help with a tote!

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songofthesea

songofthesea

O.G.
Feb 8, 2007
4,112
1,041
#1
I recently bought the saddle rogue and love it! it's in my closet and I will start using it in the fall (something to look forward to!)...I do, however, need a tote...I'm a teacher and I schlep a lot of stuff back and forth to school and have been using an llbean tote, which I can't kill, but, am looking for something a bit nicer....would love to hear some suggestions and feedback...TIA!
 
#4
bored here at the end of the day and decided not to wait for responses. :)

I find that Kate Spade makes fun totes. Usually 2-3 side pockets and then a lot of easy space to get into. https://www.katespade.com/handbags/totes/

I can't vouch for Longchamp, but I see the le pliage around a lot. There are many options and price points. http://us.longchamp.com/pliage/nylon

I had some luck with this Michael Kors Jet Set tote. I had the laptop version with the padded center zip compartment for my laptop, it fits the large size MBP easily with wiggle room. The sides are roomy and there was some, but not much, pocket space. Disclaimer: I did have one of the straps break on me after 2 years but that might also be due to my rather rough treatment and heavy packing/carry of the bag. http://www.michaelkors.com/jet-set-travel-medium-saffiano-leather-top-zip-tote/_/R-US_30T5GTVT2L

For giggles, I really love the Fendi Roll bag with the monsters pattern. I don't find this to be a practical buy but I love the way looking at it makes me smile. I don't remember this having any pockets and I might think twice before really stuffing and abusing a tote that costs as much as this one does. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fendi-r...=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK
 
#5
I'm a consultant and travel for work each week. I have lots of totes but there are 2 styles I like a lot. My Coach Tanner's (I have too many colors to name) are really nice. I like totes that have a zip closure and the break-away zipper allows me to zip the bag to make it secure or leave the zipper open when I need more room.
BC Tanner in SF (467x640).jpg Black Tanner San Fran (454x640).jpg Cognac Tanner.jpg

I also love Tumi totes. They can be a bit pricey so I either catch them on sale on the Tumi website and we have a Tumi outlet really close here in Georgia (the outlet takes phone orders). Department stores like Nordstrom sells them. You can even get them at Nordstrom Rack. I like the Tumi's because they are durable and have lots of pockets for organization.
 
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#6
Okay, I know my name on here has Coach in it, and I do use a Coach work bag, but I also found a great tote from Michael Kors recently that I too use for work (also a teacher). It is the Ashbury tote. I got mine on Tradesy in the Luggage color. It looks like they went and reissued it and they have some on their site:

http://www.michaelkors.com/ashbury-large-leather-shoulder-bag/_/R-US_30F6GABT3L?No=1&color=1164

I will tell you, my one qualm was the bottom doesn't have support, so I fashioned my own cardboard base and it worked like a charm. I initially got it for travelling, but it fits my work laptop and files, etc. It's just a little smaller than my work bag but looks more like a purse vs. a 'work bag', if you know what I mean.
 
#7
Thanks for all of the responses! I'd like to stick with coach right now. I saw the market tote in pebbled leather today in bronze amd thought it was beautiful. I'd be using it for folders, maybe a laptop but doesn't have to. I'd be using it in addition to a pocketbook that will hold my personal stuff. Thoughts on that bag? Thanks!
 
#8
songofthesea said:
Thanks for all of the responses! I'd like to stick with coach right now. I saw the market tote in pebbled leather today in bronze amd thought it was beautiful. I'd be using it for folders, maybe a laptop but doesn't have to. I'd be using it in addition to a pocketbook that will hold my personal stuff. Thoughts on that bag? Thanks!
Click to expand...

It's a nice bag, especially that bronze! The only issue I think is the straps look pretty skinny and if your laptop is heavy it might have some problems. The SAs should be able to tell you how much weight the bag can carry :)
 
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#9
GirlyNerd said:
It's a nice bag, especially that bronze! The only issue I think is the straps look pretty skinny and if your laptop is heavy it might have some problems. The SAs should be able to tell you how much weight the bag can carry :smile:
Click to expand...

Not to mention the straps, even if they don't break, can seriously dig into your shoulders if they're thin. Which is why I usually steer clear of straps that's not at least 1" thick haha
 
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#10
Agreed. Decided to pass on it. Although I love the bag and the color I can't justify it after having recently gotten a rogue. Also the way I throw my tote bag around and how many pens and markers leak in it I think it's my safest bet!
 
#11
I have a sturdy Tumi I found on sale someplace (can't remember). Before that, I had a Briggs and Riley tote with tons of pockets. I simply couldn't ruin that bag! I travel a lot and always want a tote that can handle trains, planes, and automobiles. I stick to basic black. Really like some of the suggestions here!
 
#12
I use a Coach baby bag as my teacher bag, this will be the third year and she still looks great. I use the changing pad on the floor of my classroom so my bag doesn't have to go on the floor. I pack a ton of crap ( lunch,water,can of soda, shoes, etc), plus I live in New England so the weather is erratic at best. I love the small side compartments that I use for car keys and school id. I keep a legacy zippy wallet in the bag for when I have to run errands after work. Kate Spade makes some cute baby bags too, but mine is holding up so well I can,t justify switching out. good luck as a new school year begins!
 
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#13
image.jpg I just bought a Coach Sawyer tote at the outlets for my work/school bag this year. I'm a teacher, too, and I've decided to use it for my lunch, iPad, work agenda, classroom keys and school pencil case. I can probably fit other small things in it, like alphabet letters to cut out or marking.

I'll still carry a separate handbag for my personal items.

Edited for: grammar, addition of photo
 
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