In Search of the Perfect Work Bag

[Lovely.Purse]

As the title suggest, I’m in search of the perfect (for me) work bag, and I could use your help!

My criteria is fairly straightforward:
1) black or neutral taupe colour

2) clean, office appropriate design (minimal branding)

2) bright or light coloured interior

3) crossbody strap option

4) some inner compartment large enough to carry an iPad Pro 10.5” (w/no case)

5) metal feet

I’m flexible on price (contemporary or designer) and material (as long as it’s leather).

I’m shying away from large open top totes because I just don’t need something that big. Also, I just much prefer more structured designs.

Anyone have any suggestions on bags, or brands I should look at?

 

[NateSelwyn25]

Hmm, a work tote with a crossbody strap? Can't say I've seen a lot, tote bags in general don't have straps. Maybe a leather bag from Longchamp? But they mostly have the same color interior.

 

[Quinni]

That’s a tough one with the criteria „crossbody strap“. The only bag I can think if right now is the Louis Vuitton Jersey Tote. However, it doesn’t fit your minimal branding / color wishes..

 

[JoRW]

YSL sac de jour??

 

[renee_nyc]

The Saint Laurent Jane tote might work for you. It has a large zipper middle compartment.

There’s also a few older Mulberry styles – the large Alexa and the Bayswater Double zipped tote. You may be able to still find them online.

 

[Amazona]

Boss Taylor Tote has all the things you want;
- minimal branding (name foil stamped on the front on the bag in small letters and the bag can be flipped so the stamping doesn't show)
- robust leather (mine has lasted 6 months in perfect condition - no wear or anything else that would show, and I wear that sucker to work every day, commute and don't baby my bags)
- feet
- crossbody strap and short handles
- light beige interior
- 2 open and 1 large zippered compartment with a small zipped pocket inside.
Taylors I've seen made with red, pink, brown navy and black leathers and the price point is very low considering the quality; abt 700 €.

I bought my Taylor in early summer and it's been one of the best purchases I've ever made. It can carry so much stuff, looks very profesh, it's comfortable to carry, and it also suits my employer's corporate spirit (a very old, german-based company and nobody ever carries or wears anything that has very visible branding).

 

[Lovely.Purse]

Amazona, that Taylor Tote look beautiful! Thank you for the recommendation. Might you be able to post a picture of it?

renee_nyc, the Saint Laurent Jane is lovely but I think it might be a little too structured for my tastes. The Mulberry recommendations are a good one—I had completely forgotten about the Double Zipped Tote.

So many great ideas, ladies! Thank you.

 

[Amazona]

Amazona, that Taylor Tote look beautiful! Thank you for the recommendation. Might you be able to post a picture of it?

renee_nyc, the Saint Laurent Jane is lovely but I think it might be a little too structured for my tastes. The Mulberry recommendations are a good one—I had completely forgotten about the Double Zipped Tote.

So many great ideas, ladies! Thank you.

I don't have a pic off my Taylor, but here are a few from the internet:

 

[renee_nyc]

I don't have a pic off my Taylor, but here are a few from the internet:

Now I want this bag [emoji23]

 

[renee_nyc]

Amazona, that Taylor Tote look beautiful! Thank you for the recommendation. Might you be able to post a picture of it?

renee_nyc, the Saint Laurent Jane is lovely but I think it might be a little too structured for my tastes. The Mulberry recommendations are a good one—I had completely forgotten about the Double Zipped Tote.

So many great ideas, ladies! Thank you.

I think there is also a Bayswater with a strap now. Mulberry is having a sale.

I’m not sure if you have heard of Italic or not but they claim to source direct from factories that supply high end designers like Burberry, Prada and Céline.

I signed up and if I hadn’t bought my Jane bag I would have bought this one it has a removable crossbody strap and a zippered middle compartment. No branding.

 

[Amazona]

Now I want this bag [emoji23]

Loving mine, so can't do much other than recommend!

 

[misstrine85]

Loving mine, so can't do much other than recommend!

I have the Taylor shopper. Such great quality!

 

[PrairieBagurl]

Try Cuyana and Madewell. They have great leather bags

 

[Miss_Lili]

I like Kate Spade for work bags. They are understated and preppy/corporate and a lot of them are large enough to fit a laptop and have zippers. The saffiano leather is also pretty resistant to wear and tear and I like my work bags to be able to take some abuse.

 

[JoRW]

The LV Sully MM in black is also a beautiful, sophisticated work bag!