Bag for Law School- please help

[jordanjordan]

I am currently looking for a bag to use for law school next year. I've normally used a canvas tote or a longchamp bag for school but I've been trying to dress a little older and I would like a new bag to go along with it.

I'm looking for something that will fit a MacBook (13") and at least one other book and notebook. I need something that can go on my shoulders because my books will be heavy, but I don't want a bag that is ginormous and looks like luggage or a duffle bag. I would like a neutral color that will go with brown or black (though I wear brown shoes more than black), so I don't have to switch the bag out daily. I also need something that can take some wear and tear and will survive out in the weather and throwing it around at school. My price range is <700 retail (hoping to find something on sale for under 450).

I really like Rebecca Minkoff but the only bag that fits my needs is the Duo but it's only okay and I don't think any of the colors are that great.

I also like Treesje Avalon and Asher, but I don't know anything about these and how they are in terms of quality or if they would work for waht I want.

I like designers like Belen Enchadia and Botkier as well, just anything new and a little funky but not too out there.

Thanks in advance!

[FALLAX COR]

Ahhh if you had a limitless budget I would say the Proenza Schouler PS1. Such a GORGE bag!

But...also try Jenny Yuen, Junior Drake, L.A.M.B....

I'll think up some more. Also, if you're a fan of LV, you can try the Neverfull!

[burberryaholic]

It's so funny that you would mention Longchamp---I actually carried the black Longchamp shopper all through law school!! I like the Neverfull idea though, I am thinking of getting a new bag for using at the office and that is at the top of my list!

[jordanjordan]

Thanks for the ideas- I am checking them out now. I don't particularly like LV, Coach, and the rest of those designers that are very mainstream and everyone owns. I'm looking for something definitely more off the beaten path and less commercial.

I liked the Longchamp for school but I found when it was heavy the straps dug into my shoulders and it didn't hold its shape so it made carrying a laptop difficult. I'm looking for something more comfortable since I know I'll have a heavy load.

Anyone have experience using a Treesje or Botkier for a school bag?

[titania029]

I just bought this bag in a smaller size. The bigger one should be good for your needs. The straps are wider than Longchamp and adjustable in length. It comes in red, black or olive.

http://www.ebags.com/brics/x_bag_lar...ductid=1272586

Not going by your requirements, may I suggest a backpack? You can get a more fashionable and professional looking one. I always like Tumi. Your shoulder will thank you in later years. I don't remember ever carrying just one book to law school. Even if I only had one class that day, I always had several to study. I used to carry around a backpack that looked like hiking gear

[jordanjordan]

Originally Posted by titania029

I just bought this bag in a smaller size. The bigger one should be good for your needs. The straps are wider than Longchamp and adjustable in length. It comes in red, black or olive. http://www.ebags.com/brics/x_bag_lar...ductid=1272586 Not going by your requirements, may I suggest a backpack? You can get a more fashionable and professional looking one. I always like Tumi. Your shoulder will thank you in later years. I don't remember ever carrying just one book to law school. Even if I only had one class that day, I always had several to study. I used to carry around a backpack that looked like hiking gear

Thanks, that bag is cute, just not really what I'm looking for. I wanted something a little more funky and trendy.

I'm going to Virginia and they have locker type things to store your books in on grounds. I haven't carried a backpack in years and because of a back problem I had it actually puts more of a strain on my back than a tote does.

[titania029]

Ooohh...which law school? I have a connection to VA myself.

I had a locker too, but the heavy load came with the long walk to the school from the very far parking spot given to first-years By second year, I got a closer spot, but I also gave up on my laptop because it was just so heavy. Looking back now, it was also a really big laptop.

[elizat]

Originally Posted by titania029

I just bought this bag in a smaller size. The bigger one should be good for your needs. The straps are wider than Longchamp and adjustable in length. It comes in red, black or olive. http://www.ebags.com/brics/x_bag_lar...ductid=1272586 Not going by your requirements, may I suggest a backpack? You can get a more fashionable and professional looking one. I always like Tumi. Your shoulder will thank you in later years. I don't remember ever carrying just one book to law school. Even if I only had one class that day, I always had several to study. I used to carry around a backpack that looked like hiking gear

I agree. I carried a backpack part of the time and a messenger bag the rest. I didn't spend too much- books are HEAVY and gets abused a lot. I had bags that the seams were ripped out of. I would not spend a lot and I'd get something that you don't mind if it gets ruined.

I'd put my money towards a nice regular handbag.

[jordanjordan]

I'm going to UVA.

I definitely will not carry a backpack, so I really just want help trying to find a tote that is stylish but still durable.

I carried a lot of books during college and had no problem keeping my bags nice. I'm going to try to find something on sale so I don't plan on spending a fortune but I would like to get something decent for myself.

[titania029]

Oh, I just remembered what was very popular in law school, backpack on wheels! My roommate had one. She also had back problems that prevented her from carrying a regular bag. It was the best thing ever

Loved Charlottesville! Good luck!

[MrsMammaGoose]

How about a Kate Spade Griffen? That's what I use for school.

Ps: what law school are you going to? I'm doing a JD/PhD at Duke.

[jordanjordan]

Titania, did you go to UVA as well?

MrsMammaGoose- UVA. I like that but I tend to buy bags that are wider than they are tall just because it seems more comfortable for me for whatever reason.

[usillypenguin]

I think the Treesje Asher would be great! I would suggest getting the Grande though. I have the normal size and I use it every day for school, but I'm only usually carrying a notebook, and 1-2 small books (not textbooks) and an umbrella lol. The Grande would be a good size for your macbook. Quality is great as well and can really take a beating. I don't really baby my bags too much, and after using it pretty much every day for the past four months, it still looks new.

[shimmerbrick]

i am using my black botkier trigger as a work bag currently, my colleagues have complimented that it looks really good. together with my serious work clothes, the botkier adds a little edge to my outfit. it can't fit a laptop however, but the quality is really excellent. i've used and abused it countless of times and it still looks as good as new!

if u're willing to spend a little more, may i suggest a balenciaga work? now that is one gorgeous bag, and it fits plenty of stuff. and if u're looking for something that isn't flashy, balenciaga would definitely be it!

[titania029]

Yep!