Backpacks, y'all

Here's an all-points bulletin. You don't have to be among the freshly admitted undergrad masses roaming college campuses with North Face backpacks. (Can I get a witness on them Jansport 'packs, too?) It may also be time to retire the ratty patches and band pins from your more angst-filled youth.

We sent help. If a tote or a messenger bag isn't your jam and you like to be hands free, throw one of these backpacks over your shoulders for your daily commute. 

But before you scroll, can we talk about one-shoulder backpacks? 

They just don't make sense. It's like wearing a jacket with one sleeve.

I already have a minor case of scoliosis; do I really need to further that curvature? Hell no.

I digress.

Here are our picks for this spring. They're across a variety of price points, and they're organized in no particular hierarchy. I should add the disclaimer that some of these should be filed under "pure fantasy" (cc: the Billykirk rucksack at the smooth total of $440)—at least until we all get jobs managing hedge funds.

Top row:

• Convertible backpack ($240) by Beams Plus x Kelty, available at Mr. Porter
• "Kanken" 15-inch laptop bag ($110) by Fjall Raven, available at Need Svpply
• "Little America" 20-oz backpack ($140) by Herschel Supply Co., available at Need Svpply
• Rucksack ($440) by Opening Ceremony x Billykirk, available at Opening Ceremony

Bottom row:

• "Pathfinder Wanderer" ($175) by Duluth Pack , available at Duluth Pack
• Digital camo backpack ($60) by Herschel Supply Co., available at Urban Outfitters
• "Scoutmaster" laptop pack ($175) by Duluth Pack, available at Duluth Pack
• Canvas rucksack ($260) by Filson, available at Park & Bond

I've toyed with each of these and haven't made my decision on what I'm gonna sling over my shoulders once warmer weather makes afternoon sessions at the beach regular occurrences. I'm sporting this rucksack right now and it's on its last leg.

So, interwebz: What kind of bag do you carry?

STREET midweSTYLE: Drew on Oak Street

What's cool these days?

Zubaz, right?

So is street style photography, I guess.

Wait, I thought you only photographed yourselves, you narcissists?

We didn't get tired of photographing ourselves (or Cameron at least). We just wanted to mix things up. Other guys around town are keeping it fresh and doing their own style, so we'd like to shrine some light on those dudes: friends, classmates, coworkers, neighbors, roommates, drinking buddies, acquaintances and whoever else might be strolling down the road. Don't worry, we're not going to become "one of those street-style blogs" all of a sudden; we just thought we'd spice things up to keep it interesting.

Meet Drew. He's a sound sculptor and jack of all trades. I've run into this guy a handful of times since moving to Chicago and he's a rad guy to know. Good looks and great style.

Badass? Check.
Functional? Check.
Obnoxious color? Check.
Killer watch by Uniform Wares from Need Supply.

Why we like this look? Monochromatic palette with touches of color and print. We like that.

Polka dot short-sleeve shirt by Marc by Marc Jacobs; "100 series" yellow watch (from Need Supply) by Uniform Wares; grey suede desert boots by Common Projects; "Detroit" straight-leg grey pant by All Saints.

Photos by Jeff Kieslich.

gitman brothers vintage spring 2011

I'm always open for something classic with a different take. And by that I mean, something that Gitman Brothers Vintage has done.

organic stripe button down from needsupply (photocredit)

Cam & I both own a Gitman Brother's Shirt. And cannot wait to pick up another for Spring. Dope design, cut & style. Not exactly in the budget, but definitely worth every penny if you count it for cost per wear. You can snag them on sale, if you're lucky. Or off eBay like we both did.