Advice on a messenger bag and shoes

Jenna you will just have to go out shopping and see what bag you like best. I prefer my light but strong bag, that zips and has a flap that clicks shuts too. There is no one bag anyone can suggest. Go shopping. Try bags on, make sure the strap is wide enough it won't cut into your neck when worn all day, and that strap is long enough( or adjustable) so bag can sit over neck and across chest comfortably. I like bag about hip level, but I also shorten it and wear it shorter and closer to me in mega crowdes.

You need two pairs of shoes( but of course could take more, but bare minimum is two pairs). One good pair either walking shoes or running shoes, and one pair good walking sandals. Good quality walking sandals are comfy enough to walk in, plus you can find some that look fine with casual sundresses and skirts. I love my Naots( "Paris" is the style name too, what a coincidence, LOL) but there are dozens of good brands you could/should be looking at, and there is no one perfect brand for every foot type. Go to a decent shoe store, do not buy plastic or vinyl shoes. Invest .

Have fun.

For bags you can try amazon.com Last year I did a search and they have many and the price was low on some of them.
Black shoes always go with most colors.Do you like Oxfords?

Good Shoes or sandals for walking all the time: Dansko, clarck's, Born

Thanks! I am going to check out clarks and oxfords this weekend.

REI has LOTS of messenger bags. I'm not sure if they have stores in SC but if they do go into the store and pick up stuff that weighs in the neighborhood of what you will typically be carrying and try some out to find one that is the right size and is comfortable to carry around.

I travel in Keen sandals, also available at REI but they might be too casual for you.

I have some Teva sandals that I love! I think the ones I have are called "pretty rugged" or something like that. I have both the black and brown leather and they say they are waterproof.

I think Ecco makes beautiful and stylish shoes that work well as walking shoes (and are very comfortable) and also can be worn with skirts etc. I I have the Mary Jane XTreme in black which are like closed toe/sling back sneaker sandals and also the Mary Jane XTreme 2 which are closed and sporty. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned.

I love PacSafe bags too, they make a messenger style called "Metro Safe" and it is$40-60 on magellan's.com

I recently just got the PacSafe City 200 messenger bag and love it. It's actually really light but the perfect size to fit my camera's and other things I need throughout the day. There are also tons of pockets inside which is great. I would definetly recommend it. I got mine at REI but you can also order it online.

Good luck and have a great time!

I am actually in the process of buying the pacsafe Metro. Do you find it to be too big? I still am in a predicament about the shoes...I looked at Clarks yesterday and didn't find any I liked. Thanks everyone!

Favorite messenger bags: either Kipling or Victorianox/Swiss Army
Favorite shoes for travel: Ugg or Arcopedico

Ballerina type shoes are all the rage here and have been for a couple of years. Those are nice for dress up occasions and they come in a zillion colors and styles and prices. Why not buy some when you get here? Just a regular pair of shoes is going to be fine most of the time if you are a student, like converse, nike, puma, etc. Any type of sandal that is comfortable for you will be good for the hot weather.

Try ebags.com for an exhaustive variety of bags and zappos.com for shoes. Have fun & enjoy yourself!! What an exciting opportunity.