Recently, a client called seeking approval on an incredibly expensive backpack she purchased, explaining she got carried away while at a work trip to Las Vegas.  Sadly, I did not approve.  Small fortune aside, the shape was all wrong for her style and the material, though high quality, didn’t look rich. It had to go back… for store credit only (gasp)!  However, she was more upset that she had been looking for a backpack for a while and she felt this was the only one that came close.  She wanted one that was professional enough to carry into C-suite level meetings, but with enough room to hold a laptop, notepad, wallet, phone and charger, small makeup case, and occasionally a change of shoes or a bottle of water… no small request.  The good looking backpacks were too small and the big ones didn’t look professional. The one she found in Vegas fit all those items and was a high end, so why didn’t it work?  Because it made her look like a teenage mutant ninja turtle when she put it on. 
Around the same time, another client sent me this frank text, “Backpacks. Are they cute or trash?”    

Great question. The truth is, I am really into function. I always have been and living in NYC reinforces this every day.  However, this rules out most backpacks on the market because they are too small to hold a wallet, a water bottle, and a pair of shoes at the same time.  And if a backpack is that small, just get a purse.  Your belongings will be easier to access and you won’t be vulnerable to someone walking close behind you and unzipping your backpack looking for your wallet.  This happened to me on a trip to Rome, I’m clearly over it.
 
The other truth is, I’m equally into form.  So this rules out a lot of backpacks that don’t move the needle for me on the style scale.  Hence, now that 95% of the backpacks on the market have been ruled out due to form or function- here are the 2019 Goldilocks Backpack Awards, because they aren’t all trash.

Best In Show: The all around winner for form and function is Italic’s Barlett Pebbled Leather Backpack which comes in just black or navy and a choice of silver or gold hardware.  They thought of everything with this bag. It’s roomy yet tidy, unfussy while thoughtful, and the leather has a beautiful hand.  Tie a colorful scarf around the top handle and everyone will think you’re Amal Clooney.  Bonus! They plant a tree with every purchase. $195

Minimalist Award: The Graf Lantz Convertible Bedford Backpack is made from stain-resistant, lightweight felt in beautiful neutral colors and where most convertible bags look wrong when not worn as a backpack – this bag looks awesome as a tote or crossbody. $345

Mary Poppins Award: Lo & Sons Rowledge is so large that it could likely hold everything you need to be practically perfect in every way and it will still keep you organized with all of its sleeves and compartments.  It fits over a suitcase handle and offers a choice of hardware and interior colors to keep you looking fresh wherever the wind takes you. $225

Designer Collab Award:  J.W. Anderson’s Reversible 2-Way Bag for Uniqlo is so darn cute and functional and only $20… I wish I needed it.

Fashion Award: State’s Kane Backpack comes in a variety of colors but the silver mock-croc is a total standout. $120

The Look for Less Award: Italic’s motto is Luxury without Labels, this Faux-Leather Backpack from Coofit on Amazon is that bag, for even less.  This economical option looks much more expensive than it is and is surprisingly spacious. $24

Goldilocks is now the very happy owner of both the Italic Barlett and the Graf Lantz Bedford, proving that you don’t have to pay a fortune for style.