I'm living off campus next year and will be doing some more walking so I'm going to break down and get a backpack (opposed to my much more fashionable totes!). I think I want something that's all one color (or shades of the same color) such as grey, taupe, light purple, and has NO black, brown, or navy.

I'm even more silly picky too because I don't want it to have any bungee cords, or clips, or anything. This is the closest I've found so far:

http://images.the-house.com/burt-teaser-lagy-w-07-prod.jpg

Anyone have any suggestions for where I can look? I've checked snowboard/skate sites and they all have too much "extra" stuff hanging off (besides this one). There's a couple North Face ones that are alright, but they're pretty pricey. Is there such a thing as a 'chic' backpack?!

Hm.. not sure if you know but Vera Bradely has out book-bags. It's apart of the spring collection.

Here's the link- http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=7&sku=190%3a2

It is a bit pricey, but they do look really cute! Check them out the next time you're at the mall.

A second rec, would be L.L Bean's Bookbags. I got one in high school and I still have it. The quality is great, tons of colors and prints to choose from, and tons of room for everything. Best yet, it's extremely comfortable on the shoulders and back.

Here's the link- http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&categoryId=47576&feat=5955-dg&from=GM&noDept=&guideId=5953&moduleId=5955

I like the Northface ones, I think they're pretty muted (no patterns) and as 'chic' as a backpack can be LOL. I have a black one and it suits me fine.

You might want to check out zappos's backpack section..they have some very simple looking ones. I've been looking too because I'm moving next year and I will have to walk to class instead of taking the bus so no more tote bags : (

I wish I were still a college student just so I could have one of those Vera Bradley backpacks! They are so chic! ;)

I second the northface rec, http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear-shop-subcategory.jsp?category=56&site=NA&language=en that should take you to the women's packs part of the site...most of the women's packs have less "extra stuff" and have cute colors and shapes.

hth :)

Ooh those Northface ones are cute. Nice and simple.
Reasonable prices too in my opinion.

I really like 'Paige' and 'Circe'...
the 'Pandora' one is nice too but has a bit more to it.