STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

On hold - please help me decide!

ico · Dooney & Bourke

mmm... I don't know... I am not sold in it!

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

It's as glam as a backpack gets, that's for sure...and I love the handle feature for when its full of heavy things you shouldn't be shouldering...but it sounds as though you really don't *want* a backpack at all. Maybe a similiarly styled tote bag?

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

I think it is cute but I'm not sure about the backpack route either. I did get the purple canteen bag as I was looking for something small for carrying around in Europe but I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it or not as I'm having second thoughts on the shape. I am waiting to see what it looks like in person. I wish they had better pictures over there.

Are you just trying to use the bag as luggage or are you going to try and tote the thing around all day? If you just want luggage I really liked those rolling bags that sold out immediately. If you want a backpack then this is probably the most fashionable one you'll find.

Sandy · Kate Spade

I almost bought that too. I thought, 'oh, I guess I could use a backpack, and that sure is a cute one!' But then I realized that I wouldn't have wanted one if I didn't see that one. That's what I hate about Gilt sales... it's such a good deal, I try to rationalize the purchase. Unless you had a backpack specifically on your list of things to buy, I say no.

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

Sandy wrote:

That's what I hate about Gilt sales... it's such a good deal, I try to rationalize the purchase.

I am starting to figure this one out. I can't believe how quickly I fell back into the rationalizing purchases thing again.

alb · Marc Jacobs

i think that backpack is really cute. i actually prefer to use a tote when venturing around during the day on vacation, BUT on the plane and trains in Europe a backpack is really helpful. So, if you wanted to get it but were worried about looking like a tourist, you could always use it just for the travel part and then if you liked it also use it during the day. i think it looks as chic as a backback can and not touristy at all. the other thing about backpacks is that they are extremely practical b/c they totally free up your hands. a couple of years ago i had to travel by myself from texas to frankfurt to cairo with a 2 yr old and a new baby. my hubby convinced me that the ONLY way i could do it was to bring a backpack as my purse - i hated the idea of lugging thru the airport with a frumpy northface backback on, but it made things so much easier that i do it now whenever i'm on a long trip w/ my kids, so i too am looking for a stylish one to replace my NF (and that one would fit the bill). sorry to digress, but maybe that helps put things in perspective.

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Thanks alb for your great review on backpacks. My DH is also a huge supporter of using a backpack for traveling and I usually let him be the one to carry it (heehee). But as I will be traveling w/out home to Europe..

well - i actually bit the bullet and bought the backpack last night. The thing with Gilt is you have to act quickly and I've lost items I didn't act on quick enough. The backpack is actually more what I need than the rolling bags they also had, so I figure it will be a good investment for my travels.

I originally wanted a cross-body messenger, but DH convinced me that it's not that practical.

"BUT on the plane and trains in Europe a backpack is really helpful." This IS a big part of it - and I figure if we end up shopping/walking all day - if my bag gets too heavy, I can just roll it.

Thanks for everyone's input - I hope it works out well- will let you know after I get it!

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

I actually really love it. I think its very fashionable for such a useful item!

sydney · Kate Spade

Its really cute, go for it

Escrime · Kate Spade

Cute purchase!

However, I beg to differ with your husband about messenger bags. wink

I carry one with me all the time when I travel, and I like them much better than backpacks.

alb · Marc Jacobs

vivi - i totally used to make my husband carry my bag too (that was before kids though - ha). i think you made a good decision on the backpack. if it is as practical as it is stylish, it will be a good investment! pls review when you get it - i looked at it on gilt too (but not seriously, as i am trying to focus on other things right now)!

oh and i agree w/ your hubby about messenger bags.