Back to school bags...(but not as we know it)

... as they're for yourself.   Hands up who thinks they deserve a treat for getting through the holidays?  ME ME ME (apart from going to Cliveden for the night... !!)

And taking some inspiration from the kids - today I am all about the backpacks.  I have toyed with this idea some time last year but didn't cave.   However, they are even more popular this year - seriously they're everywhere.  

So what do we think?  Yes they are super useful but is there a whiff of foreign student about them?

Well I am determined that the answer to that shall be no.  Especially as lots now double up as normal handbags as well, as opposed to the "raided Millets, I'm all set for Kilimanjaro" look.

We're talking leather, we're talking stylish but we're still talking practical.  As in, they leave you hands free, they're perfect for swift walking around town (this is me pounding the streets, just to get my steps up on my Apple Watch.  And I KNOW I'm not the only one who does this... come on... fess up...) and for carrying lots of shopping bags.  Whilst doubling up also as a great looking handbag.

First up is one that fits the bill perfectly.  Except for perhaps the price tag but... well, it is absolutely gorgeous.  Completely unusual - never seen anything like it, am all over it.  This has been on my wishlist forever.

Eve in black tea from Complet $725

Another style that works as a bag to carry as well as a backpack is the Stevie from Jigsaw.  Which comes in a plethora of colours.

Stevie Zip Top Backpack from Jigsaw in wine £199




In Rose also £199



In navy, as a backpack. 



A hobo bag that doubles as a backpack from & Other Stories

Leather Hobo Backpack £145



My other favourite that I've toyed with for years and think this is the year I may cave, is the Verity Backpack from Whistles. 

Whistles Verity Backpack £280




And this year they've bought out a croc version.. £295



Black again at Modalu also with a carry handle so you can use it as a handheld bag too.

Olivia Leather Backpack from Modalu was £199 now £139.30



Leather again and slightly more boho at See by Chloe.  I honestly didn't even realise this was See by Chloe and thought it was actual Chloe.

Olga grained leather backpack from See by Chloe £370





Studded chic in grey from AND/OR in the sale at John Lewis.

Clea Leather Backpack in grey was £109 now £54.50





New season black studded at Kin by John Lewis £120




Classic backpack shape from Coach.

Billie Textured Leather Backpack was £450 now £247.50




Or in the midnight blue - again £247.50



Pared back now at & Other Stories in leather £89



Or the grey option...



Black again at Kin by John Lewis - Helen Leather Backpack £100



Navy and black combo from M&S

Leather rucksack from Autograph at M&S £109



And a rather fabulous non leather versions.  Even ones that look like tributes of much more expensive bags...(JW cough Anderson anyone?)

Pebbled Ring Rucksack £39.99 



And finally, if you haven't got round to getting your back to school bags for your children, I have a small gift for you.  I would say, this is probably for those at secondary school as they're practical as well as being stylish and you wouldn't spend that much on a small child.  That sentence is verbatim from the 12yr old.  Who has been desperate for one of these for months.  And also determined that her two younger brothers won't also get one.  The Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpacks.

These aren't cheap BUT they are supremely good quality and I have a 15% discount code - KAT15 with free delivery off all full price bags at My Kanken Bag.

This is the one the 12yr old has opted for - she chose yellow as apparently everyone else has blue or green.  That's my girl....

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack £75 - before discount.




Here I am today getting my outfit all sorts of wrong really, as it was peeing with rain when I left the house at the crack of dawn and it then turned into a glorious day.  I was therefore on the warm side (code for BOILING!) in my choice of get up.  On the other side, I like it a lot... And I think a backpack would definitely work with this sort of outfit.  Perfect for London meetings.  This was actually lunch with the husband that we managed to grab at the Roof Top Garden at John Lewis Oxford Street.

Skirt - Zara
Green lips tee - Coster Copenhagen
Onyx Jacket in black - hush (don't forget 10% off using the code A17PREVIEW)
Red Superstar trainers - Golden Goose
Tools Bag - Balenciaga

Tomorrow a day with the children and then hanging out in the afternoon with the best friend (plus children...) which, as it's Friday, will involve a small snifter of wine.  I will be back hopefully with an idea I have for Autumn.  It's come from nowhere, which always means it's a ringer.  It may work, it may not.... anyone fancy a guess as to what it is?  It's an item of clothing... is it outwear, is it daywear, it is loungewear or even nightwear?  Answers on a postcard (or just write in the comments below...!)