"Originality 

is the 

art of 

concealing 

your sources"

   Benjamin Franklin 

Vicari Says: Backpacks

Backpacks are going to come back in a big way. I've been saying it for months. I think my friends are finally getting the point, as we see designers starting to release their version of the two strapped bag.
My first reasons for sporting one were less glamorous than one would imagine, but my fashion choices usually start from a place of utility than vanity. I had grown tired of the big shoulder bags, and wanted a more comfortable alternative without sacrificing storage or style. My initial inspiration was a world traveler in the 1920s and 30s, who carried sumptuous classic brown leather bags dusty with their  exotic travels. However after some thought, I became determined to get a black bag that could incorporate some of the edgier 90s influences that have been dominating current fashion. After weeks of scouring Ebay, I purchased a simple vintage black backpack, with soft worn leather and gold hardware. I love the simple chic nature of the bag and have yet to see a modern take that beats it. However I'm excited to see how far designers and consumers take the trend.

Backpacks have come a long way from carrying a hunter's prey in ancient times. The term was originally coined in the US during the early 21st century. They were popular for more utilitarian uses by soldiers and outdoors men, but reinterpreted for more fashionable uses in the later part of the 21st century. Everybody carried a backpack in the 90s. Remember Clueless? The black nylon Prada backpacks? Classic leather versions of the backpack are always in style, but I think the trend is starting with a more late eighties/early nineties look inspired by the Southwest,  but will swing into a more glam look from the mid 90s tradition. I just hope we stop before we get to the stuffed bear version. 

Most recently Daisy Lowe has been spotted sporting a couple of different versions. And fashion insiders have been buzzing that the trend is in full swing now that Mary Kate has come out as a fan. Mary Kate and Rachel Bilson have both been spotted wearing vintage backpacks with an ethnic twist. While Dasiy Lowe has gone a more traditional route with a leather Louis Vitton backpack.

Want one now?

Vintage Ebay Finds:

Boho Basket Tooled Leather Backpack 

Chanel Quilted Leather Backpack

Dooney & Burke Creme Leather Backpack

Coach Brown Leather XL Backpack

Brand New Finds:

KimChi Canvas Backpack

Delux ColorBlock Packpack

Rachel Comey Drawstring Backpack

Alexander Wang Sydney Backpack

Pendelton Backpack
Dooney & Burke Nubuck
Dooney & Burke Nylon Backpack

Downtown Women's Center is expanding in 2010!!

Construction on 71 new units of housing for the homeless at the Downtown Women's Center has begun. This will include a increase their daytime center services by 60% and downtown's first medical and mental health clinic, all to be housed in a LEED Certified Green Building. 

The DWC is currently the only local service center exclusively for and dedicated to the serving the unique needs of homeless women, whose numbers have increased dramatically and grown faster than men in the last decade. In 2009, the US saw this increase due in part to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars fall victim to homelessness because of inssufficient care for veterans upon their return home (CNN). 

Currently 10% of all Vintage by Vicari sales are donated to the Downtown Women's Center. There are however many different ways you can help. Donations of money, clothing, food, and time are much appreciated. Find out more about the Downtown Women's Center here. 

Inspiration: Alexander McQueen

Lee Alexander McQueen 

1969-2010

Inspiration: The Who

New Price Reductions on Etsy Items!!

Wrap Me In Satin skirt

Originally $46  Now $34

Oh My Houndstooth dress

Originally $48  Now $38

Check Me Out jacket

Originally $32 Now $18

New Items on Etsy!!

There are new items in the Etsy store. It's just in time for the holiday season. Free shipping on all orders of $75 or more. Also free gift wrapping for gifts. Don't forget that 10% of all sales go to benefit the Women's Downtown Center in Los Angeles.