GUCCI, GIVENCHY, AND FENDI BACKPACKSWhat's the hottest bag for the Holiday season? If the streets of NYC are any indication, it's not so much a bag, but a pack. The Backpack has gone from runway novelty to bona-fide must have for the most fashionable and trendy. What was once solely a staple on college campuses and those younger school kids, now, every age is wearing the bag that is better for your back, convenient to carry, and just plain cool.
FENDI, THOM BROWNE, AND SALVATORY FERRAGAMO BACKPACKSProof this is a popular trend? A simple search of the thorough website of Saks 5th Avenue - Saks.com returned over 600 results!
FENDI LUXURY BACKPACK "ODE TO KARL" Every major label from Saint Laurent to Salvatore Ferragamo have a back pack for every fashionable guy or girl. Todd's, Valentino, Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Fendi are on it! To get a designer quality pack, you need a budget upwards of $1,200.00. If the sky is the limit, there are exotic skin bags in $5k range. Rest assured, there are an endless amount of options in between. 
GIVENCHY'S PATRIOTIC BACKPACK
On the flip side, one of the coolest (and most modern) ways to go is much more budget conscious and straightforward. That is where the brand you can't pronounce - FJallraven Kanken (say Fee-yal-raven Kank-in) comes in. These - made bags have been around for decades in Northern Europe. Born in Sweden in 1960, the packs have been available in the US since 2009, but have invaded North America in the last two years. 
AN ASSORTMENT OF FJALLRAVEN KANKEN BAGS SPOTTED IN NYCIf I had a $1.00 for every bag I've seen in NYC on the street.......well let's just say I'd be able to buy a Fjallraven Kanken for sure! That is part of the charm though, you don't need to spend much more than $100.00 to have one of the larger of these super durable canvas bags. They come in a range of colors and a few different sizes. Smaller sizes well under $100.00. 
THERE IS A SIZE, SHAPE, AND COLOR FOR EVERYONE FROM FJALLRAVEN KANKEN The bags are not made in Sweden.
Another entry level option that has some added social responsibility is TOMS. Yes, those favorite shoes you love to wear and love to buy because you know they are donating a pair of shoes to someone in need with every purchase you make, also have a range of backpacks to carry everything. The packs also have a social angle.
TOM'S TOMATO BACKPACK Every backpack sold donates dollars to a STOP BULLYING cause in schools. I'm a big fan of TOMS, so it's hard for me not to love everything they do!
Whatever your age, budget, or style.. get yourself a backpack this year. I promise your back will thank you, and you can thank me by coming back to the site :)
NOTE TO SELF: if you prefer the designer bags from the major fashion houses, but don't have the budget you need to hit the stores - OFF 5TH also has some very fashionable backpacks in stock. 
As seen at OFF 5TH - Valentino backpacks in two sizes (you might not believe the brands you find there, sometimes 50% off!!) Click over!