Coincidence or not, I've had a few friends email me this past week, requesting a post on backpacks. It's been a while since I've written about them, and since these bottomless-seeming, physiologically-friendly and now stylishly practical bags are here to stay, I thought I'd share my current crop of favorites, all of which, coincidence or not, double as a handbag so you don't have to sling it on your shoulders (because, I'm sorry, sometimes you just don't want to!). I love Jerome Dreyfuss' luxe python and leather backpack, particularly its anonymous, where-did-you-get-that look. I also adore Proenza Schouler's minimally-sleek bag-meets-backpack (it's almost like you're buying two bags in one!). In the same vein, the Balenciaga Le Dix backpack, with a top handle and beautiful brushed hardware, is more compact but gorgeously, stunningly elegant. I'm also totally into this sporty-chic drawstring Deux Lux, and its $80 price cannot be beat! There's something very fashion-insidery-cool about toting a Mansur Gavriel (that is if you can get your hands on one!). And last but not least, you cannot go wrong with this forever chic Elizabeth and James, straightforward in its design, small in size but yet still big enough!