Carrying a Backpack to Work- Yay or Nay?

It is a daily struggle for me to carry all of my junk to and from work.  I always have at least 2 bags (computer bag + purse) plus gym stuff and sometimes lunch.  Not only is it a lot to carry but it's hard to keep it all on my shoulders when I'm wearing a jacket or coat.  I'm constantly fidgeting and dropping things, so I have tried a lot of bag options.  Most recently I've been using this awesome LuLuLemon combo gym/computer bag that my mom gave me - it's great because I can put gym stuff and my computer in it, but its a bit cumbersome to carry. Plus, if I have a coffee+bag+purse,  I don't have any free hands. This challenge has me considering a backpack.    I've seen some fancy ladies carrying backpacks (photos below via CarolinesMode)  but I'm not sure I can pull it off.

Would I just look silly carrying a backpack to and from work?  There are some cuter options these days.  Maybe something with a leather accent? 

I think the biggest difference between me and the ladies above is that my backpack would actually be full of stuff. (not empty and hanging off one shoulder)

Here are some of the cute ones I've found:

Striped Fleece Backpack  - Parketo! ($58)

 "Backpack to the Future " - ModCloth ($79.99)

Classic looking O'Hanlon Mills Colorblock Backpack - Urban Outfitters (Just $28)

Canvas Stripe Rucksack - Asos ($62.76) What do you think?  Should backpacks be reserved for students and hiking?

---------------

P.S. I found this Color Collective image on my hunt for real women wearing backpacks. Next time I go hiking, I want it to be something like this:

Lady of Style: Iris Apfel

It's rare for me to find fashion inspiration from a woman who could be my grandmother, but Iris Apfel is definitely an inspiration at any age.    I think it's  wonderful that Iris  pops up all over the fashion scene,  sitting front row at shows, inspiring designers etc. (Plus her role as what she calls 'geriatric starlet' is partlydue to street photographer Bill Cunningham, whom I adore.) There is something to be said for 80+ years of fashion experience.   Not to mention having a clothing collection worthy of display at the MET!    Iris says her mother "worshiped at the altar of the accessory" - and Iris very clearly learned a lot from her! She has an amzing ability to layer on a chic piles of jewelry.

I loved this recent Nowness video that featured her and some other wonderfully stylish older women:

Advanced Style: Age and Beauty on Nowness.com.

Advanced Style: Age and Beauty on Nowness.com.

 This video interview with her also has some awesome photos that show her style evolving:

"You only have one trip, you might as well enjoy it"

Here is another wodnerful article about her. It makes me want to never get rid of another piece of clothing or jewelry again!

Skirt Crush

I have a huge crush on this skirt:

I saw this photo (by jakandjl.com's Tommy Ton) on style.com a while back and I can't get the skirt out of my mind. The colors, the pattern, the flowy pleats!  I have a skirt crush.  I've tried to fill the void with other skirts but the problem is that every maxi skirt or dress I find has a different vibe- I can't pull of the flowy hippie look. Plus, I love the way this one just barely skims the ground; everything quasi-similar I've looked at has been way to short.

After seeing that photo a while back, and dreaming about it, I finally identified the skirt.  It was in Suno's spring 2011 collection.  (photo below)  I can't find it for sale anywhere, and I'm sure it would be way out of my price range if I did.  S.o.. I will just post this picture and continue to stare longingly like pre-teen and a Justin Bieber poster.

Update on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 8:32AM by Meagan @ Style-Edition

Update:  The lovely Gwyneth Paltrow just shared a photo of the same skirt (on the same darling girl) on her weekly GOOP newsletter.  It's haunting me...

Still Loving Green

Even more green items caught my eye today.  Not only do I love a good dose of green in my home but I love wearing it too.  It's probably too late to pick up something new to avoid getting pinched but I think these pieces will work year round (or, at least into spring)

1 - Target Paterned Dinnerware ($21.99) - Great retro dishes for summer by the pool.

2 - Asos green belt ($57) - The perfect splash of color for jeans and a tee or a LBD.

3 - Lotus Bleu Pillow ($68) - Spruce up the sofa for spring?

4 - Green Striped Aubin & Wills Shirt ($65) - A classic.

5 - Cole Haan Handbag ($398) - A splurge but a preppy bag that won't go out of style.

6 - Handmade ring ($140) - Beautiful organic shape with just the right amount of shimmer.

7 - Pleated Maxi Skirt ($1195) - I know this is way out of most people's price range but I love the flowin pleates.  American Apparel has some similar ones but I don't love them quite as much.  If I had it, I'd style it just like this.

8 - Nixon Green Watch ($60)- Just for fun.

9 - Target Printed Chair ($299) - Would add just the right pop of green to a neutral living room.

Stocking Up for Spring at H&M

H&M has so much constantly changing inventory that keeping up on on what they have to offer usually involves a  trip to the store.  When I go, sometimes I get lucky and there are fun, quality pieces, but other times I walk away with nothing (or a stack of cheap jewelry I probably didn't need.)

Its tough to know what will be in the stores because their online lookbooks are usually pretty sparse, only highlighting a few random pieces.  But, I've seen a couple of sneaks at their spring collection online and I've already built up a virtual list of the not so basic pieces that I want for spring 2011.

I'm sure I won't find them all when I get into the store but here is what I will be looking for:

On top of my list are these high waisted lace, scallop shorts. (Probably because they remind me of this Chloe pair from 09 which I was never able to find a good copy of)

I think they would look perfect with a simple striped t-shirt durring the day or with a breezy blouse and summer platforms for a night out.

A fun printed dress in one of my favoirte colors.  Assming the volume in this dress isn't quite that heavy in person I could see myself  getting a ton of wear out of it.  They only have a picture of the front but I would love it even more if it had a low open back.. we'll see...Finally- a lace dress that's not black or white!  I have picked out a bunch of dresses similar to this over the past year or two but they always seem to be in white. So, I end up stopping myself becausea white lace dress isn't the most practical thing in the world.  I think this green is much more wearable. Plus, it's lined (ie. no see-through problems) and, I love the little pockets!

These sandals have everything I want in my summer shoe: they're a bit 70's/retros, they have tons of height, and they're a casual color that will work with almost anything (including the dresses and shorts above)

This fun dress has the stripes that were all over the runways.  I think it would work great with a simple pair of flat sandals or even as a bathing suite cover-up.

Now I just have to figure out when I can get to the store and start spending...