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?

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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:

More Yellow

After, browsing my inspiration files for sunny yellow pictures, I preceded to browse for some pieces I might pick up to add some yellow to my space.

1 - Sunny settee - Urban Outfitters ($579)  - This reminds me of this Nate Burkus sofa that I've seen everywhere.  But Yellow is so much more fun!

2 - Grey and Yellow Dwell Ikat Pillow ($58) - On my short list of possible living room purchases

3 -  West Elm Dhurrie Rug ($199) - Not a bad price as far as rugs are concerned! I think this could be awesome in a bedroom

4 -  Happy Modern Art- Etsy ($185) - If I had a wall to put this on, I'd definitely pick it up. (PS - hah I love how she mocked up rooms with this painting in them )

5 - Upholstered Ottoman - Target ($299) - I considered this when we moved into my place but we just don't have enough room

6 - Yellow Chevron Pillow ($11) - Just $11!  It doesn't say where it ships from but the sellers feedback is mostly positive.. hmm...

P.S.  Kate Spade's shop also seems to be dedicated to the color yellow at the moment.  If I could afford to buy her entire clothing line, I probably would.

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.

Invitation-Only Online Shopping

It recently came to my attention that, unlike me, most people don't wake up to an inbox full of sample sales.  In fact,  a lot of my friends/colleagues haven't even heard of the long list of invitation-only shopping sites that have popped up over the past couple years.

While I still think HomeGoods is my favorite shopping stop for affordable home accessories and decor, these online shops are a close second.  One Kings Lane seems to have been around the longest and is home and decor focused. They often have great deals on art prints and candles but my favorite sales that they host are called "Tastemaker Tag Sales" where they feature sets of unique and antique objects curated by designers.  Sadly, the one-of-a-kind objects they feature are usually outside of my budget but it's still fun to see what each designer picks.

If you aren't already on the email lists,  click on the links below for invitations.  Careful, you may then find yourself online shopping every morning when new sales open up... don't say I didn't warn you..

 

Plus,  there are a number of more fashion-focused club sale sites that also ocasionally have good deals on home items:

Gilt

RueLaLa

Ideeli

HauteLook

Beyond the Rack

Oh yeah, and after I fawned over Oliver Peoples yesterday,  Gilt had their frames on sale today.  Sadly, none of the pairs on my list.

Sunglasses & Miss Zooey

I've already professed my love of the quirky and talented Zooey Deschanel but as I was browsing for suglasses (that I will never be able to afford) and I stumbled upon an awesome campaign she did for Oliver Peoples a couple years ago.

I've been eyeing this pair from Oliver Peoples:  Sadly they're a bit out of my price range but while I continue shopping...

Here is the video that also includes a bunch of fun and inspiring styles...

Some of my favorite stills from the campaign: