PVCC Puma Press: March 2006

An increasing number of students prefer to carry the bulk of their schoolwork on their shoulders instead of their backs as big handbags gain popularity to take the place of backpacks on school campuses.

“Over the years, there’s definitely been an increase in big purse popularity,” says Sheryl Belzer, an employee at a Coach retail store. “It’s uncommon to see girls with smaller handbags now.”

Belzer says she saw the biggest increase in big bag purchases at the end of summer, right before the school year began.

Maria Hemburg, a purse and accessories specialist at Macy’s, sees the same trend.

“Smaller purses just aren’t fitting in everything a girl needs to carry with her,” says Hemburg, “especially with all the school supplies teenagers have with them.”

PVCC students across campus can be seen carrying large totes filled with books and school supplies between classes. Bags range from expensive Juicy Couture bags to brands from local retail stores, such as Target.

According to Hemburg, socialites and celebrities, such as Paris Hilton and Angelina Jolie began the trend of big purses that is catching on among students.

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	Sequins, buttons, buckles, and brightly colored patterns are adorning bags around campus
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“Bigger purses are just easier to carry and I can fit more stuff in them,” says Renon Furr, a student at PVCC, who totes a large Roxy brand purse that she says comfortably fits all her school supplies and personal items. Alex Ward, also a student, agrees.

“It’s more fashionable, and I can carry all I need: Books, my planner, everything,” says Ward, who uses a large Coach bag in and outside of school.

Fashion-conscience girls are picking up on the style and choosing decorated, stylish totes to bring to school. Sequins, buttons, buckles, and brightly colored patterns are adorning oversized bags around campus.

Popular retailers are keeping up on the trend and producing larger purses as the demand increases. “I’ve passed up a small, cute Dooney and Burke purse because it couldn’t hold all my stuff in it,” said student Lindsey Scheidt, while holding a hefty-sized Juicy Couture bag that contains her schoolbooks.

Fashion and style aren’t the only factors in choosing a large handbag. Multiple pockets and storage areas are also aspects students are looking for in their bags. “I need organization and room for pencils and things,” says Scheidt.

“With all the homework students get today, I can see why a big bag is needed to hold all your school supplies,” says Hemburg. She adds that it’s nice to see young women tying fashion and school necessities together.

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	Alex Ward, a student at PVCC, carries a large purse to hold her books.
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Some students resisting the trend, cite the inconvenience of carrying big bags.

“I don’t like using a big bag for school; leaving my school work in my car is much easier,” says Stephanie Blasko, a student who prefers to use a medium-sized bag and carry her notebooks to her class.

Other students agree.

“Having my purse and backpack separate is easier. I don’t have to switch my stuff, and my textbooks all fit in my backpack just fine,” says Katie Atkins, who chooses to have a backpack and a smaller purse.

“When I was in college I used a backpack and it was horrible to lug everything around,” says Hemburg. “I hope this trend continues. It’s much more convenient for women.”