Reader Question: Find Me A Bag!

By Amy

Last week, Wendy, one of our readers, wrote in with this question:

I've been searching for weeks for the perfect work bag. I HATE schlepping a bag, purse, and lunch tote with me each day, so I want one that can hold everything. I tend to bring a lot to work (a couple of binders, a few books, some folders, etc...) so I'm struggling to find one that's large enough without being overnight-baggish, has some structure, and isn't too expensive.

I jumped all over this question, because as a teacher, finding a bag that can hold everything I need is a huge problem. I've had the same work bag for the past five years and I'm starting to look around in hopes of finding a new one that can carry all my junk without looking completely hideous. Truth be told, finding the dream bag can be really difficult, especially when---like Wendy and me---you want to carry everything and remain organized. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

 
This bag, from Target, is one of my favorites for a few reasons.  First, it advertises an organizer pocket and a removable laptop sleeve---this means I can either stash my computer OR remove it for more room for other stuff!  Yay!  I love the structure of this and the texture means it'd be easy to keep clean after dragging it around everywhere.

Another Target find, I love the structure and look of this bag.  I also love the fact that it's a bright neutral---I could pair this with either black or brown and it'd look great.  This bag also has an interior key ring---something I desperately need since I am forever misplacing my keys.  The two front pockets would be perfect for stashing my cell phone, gum, lip gloss, etc. for easy access.

This roomy bag from Etsy expands in all four directions, meaning more room for me to shove stuff in!  Plus, I can never, ever pass on a hot pink anything.  I think this would add such a fun pop of color to any work wardrobe.

I'm a sucker for vintage luggage, so when I saw this little number on Etsy, I couldn't resist!  The side pocket would be great for snacks and small items, and it looks roomy enough to house at least a few binders or stacks of paper.  Even more fun, this seller will customize your bag with a variety of designs, from birds to dandelions---I love the idea of a custom touch on a bright, vintage bag! 

This bag, is the bag I've used for the past few years, and I absolutely love it. It's roomy, yet structured and I feel pulled together. Inside, there are some smaller pockets, too, so I never have to rifle around for a pen.  The quality is outstanding---it's handled being thrown in the car, dragged to meetings and taken to happy hour. It's a winner.

So, to Wendy, and the rest of us trying to find that elusive "dream bag" I hope this is helpful!  Let us know if you choose one of these, or are inspired to try something else.

{photo credits:  target.com, etsy.com, amazon.com}

Comments

[lifeofadoctorswife.wordpress.com]

I'm not the question asker, but I am a purse-stuffer who HATES taking a purse AND a laptop on business trips. These seem like a good way to combine the two! I love love love the Kenneth Cole piece.