by subscriber request, 6 Gems: Backpacks

6 tips AND your private boutique

One reader, a psychologist in private practice in NYC, asked: “What about a cool backpack to bring to the office? Let’s normalize lifelong healthy backs.” I love helping a subscriber out — grateful for you! — and I’ve got some experience in this arena.

In law school, I couldn’t work my locker so I carried all my books with me in a plaid Ralph Lauren backpack with brown leather straps. My shoulders are still uneven from generally only wearing one of the straps.

And once upon a time circa 2000 something … I bought a leather Alexander Wang backpack in a muted green grey at Barney’s for $900. When I was otherwise on a strict budget. I walked extensively to and from work and I thought it would solve everything. It was too precious. I felt weird with both straps. It did not solve everything.

The moral? Proceed with caution. I come bearing 6 tips. And my favorite backpack selections.