Forgot Back to School, Welcome Chic Backpacks

When I was in school I always opted for the biggest backpack – give me all the pockets and space.  When I brought my loyal, trusty North Face backpack to school one friend joked it was my clown backpack as it just kept going and going. Well I still have that back and it was one of my most used gifts – thanks dad!   Then when I earned my degree I was anti backpack for many years as I thought if I went to double straps my bag would be too functional to be fashionable, but I am slowly being converted.  Though the tipping point was likely when my shoulder started acting up and I had business day trips to places like Atlanta.  Between the commute, airport trek, journey to the client office, likely lunch, and then return journey my shoulder would be DONE by the end of the day. I then got this cute Calpak Kaya Faux Leather Laptop Backpack option in black which fit everything I needed at the time including fitting a laptop and extra pair of shoes. I still have it but the reason it is not great? It does not fit my DSLR. Sure I don’t need a laptop on my days out but due to the box shape the leather buckles with the camera and I really don’t want to ruin it. 

hus I am looking for the high end version of this sports backpack I bought on a whim this summer and that has been great for all of our hikes . Sure, I could use it touring around Italy (on the days that aren’t museums) but it is not cute.  Thus, I am looking combination of practical and fashionable – I need it to be big enough and comfortable but I do not need features like key clips, laptop pockets and air mesh straps.  There are some super crazy high end ones (if you are looking to spend over $1,000 I would recommend this Harper’s Bazaar round up) but here are my more reasonable picks for chic backpacks that are not just for the kids anymore: 

1 | Mali + Lili Isabel Vegan Leather Backpack in White
2 | The Isabel Vegan Leather Backpack in Taupe
3 | Mansur Gavriel Mini Backpack in Cammello / Rosa
4 | Béis Daytripper Backpack in Beige

5 |  Treasure & Bond Quinn Leather Backpack in Olive Grove
6 | Tory Burch Gemini Link Canvas Backpack in Black Gemini Link
7 | Tumi Voyager Carson Nylon Backpack in Blackberry

8  | Cuyana Pebbled Leather Backpack
9 | Maje M Leather Backpack with Chain
10 | Longchamp Le Pliage Leather Backpack

And then some honorable mentions include the The Lorimer Backpack in True Black from Madewell, and then Treasure & Bond  Delaney Drawstring Leather Backpack, and the Matt and Nan Vintage Bremen Backpack in Olive .I am not sure any of these are going to make you fully rethink your go to purse but maybe for a day of touring your next trip! Which backpack would you pick out? Or feel free to drop a link to your favorite in the comments if it is not Listed above!