When I was in elementary and middle school, back-to-school shopping [1] was always one of my favorite things to do. I would pick out all the latest Baby Phat skirt, shirt, and jacket sets, all the Rocawear sets, and let's not forget the classic pair of K-Swiss sneakers on my list every single year. When it came to school supplies, I always had to have the newest mechanical pencils that ended up being terrible and a backpack that made a statement.
Once I graduated college, I retired backpacks and stuck with totes and oversize purses to carry all of my stuff. A few months ago, I came across the Dagne Dover gym bag [2], and it quickly became my go-to bag.
Then, I saw my coworkers and random people walking down the street with the Dagne Dover Dakota backpack, and naturally, I needed to know whether it was as comfortable, commute-friendly, and spacious as it seemed. When Dagne Dover launched its updated Dakota backpack with the luggage-handle sleeve and asked me if I wanted to test it out, I couldn't turn down the opportunity!
I've been rocking the Medium Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack [4] ($175) for a month; it has made commuting so much easier, and it's safe to say I look a little cooler than I did when I was 10 years old. I can fit an entire outfit, shoes, a mini purse, my laptop, a jean jacket, and a makeup bag in it without the backpack looking bulky or any of the items busting through the zipper. I've definitely been the bag lady with a purse over my right shoulder and a tote on each arm, and it's not fun, especially on a hot, smelly, and crowded subway at 9 a.m.
I haven't traveled with this backpack yet, more reason to plan that much-needed vacation, but I'm pretty positive I'm going to love the new luggage sleeve since my DIY [5] attempts at connecting my bag and suitcase always seem to fail. If you're looking for a cute bag to travel with or to carry to the gym and office, I definitely think this Dagne Dover backpack (and any of its other bags) is a great investment.
Check out pictures of the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack ahead.
Disclaimer: Dagne Dover gifted me this backpack for the purpose of this story, but all opinions are my own.
Onyx Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack
If your style is minimal, I recommend the Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack [7] ($175) in the color onyx.
Dune Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack
The dune-colored Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack [8] ($175) is great for all seasons and is a good option for someone who gravitates toward neutral/earth tone colors.
Heather Grey Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack
If you like lighter colors, try the heather gray Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack [9] ($175).
Storm Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Add a hint of color to your look with the storm Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack [10] ($175).
Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Catch people's attention with the dark moss-colored Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack [11] ($175).
