Question of the Week: Stylish Bags & Backpacks for School

A few people have been writing asking me to do a shopping round up of bags and backpacks for back to school, specifically grad school. Totes look great if you're only carrying a couple notebooks. But if you have a laptop and then some, I would recommend considering a backpack because the two straps really do help distribute the weight. That being said, be careful when packing your bag because too much weight can hurt your posture regardless of bag design.

The word backpack might bring back childhood memories of Jansport and Eastpak, but they've actually quite hot right now. They've recently appeared on runways (Louis Vuitton, D&G, etc) and even the red carpet. A few months ago Mary-Kate Olsen sporting a Pendleton backpack at a restaurant grand opening in NYC.

Photo credit: Huffington Post
In my search for practical, yet stylish bags, I looked for backpacks big enough to hold a laptop (and a book or two) and grown-up enough to potentially take to the office. And I know school is expensive, so I kept price point in mind.


Baggu Canvas Backpack $28.00 + $4 shippingI've featured this bag before on the blog in a Deal of the Day post. It's a simple, washable and affordable backpack. The darker colors would probably be your best bet for versatility.


Matt & Nat, $123 + free shippingThis bag is a little bit smaller, but I love the look of this bag from vegan line, Matt & Nat. The coated canvas, hardware and "leather" strip down the middle are a unique touch. And did I mention that it's 40% off (retail $205) at mattandnat.com? The discounted backpack is a final sale item, so if you want to be sure, check out endless.com which offers free returns.


David King Convertible Laptop Backpack, $132.99 + free shippingThere is only one view of this bag online, so I can't fully endorse it. But luggage.com also offers free returns! I like how clean this back looks and that it was designed to hold laptops.

Readers, those are my back to school picks. What would you recommend?

Reader Question of the Week: Flat, Elastic Sandal

"I've been looking for these black flat elastic sandals with a tan back/sole and I can't find them! The closet I found were these Acne ones, which I love but are too expensive. I also have an old pair that I could wear, but they're pretty worn out. What do you think?"

- Elizabeth, New York

With shoes, I think resoling an old pair is a great option. It's less wasteful and therefore better for the environment and usually your pocket book. Sometimes it is tempting though to just buy a new pair. If your old pair is in relatively good condition, then I'd recommend getting those resoled. If they're pretty stretched out or too dirty to clean, then perhaps it's probably time to move on. Here are links to a few options that I think might be similar to what you're looking for.


TopShop Hira Sandal, $55 available in natural/beige and gray


Hokus Pokus Allover Stretch Sandal, $30 (retail $39) available in black and pink


Cole Haan Air Lyric Sandal, on sale $101 (retail $150) available in brown metallic, black and silver


Aldo Nicklin Sandal, on sale $35 (retail $50) available in black and gray
Readers, do you have any other suggestions for Elizabeth?

Reader Question of the Week: Chuck All Star Alternatives

"I'm in the market for some shoes, like Chucks but not. Why is it so impossible to find shoes like this? Don't want running shoes and don't want heels - haha. Help a girl out!"

- Julie, Boston

As much as I love classic Chuck Taylor All Stars, they are a little tired and sometimes remind me a bit too much of high school. I wore them with my prom dress back in the day, and clearly Converse caught on because they now have a prom collection!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not hating on Converse. I'm just saying I understand why someone would want an alternative to Chucks. I've always been a fan of Converse's other shoe, Jack Purcells.

Converse Jack Purcell, $60

I like them in leather because they look more polished and "grown up" than the classic canvas version.

Converse Jack Purcell Gingham Print, $60

I'm also feeling them in the gingham print. These are fun and perfect for spring and summer - though these are definitely more casual.

Keds Champion Hi-Top, $55

Remember Keds? I never really thought they were cool, not even when Mischa Barton was pushing them. But lately I've become a fan of their plain high-tops. I like that the rubber soles match the canvas - clean and simple.

Vans Sophie, $55

Vans has stepped up their sneaker game with this adorable saddle shoe-inspired pair.

Tretorn Perforated, $90

I love the look of perforated leather, and during warmer seasons, it's actually quite functional.

Y3 Kimpu High Tops, $106 (retail $265)

These are similar to Chucks from a far, but up close, you'll see a bunch of subtle details. If you like them, hurry because they're on sale at The Outnet, and sizes are already limited.

80%20 Sadie Wedge Sneaker, $98

These are not heels. They're wedges, which are easy to walk in, I promise! These are a fun twist on the classic sneaker. They're simple enough to wear with everything, and the cork wedge adds some femininity.

Those are my picks. Readers, do you have any other suggestions for Julie?

Question of the Week: Affordable, Flattering Swimsuits

Question:

"Can you recommend some good one piece swimsuits? For the budget conscious? Pretty please? Culinary school is not good for my cellulite..."

- Ms S, San Francisco

Lani's Picks:

When shopping for swimsuits like with regular clothes, darker clothes tend to be more flattering, but don't limited yourself to just black! The right colors can compliment your skintone and bring out your best, and prints can be a great way to distract from anything you may feel self-conscious about. Design details like ruffles and shirring can add some flair and in some cases can hide some "problem areas".

Old Navy Ruffled Swimsuit $29.50
Esther Williams Classic Sheath One Piece $89.99 at ModCloth
also available at esther-williams.com for discounted price of $65

Erin's Picks:

All-Over Control Floral Sculpting Maillot was $49, now $39

All-over Control Contrast Maillot was $49, now $29.99

I just discovered Shape FX in my search for a hot one piece swimsuit and I was really impressed with this style in particular. Each suit has power mesh underneath the frame to suck you in and slim the whole body while I think the combo piping is ultra flattering and slimming. This one even comes with a demi-bra to support and shape the bustline. I'm personally into the floral version but if you are looking for something with more graphic appeal, I think the simple black and white version is super sleek.

J.Crew Solid Wrap Front Tank $80

If you are looking for a more covered up and less overtly sexy option, this J.Crew swimsuit may be simple but it comes in a wide range of colors and the crossover wrap neckline are quite elongating. My fave color is the deep peacock but you can pick from 8 colors. It also features hidden underwire for extra support.

Urban Outfitters Kimchi & Blue Deep V Shirred One Piece $88

With a plunching V-Neckline and strategic side panel ruching I feel like this one could hide a multitude of flaws. While the back is low-cut, it still offers a good amount of coverage on the bottom.

Kathleen Cook Azur Cross Back Tank $126

This one is a bit more of a splurge but Kathleen Cook's Azur Cross Back provides the right combination of classy and sexy simplicity.

Spanx Structured Colorblock Swimsuit $198

While this last option is not by any means the most affordable, I had to include it because it's made by Spanx and therefore pretty much guaranteed to flatter. I also think the color block and paneling is not only slimming but also pretty hot. Like the Shape FX suit, it includes demi cups to flatter the bustline and an inner liner to suck you in. So if you like this suit but can't afford it, I think the Shape FX graphic version pretty much serves the same purpose at a fraction of the price.

Those are our picks. Readers, do you have any suggestions for our friend in San Francisco?

Question of the Week: Cute & Chic Rain Boots

A lot of people have been asking me for rain boot suggestions - "ones that don't make me look like a kid", "ones I can wear to work", "ones that look cute".

A lot of people have also asked if I like Hunter Original wellies. I think they're fine. They're classic and functional, but I don't find them particularly stylish. They're just rain boots.

I'm actually a bigger fan of Hunter's Lady N style, which retail for $140, but you can find a handful of them for under $100 on eBay.

Hunter Lady N, $140These are sleeker and in my opinion more interesting than the original pair. They've got two-tones, and they look a bit like riding boots, which brings me to my next find.


dav Equistrian, $95These are a nice basic pair. They look just like classic riding boots only they're waterproof rain boots.


Chooka Lace-Up, $79.95This pair is a bit chunky for me personally, but I do like the lace-up style. They remind me of combat boots, and I think would be perfect for that rocking the 90s grunge look in the rain.

Jeffrey Campbell Vee, $54.95For light showers, these ankle boots are nice dainty option. I actually ordered a pair of myself. They look a little sock like on me, but I liked them enough to keep them. They look best with skinny jeans and leggings.


Melissa x Vivienne Westwood, $120If you're really not too concerned about heavy showers but want waterproof shoes, these rubber heels from Melissa could be fun.


Aquatalia by Marvin K. Giggle, $207.92If you're dealing with more serious rain, but still want your heels, check out Aquatalia by Marvin K. These have a little shielding in the front to protect you from splashes, but if you need more, the full length Glory rain boot could be your answer.

Readers, if you have any other suggestions, I would love to see them!

Question of the Week: Styling Rodarte for Target

"I picked up the lace cardigan from Rodarte for Target in tan, and I don't know how to wear it! Should I keep it or return? Help!"
- Jun, California
Let me start by saying I'm so jealous of your cardigan! I was in Vietnam when Rodarte for Target went on sale. I wanted to buy one in yellow online, but by the time I logged on they were already sold out. So please, don't return it. It's a cardigan, so it's an easy piece to incorporate into your wardrobe. Wear it and love it!

I know this photo was just to show how the cardigan fits on you, but I think this outfit could work. I would maybe wear some cream or lighter colored tights to balance out the top; right now it's a little black-heavy on bottom.

The cardigan would look great over a simple, fitted dress. Something voluminous could look frumpy and granny when paired with the lace. I would also avoid dresses and tops with short or 3/4 sleeves because they will create distracting lines under the cardigan.

While it's still chilly out, consider long sleeve dresses like this one, and pair with thick tights or leggings for warmth.

Forever 21 Black Knit Dress Refined, $24.80
Another reason why you shouldn't return the cardigan, nudes and buff tones are going to be hot this spring! You can do up the standstorm trend with khaki or gray colored dress. The cardigan would also look sweet with a light blue.

Brodie Strapless Chambray Dress, $58.00
As for accessorizing, a bow belt like the one in the top photo from the Rodarte Target lookbook would be adorable. I'm not a big fan of leopard and lace, so if it were me, I would probably go with a monotone belt like the ones below. I like the patent for a little polish and the straw one for a more casual earthy look.

Spiegel Bow Tie Belt, $29.00

Wet Seal Straw Waist Bow Belt, $10.50
Readers, what do you think? Do you have any other suggestions for Jun?

Question of the Week: How to Keep Jeans Tucked Into Boots

Every winter I think about how annoying it is to keep jeans tucked into my boots, and despite efforts to tuck my jeans into my socks, they never really stay quite the way I want them to.

I always toy with the idea of crafting something stirrup-like, but never get around to it. This year I decided to search the web for some solutions to keep my jeans from bunching at my knees, and wow, I can't believe I didn't do this earlier. There are so many to choose from! I'll start with the most expensive and work my way down.
Stirrups ($25 + approx. $6-7 S&H)
These seem to be the most well-designed with two clips on each side. I'm not sure how much of a difference it actually makes, but it seems like they would provide some extra strength in keeping jeans down.

Jean Grabbers ($9.99 + $2.95 S&H)
Pink cameo, tiger stripe, floral. I'm not really a fan of any of the patterns, but I think they could get the job done.

Jean Straps ($9.99 + $2-3 S&H)
I've read a few reviews about these. They're apparently really comfortable, but the clamps only work if your jeans are thin. If your jeans are thicker, these might not be a good option, especially if you have to fold them up.

Pants Down ($8.00 + $2.00 S&H)
This Canadian eBay store sells pant clips in a variety of colors and patterns. Pants Down also accepts special requests and can customize your straps to be longer or shorter than the standard size.
Jodphur Pant Clips ($2.99 + $6.95 S&H)
These pant clips are from an equestrian supply store. These are the cheapest option, and from what I've read, it sounds like they work just as well as the others. The shipping cost is kind of high for such a small item, but you can always place an order with a friend or if you're a little behind on your gift giving, you can place an order for your friends.

If you're tried any of these or have other suggestions, please leave a comment!

Reader Question: Top Holiday Sweaters

Question:
I love the holidays, and everything associated with them; Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, the old fashioned claymation rudolf movie, and particularly holiday sweaters! Now, I don't mean ones that have Christmas trees or Santa on them, but I'm thinking wooly sweaters that are holiday inspired (think something you'd wear at a ski lodge or log cabin)...Would love your help in finding the perfect holiday sweater that's not too pricey (and one that won't get me mocked by my friends and co-workers).

Response:
I love the holidays and I think that anything that can help you get in the Holiday spirit is great! Since it's been a warm winter the only time that I really have felt it's been the Holiday season so far has been at the the Windows 7/Saks window unveiling and yesterday night as I cooked while listening to that lovely Rudoph movie you mentioned!

There is something sort of fun to be said about the Ugly Holiday Sweater concept (think Bridget Jones) and the Ugly Sweater parties that they have inspired but if you want something a little less kitch and for real life, here are some of my fave options:

1. Topshop Knitted Stag Jumper $100. It's taking a Stag motif that could definitely be associated with reindeers and making it a simple silhouette that is more modern. Sort of reminiscent of the antlers on the Miike Snow album cover?

2. Anthropologie Juxtaposed Sweater Jacket $98. This sweater definitely reminds me of what I picture a cute elf wearing at in the North Pole but it's not costume-y and definitely wearable all winter long.

3. Ralph Lauren Blue Label Wool-Cashmere Intarsia Sweater $299. This one is a bit more of a splurge but this ones got it all! Reindeers, snowflakes, the works! I think thought that the classic color combination of Navy, White & Red plus the vintage feel keeps this classy. It is holiday but definitely more in the alpine/ski vibe.

4. 2890 by Arne & Carlos Boatneck Sweater $78. In a similar vein to the Ralph Lauren Blue Label sweater but for at a much more affordable price point is this limited edition sweater partnering independent designers with Urban Outfitters. Definitely got that Scandinavian feel going for it.

5. Forever 21 Fair Isle Cardigan $34.90. By far the most economical option, this one has a fun grandpa cardigan silhouette, still and alpine vibe but less identifiable holiday details.

6. American Eagle Fairisle Scoop Sweater $39.50. Cute, classic without breaking the bank! I like the grey, red combo the best.

Dear Readers,
Have you seen better/cuter? Please help if you have :)

Question of the Week: Dressing for a Winter Ball

"I have a question about dressing for a formal ball. Can wear an above-the-knee dress? I'm debating between a body-fitting black dress with a sweetheart neckline and a bright fuchsia tube dress with ruching on the front and a tier right above the waistline.

And how would I dress up my outfit and accessorize on a budget? I want to be more fashionable and different from other people."
- May, New York

It's hard for me to tell you whether or not an above-the-knee dress would be appropriate for this ball since formal could mean a lot of things. I would check with friends who are going.

For formal events and dressing in general, keep balance in mind. If the dress is snug, make sure it covers enough leg, skin, and the other way around, if the dress is short, then it should be voluminous. Covering your legs with tights can help keep your look classy. And covering your shoulders with a faux fur capelet or shawl will give your look some glam!

If you're looking to stand out, I would suggest playing with funky shoes, statement necklaces and patterned tights. And to avoid overkill, do not wear all three at the same time.

Funky shoes

Jeffrey Campbell Michelle, $119.95
& N.Y.L.A. Slinger Bootie, $119

Statement necklaces

Express Twisted Chain Bauble Necklace, $39.50
Forever21 Reflective Shard Necklace, $10.80

Patterned tights

Urban Outfitters Tuscan Floral Tights, $14
& Pamela Mann Duo Tone Tights*, $13.30
*For a formal event, I would go for these tights in black and white. You'll look Chanel-inspired chic!

If you go with the body con black dress, I think a bib or statement necklace would be really cute. If you want the focal point of your look to be the dress and sweetheart neckline rather than your jewelry, you could wear a simple pendant. And you can finish your look with some fun shoes or tights.

If you do the bright fuchsia dress, you could also do statement jewelry, but if the dress is like what I'm picturing, then it may be overkill with the bright color and ruching, and a simpler or more basic necklace like pearls or slim chain might be a better option. And again, simplicity with the shoes and tights to complement a busy, bright dress.

Readers, what do you think? Do you have any other suggestions for May?