on sale at major department stores or other retailers, and if designer fashion can be a little overrated to you, there are always other stores in the mall like Forever 21. Also, if you’re hoping to find a style that you think no one will have, online shopping at different boutiques is another way to find some great deals on fabulous bags.

Totes may not be everyone’s style, so if you’re still interested in backpacks, there are some that are reinvented for a more fashion-forward look.

PU Leather Backpack With Metal Buckle, balsum.com, $64

Coach Signature Backpack, coach.com, $278

Between the backpack or the tote, whichever one you find to be the most suitable, they both can play a very important role to looking stylish for school, and also be prepared for some of those books and supplies as well.

Courtesy: Pinterest

Remember the over-sized metallic bags that everyone was dying to get their hands on a few years ago? Well, now we’ve been slowly ditching these ridiculously large handbags for something a bit more compact and practical: the crossbody. At first, I wasn’t much of a fan of them because I’ve been a lover of bigger sized handbags for a while. I want something that I can carry everything in as any woman does and sometimes the smaller bags just don’t cut it. However, after a very long shopping spree at Forever 21, I decided to give one a try. After all, it has been a very popular trend around college campuses and with nearly all of my friends, so why not?

Courtesy: allwomenstalk.com

Just after a mere 2 days, I completely fell in love with my bag. I found it extremely convenient especially shuffling back and forth between work and classes; I realized it was an easy place to access my keys, money, emergency makeup and small accessories. I’m all about covering my bases when I’m out and about. I like to be prepared for wherever I go which means keeping things like dental floss, sample size perfumes and earrings in all of my bags. You might just get that call from the job you’ve been wanting and they want to interview you in an hour or maybe you’ll bump into an ex. Whatever the situation, it’s important to be prepared.

Bucked Flap Crossbody, forever21.com, $19.80

The adjustable long strap is comfortable and allows for a lot of movement you just don’t have with the larger handbags that tend to have very short arm handles. What’s the best part about this trend? It’s not an expensive one. I was glad that I could get such a useful trend for only $12. Of course, if you’re looking for a handmade authentic leather bag from an Indian preservation, you may have to splurge a little. However, for those of you who don’t care so much about where your bag was manufactured, they are all over the mall, Target, Kohl’s, etc. A little amusing fact about the crossbody bag was that it was very popular during the 80s and 90s. Although we may stray for a while and I’ll never abandon my love for large bags; simplicity always rules out in the end.

The idea of going from summer to fall can be a difficult one. Along with the change in weather, going into fall with fashion can sometimes leave a dent on the bank account and be time consuming. But there are some tips on how to take your summer clothes and transform them into the latest fall fashions. These tips will definitely help out any fashionista's closet while still keeping them up to date with the latest trends.

One concept that most people think is that once the weather changes, say bye bye to all your white clothing. But fear not! The rule "no white after labor day" is long gone. White is a staple in a wardrobe so being able to utilize it in every season is a must! SO here are some tips on how to bring your white clothes into the fall weather.

Doo.Ri Dress; Jean Paul Gaultier Turtleneck; R.J. Graziano Necklace; CC Skye Cuff; Mark Cross Handbag; Jimmy Choo Pumps
Courtesy: elle.com

J. Crew india Dress; Old Navy Cropped Utility Jacket; Madewell Sandstorm Bootie; Rebecca Minkoff Flirty Crossbody Bag
Courtesy: fabsugar.com

The little white dress does not need to go into storage just because it is after Labor Day. Try pairing the simple dress with a layer of color, a neutral or something bright would be perfect! For accessories, try something bold like a statement necklace or larger tote.

Courtesy: stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se

A simple sweater/dress paired with combat boots and a vest is the perfect outfit for those cold days!

To keep those long maxi dresses and skirts flowing into fall, just add tights! Pairing it with some riding boots or combat boots, and with a blazer or jacket can turn a simple maxi dress into a fabulous fall day-to-night outfit. A trend for fall is definitely the sleeveless jacket over pants or a dress. This trend can be made into full effect with the summer maxi dress hanging in your closet!

Max Mara Vest; Cacharel Cardigan; Anna & Boy Dress; Megan Odabash MO Cuff; Push by Pushmataaha Stone Cuffs; Burberry Handbag; Frye Boots
Courtesy: elle.com

Splendid Cotton Racer-back Maxi Dress; Sparkle & Fade Knit Cutout Back Maxi Dress; Bassike Striped Cotton Jersey Maxi Dress
Courtesy: refinery29.com

Rodarte Maxi; Pippa Middleton in maxi; Mulberry Floral Maxi
Courtesy: Style.com and Startraks

For a different look with a long maxi skirt, throwing on an oversized sweater as a top can make for a unique outfit. The long maxi skirt, knit oversized sweater, along with some utilitarian booties is the perfect fit to balance out the lightness and add warmth to it.

Rag & Bone Desert Maxi Skirt; VPL/ Vent Knit Sweater; Linea Pelle Addison Bucket Bag; SE Boutique Ake Wedge Bootie
Courtesy: fabsugar.com

White pants are a piece that can scream summer, but made into the right outfit, then can fit the definition of fall style. It can be easily done too. Pair the white pants with a blazer and fall's must-have shoe... the riding boot! If you are going to invest in something, make it a fabulous pair of riding boots. They can be paired with almost every summer outfit and it immediately can be transitioned into a perfect fall ensemble.

Salvatore Ferragamo Blazer; Saint James Top; Zadig & Volatire Jeans; House of Lavande, Palm Beach Necklace; Salvatore Ferragamo Clutch; Crislu Ring; Michael Kors Boots
Courtesy: elle.com

Courtesy: Lookbook.nu users: Cindy Van der Heyden, Dana B, Laura @ Laura Wears
Courtesy: lookbook.nu

Band of Gypsies Woven Plaid Shirt; Jigsaw Beanie; Sparkle & Fade Marled Drapey Open Cardigan; Low Luv by Erin Wasson Bronze Plated Triangle Ring; Burnished Fox Ring; Matchstick Jean in White Denim; Black Edinburgh 2' Military Boot
Courtesy: collegefashion.net

To turn that summery fabric into a more fallish outfit, try pairing white skinnies with a darker color on top, or with a plaid print. Have fun and throw a fall texture like a faux fur vest and a unique pair of shoes to add an unexpected finish!

QSW The Highlands Plaid Shirt; BB Dakota Janika Fur Vest; J. Jill Studded Ballet Flates; Madewell Leather Telegram Clutch; Seven For All Mankind Classic White Jean
Courtesy: fabsugar.com

All we have heard throughout summer was "color, color, and more color" so now that fall is around the corner, where should we throw all the bright clothes we now have? The answer is put them right into your fall outfits! It's fun to find new ways to accentuate them and display them for a whole new season. Little things like matching tights, socks, contrasting bag, cape, or jacket are things that are going to make the outfit a hit. A cape is a key component in the fall wardrobe; it is easy to dress up a outfit and works well with temperatures that fluctuate!

Sally LaPointe Cape; Funktional Tank Top; Cosabella Bra; 3.1 Phillip Lim Pants; Alexis Bittar Earrings; Ann Taylor Belt; Kate Spade New York Handbag; Christian Louboutin Sandals
Courtesy: elle.com

For those color lovers out there who don't feel like putting the color away just because the warm season is over, don't worry. With the right type of fabric, a classic pair of colored slacks can easily be worn into the fall season!

Courtesy: Yigal Azrouel, Karen Walker, Prabal Gurung, 3.1 Philip Lim
Courtesy: isdstyle.com

Paul Smith, Fall 2011

Blu Girl, Fall 2011

Antonio Berardi, Fall 2011

For the last tip, it's all about utilizing that little summer mini in the closet! Throw it on over a nice pair of cropped pants, tights, or leggings. For those not willing to bulk up, the opaque black tight still works as well. Instead of a basic coat, go for a different look with a longer cape!

Rag & Bone Cape; Equipment Blouse; Wayne Skirt; Lacoste Pants; Lids Cap; Yves Saint Laurent Handbag; 3.1 Phillip Lim Pumps
Courtesy: elle.com

No need to fear fall. With all these options, it is going to be a piece of cake stepping into a new season rocking the latest trends from head to toe!

Each year as the summer months approach, I begin my hunt for my favorite summer accessory: the beach tote. Not only is this my favorite summer accessory, but also the accessory I seem to get the most use out of each season. Whether I’m hitting the sand at the beach or attending a casual pool party with friends, my beach bag is sure to be in tow. As a twenty something interning in Huntington Beach, CA I often hit the beach after I’m off work, so I need something versatile and sophisticated. This summer my personal favorites have been straw and striped totes. Whether you are looking to save or splurge, you can find many stylish options this summer. Here are a few I found:

Natural Sequin Straw Tote, target.com, $39.99

MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Large Straw Tote, michaelkors.com, $328

Women's Straw Basket-Weave Totes in Warm Multi, oldnavy.com, $22.94

Marc Jacobs Jacobsen Stripe Beach Tote, marcjacobs.com, $248

Green Stripe Beach Shopper, wallisfashion.com, $26 (sale)

Boardwalk Tote in Papaya Stripe, jcrew.com, $49.50

Now that you’ve found your perfect beach tote, don’t forget your sunscreen and water!