If I have to carry a tote bag w/my Black Avalon -- what do you recommend?

[ThisIsMyPurse]

I bought the Avalon bc of its large size. However, I live in Chicago. In the winter, one needs to wear boots and carry shoes to work.

What kind of bag could I carry along with the Avalon that wouldn't look to schleppy?

I am open to anything, including totes like Envirosax, Baggu, and other such as Le Pliage.

Thanks in advance -- I ask this question because I think it's harder to carry two bags when one's main purse (the Avalon) is already quite large.

[starkfan]

What kind of extra stuff do you need to carry in the tote? Will you need to primarily use it just for shoes/boots, or is there additional overflow that the Avalon can't carry (e.g. files, laptop, etc)?

I think the Le Pliage is always a good tote that you can use for work, particularly since there are different sizes that you can choose as appropriate for what you need to carry, and of course it can be folded and kept in your bag when you're not using it. If you carry the Avalon on your shoulder (whether via the strap or the handles), perhaps you could choose the short-handled Le Pliage too, so you're carrying one bag in your hand and the other on your shoulder (looks a little less awkward, IMHO).

[ThisIsMyPurse]

Thanks, starkfan.

Between the two bags, I need to carry:

--normal purse stuff
--shoes
--sometimes files
--rarely, a brownbag lunch
--more rarely, a laptop

And I agree w/you about the short handles. Seems to me that when carrying two bags, it might be good if they had different orientations (vertical, vs. horizontal) and/or handle lengths and ways to carry.

A decent laptop bag might also do the trick even if not carrying a laptop.

[lizz66]

I love my longchamp bag! I personally rec the bigger bag with the long handles. I dont know why but I just hate the short handles plus you can still carry the bag in your hands and it isnt near the floor or anything and yet if you need to carry it on your shoulder you can.

I agree with you both though in saying try not to have both be over the shoulder or hands at the same time. Unless you aren't wanting a workout..=)

[fleurdelisabeth]

Ooh, I know how Chicago is - I spent the first 24 years of my life there. I actually miss it terribly.

If I were you I'd carry the Avalon in your hands on on your wrist with the short handles and just use the tote over your arm, because it'd probably be heavier. And I'd get it in a bright or metallic colour, because firstly two black bags would look a bit schleppy and secondly a bright bag makes winter so much better. I have a giant cheapo Target-does-Balenciaga style bag I use for my gym clothes and I just switch my handbag to my hand while I'm carrying it and can pop it on my shoulder if I need to use my phone or wallet or anything.

Nordstroms was always my favourite place to shop in Chicago so I checked there for you...not sure if these will be the right size or even your style.

Good for holding shoes, I love the verticalness. It can also be carried in your hand:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3062138/...bo=6024345&P=1

Kate Spade makes awesome totes but this might be a bit too structured:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3031429/...bo=6024345&P=1

And you can always go with another treesje, this one is a bit more punky and heavy duty looking:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3060089/...bo=6024345&P=1

I like the idea of matching treesjes, but I do think the first (MK) would be better for shoes.

Anyway my fiance says it's bedtime, so g/g put the bunny to sleep and have a quick shower. I am definitely missing Chicago weather right now, we're right in the middle of Australian summer.

[lizz66]

Hey fleurdeliizabeth!

Where in Australia are you living? I am originally from Milwaukee so have spend ALOT of time in chicago but just moved to Sydney 2 months ago. Nice meeting a fellow PFer down under who is a fan of treesje.

PS: how much do you miss Nordies and all the other good shopping in chicago or the states for that matter?

[ThisIsMyPurse]

Thanks much for these ideas.