Girls, you know the routine – the daily struggle each morning to put together the perfect outfit. Thankfully, one accessory we rarely have to worry about is our purse, typically comfortably constant in our ever-changing everyday wardrobe. Whether it’s a teeny clutch or a massive carryall, the handbag plays an important role in reflecting personal style.

A glance around the UA Mall on a typical afternoon gives a good representation of the current handbag trends on campus. It seems to be divided into two camps: bags that serve a functional purpose and colorful, fashion-forward totes.

Sharlee Brockhoff, a family studies and human development junior, sticks with the fashion tote group. Her Lucky Brand leather hobo, covered with multicolored suede appliqués, is reserved for uses beyond class.

“”It appealed to me because it’s colorful and big,”” Brockhoff said. “”I wouldn’t use this for carrying around my computer.””

Leather hobos like Brockhoff’s seem to be all around campus, as are smaller clutches, especially striped wristlets from Coach and Betsey Johnson.

Teeny clutches and heavy leather carryalls, however, are not exactly conducive to lugging around physics textbooks.

Megan McMaster, a pre-communication freshman, stuffs her splashy floral print bag with books, pens and pencils.

“”(I chose this purse) so that I can put my books and laptop in it,”” she said.

Like many other students, McMaster opts to keep one bag strictly for school, and switches to a more compact purse for going out.

But what about studious Wildcats who also want to show off their stylish side? Luckily, many designers are creating bags that are both practical and fashionable. One designer in particular, Longchamp, is easily a campus favorite. The French company creates durable totes in dozens of spunky colors, from pistachio to melon.

“”(They’re) big and light,”” said political science freshman Hana Shim of her lilac Longchamp tote.

“”It’s for books and notes – it’s only for school,”” she said.

Shim added that she chose the bag because it’s both unique and practical.

Sarah Lynn Shah, a pre-communication freshman, also bought her shocking pink Marc Jacobs carryall for its versatility.

“”I use it as a carry-on bag when I travel and for school,”” Lynn said. “”It’s very bright, and I feel like pink is very different. I like big bags, and this one is huge.””