Bianca: There’s a difference between like and love. Because, I like my Sketchers, but I love my Prada backpack.Chastity: I totally feel your pain on this, girlfriend. At least I did, until my mom loaned me hers.
Chastity: But I love my Sketchers.
Bianca: That’s because you don’t have a Prada backpack.
Women of NYC are notorious for carting around their lives in their purses, and I’m no exception. This isn’t because we’re divas. It’s because getting around this city continually tests our sanity; the more things we have on hand, the less likely we are to go apeshit when we’re inevitably inconvenienced by delayed trains, crowded sidewalks, Trader Joe’s lines, et. al.
When you shop as much as I do, it’s important to always have two free hands. Purses bearing the over-the-shoulder strap characteristic of messenger bags work in this capacity, but they don’t do much to alleviate the weight of all the crap you carry around. Enter the backpack.(Note to those worried about the potential Out factor of the backpack: This screamin’ nineties trend is apparently experiencing a Renaissance of sorts, so chillax.)
), Sudoku book, mechanical pencil, digi-cam, mini-notebook. Nucking futs, right? You bet.Usually, a four-hour trek around the city with the aforementioned contents in tow culminates in a noticeable amount of shoulder pain. Upon completing my errands yesterday, I was giddy to find this wasn’t the case. The backpack proved a strategic choice that enabled me to shop/browse hands-free AND carry around my “essentials” sans muscle tension. Word.
I’m not suggesting you go out and buy a Prada backpack; it’s a $600 piece of nylon, for fuck’s sake. I do, however, think a bag in this style is a wise addition to any gal’s purse collection, particularly if your current one is the functional equivalent of a tortoise shell. For a fab option, see LeSportsac’s not-at-all-heinously-priced, patent leather-esque version.
Cheers to backpacks and pack-rats alike.
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I’m ambivalent about this trend making a comeback! To be fair, I rocked the mini backpack majorly in junior high. I’m trying not to be a hater over the 90s fashion renaissance, but it’s hard when you experienced it live and in person the 1st time. Over the weekend I saw a girl rocking one a mini backpack in the club, and I was like wtf.
I love that movie! Even though I was like five or something, at most, when it came out. I also adore my backpack.
Though I don’t shop thrift (just…can’t…do…it…yet…) I do love your blog. Couldn’t not comment to say what a great, great book(let) Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace is. Also, 8 years (thanks to mom and dad, back then) after initial purchase of this very Prada backpack, I still take it on ever trip (business and pleasure) I go on.
That is one of my FAVORITE exchanges from “10 Things.” That and the one about how you can be “whelmed” in Europe … hah!
I can’t do a backpack again. Just can’t. But I definitely understand the appeal.
Bpacks are fine, but in LA a backpack is immediately confiscated (asked to place behind counter) of any store-retail, thrift, the grocery–upon entrance. I dont like having ANY purse or bag held behind a counter, but I sure as hell wouldnt let someone “hold” a $600 Prada backpack.
Fuck yeah backpacks!
I was on a quest to find the perfect distressed leather backpack after falling in love with the Alexander Wang one from a few seasons back. Then I found a vintage Hobo International one on ebay for $3.00. Score.
P.S
My favorite part of this post is “Nucking Futs.” I’ll be using that on a regular basis now, thanks.