no more packs for backs

I've finally figured it out. I finally got what my teachers have been talking about all these years. There really IS a huge difference between college and high school, and it really does take some serious preparation to handle the transition.

No, it's not the new found freedom, the half mile hike to class, the part time jobs, the never ending term papers, or even the ominous threat of the "real world." No no no, none of that is right.

It's your backpack.

Somewhere I missed the memo which stated the apparently obvious truth that backpacks are no longer cool. (If, in fact, they ever really were.)

Backpacks have always been an icon of social status. The idea of the overstuffed "freshmen backpack" has always been a sign of a "newbie," and therefore a target for upperclassmen to prey on. Artistic students had the single-strap version, often in some unusual color. The suave, super cool upperclassmen always wore their JanSport off one shoulder, leaving it slightly open, with a key lanyard usually hanging out one of the pockets. If they were REALLY cool, the bag itself would be covered with signatures, doodles, and even a few phone numbers.

But these high school standards have long since vanished into the past, a memory only recorded in dusty yearbooks and disorganized photo albums. Backpacks have seemingly disappeared from the college campus, replaced with a more adult, and clearly trendier, shoulder bag.

While the bag varies in size, shape and color, the idea behind it is always the same. This bag, which can often be confused as an oversized purse, is smaller than a backpack and much more sophisticated (or so is the assumption).

Tote bags, beach bags, leather briefcases, large purses, glittery handbags and track bags are just a few of the variations I've seen around campus.

Allowing students to express their style, and themselves, it seems that almost anything can be converted into the perfect bookbag. Afterall, what is the sense in carrying a purse as well as a backpack? And if you opt not to bring a purse, something is always left behind in the "other bag," whether it be keys, sunglasses, cell phone or chapstick.

In my experience, I've only recently made the switch. (Apparently I was one of the "uncool kids," still lugging around my brand new JanSport- go figure.) I opted for the traditional black shoulder bag, a little bit oversized but supposedly worth the extra room.

The first problem I've found with it I can blame on its size- I just can't control it. Always true to form, I'm more than a bit clumsy with it, and it hasn't been uncommon for me to be nearly blown away by a sudden gust of wind (think of carrying a large piece of cardboard- yeah, it's like that). Not to mention my difficulties in trying to maneuver it down the tight classroom aisles- again, the bag seems to have a mind, and purpose, of its own. Like the little kid on the bus in "A League of Their Own," my prized new bookbag wacks the head of every student seated on the aisle- it's only a matter of time before I become "that girl with the bag." You know the one- nearly every class has one. I may need to go shopping for a new bookbag sooner than I had planned...

Until then, I'll stick it out and try to tame my rowdy teenager of a bag. Let's just hope my classmates have hard heads.

rough edges

About a year ago, a new style sprung up which I found particularly interesting. The height of an average pair of boots now reached a point between a woman's knee and upper calf, rather than residing around the ankle. Now, this would not be easily noticed if the boots were constantly hid under jeans, but that is no longer the case. The newest trend, apparently, is that the boots belong on either the outside of the pants, or the pants should be rolled up above them.

While my first impression was that this was some sort of eccentric new idea, perhaps coined from the concept of trying to show off a designer label, but I have since changed my mind. Not only is this new style actually quite trendy and cute, but, more importantly, it's practical.

Anyone who wears jeans is familiar with the inevitably fate awaiting your favorite pair. After what seems like only a few wears, the backs of the bottoms will drag, fraying horribly and eventually ripping to shreads. City streets of brick and uneven pavement only accelerate this process, so those cute new jeans don't even stand a chance.

Until now.

Women can now roll up those jeans over a trendy pair of high heeled boots, or tuck them into their multicolored galoshes. Not only is it an essential part of your everyday style, but it saves money!

No longer do we have to worry about the shredded pieces dragging behind us, or the dreaded process of actually cutting those torn bits off. No longer will we have painfully uneven bottoms, forced to tell ourselves over and over that "it's fine, no one notices." No more muddy suprises as we trudge through our small apartments, leaving a path like a slug. No more cold, wet pants clinging to our legs as our jeans soak up the murky puddles like a sponge.

As you know, nothing is ever as simple as it looks. How do you keep those jeans from bunching up and generally being uncomfortable? Well, here's a few hints from about.com:

1.Start with straight-leg pants; you will have less fabric to tuck in.
2.Wear knee socks and tuck your jeans into them before slipping on the boots. You can also roll up the bottom of the jeans before tucking into socks for better traction.

Let your boots now act as the first line of defense, taking one for the team every time you step into the sleet, snow or rain. Be free to wear your favorite jeans, even on the most unfavorable of days!

shoe fetish

When being introduced to a group of people for the first time, one friend will usually refer to another using terms such as "hilarious,""charming," and of course (with respects to the Boston accent) "wicked smart." For my introduction, the term "shoe fetishist" somehow always manages to sneak in.

While this has become a bit of an inside joke within my circle of friends, I'll be the first to admit that it's not exactly all that far from the truth. My passion for shoes has gone far beyond the reaches of a mere obsession- it can be better defined as an addiction. Hence why I find it only appropriate to introduce this topic early in my postings.

While one may assume this to be a rather expensive addiction, I pride myself on my ability to bargain shop for shoes above almost any other talent. I practically list it on my resume. When I say "bargain shop", I am not necessarily implying that a girl must dig through a bin of tarnished and dusty heels at a second hand store. I find the most important thing to do, actually, is to aim high.

When it comes to my shoes, I have never had to sacrifice style in name of another financial commitment. Taking note of the latest trends on the street helps to train one's eye, making them more familiar and more comfortable with what's hot (and practical) this season. Believe it or not, stores like Payless Shoe Source and Target get the exact same styles in as Nordstrom and Macy's- just minus the designed label and, more importantly, the price tag.

Shoe shopping can best be compared to hunting- you have to know what you're looking for before you can pick up the gun. Shooting into the dark is not what usually brings down the prized buck. My advice is to take note of those latest styles, and go looking specifically for them. If it's a new pair of heels you need, try not to get distracted by trying on sneakers. If you just NEED those new Steve Maddens, don't give up after the first store.

And never settle for less- there are far too many pairs of shoes in my closet whose soles are nearly unmarked. If you don't love them, don't buy them.

Given all this, my assumed wisdom on the subject, I actually don't feel a bit wiser. Yes, I may have those few extra dollar bills crumpled up in my pocket, had a couple extra iced coffees and have even maintained a constant stash of Trident. But that still doesn't discriminate my secret #2 life goal- owning that pair of silver Manolo Blahniks.

city love

"When I first moved to [the city] and I had no money, sometimes I would buy myself Vogue instead of dinner. I just thought it fed me more."

The first time I heard that quote, made famous by "Sex in the City's" Carrie Bradshaw, I had no idea the relevance it would have to my life. As a new Bostonian, I can more than relate to it- I practically live by it.

Life in the city can be defined as trendy, fast-paced, romantic, ever-changing and exciting. All of these traits make it the fabulous lifestyle it is- but did I mention expensive? It is common knowledge that the average professional has to scrimp and save just to afford their studio apartment in the 02115 area code- what about the college kids?

As perhaps the trendiest and most eccentric of all creatures, young adults in their 20s seem to be living forms of Cosmo magazine- they know what's hot this second, who is involved in the most scandalous rumors, where to go tonight, and above all else, what to wear when you show up.

Most television show glamorize college life, making it seem like an endless party with shopping, sleep, and a few coffee breaks mixed in for good measure. But one thing you'll never see on MTV is the not-so-glamorous truth- 20somethings counting their pennies on the counter at Dunkin Donuts, walking those few extra miles to save that $1.25 from the T, showing up to events they have no interest in just for the advertised "refreshments", and even wearing the same pair of jeans for WEEKS in a row to avoid doing laundry.

The stereotype of the "broke college kid" is by far the most accurate description of my life. While I do hold a job on campus, my paycheck disappears before I can even read the dollar amount, sucked into the black hole that is my cell phone/car insurance/credit card bills. Never willing to settle for anything less than fabulous, however, I hold onto the fantasy, determined to be every bit as stylish and fun as the movies make my generation out to be.

Just because I can't afford to buy InStyle Magazine doesn't mean I don't want to look like I just stepped off of its pages. Just because I have to walk more than a few blocks to class does not make my desire to wear those 3'' gold heels any weaker. And the fact that there's a rumor that the Charles River has frozen solid does not mean I have hibernate under a tragically oversized winter coat until April.

College kids differ from the rest of the world of fashion because, in our eyes, it's not who you're wearing, but what. Clothing does not necessarily have to be expensive- it is more about how it defines you. Living in the city adds another layer to the standard, and it almost acts as a overly enthuastic friend, encouraging everyone to try new things and live life outside the box. After all, no matter how much of a fashion train wreck one person may be, there is always someone unspeakably worse at the next T stop.

I don't claim to be the authority on all things fashion- I'll be the first to admit that I barely follow the imposed Hollywood standard. What I do have to offer, though, is a broke college kid's inside look at life and survival in the great city of Boston- and attempting to look fabulous while doing it.