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Help me choose a backpack

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Not long ago, I picked up this Zara quilted knapsack on sale.(in Finds) It's not leather. I wanted an inexpensive try out for this style and one that was available to me.

Well, I LOVE it. Or rather, I love it for its incredible usefulness for my life. Instant workhorse. And I love the idea of it. I do not love the stuff it's made of.

So, for a belated Christmas gift to myself, I am thinking of picking up the Danier version instead. I will give the Zara to my vegan step-daughter, who will completely adore it. Win win.

My question is: which colour should I get? It comes in black, a sort of luggage colour (lighter than cognac, I think), and off-white with black trim.

The coats I will be using this with include my grey puffer, my grey and black mixed media Danier coat, my navy and black pea coat, and (maybe) the Eddie Bauer white puffer, if I keep it. (I have ordered but have not been able to pick it up yet to see if it works).

I also have a red wool coat, but I'm unlikely to carry the knapsack with it since the coat feels too dressy for that.

Also, do you think the square shape of the Danier will be okay?

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29 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA: footwear -- well, in the worst of the weather, charcoal snow boots. Also black motos, black knee highs, grey knee highs (rarely -- since I usually wear those with a dress).

In less mucky weather, a variety of booties -- black, ink, python, cranberry, etc.

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Aquatalia By Marvin K. 'Sweetie' Short Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women)

$450.00 $249.97

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Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

The white with black trim is super cute, but I don't know how practical it would be this time of year. I might be boring and go for the black version, tbh.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

My first thought was the white one, but then I thought maybe the tan one - it would add a fun contrast. But would people see fun contrast or someone who doesn't know what goes? Hmm. I would have to try them on. I am least interested in the black one for you, it loses the effect somehow.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I wish I could see them in person before ordering, Jaime. There are none in the Kingston store at all. I'm going to try to check in Toronto.

I'm tempted by the white one and the luggage coloured ones, too. Probably would be more tempted by the luggage if I also had some footwear in that colour, but I don't. I think it would not look as good with the mixed media coat, which is the coat I'm wearing a lot right now.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

In that case Suz, I am going to have to give you my very best advice: see what Angie says!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I know it's not exciting, but I think the black would look best with all the outerwear options. What about the warmer months? Will you carry this year-round, and how will that affect your color decision?

Marley

Veteran

Hi Suz - I also have the Zara one and absolutely love it! One of my favorite purchases in 2014! I've been looking around for another one - am thinking either white or cobalt blue. To me, a backpack that is cognac or tan is just too close to looking like an actual backpack that one might carry to go hiking!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

White with black trim!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

The white one! It will go with so many things and the color makes it more stylish than the simple black one. I got a black one the previous fall and I think because it's black I reach for it less. I have the Aimee Kestenberg Tamitha which I also believe Janet has. These are the new versions, which I don't love as much as the older, plainer version.

http://www.aimeekestenberg.com.....s/backpack

Astrid

Veteran

The Zara backpack (your current workhorse) is black, right? When you think back on the times you used it, would any of the other colors have worked just as well? I think if I were you I would just upgrade and get the black one. It will look great for a long time and go with your outfits just like the Zara backpack.

ETA
If you really want another color I would look for a different backpack altogether. I don't think the tan would be a versatile color for you and somehow the combination of this type backpack style in white with the black straps reads very "school backpack" to me. Which isn't a bad thing, I'm not carrying a super fashionable backpack either and wouldn't mind the vibe. But I think it's not what you're looking for?

kkards

Veteran

i really want to like the white one, and with out the black straps, i'd love it….but the straps look too thin. which is ridiculous, because they look fine in both the black and the tan. i really like the tan, such a rich color, but the black is equally fab…….sorry not much help

carter

Veteran

I like all the colors as well, but I think I'd choose the white one for you. It works when you wear black, but it also works with your outfits that are often in a much lighter palette.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I vote for black. Sorrys! It's perfect with the coat/boot capsule you already have. I love my saddle brown tignanello backpack; if you're still digging yours in March or April get the tan color for the months you wear more varied shoes and show more skin.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all the input -- it seems opinions are quite divided. Well, no wonder I am having trouble deciding this one!

I should have clarified, for the summer months I have a great (black and off-white) tote bag that I use in similar situations (i.e. all the time). So I don't necessarily need to use this bag in summer. Although if I love it that much, there is indeed a chance that I would order a new version of it.

Basically, what I need is a bag I can throw my computer in, or stuff my gym clothes into if I want to go to the gym on foot and then be shopping or doing errands on the way home. I travel a TON, mostly by train. And I walk a lot.

Anonymous

I really like the toffee one, but it does sound like it wouldn't go as well with the coats and boots you'd be wearing it with, so I'd say either white or black.

Not very decisive on which of those two, though! The white one seems like it would be perfect for you color-wise, although I'm not sure if it would end up getting dirty. Black would obviously be less risky there. I'd actually been thinking the black one was kind of boring compared to the others but, when I zoomed in and noticed the pebbly texture and the gold hardware, it started looking a lot more appealing.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Yes, the simplicity can be appealing. Especially when your other pieces have more 'personality.'

chouette22

Veteran

I agree with Marley. And with Janet too. Black is probably the sensible choice that goes with everything, but the white one is a statement piece. I really love that one for you!

Helena

Veteran

Suz, I also vote black ... I feel like the white might look a bit too light with a gray puffer, and I like the black contrast against the white jacket. I'm sure your choice will be perfect - they are all beautiful!

Anonymous

As chic as the white one is, all I can think about is how grubby looking it could get with day -to-day urban wear and tear. Do you want to be able to put it through its paces, or treat it as a fashion piece? The tan colour seems the odd one out here, leaving black as the best solution.

I pick up and look at backpacks every time i see one - but all I see are the $400 versions that are so heavy and expensive. I haven't actually seen the Danier one. Two friends of mine use the mens Lululemon backpack and it's really ,really nice. Very functional but looks fantastic. It's not leather though. I think it will be the one I buy for myself.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Black if you are going to wear it right away.

Woooohooo. Go Team Back Pack. Fun new bag style for you, Sizzling Suz. xo

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love the black version Suz for versatility with various coats and for keeping clean.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I also prefer the black one out of these. It's so practical for winter, goes with all your coats and you know black already works.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Can't see the pictures but off-white sounds like the most versatile color here. Use Danier spray on it and it should be easy to keep clean! I think it owuld bw a great bag to brighten a grey winter Kingston day.

If you are chicken for white then black would be my second choice. Luggage is a fab color but I am afraid it will not play well with your outerwear closet.

Sheila

Veteran

I think just get a red one ! Red is great with gray or black and a wonderful pop of color.

unfrumped

Veteran

OK I will be a spanner or at least pose the "thought question":
If you could have any color you wanted, what would it be?

I think the toffee is not as good for your other items.

I like the white even in winter , because of the black straps, except it's impractical probably as gets dingy, and black for winter but not summer. How's that?

Would you want navy, or cobalt. or berry, or metallic, or gray, or some combo (gray with black straps). Are there any other contenders out there worth waiting for? Or, for black, is it something you will just use the heck out of for several months and worry about springtime later, or maybe there is something about winter where a backpack is more useful (gloves, indoor slippers, etc).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all the input!

unfrumped, if I could have any colour at all, who knows? I might pick pewter! But there are no contenders worth waiting for. It's between these three. Danier is value for money in bags, and I know their products. I do not want to shop fruitlessly around.

If I like the style I can always buy another colour later. So, black it is for now!

A backpack is super useful in my life. That, or a tote, or a clutch -- it's got to be one of those. I really won't carry a true "handbag." Much as I like the look of a good structured satchel, it's not practical for me.

Marley

Veteran

Sounds like a good choice Suz! Can't wait to see it! I'm going to have to go on the Danier website and look at their backpacks. I can't believe how much I used my black one this fall and so far this winter! It is my go-to bag with pretty much everything! I tote my computer around in it, I carry it to church, shopping (and can stick most purchases into it), and I get a zillion compliments on it whenever I wear it! I even wore it to a book signing that Vicki, Claire and I went to in Laguna Beach about a month ago and the two of them both gave me a big thumbs up. AND, it has held up so well - keeping it's shape and very light! Hmmmmm . . . .I maybe have talked myself into getting the Zara white one instead of upgrading. Hahahaha!

annabelle

Veteran

I use dark colored leather in the winter, so I vote for black when there's no grey or dark brown. I want to be able to put the bag on the floor in the coffee shop where others have stumbled in in their wet boots, carry it in the rain, etc.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/8.....sack-brown
is a great example of a backpack if you want to mix it up, next year. I carry her tote - with a zipper so my stuff doesn't get rained on and I bought a largerish Liebeskind handbag that fits the gloves, hat, scarf, water bottle, for when I'm not carrying my computer.

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Liebeskind Antic Alke

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Joy

Veteran

Have you bought the black one yet?