1 Jas MB bomber mini backpack | $595 at Barney’s
2 Zara leather shopper rucksack | $179 at Zara (also a camel bucket bag version on sale for $59 at Zara)
3 Alexander Wang Prisma skeletal grey backpack | $930 at Hampden Clothing after GRECHEN15 code for 15% off
4 Il Bisonte THE MAREMMANA BACKPACK IN DARK BROWN | $1045 at Mill Mercantile
5 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli backpack | $895 at Shopbop
6 Everlane snap backpack | $65 at Everlane
Ah…the humble backpack. Not so humble anymore now that Mary Kate & Ashley are in on the game with their (stunning) version by The Row that checks in at nearly $4,000. But the roots are undeniable: student, utilitarian, practical, easy. Does anything say effortless chic better than a backpack? I might argue that (taking both sides), but the truth is now that they’ve been back around for a few seasons, the backpack is growing on me. Not for practical reasons, as I don’t have to schlep my laptop or books anywhere, but because I’m warming up to the idea of just throwing one over my shoulder and heading out for the day, and all that implies: Freedom, ease, comfort…
But then the question becomes, what style? Slouchy or structured? Canvas or leather? Not an easy decision if you’re a personal style nomad like me, going from boho to minimal from one day to the next. I daresay though, and this will shock you, that the one that really “gets” me right now is the 3.1 Phillip Lim pashli version. Even the color I posted above. It’s “fun” without being overly frivolous, and at the same time casual and slightly luxurious. I think it would fit in nicely with my wardrobe. I’m not sure that will happen anytime soon, but if the opportunity arises – I may take it.
What about you? Would you carry a backpack? What style would you choose? Do you carry a backpack?
more amazing backpacks 🙂
Which is your favorite?
Great selection of backpacks! I am OBSESSED with that Wang one–absolutely gorgeous!
XxMO
madame-ostrich.com
I carry a Duluth pack. Way over on the rough and ready side of the spectrum, but I have been stopped on the streets of San Francisco and complimented by very stylish young women. On the hipster side of stylish, to be sure, but I’ll take it:). Here’s what the pack looks like. Would you carry something that, um, rural?
http://amidprivilege.com/2013/03/duluth-pack/
i remember when you posted that lisa – i do love it, and i like similar ones by filson, etc., but i’m not sure it’s “me”. if i’m in a boho/hipster mood, then yes, i think i could pull it off, but every day, i don’t know?
I do not carry a backpack and I just don’t see myself carrying one. I don’t know why. They just conjure up images of student or mom lol. However, I did see a Proenza Schouler black and white backpack that made me do a double-take and it sure was pretty but no, still not into them.
With that being said, I totally get why you like them and are crushing on that Phillip Lim. The color and sleekness makes it a winner.
I used to have a super-cool black leather backpack bag with one strap…back in the day. And I wish I still had it because it was really nice, soft leather and a simple design. Can’t recall who made it. But it would fit right in now. I don’t think I’d use it, tho, really. It’s probably a “been there, done that” thing with me and I worry that I’d be too old to pull it off!
i agree with you – although i did see a girl carrying a marc by mj one today – actually, i should say she was wearing it, like a backpack! – and it was pretty cute. on her anyway. i couldn’t pull that off. but i like the look sometimes.
Grechen – I was thinking about this today walking around:). I think since your clothes are so minimal, and largely slouchy, you like to carry disciplined and polished handbags, in counterpoint. Yes?
you would not be too old to pull it off, but i understand your been there/done that thing – i feel that way about stirrup pants LOL
lately, yes, i do prefer to carry more “structured” bags, like my 3.1 phillip lim for example, or even the AW as opposed to my hobo/slouchier bags. you know me, i like the juxtaposition 🙂
i don’t suppose i’ve ever given it a lot of thought, but that seems to be a central tenant of my style. i tried on this chiffon dress at H&M today and can’t stop thinking about wearing it this summer with my birkenstocks to take it down a notch 😉
Gretchen, first time commenter here, love your style, in fact, same as mine! I woudn’t call it slouchy (though a bit of slouch is allowed…). I would say unstructured, but still slightly shaped, minimal, but with some creative touches, on the intersection between masculine and feminine, so not frilly and not severe, and definitely casual, sporty, easy, not too much crazy going on – and beautifully done with knit fabrics. I also love that you dress in neutrals, as do I. Much, much prefer it, though I love color, but I save it for accessories. I particularly like it when you do darkish neutrals (black + gray) without breaking the vertical line, for example as you did recently with a gray dress and a black cardie. I find that wearing mix and match on tops and bottoms makes me look (and feel) shorter (in a bad way – nothing wrong with being short), not a nice look at all! Thanks for all the great ideas, you have expanded my options for quality basics.
thank you so much for your comment, and welcome! i’m glad to have you here 🙂
it’s interesting what you say about breaking up the line. it’s very true, and i always feel like a very flattering look for me is a long dress with a cardigan open over it; with nothing to break up the vertical silhouette. but one can’t be at their MOST flattering all the time, can one? 😉 i kid, but i have too much fun playing around with proportion and shapes to stick with just one type of outfit, AND i have a hard time dressing in monochrome, so i don’t really like to pair black on top with black on the bottom. i try and i just can’t do it.
definitely like color in accessories though, i do have a yellow bag that i wear in warmer weather, and a burgundy one that i may just pull out here soon –
I hear you, me, of the “uniform” dressing : ) One of my favorite “casual” looks (ie, not work) is the “peek-a-boo” layering that you do so well – the longer underneath top to provide a bit of contrast, and the outer, shorter top to provide some continuity with the bottoms, but not necessarily the exact same neutral, that can make it a bit more formal – and a burst of color as a scarf or necklace. I love to experiment with all kinds of grays, black, charcoal and other medium/dark neutrals. On color, I love it also as bright blush that is harmonious with my coloring, not so much lipstick, lip balm will do, and darkish neutral/smokey eyeshadow, of course : ) I think Lisa has a point on the bags, I tend to find that a bit of structure is best.