I have TMJ disorder. I have read that distributing the weight of a heavy purse (along with other posture-helping advice) will help with it. So for the past year I've used my son's old baby diaper-bag (which is a backpack). I love it because there are 4 zippers on the outside of the bag plus inside of the bag there are elastic pockets for organizing plus there's the spot for the wipes/diapers/changing pad, so basically the inside of the bag has two sections (the big section, and the diaper changing pad section).
I think it's time to upgrade to an actual backpack purse so I don't look like a college student with a backpack nor look like I have an infant in need of a diaper bag. But I have yet to find a backapack purse that suits my needs. For one, it needs to have at least two sections on the inside. Also, I want it to NOT be black! I can't find anything (wallet, camera, etc) in a black-interior purse. Drives me nuts that purses are so dark inside sometimes!
I went to Kohls and found not one backpack purse. I am shopping online at amazon and most do not have two sections on the inside. The ones that do, they are dark on the inside. So my question is: If you have a backpack-style purse where did you buy it? Where do I need to look that I'm not looking? Are these an "old style" and not in fashion?
And for those of you who suggest it: No I can't make my purse lighter than it is. I try already by keeping things in my car instead of my purse. Also, a regular backpack for books/school is way too big. I looked at a lot of them when school started last August. They were tooooo huge.
Thanks!
Okay checked out Target. Of the 70 results, maybe half are actual backpack-style. That e-bags website looks GREAT! I am searching on there now. There is a store I know of not far from me that sells Vera Bradley. I will go to their store so I can see first-hand the style/size of backpack purse. I'm generally not too flashy, so the flowers and paisley may be too much. At Target's website, the first one that appeals to me is actually a "diaper bag" by Eddie Bauer. So HA! Maybe that's going to be the best thing for me. I love thrift stores. I have to remember to browse every time I go into a goodwill or thrift store. "Fabric Backpacks" - good idea to search that way!
@Jo: Yes stress, and not clenching my teeth is the best thing for me. But there were so many great suggestions I got from this book as well - mostly having to do with posture and distribution of weight http://www.amazon.com/The-TMJ-Healing-Plan-Relieving/dp/0...
This one would be great (size, shape, price) except the inside is dark brown! Uggh. http://www.ebags.com/product/david-king-and-co/womens-mid...
Try eBags.com. If you search for backpack handbags a lot come up. There are some under the organizer section that might fit what you are looking for.
Try ebags.com
Found this one that meets your specs http://www.ebags.com/product/le-donne-leather/convertible...
I've also had good luck with EBags. I'm using a crossbody purse right now and want to go back to a backpack purse.
They are hard to find. I have had mine for eons.
I bought it at Ross or Target.
I have tried to find another one since......hard to find.
I did find one at a Coach outlet. Still very expensive but.....
Also, try second hand stores. Esp the cute upper scale ones.
Look on Ebay.
Try online. You'll find the right one. They don't make them much anymore but they still "turn up" now and then.
Keep searching.
I've seen some at Target -- I'd like to get one, too.
ETA -- just googled "backpack purse" and found a ton.
What about those Vera Bradly backpacks? If you aren't familiar, they are floral and pretty bright perky patterns. They are all fabric and they aren't cheap but it matters what you consider cheap.
They are super light weight and very cute. Try eBay as well, some great deals there.
This is just an example of a Vera Bradley style, they have several patterns to choose from so if you don't like this one, they have plenty of others.
If it's too pricey, there are knock off's coming out. Try googling fabric backpacks or something like that.
I can't remember if they have one but have you tried 31? Well I just took a look, doesn't seem they have them.
I have TMJ but my purse doesn't seem to effect it. Generally it is stress that makes it unbearable.
Good luck with your quest. :)
I us Vera Bradley backpacks. They come in two sizes. Lov them.
I had a cute back pack purse that I got back in the early 2000's, but havent seen anything similar since.
I think there is still a market for them.
I've seen some cute ones that looked home made.
Shop online for one.
I need a fanny pack for my mom, havent seen anything halfway decent in that arena either.
SOMEONE is currently dropping the purse ball.
My niec e is visiting with a real nice back pack style purse. She got it at Marshall's and it is a Fossil brand.Pretty color, bronzy.
REI or a similar outfitter has cute ones that are called daypacks. I got an REI brand one that would fit a small laptop if I wanted it to but it actually holds what I need it to hold and it's not like a student back pack. This is another one that is cute -
http://www.rei.com/product/820984/sherpani-access-le-back...
http://shopping.yahoo.com/857473015-everything-womans-bac...
Yes, worth the price.
