In the last few years, I’ve come to realize that I leave the house armed with one of four types of bags: backpacks, small top-handled bags, clutches, or a tiny wallet (stuck in my jacket pocket). And….that’s it. Cross-body bags? I may have sworn by them during the kids-in-diapers phase but I think those years ruined them forever. Shoulder bags or totes? Ugh, no. Bags that big invariably get filled, and then are too heavy to carry on one shoulder – my posture is bad enough, thankyouverymuch.
Clutches are good only for date night, and the small, top-handled bags are great for when I don’t need much besides my wallet and glasses…so my bag workhorse these past few years has always been….a backpack. Specifically, my Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack. It dawned on me, the other day, that I purchased my first Julian backpack in 2015. So it’s been going strong for at least three years. That’s pretty good! And while I don’t need another backpack – in fact, the fringe just came back in the most gorgeous tan – I’ve been keeping an eye on Ms. Minkoff to see what’s she’s been up to. She’s re-issued Julians in different colors, fabrics, sizes, added studded detail, etc. – and they’re all good! (Bloomies has a good selection, too.) This backpack is a TME and reader favorite for a reason. But the other backpack styles that Minkoff has come out with in the last few years haven’t…quite…lived…up…to the Julian.
Until now. The Rebecca Minkoff Blythe leather backpack is basically an updated version of the Julian. The closure is easy – wearing it as a backpack keeps it closed – and it’s been updated with an easy-access zippered pocket located in the side of the bag. I can rummage around in there without taking off the backpack. The studs are subtle and more of a rose-gold color, and the leather is buttery-soft and luxurious. Best of all? The backpack hangs perfectly and comfortably – just like the Julian – and actually manages to get a little more airflow between yourself and the backpack, making it perfect for summer.
Outfit Details
Dress: Leith Ruched Body-Con Tank Dress– XS
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff Arella Sandal
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Blythe Leather backpack in Desert Tan
Bracelet: Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet (Similar look for less from Amazon)
Sunglasses: Elizabeth and James Rae Sunglasses
Necklace: from Philly boutique Moon + Arrow
I’m bringing this backpack with me to Berlin this summer….and am super excited to wear it this Fall with these red boots, I mean, c’mon. SWOON.
xo,
S
I have been loving backpacks too, thanks to you! Do you have any recs for small wallets? A lot of the great women’s wallets are so big.
LOVE that backpack! I might finally have to order it. So Mom Edit ladies – I have a bone to pick with you……you haven’t done festival dressing! How can that be?! We are at the height of festival season and I would love to see how you mommas all would dress yourselves. Needing inspiration. Cuz, I totally need the perfect belt bag with my jean shorts/white tank/kimono combo (can’t do a backpack with a kimono cuz it ruins all the boho airiness of the outfit. Obvi, the backpack works with cute sundresses, etc. Anyway, just a thought. I’ve been a reader since the beginning and I admire how you have extended the brand and organized yourselves. Smart, smart, smart ladies!
I love the color of this backpack and the hardware but I don’t love the slouchiness. My favorite backpack, for the way that it keeps its structure and the fact that it is featherweight until you load it up, is Mansur Gavriel’s. It cinches under the flap which makes it feel pretty secure. But it does lack any convenient pockets.
love this! and can’t wait to see what you’ll be packing for Berlin! I’m going to Italy in September and having never been out of the country before, I’m obsessed with all the content for packing for international travel, travel abroad, Europe, etc. etc. and mixing and matching for maximizing outfits. So fun!
Agreed, the backpack and you are adorable:-) My one issue with open backpacks like this one is pickpockets. How do you keep someone out of your bag when it’s on your back and not zipped shut?
The bag is oh so pretty but I would really recommand taking drawstring closure backpack to Europe in holiday/pickpocket season in full swing…loving your blog for over 5 years now, xoxo from Finland