WIW: My Daily Bag/ Backpack Combo

People's comments on Angie's post got me thinking about my everyday bags - I usually wear two together, so I can keep my valuables close to me when teaching/ on public transport but also bring my laptop etc.

I have a black nylon backpack/ wheelie for when I need to cart around more stuff (hello whiteboard eraser/ pens/ laser pointer/ notebook/ pen/ laptop/ charger/ power bank/ umbrella/ water bottle etc), but I like this chocolate brown leather backpack when I need to look a little smarter.
It's much sleeker but my jacket fits, plus it has a padded laptop sleeve.
*Tip: the menswear section is great for more practical designs in brown leather goods!*

As for the belt bag/ bum bag/ fanny pack/ waist belt (whatever you want to call it, there are so many names!) I usually wear it like a bandolier (crossbody sling) if I'm out casually at the weekend (no backpack).
*Versatility: It has vertical strips at the back for the 'bum bag' strap, or you can clip it to the D rings at the ends as a shoulder purse*

(PS - I realise I haven't posted a What I Wore/ OOTD in quite a while. Sorry!
~ I never thought I'd own cargo pants, let alone satin ones, but now I have two lol!
~ I changed my shoes because the bronze loafers now pinch at my toes uncomfortably after a few hours. I've used leather stretcher on the vamp/ instep but I'm debating whether to keep them still, since they work for short distances... *Sigh* how frustrating when it's a HEWI as well (bronze shoes)!

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2 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Those are great cargo pants! Good bag game ... I think backpacks are essential if you're going to commute with heavy items if only for the sake of your back! Love the deep green of the fanny pack.

Anonymous

Shame about the shoes I've been starting to see the wisdom of checking the men's section for things too these days. They just seem more durable.

Sisi

Thank you for sharing! I'm always interested in backpacks and belt bags. Your belt bag is genius-made and looks very nice! I like your oufit and I like your shoes. Maybe a cobbler could fix the beautiful bronze ones?

Olive Green

Your rich colors make the look! And that is a nice fat belt bag, the slim ones cannot hold much at all.

ChristelJ

Very smart belt bag, and lux brown leather backpack. Great with the fun cargo pants!

Dee

Love the fanny pack bag especially its size, style, and the way it clips. Looks great with those satiny cargo pants You’ve got yourself well sorted for going out and about.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look STINKING CUTE, Zaeobi!

KILLER satin cargo pants, and as always - your hair is stunning

Love the bronze shoes! How ANNOYING that they don't go the distance. I empathize greatly

Your 2-bag commuter bag system is fab! Especially for HK public transport. Sorted.

Zaeobi

@Helena @Olive @Christel @Dee Thanks for the bag love - the belt bag was actually completely unexpected. Saw it at a random mall stall after a doctor's appointment haha! The opening is a tad small for my phone (grr these bulky smartphones these days lol) so I'm seriously considering getting vertical strips added to a bigger crossbody bag just to replicate it Can't go too big when teaching, though... such a hassle!

@suntiger I wonder why manufacturers don't feel women deserve robust items too, lol?

@Sisi @Angie - I think sadly the shoes aren't redeemable since it's a toebox issue I bought them 2 years ago online & only just retrieved them from home this summer. They were OK in the UK but I guess I was mostly travelling by car than on foot, so didn't really test them properly. Annoyed that I wasted suitcase space carting them back halfway across the world!

Jaime

Love the look! Sorry about the shoes and the bag solution is excellent.

Suz

That's a clever solution to the teacher-on-the-go problem. I wish I'd figured that out better last year when I was in a similar situation. Two bags sounds more complicated but may in fact be easier. And great tip about the men's section for brown leather goods. They are probably cheaper there, too!

Jules

I love your colour palette as always! I also commute by transit with a laptop and backpack + belt bag sounds like a great solution especially if transit is very crowded and it might be difficult to get into your backpack. And I too find myself often drawn to the ‘men’s’ category when browsing leather items because of the brown options!

@Jaime Thanks (for the commiseration)!

@Suz It's a tricky one, isn't it? Especially when they expect you to schlepp around all sorts of stuff, but you also don't want to look like one of your backpack-wielding students
The only thing annoying about menswear is it (obviously) isn't proportioned for me. Might have to get an extra hole punched into my backpack straps (like a belt hole) to keep it snug against my back.

@Jules Yes, like @Angie mentioned HK public transport is notoriously busy (never shut during COVID) - I prefer to keep my valuables visually close, out of both safety & convenience.
Ikr? I don't know why I still can't find many dark brown leather options in womenswear yet! Maybe I need to wait until deep winter?

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