We were lucky enough to test a pair of Rockport x Barbour limited edition collaboration boots in the Break Trail Cap Toe design. The line will launch December 2011 as this is Rockport’s second collaboration with Barbour for footwear (they did their first collaboration last Fall 2010 season) and they expanded their collaboration to include three styles in multiple colorways.

– Break Trail Cap Toe in polar/sage colorway (Jake Gyllenhaal was recently pictured wearing the Rockport x Barbour Breaktrail Cap Toe)
– Day to Night Buckle Hi Boot in raize/sage and camel/muted tartan colorways

These are great gifts for the style conscious guy this holiday season as they can be worn to parties or outdoors. They are really that versatile! Along with the upscale design, Rockport added adiPRENE by adidas to create a stylish yet completely walkable boot. For this special collection, they also used suede leather from CF Stead which is one of the most respected tanners of suede leather in the world. Get them on your shopping list now as these Rockport x Barbour designs can be found at Bloomingdale’s, Paragon Sports (NY), The Tannery (Boston), Zappos.com and many other specialty retailers around the US.

School season is in full gear, but backpacks are always a great gift idea for students of all ages. They’re also great for traveling as they can often be much more comfortable and convenient than a briefcase.

We checked out the new Expat Nylon Backpack from Incipio and were impressed. The black backpack is much more sleek and compact than some of the bulkier backpacks out there and it’s efficiently designed to take full advantage of the available space. The black nylon also gives it a more understated and professional look as well, so it’s great for students along with any professionals going to a business meeting.

The backpack is designed for laptops and getting through airport security should be very easy with the Expat. You simply unzip the back compartment, open the Velcro at the top of the padded built-in sleeve and then slide out your laptop. The internal sleeve holds up to a 15″ device.

We also liked the small zippered pocket that the top of the pack that gives you a handy spot for your smartphone. It’s lined with faux fur as well for protection, and it has a rubber pass through for headphones for easy listening or talking while you’re walking. The backpack has a ton of sleeves and compartments to carry water bottles and other stuff.

The ergonomic shoulder straps are padded and very comfortable. We loaded up the bag and it still felt great.

Overall, this backpack is both stylish and practical, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something for yourself or as a gift this holiday season.