Backpack Dreams to Reality!

I've always admired the aesthetics of a nice leather backpack.

Mackage Tanner Backpack

Jump to 2014 when my bag obsession really began, I wanted a backpack that was understated but edgy. Not similar to the average "school" backpack, but one that catered to someone older, and looked more refined. A bad backpack is one of those cheap flimsy branded sporty ones seen on the kids at the mall.

I used to want a monogram backpack, but after seeing Aaron Carter onstage at Fortune Sound Club with a ginormous bedazzled watch and a LV Monogram Christopher PM backpack (yes, I did go there). I'd say its better to leave those kinds of wares to the celebrities and ludicrously wealthy. Monogram seemed a but gaudy, even the attempts to modernize it has me on the fence (I see you Mini Palm Springs backpack).

It was like a calling, I found a beautiful Mackage backpack when I was scrolling through Instagram. Unfortunately, this particular bag was sold out everywhere as it was first released in 2013. It resonated with the edgier black shiny 8 Hole Doc Martens and green army jacket look that I had (post-modern grunge anyone?). Maybe I was justifying the purchase of a $400 backpack, but it was a nice contemporary-modern version of a classic backpack.

If the bag looked too expensive, there would be the risk of pickpockets. If the bag was too small I'd only be carrying the bare necessities. The nylon version of this bag at Holt Renfrew was $645! Something about seeing a nylon bag with leather straps made me unsettled, but having seen the bag even though it was of a different material had me obsessed.

I eventually found the bag on Ebay and purchased it off a seller in Montreal, QC. Nightmares began when I unraveled the bag to find a terrible lingering second hand smoke smell. I eventually got a portion of the bag refunded to get cleaning supplies. Once the backpack was resuscitated and smoke free, I used it like no tomorrow! The pebbled leather is sturdy and scratch resistant. The interior is lined in a microsuede with a internal zip pocket, with two other pouches, and the side of the bag has a semi-hidden small zipper pocket also.

Part of me wishes that I purchased the bag brand new instead on Gilt when I saw it months later, but this bag has been through thick and thin. It kind of makes the bag edgier. So to speak, it has been roughed around the edges.

It makes for a great day bag as it can fit a large wallet, keys, waterbottle, bullet journal and a lightweight jacket/sweater, and my lunchbox.

Until next time!

My backpack!