The other day, I was walking down Bergen Street with the dog when I saw a woman carrying this Mansur Gavriel leather backpack, and it looked so great—and popped so nicely—that now I can think of little else. This cobalt-ish hue wouldn’t seem on the face of it to be too versatile, but it looked great with the wintry colors the woman I spotted was wearing. It’s pricey, though, so I’m thinking maybe this one, which is not leather but instead a recycled nylon/polyester blend, could do almost just as well.
I purchased a pair of fleece-lined Vans a few years ago, and they’re ideal for chilly weather. But they’re falling apart due to tons of wear, so I went searching for a replacement, which proved frustrating—Vans doesn’t appear to make them anymore. Eventually, though, I found this cache—which aren’t exactly like ones I’m looking to replace, but are close enough.
And finally, I think this oversized fluffy alpaca polo sweater is just the best.
I have the same Vans you are describing and I have worn them into the ground! I am pretty sure I bought them from Madewell.
Check out the EXO Ultrarange line from Vans — they are insulated and I can attest super cozy.
I wish I could get myself past that weird (kind of NY’er provincial, really) idea that chic = black. The bright colors are intriguing – even appealing – to me. But will I wear them?
Two things:
1. One of my pet peeves is backpacks that close with drawstrings. Important things have a way of falling out! I have lost so many expensive lipsticks that way. May I direct you to this absolutely perfect one that closes with a zipper, and has leather that ages like a dream? https://nevaopet.com/products/the-nico-zip-top-backpack
2. Do yourself a favor and order fleece insoles on Amazon (or wherever–Jeff B. has to pay for the Dutch to take that bridge apart so his superyacht can pass and he needs the money) and make any shoe a cozy ,fleecey winter sneaker.
I had a crossbody in nearly the exact same cobalt blue as that backpack and it was so versatile, I could wear it with nearly everything.
Vans discontinued the winter sneaker my husband loved too. The new one just isn’t the same. Eddie Bauer has a vans-like fleece lined shoe (not a hi-top though) and a waterproof ‘unisex storm sneaker’ that he ordered instead and are very nice but they aren’t lined with anything. I might just get a pair for myself because the rubber sole isn’t as heavy as some Vans can be.
Check out “Blackstone” lined shoes/sneakers/boots. They now carry them at Nordstrom, but just FYI I’ve found that they run a bit on the small side. They’re warm but not hot, have really good soles and are super durable.
I had a pair of Blackstone boots that lasted me over five years through a Canadian winter. I do find they run narrow/small too. I would love to buy another pair of them someday when budget allows because they cost a lot but are well worth it.
The Mansur Gavriel bag is a beauty for sure. But why oh why no internal zip pocket and patch pocket? I must have both and it is a deal breaker for me without them. I notice more and more bags are being made without internal pockets. What gives? Whatever the Lola backpack is lacking in sophistication is more than made up for by having pockets and saving me $650.
What a gorgeous color bag! Also, absolutely not related to this post in the slightest bit – more suited to noting on a “Friday links” post, if (even that) – but I just saw this (the article, not the actual exhibit) and am amused enough by this marketing event that that I felt compelled to share: https://marta.la/exhibitions/under-over-east?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=athingortwo&utm_content=013122
You mean the photo? Very funny! I was just talking the other day with a friend about that early time – maybe around April or May of 2020 – when it was really an issue. Noooow that some time has gone past, one can reflect and be grateful to have come through. It all makes you think, really.
I sympathize – it’s so annoying when companies discontinue great items! So frustrating. … … Dig the backpacks.
This backpack is still blue, though not the electric cobalt so maybe it’s a bit of a comedown. (or…good for those that can’t go for electric blue brightness).
https://immaculatevegan.com/collections/vegan-bags/products/408899-gamma-navy-sustainable-vegan-bucket-backpack-handcrafted-in-cork-fabric-vegan-leather
This peacock blue one is pretty modern.
https://immaculatevegan.com/collections/vegan-bags/products/cinch-hobo-bag-peacock
I typically prefer hardware-free bags so this one hits that spot
https://immaculatevegan.com/collections/vegan-bags/products/303903-delta-navy-sustainable-vegan-clutch-pouch-handcrafted-in-cork-fabric-vegan-leather
I bought winterized Vans for this winter and they are the best! I can wear them quite often throughout Minnesota winter. Great traction, warm, and look cool.