Monday, July 19, 2010

{Forfeit Fashion for Practicality?}

As I'm preparing for my trip to Italy, I'm wondering I have to forfeit fashion for practicality? I'm searching for the perfect bag and while I'm completely in love with the idea of carrying a backpack {yep, they're coming back in a big way}, everyone is telling me that it's not a great idea due to pick pocketers. Is this true? If so, then I'm trying to convince myself to start loving the idea of carrying a messenger bag - keeping in mind that I need to carry my camera, extra lens, and all my purse items. Below I searched through Polyvore and found a few bags that I really like {but look at the backpack...isn't it perfect???} - sigh... What do you think?
messenger bags
{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Now I won't forfeit fashion when it comes to shoes BUT I will make sure that they are comfortable {even if I have to stuff some Dr. Scholl's in them}. So I'm planning to take 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of flats, and 1 pair to wear to dinner and/or out for drinks. I'm still working on my "evening shoes {aka - heels}" but what do you think of these options for my sneakers/flats? Any contenders? {PS. Can't believe I'm saying "sneakers" instead of "tennis shoes"...lol - these southerners are rubbing off on me}
shoes
{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}
love jessica

6 comments:

  1. I pick no. 4 in bags and shoes. Practical yet simply sophisticated and fashionable.

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  2. When I went to Europe I put my backpack on backwards when cruising through sketchy areas - I looked like I was preggo with a backpack belly but so what? No one tried to pick my belly pockets!
    As for shoes - I think they're the telltale sign of a tourist. Try to pick something that doesn't look too "American" (which could throw red tourist flags all over you - thereby seducing thirsty pickpockets). Go for something European-looking and COMFY!

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  3. I love 1,4, or 6 I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. Messenger bags are great, much more stylish than a backpack in my personal opinion. They can have just as much space, giving you plenty of room and storage pockets to organize and carry your purse items with you. Shoes, I am digging 2 and 3, you'll look fab! Can't wait to see Italy pix!

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  4. Thanks all! So today I was brought down to reality and maybe my shoe selection isn't as great as I thought. I think maybe I'll search for a more durable tennis shoe, and then pick one of the flats shown above to switch it up a bit. I know there is going to be a lot of walking, especially up and down hills and cobblestone roads - but I just don't want to be shown up by the fabulous Italian women with me looking like a tourist in my big ol Nike's, lol! There has to be a happy medium and I'm on the search...this isn't the last you've heard of this topic! I know I'll thank you when I don't have blisters all over my feet - what happened to when in Rome, do as the Romans - LOL!

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  5. As usual, my taste in bags is number 6, but my budget says number 5! :-) I am also starting to shop for the trip and finally buckled and went for the Reeboks! I think my feet will be ever grateful in the long run -- Tina

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