The Perfect Everyday Workbag?

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Kreverest

Kreverest

Member
Dec 28, 2013
344
8
#1
I have been struggling for MONTHS to find the perfect everyday workbag and would love your help!

My criteria.
1) not too big not to small: I want to fit a 13" laptop comfortably but not have it so big that the laptop falls flat to the base. Big bases really annoy me like celine trapeze/phantom, longchamp le pliage would be too big. Base depth of under 5" would be ideal so that my laptop can stay upright and I can fit other small items. I don't carry much with me.
2) top closure: I live in NYC so I want a zippered top or some sort of lock. The mansur gavriel tote would be perfect if it weren't open top!
3) not too delicate: I baby a lot of my bags but I want to be able to use this everyday and put it on the floor so not ridiculously expensive.
4) good quality: at the same time, I want this bag to be something I'm happy to carry everyday. I have a bunch of cheap totes <$100, longchamp le pliage's, and even bought an MK east west tote but the leather was terrible and I don't like the brand. I ended up giving it away to someone. Made with good quality leather with care.
5) price range: $400-1500, depending on brand/quality.
6) avoid: mainstream mid-tier brands such as kate spade, tory burch, MK. it's okay if it's on the cheaper side, but I don't want it to be a bag that every other woman in NYC is carrying (like my MK tote).

Sorry that's a lot... at least it's specific? Please let me know if you have any suggestions, or can share your favorite everyday workbag! Thanks ladies <3 !!!
 
#5
I will be following this thread as I'm also interested in the recommendations. I too love in NYC but I don't mind the open top or wide bases. I just looked at FAURÉ LE PAGE - definitely peaked my interest. I also considered a Prada Saffiano and finally a Hermes double sens.
 
#6
I have a Prada saffiano but it is definitely a bag that I baby. Although the saffiano is extremely durable it was pricey (for my budget) and I have it in cameo.

I want a happy medium between a bag that is very well made but I can still put on the floor without freaking out.

Thanks for the etsy suggestion. Let me know how your bag works out for you!
 
#7
Look at Lotuff Leather and Frank Clegg. Both have zip top or other top closure options, a range of colors, and can be monogrammed for uniqueness. I think Lotuff may be sold at Barney's and Steven Alan if you want to see the quality in person. Bonus - made in the USA!
 
#8
Hi ladies wanted to share an update on my quest! I checked out a lot in store including the bayswater. The NVT was actually quite light but SA def didn't recommend it (or any luxury tier bag) for laptop hauling. I'm in Korea now for vacation so I checked out some regional brands and the designs are so cute and varied! Plus they are more affordable. Some brands I looked at are MCM (orig German but now Korean owned I believe and very popular here), lovcat (Korean), and Samantha thavasa (Japanese). Here's my perfect purchase from samantha thavasa. Lightweight, durable cow leather, zippable, all for ~$600 USD and I bought a bag charm in the store as well. I love the Python print detailing on the handles and that its durable AND affordable enough for me to toss around at work and commute. Thanks all for your help :)

P.S. please excuse all the plastic still on the bag! I wanted to leave it on till I take it back to new york!
you can look at the samantha thavasa collection here- the US page is under construction I think
http://www.samanthakorea.com/product/collection_list2.asp
and Lovcat here:
http://www.lovcatmall.com/sub/product_list.asp?big=1&middle=1&small=0

ImageUploadedByPurseForum1421544854.719094.jpgImageUploadedByPurseForum1421544879.907836.jpgImageUploadedByPurseForum1421544897.736808.jpg
 
#12
congrats on finding what you were looking for: I am still not there yet. no matter where I go I haul my 13' macbook retina laptop with me - as most of the time I go to work afterwards, if I run errands or go to appointments during the week. I currently use the LV SC but too annoying because of the wide base.

I believe Double Sens is a great choice, but sometimes it is too casual - will fit everything I take with me though. I toyed with the idea of a large Kelly but it would be too big.

I will be honest that leather needs to be durable and the best experience I had with Hermes Clemence, you couldn't tell it was used at all even after heavy use over 1 year. most other bags could not stand up to my treatment more than 1 month.
 
#13
Lovely! Looks perfect for you! I'm envious; there are a ton of Korean lines that are impossible to find stateside or get shipped here (Helianthus, Mannequin, in addition to the ones you mentioned). If you're there for awhile more, check them out too and post pics so I can drool!
 
#14
You might want to hop on the mailing list for this bag. https://www.alesyabags.com

I have the old one (no longer available), it is a great laptop bag. The new one is supposed to be a bit sleeker / more let's say prada than the curvy one today. But in terms of functionality and stuff, it is an awesome bag. I fit I big clunky dell laptop, all the accessories and all of my regular stuff from purse, water to umbrella. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

The construction was great. I ended up retiring it when I switched jobs and no longer lugged my laptop on a regular basis.

The old one was $300 give or take, and the new one should be like $500 give or take and out soon.

She has been posting teaser pics and they look great.
 
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