Backpacks...yes or no?

[Hairydogmummy]

Tbh I've never been a fan but can see the attraction from a practical point of view. I'm talking about a leather handbag type backpack...not a walking type one. I admired a friend's the other day and she offered to get me one but I'm not sure. Have been mulling it over for a while as I've seen a few people styling them nicely. Are they stylish or a fashion faux pas...?

I have many beautiful bags but back and shoulder problemz were being made worse they way they sat on my shoulders so got a nice backpack, small, love it! Not on headache or sore muscles since getting it.

I hope they are still classed as stylish as I love a back pack.

Much easier to carry everything around. I can also stride around the city faster with arms free to swing.

Following as I need a new one.

My DD's are stylish 20 somethings. They both have smart, leather backpacks which they use when going out. They look great.

Hmmm okay I might take the plunge then. Hers was from Justfab online which is one of those membership sites. She sent me the link but they're quite cheap at £20 so unsure whether the quality would be okay. I usually only have proper leather handbags and thinking a cheap backpack might be a mistake but then, on the other hand, spending a lot would also be daft if I not sure I'll take to it!

I have a leather one from Whistles I love it.

www.modalu.com/summer-sale/l/style:backpacks.html

I love them. Have a few from here.

I have a small leather one in a berry colour. It's tallish but slim rather than short and chunky so it doesn't protrude much. It certainly doesn't take up much space behind me - it's relatively flat to my back so I'm not taking people out when I turn around. You'd really need to be in my personal space for it to affect you!

I've had it since Christmas and there's definitely pros and cons, but I do think it's stylish for every day and have had plenty of compliments on it so the people around me seem to like it.

Pros:

• Weight distribution rather than overloading one shoulder if you have a lot in the bag.

• Keeps your hands/arms free. Lifesaver if you have to do a dash for the bus or something

• they look good

Cons:

• can't just fish in to grab your purse/keys etc.

• potential for thief's getting into it

• ...that's it. And I just swing mine round on one shoulder to my front, so it's easy enough to get stuff out.

Thank you! That's v helpful @BreastedBoobilyToTheStairs I think I will get one...I found these...looks like a bargain! https://maisondesacs.com/products/lillys-womens-backpack?variant=19448466604128&utmmedium=cpc&utmmsource=google&utmcampaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiA3uDwBRBFEiwA1VsajLFE2NwXPyqL0REzcMcFDxg5wCKK5IfJrgE2ORafHth8MazW1Ke3xoCIw8QAvDD_BwE

There was a recent thread about that website, that bag will come from China.

Oh really? Another one of those...sigh...not going there then

They look really naf and uncomfortable to me, but I am not fashionable in the slightest!

I do however use a backpack every day for work and have only ever owned backpacks... never owned a handbag. But I go for function over fashion and have a high end outdoor one

I just got a leather backpack from M&S for Christmas. Love it! Great colour, soft leather and it is zipped shut under the flap so feels fairly safe.

I have a couple of these back packs. They’re not leather but really well made and relatively inexpensive. I’ve used one of mine for a couple of years and it looks as good as new.

miatui.com/

I bought a navy leather one from Jigsaw on eBay. It has slim silver fastenings/zips, an inner pocket and a small outer pocket.

I love it. Being hands free is helpful when shopping and it feels more balanced on the shoulders.

Nope. I think most wearers are oblivious to the people they bash when they turn around! Also I can never forget being told that they are a thieves delight. Friend once had her straps cut before she realised ...whole bag gone!

I had a nice little blue leather one from Debenhams for Christmas. it's smaller than my old handbag and really practical now I no longer have a pushchair to bash people with
I love it. I admired many glamorous Italian women with them in Florence last year.

this one

Have a look at Anello (Japanese brand). There are some gorgeous designs and I intend to stock up when I travel there soon.

I’ve got a smallish leather bag that can swap between being a shoulder bag and a rucksack. Best of both worlds, I love it.
Was from Fat Face.

I have a leather whistles one which I love and a knomo one which I use for work as it is lighter and has padded straps. I walk everywhere though so have been using leather rucksacks for years (wel before they available everywhere)

I have something like this which is convertible (but mine is plain black). I've had it for decades and it's been great on a holiday yomp as a backpack although I normally use it as a shoulder bag.

This is mine. I need something hands free when I’m not at work as I have young DC

I'm struggling to choose now! Also have the dilemma of not wanting to tell my friend that I don't want any of the ones from 'justfab' like she has!! There are some nice ones in the sale at fat face and white stuff. Don't know whether to get a casual ish navy one, or brown maybe or a smarter black one. That Levi one is really nice actually... I've seen the Whistles ones too but not sure if I want to spend that much in case in doesn't end up being me. I've got to stop buying so much. I got two pairs shoes last weekend, a top today and I really need these gorgeous dark green suede converse in Office sale...