Show Your Ole Miss Pride with a Glitzy Purse Strap - Rebel Style Accessory

The History of Ole Miss Purse Straps

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, has a long and storied history dating back to 1848. Known for its Greek life and football team, the school has many traditions that alumni and students hold dear. One of these traditions is the custom of Ole Miss purse straps.

Ole Miss purse straps feature the school colors of navy blue and red along with icons like the Landshark mascot. They allow female students and alumnae to show their school spirit in a fashionable way wherever they go. The straps can be worn with handbags, totes, or backpacks.

It's not entirely clear when this tradition started. Purse straps became popular accessories for women in the 1980s and 1990s, allowing them to customize their bags. As purse straps rose in popularity across the nation, Ole Miss students and fans began making straps representing their alma mater.

The early Ole Miss purse straps were fairly simple with school colors and maybe a logo charm or tassel attached. As the tradition became more ingrained, the straps got more elaborate and creative. Sequins, rhinestones, 3D mascots, and glittery letters made the straps true fashion statements.

Today, dozens of Etsy shops sell unique Ole Miss purse straps. The straps make great game day accessories, birthday or graduation gifts, and sorority swag. They're the perfect way for any Ole Miss fan to display her school spirit in stylish fashion.

Where to Buy Ole Miss Purse Straps

While you can find basic Ole Miss purse straps at college bookstores, the best selection is online. Etsy and other handmade marketplaces offer tons of customizable, high-quality straps.

Popular purse strap shops on Etsy include:

• The Monogram Queen Shop
• Simply Southern Boutique
• The Mighty Ribbon
• KaylasHandmadeShop
• EmmasEmbellishedGoods

When browsing for an Ole Miss purse strap, you'll see two main styles:

1. Basic straps - These feature school colors on a nylon or faux leather strap. You may see a metal logo charm or tassel too.
2. Elaborate straps - These have colorful beadwork, sequins, glitter, and 3D elements like fabric mascots or resin initials. The sky's the limit for customization!

Elaborate straps range from $15 to $50 based on the complexity. Basic nylon straps start around $10. Sellers usually offer free shipping to appeal to out-of-state alumni.

Matching Your Purse Strap to Your Bag

An Ole Miss purse strap looks great on any type of handbag - leather, nylon,canvas, clear, etc. The main goal is making sure the strap complements your bag style.

For a structured leather satchel or colorful nylon tote, a basic school colors strap is a foolproof choice. It pops nicely against the neutral bag.

If your bag is clear or very blingy, go for an elaborate strap with lots of embellishments. An intricate strap with beads, sequins, and mascot charms pairs perfectly with a sparkly concert clutch or game day wristlet.

You can also match your strap to the outfit you're wearing. A neutral tan strap is versatile for daily wear. Break out a bright sequined red strap when you sport Ole Miss colors on game days.

Caring for Your Purse Strap

Ole Miss purse straps aren't too high maintenance, but taking good care of yours will mean you can represent your alma mater for years to come.

• Keep away from water and moisture which can tarnish metal parts.
• Store in a bag or box when not in use to prevent tangling and dust buildup.
• Consider spraying with fabric protector if your strap has fabric elements.
• Clean gently with a mild soap and water if needed.
• Avoid high heat from dryers, irons, or dishwashers.

Proper storage and cleaning will help preserve any beads, glue, or other decorative elements. With care, a high-quality strap should last through years of fandom and inspire conversations wherever you carry it.

Ole Miss Purse Straps for Every Fan

An Ole Miss purse strap is a fun way for students, alumni, locals, and fans everywhere to display their school pride. Because the straps come in so many customizable options, you can find one to match your personal style.

Look for inspiration online at the many active Ole Miss purse strap shops on Etsy and other handmade sites. You can likely find a strap featuring your sorority letters, graduation year, favorite on-campus haunts, mascots old and new, and more.

The versatility and personalization potential of purse straps make them a go-to game day accessory. They also make fantastic birthday, graduation, or holiday gifts. An Ole Miss purse strap becomes a wearable symbol of a recipient's time at the university.

Purse straps are functional as well as fashionable. Swapping out straps gives you the ability to change up your bag's look in seconds. You can alternate between neutral daily straps and flashy spirited straps as the occasion calls for it.

Look for high-quality materials if you want your strap to really last through years of use. Customization options are endless, but durable base materials matter too.

Ole Miss purse straps are the perfect accessory for the loyal fans among us. With one glitzy strap, you can display your Rebel pride wherever you roam. Hotty Toddy!

Ole Miss Purse Straps as Gifts

An Ole Miss purse strap makes for a fun, unique gift idea for:

• Graduates or current students
• Sorority sisters
• Family members who are alumni
• Fans attending a game day or campus tour
• Holiday, birthday, or celebration gifts

Consider customizing a strap with the recipient's graduation year, sorority affiliations, or favorite on-campus spots. Add birthstones, initials, or their name for a personalized touch.

For students headed off to Ole Miss in the fall, send them to campus in style with a strap featuring their new school's iconic colors and symbols. They can show off their new school pride right away.

Recent grads will appreciate the reminder of fun collegiate days every time they use their new purse strap. It becomes a wearable souvenir.

Out-of-state family members and faraway fans will feel a connection to Ole Miss tradition when they receive an purse strap gift. They can display their college spirit even if they can't make it to campus as often as they'd like.

A high-quality Ole Miss purse strap is sure to see lots of use for years to come. That makes it a gift that keeps on giving for all the Ole Miss lovers in your life.

Show Your Rebel Pride

Whether you're a current or former student, live near the gorgeous Ole Miss campus, or cheer on the Rebels from afar, an Ole Miss purse strap is the perfect accent piece for your wardrobe.

The vast range of school colors, mascots, sayings, and other Ole Miss details make it easy to find a strap that feels custom-designed for you. Let your strap become a conversation starter when people ask you about it.

Purse straps are also fantastic for gifting and collecting. You can amass a variety of game day accessories with different straps for different outfits. They take up barely any space when not in use.

Display your loyalty no matter where you roam when you carry a purse, bag, or backpack fitted with an Ole Miss strap. Whether you keep it simple or go all-out glam, you'll find a way to show off your Rebel red and blue in style.

FAQs

Where can I buy an Ole Miss purse strap?

Etsy is the best place to find a wide selection of customizable Ole Miss purse straps. Many sellers offer straps with beads, sequins, mascots, sorority letters, and other embellishments. College bookstores also sell basic straps.

What is the best purse strap material?

Look for durable materials like nylon webbing or faux leather. Straps with metal hardware and firmly glued embellishments will last longer. Avoid cheap plastic straps.

What width strap should I get?

The most common widths for purse straps are 1" or 1.5". Make sure to get a strap wide enough to fit comfortably over your shoulder.

Can I put an Ole Miss strap on any bag?

Yes, the clip style straps are adjustable to fit all kinds of handbags, totes, and backpacks. Just make sure the strap is compatible with your bag's loops or rings.

Do purse straps make good gifts?

Definitely! An Ole Miss strap is a fun personalized gift for grads, students, fans, and anyone who wants to display their school spirit in style.