In her book, I Was Told There Would Be Cake, author Sloane Crosley pokes fun at New Yorkers who wear/dress in serious outdoor gear. On this point, I must radically disagree with her—there is indeed just cause for owning and using that gear! (Maybe not if you live on the Upper West Side like the author, but if you make the long haul to and from the boroughs, there is!)
So, I have my X-treme commuter coat. I'm working on choosing some good, sturdy sneakers, too. Now I need a bag.
Sunday, I went for an upper body massage (hooray b-day gift certificate!), and the source of many of my aches and pains became clear. Why on earth am I lugging my life to and from work every day on ONE shoulder? That cannot be good. I started to notice women everywhere carrying gigantic purses, diaper bags, laptop cases...you name it, we are capable of carrying it around on one shoulder. Impressive, but not super healthy!
So, I'd like to invest in an excellent bag that is not terrible for my back. I've looked at the outdoor stores (ilke EMS) and places like Lands' End, too. Ideally, the bag would fit my books, an umbrella, possibly shoes, and my lunch.
Problem is that none of the backpacks I'm finding are terrifically fashionable. I can choose a kinda climber-chick bag (cute, but not me and not very "work"-looking) or run around lookin' like a ninth grader. Tough!
So: messenger bags—good or bad for your back? Weight seems distributed more evenly than with a purse. And backpacks—anything between camping gal and Mia Thermopolis (pre-princess makeover)?
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My messenger bag that I use for school is alright, definitely way better than carrying all your crap on one shoulder, but with 20 pounds of books in it, it really does wear on you and affect your posture and walking. YMMV depending on quality of course.
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