By Sarah Han
Staff Writer
Handbags and shoes. It’s a woman’s shopping obsession that most men don’t understand. The more of these we buy, the more we want. When new fashion trends spring up, women immediately abandon our once-loved purses and shoes to splurge on the next-best thing. These constant fashion changes can be hard to keep up with, but I’ve never met a shopping addict who turned down a challenge when it comes to style.
Being able to keep up with different fashion trends doesn’t seem to be much of a challenge for Pepperdine students. The latest new items seen on campus are the shoulder bags and tote bags. The shoulder bags have a bit more length while the tote bags have more width. Why are they growing in popularity? They are easier on the shoulder than the messenger-style bags and unlike ordinary backpacks, they’ll complement a stylish outfit.
Options are endless, depending on individual preferences. Black canvas or leather is standard and can go with almost any outfit. For a crisp, summery look, there are straw bags with fun, multicolored stripes or with leather trim.
However, the most popular bags on campus this semester are from Louis Vuitton. What is it about these brown bags with the LV print that makes them so irresistible? Maybe it’s the fact that the price for these bags range from $200 to more than $500. To show off a Louis Vuitton is an opportunity every bag guru lives for.
Before rushing out to Rodeo and splurging your life savings just to get one of these bags, remember that there are other places, like the Fashion District, that may sell these bags at an amazing low price. Just be sure that you don’t get tricked into buying a look-alike.
Every bag has to have the right shoes to match. Lately, it’s been sleek and smooth boots. Camel and black are the most popular because they tend to coordinate with any outfit. Chunky boots are being replaced by more feminine looking ones, but there is a slight downside. Finding a fabulous looking pair isn’t the only challenge in every girl’s search for the “perfect boot.”
Comfort is a must. Finding boots with a 2-inch heel and a flat and pointy toe that doesn’t torture you with every step is a triumph that a shopper should be proud of, not to mention openly share with the rest of us who are agonizing over our throbbing feet.
If you personally related to Monica on “Friends” when she bought those great-looking boots that cost her a fortune but completely mutilated her feet, your boots need the boot.
If you want to jump on the bandwagon but have no idea where to start looking for these items, have no fear. Living in Los Angeles means you have access to hundreds of places. Start off by looking at department stores. Both bags and shoes can be found in every design imaginable at places like Macy’s, Robinsons-May and Nordstroms. Check for boots that look chic and comfortable from Cathy Jean, Aldo, Charles David and Nine West.
The best malls around here are Santa Monica Place, the Westfield Promenade in Topanga, the Beverly Center and Northridge. Other places to look include the Fashion District, Melrose, and of course, Rodeo Drive.
February 14, 2002
