topic Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse? in Shoes

How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

Sunnycorle — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 18:54:16 GMT

Started carrying the original GILI backpack this week and its awkward. Can't quite figure out how I want to carry it, over the shoulder with both straps to the side or on my back. Kinda missing my Roma today. Its going to take a little bit of time to get used to it. How are you ladies adjusting to the backpack?

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

Serena-1130 — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 19:50:16 GMT

I only have the small one, that was the TSV last week. I'm only 5'2" so I find it very comfortable for me. I know some posters were worried it would be too small, but it fits perfectly on my back.

I'm not usually one for backpacks, but i'm looking forward to be able to go hands-free if and when I need to. I did watch the video for the larger backpack online and could tell just by viewing that it would be too big and cumbersome for me.

You have the smaller version also right? Does it feel better than the original to you?

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

Sunnycorle — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 20:01:05 GMT

On 4/1/2015 Serena-1130 said:
I only have the small one, that was the TSV last week. I'm only 5'2" so I find it very comfortable for me. I know some posters were worried it would be too small, but it fits perfectly on my back.

I'm not usually one for backpacks, but i'm looking forward to be able to go hands-free if and when I need to. I did watch the video for the larger backpack online and could tell just by viewing that it would be too big and cumbersome for me.

You have the smaller version also right? Does it feel better than the original to you?

I do have the smaller one that was the recent TSV, I think I will move into that one tonight and see how it works out. I bought the Original in Blush when it was not in season so its been sitting and not being used until this week.

Are you just carrying it as a true backpack so far? I took the two straps and carried it over my shoulder today at lunch. Loved having the ability to put it on my back when I was at the salad bar and when I had to lug my computer bag yesterday.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

Serena-1130 — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 20:27:54 GMT

I haven't carried it out as a true backpack. I only walked around my house with it last night. I am still wearing my winter coat (it was 34 degrees when i left my house this morning), which I don't think it would look great with. The weather is supposed to break tomorrow - I will try the backpack out then.

Today I carried it over the shoulder with the small handle. The fit was not too snug for me since I have a petite frame. I like this way the best so far.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

morganjen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 20:49:05 GMT

There was a bit of a learning curve for me at first. Once I got the hang of it, I wear my black one all the time. Love it. I wear it over my shoulder most of the time, but use it as a backpack when I have to carry something or go shopping.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

Sunnycorle — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 01:49:43 GMT

Thanks ladies for the feedback. I will keep trying and see how it goes.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

stevieb — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 03:23:32 GMT

I'm not... Each to their own, but the whole backpack thing leaves me just wondering why...

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

mima — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 14:55:02 GMT

I don't think I'd want a back pack either. I have a question though. If you are wearing it on your back, how do you know thieves aren't in it. I mean, they can be pretty slick. When I was a kid, my mom had me scared to death of pick pockets. For real! LOL

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

stevieb — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:06:35 GMT

On 4/3/2015 mima said:
I don't think I'd want a back pack either. I have a question though. If you are wearing it on your back, how do you know thieves aren't in it. I mean, they can be pretty slick. When I was a kid, my mom had me scared to death of pick pockets. For real! LOL

I didn't even go for the whole backpack look when I was in school... Just not my thing...

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

YorkieonmyPillow — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:31:54 GMT

I like the idea of backpacks but they're just so clumsy to use! I've phased them out of my closet.....

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

ID2 — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 12:06:02 GMT

The only time I use a backpack bag is during the summer months when visiting my favorite farmers markets/art fairs. I wear it on my back, the way it was intended.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

NYwoman — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 13:01:48 GMT

Is anyone afraid of getting things stolen out of their backpack? I spent years working in NYC and like my purses secure.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

little boobala — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 13:44:23 GMT

I got the smaller Gigli back pack version just last week. My 9 yr old grand daughter laughed at me when I put it on as a back pack. She thinks I'm too old for a back pack. Although we both laughed about the tassel. My 7 yr. old got that. I think I will probably use it as a shoulder bag. But I did wear it around the house and it was more comfy that I thought it would be.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

Tzu4u — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 17:45:20 GMT

I have 2 of the original GILI backpacks. I usually remove the backpack straps, and carry it over the shoulder by the handle.

I like the backpack feature, but carry it zipper side out when used this way. It is to easy for pick pockets because the front opening does not have a zipper.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

sunshine45 — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 18:42:57 GMT

i have one original and one of the smaller ones.....i have not carried it like a backpack yet, but i am using it with the straps connected as one long strap and i wear it off of my left shoulder. it is very comfortable, pliable, nicely made, with beautiful hardware.

jill martin had a good idea.....once you pull the strings to tighten the closing, make sure you also knot it.....that will give you some more "safety" if that concerns you.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

birkin baby — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 20:04:39 GMT

I am not. Carrying a backpack as a purse was not good for me in the 90's so I know I won't do it today. But if you want to cary one, I would not use both straps like a school backpack....just do one shoulder. But if that's the case , I would carry a purse...lol.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

tough_kitty — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 21:26:25 GMT

On 4/4/2015 birkin baby said: I am not. Carrying a backpack as a purse was not good for me in the 90's so I know I won't do it today. But if you want to cary one, I would not use both straps like a school backpack....just do one shoulder. But if that's the case , I would carry a purse...lol.

My thoughts exactly!

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

celeste27 — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 22:14:42 GMT

On 4/4/2015 little boobala said: I got the smaller Gigli back pack version just last week. My 9 yr old grand daughter laughed at me when I put it on as a back pack. She thinks I'm too old for a back pack. Although we both laughed about the tassel. My 7 yr. old got that. I think I will probably use it as a shoulder bag. But I did wear it around the house and it was more comfy that I thought it would be.

I don't think you are too old at all! I'm a few days out from 72 and have worn back pack purses for years (except for more formal occasions). You just have to be careful to pick safe versions without all the pockets on the outside. Gigli, in this dept. is a fail! The safe versions can be hard to find but they are out there. However, in December I broke my back-- so today I reluctantly bought a very lightweight cross body style.

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

VaBelle35 — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 22:55:40 GMT

I have various sizes and styles. Some dressy, some casual.

The only time I wear them as a backpack is when I am in the airport, rolling luggage and a laptop bag. It is very handy for that, plus I can use the dressier ones and not have to bring a purse for my trip.

My last trip, I picked up a denim type one from Madden Girl at TJ Maxx. In DFW a woman sat down next to me with the same bag. We chatted about the fact that we both bought the bag specifically for this trip. LOL

I bought these 2 today from Macys:

Steve Madden faux leather quilted convertible backpack in blush:

Tommy Hilgiger canvas sling (mine is raspberry/white in the TH logo print)

One of $35 with my star rewards discounts and one was $54 (wasn't eligible for discounts).

Re: How are you carrying the Backpack Purse?

VaBelle35 — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 22:56:39 GMT

I also have the Vera Bradly microfiber in solid navy and solid black. I use those for travel because they work well as purses during the day.