Transatlantic trends: A bag workout

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Ask any of my friends and they will tell you that I’m a bag fiend. Messenger bags, duffels, totes and the occasional man-purse are all part of my ever-growing collection. I’ve already added three more since I arrived in France.

The French share my love of bags, and this love is all-inclusive—even the straight guys wear bags on their shoulders. Among the recognizable bags is a style that I haven’t noticed much in Lawrence or even New York City. Many young French people are sporting old-fashioned gym bags of all shapes and sizes.

Lightweight, roomy and unfussy, gym bags offer a laid-back alternative to a purse or a messenger bag. They are also inexpensive, and are versatile enough to go with any casual outfit. Girls have brightly colored bags in hot pink, purple and yellow, while guys carry bags in a more neutral palette of navy, gray and white.

You can purchase this style of gym bag for about $20 at American Apparel or Urban Outfitters. Check out the accessory lines of sports labels like Adidas and Puma.

Rather than leaving a gym bag on your bedroom floor to soak up the smell of your dirty shorts, consider taking it to class or to Mass Street to give it some fresh air and you a fresh look.

 

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