I’ve always waxed philosophical about the pros and cons of buying overpriced backpacks. It seems like the most meaningless indulgence of all, mainly because backpacks hold no value to me as an adult. Yet there are women out there who collect them and covet them, so for them the Moschino Quilted Nylon Backpack may actually make a lot of sense. It’s available in red and this rather cheery yellow, though I’m not so cheered by it that I’d actually BUY it. Available for $698 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: May 20th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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No doubt, there is someone out there in this world who will appreciate the Christopher Kane Embroidered Velvet Backpack. The girly-meets-edgy backpack depicts the best of both worlds: a hint of royalty courtesy of black velvet and a touch of whimsy brought forth by a scattered floral pattern. It’s a little odd, but I could see it working in the right environment – which, also no doubt, is probably not a college campus. Available to pre-order for $1725 at Saks.

posted: May 20th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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As far back as I can remember, backpacks weren’t nearly as stylish when I was in school. Take every opportunity to accessorize by adding this MCM Backpack to your collection. It’s made of durable coated canvas, but I doubt you’ll be leaving this bag on the cafeteria floor. The studded detail is on trend, and undeniably girly in pink. You may just start a new trend and make backpacks the usual outside of the classroom. Also available in cognac and black for $620 at Bloomingdale’s.

posted: May 6th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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I’m not entirely a convert to the backpacks-are-fashionable line of thinking, but if I had to carry one, something like the Aldo Susswein Backpack would suffice. It has simple lines and a nice mustard color that’s easy to pair with lots of things, but if you wore it while walking down the street you probably wouldn’t feel like a twelve year old on your way to school. If you start hooking keychains onto it and drawing on it in Sharpie though, that’s a different story. Also available in peach, it’s $55 at Aldo.

posted: April 10th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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This Nine West Bright Lights Backpack may not match a single thing in my closet but I still desperately want one. It has a delightful spunk about it that instantly brightens my mood! Are you feeling that too? It features textured faux leather, a top flap with snap closure, additional drawstring closure, a rolled handle with 4″ drop, adjustable back straps, a front zip pocket and slip pocket on each side, printed fabric lining, an inside zip pocket and two slip pockets and silver tone hardware. Snag yours from DSW for $59.95.

posted: February 28th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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Out of nowhere, “fierce” has new meaning. With spring on the horizon, designers have embraced the wild in a different way – with actual animal imagery instead of the usual spots and stripes. The Kenzo Leather-Trimmed Tiger-Print Nylon Backpack is part of the label’s Tiger Fever collection, a range that includes everything from sweaters to iPhone cases. The backpack shows Kenzo’s signature motif at its best, with the animal haphazardly strewn over a cherry red backdrop. You need to be a tiger fanatic to want this, and I think those who are will be very pleased. Available for $480 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: February 18th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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Don’t look now, there’s an armadillo on your back! Somewhat literally, too, if you’re planning to hoist this Cyclus Armadillo Recycled Rubber Backpack over your shoulder and make its acquaintance. Why you’d want to get to know this criminal looking rubber bag is beyond me, but credit where it’s due: this is obviously not your average backpack. Available for $383 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: February 14th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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The Kimchi Blue Feline Collage Backpack has a five star rating over at Urban Outfitters, and never before has the generation gap between myself and the next generation felt so severe. I guess they’re too young to remember tapestry prints gone wrong in the 1990s, but I all too clearly remember wearing a vest in a similar fabric. Perhaps it’s more forgivable in backpack form, but this is just an facet of nineties nostalgia I’m not ready for. It’s $49 at Urban Outfitters.

posted: February 1st, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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Fine. I’m going to start looking more closely at backpacks this year, because there are too many high-end varieties out there and I just can’t ignore them, however much I’d like to. I guess my Serious Handbag Snob really comes out when I spot these overpriced monstrosities, which always lead me to wonder who on earth – I mean, really, WHICH ADULT WOMAN? – would spend such crazy cash on what is essentially an overpriced book bag. I could potentially see the appeal of this Pierre Hardy Colorblock Suede Backpack if it were a purse – but it’s not, and therefore I can’t. Especially not for this price! Available for $1995 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: January 8th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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I do believe the impossible has happened: I’ve found a grown-up backpack I actually like! Designed by Alexander Wang, the Marti Leather Backpack has a sporty feel punctuated by its bright yellow color and a lazy, slouchy silhouette. That’s a pretty strong study in contrasts, and it makes me appreciate immaculate, supple leather paired with low-key detailing even more. Though I wouldn’t wear it as one would an actual backpack, I would love to grab and go all spring long with this on my arm. Available for $850 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: December 19th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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