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Why Did You Wear That: Leader of the (Back) Pack

By |September 3rd, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

how to wear a backpack overallsBackpacks aren’t anything new- we brought back the pack both last year (here) and the year before (here).  Long gone are the days of bulky canvas Kipling and Jansport and the current iterations aren’t of Clueless microscopic proportions either.  These bags are crafted of leathers, skins, and suede and embellished with shiny hardware in gold, silver, and in some instances even rose gold.  While many equate backpacks to textbooks and pencil cases, the backpack has evolved well beyond the playground and has become fashion “it” girls’ new “it” bag.  Trade in your slouchy tote for fall for a backpack slung over one shoulder or worn traditionally on two shoulders.  Tag- you’re it.

10 top backpacks1. Alexander Wang Dumbo Textured Leather Backpack, 2. Proenza Schouler Python PS Small Courier Backpack, 3. Opening Ceremony Izzy Backpack, 4. meli melo Mini Backpack, 5. See by Chloé Cherry Backpack, 6. Jerome Dreyfuss Haircalf Florent Backpack, 7. ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Backpack, 8. Deadly Ponies Mr. Chain Mail Backpack, 9. Balenciaga Arena Classic Traveler Backpack, 10. KARA Suede Backpack

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photo by Michael Stiegler, full outfit post here

Why Did or Why Don’t: Back(pack) for More

By |December 26th, 2013|Why Did or Why Don't?|

backpack style fashionEvery girl needs a bag within which she can lug around all kinds of things that a man would never fathom being necessary on a day to day basis.  We stow little items that may very well come in handy when handling an unaccounted for crisis.  You call them frivolous, we say functional.  It is the Girl Scout motto afterall, “Always be prepared.”

And with this 90’s resurgence it’s no wonder we are revisiting the backpack bonanza from last year.  This time, however, it seems just about every designer that’s ever played in the handbag arena has thrown his/her pack in the ring.  From Mr. Wang to MK and Ashley, there are backpacks crafted from studded leather to luxe leopard.  Take your pack—er, pick.  But will you be partaking in this trend?  Or is it something we should leave back in social studies class?

On the upside: they do look pretty cute and who doesn’t want yet another chance to channel Cher Horowitz?  It’s also great to just fling that baby on your shoulders and continue making overly dramatic hand gestures in conversation without that pesky handbag getting in the way.  However, have you ever tried retrieving something from your stylish sack while it’s still in place on your back?  Awkward.  Trust me, you won’t be going for your iPhone nearly as often(which, could be another one to add to the upside).  And along with looking like the teenage freak that you once were while trying to fetch a stick of Big Red from your satchel, backpacks pose as open invitations to pickpocketers, especially in a city like New York.

backpack1. Elizabeth and James Abstract Animal Print Calf Hair Sling Backpack, 2. Alexander McQueen Studded Leather Backpack, 3.Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Mariska Backpack, 4. Stella McCartney Shaggy Deer Falbella Backpack, 5. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Stamped Leather Backpack, 6. Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Backpack, 7. Rebecca Minkoff Selena Backpack, 8. MCM Stark Allover Stud Med Backpack, 9. Christopher Kane Crackle Leather and Macramé Backpack, 10. Alexander Wang Prisma Cracked Skeletal Backpack

 

So, you be the judge… are backpacks back?

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid or Why Don’t: Jam Packed

By |August 22nd, 2012|Why Did or Why Don't?, Why Did You Wear That?|

back to school backpacksSpeaking of the end of summer, looks like school’s back in session.  And even if you aren’t actually headed back to class, it seems that backpacks are making a bit of a comeback for fall.  You may remember the tiny backpacks of the mid-90’s having a moment (oh, yes you do, Cher Horowitz), but this rendition is a bit bulkier and crafted in leathers and coated fabrics rather than canvases and corduroys… meaning you might actually be able to fit more in them than lip gloss and a tampon.  Dare I say even a real— book?!  And while these aren’t your run of the mill Jansports, I’m not sure I can get on board with the book bag look.

backpack purse trend1. Topshop Studded Denim Backpack, $70, 2. Alexander Wang Marti Backpack, $850, 3. Theyskens’ Theory Vera Backpack, $695, 4. Rag & Bone Coated Backpack, $275, 5.3.1 Phillip Lim Drop Down Backpack, $995, 6. Madewell Leather Backpack, $248, 7. Topshop Large Washed Clip Backpack, $72, 8. Pierre Hardy Leopard Print Suede Backpack, $1,650, 9. MCM Backpack Stark, $850, 10. Foley & Corinna Simpatico Backpack, $450,

What do you think?  Will you be tossing your tote for a backpack?

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via Examiner