What bag for work?

What bag is better for work?

  • LV Neverfull

    Votes: 8 18.6%
  • Fendi Peekaboo

    Votes: 5 11.6%
  • Mulberry Bayswater

    Votes: 13 30.2%
  • Hermes Kelly 35/40

    Votes: 6 14.0%
  • Neither of these!

    Votes: 11 25.6%

  • Total voters
    43

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maryg1

K in a circle
O.G.
Aug 29, 2006
7,197
4,566
I need another bag for work, most of my bags are too small to keep all my belongings and are only suited for some days when I don’t need to carry much.
I usually carry my speedy b 25 or regular 30, or my evelyne.
I don’t need to carry a laptop but I sometimes have paperwork and my personal belongings.
I’ve looked at the obvious Neverfull and I can see the appeal (light, roomy) but I want to look at other options.
My ultimate dream would be a Kelly 35 or 40 but it would take sometimes and I would look at preowned bags in this case.
Other options are welcome as I’m not set in any bag!
 
For everyday and every day, I think you need tough as well as beauty. That makes a canvas NF or very strong leather bag that will look just as good 'aged' as when new a must. I really like Peekaboos, but I don't think they are great for rough and tumble, and I don't think they look great 'lived-in'.

I voted a 35/40 Kelly. In a suitable leather, the bag will be durable enough for everyday, and if it needs repairing/spa, H can provide the service(s). I think a Mulberry Bayswater is also a great choice if the K option's not available. NF would also be OK, but the straps are so thin for weight, it's better to have in hand option.

I'd advise against carrying a laptop in any designer bag, as it's neither a good idea for the bag nor device. Even the smaller laptops seem to be heavy. At least with a Ks and Bays, they're bags designed to carry heavy. I carry a iPad regularly, even in an Evelyne now and it gets me through and they're not expensive (relatively speaking).
 
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I have a Neverfull MM and I’d say it’s my most used bag out of my collection. It had been through rain, snow, wind everything and it’s going strong. I had carried two laptops in my NF and no issues. Not that you should or need to carry this much, but it tells you its durability.

Peekaboo, I agree with @papertiger that it doesn’t look good “lived-in”.

Mulberry Bayswater is a good one too!

If you are looking for another tote similar to NF, you may also consider Moreau Paris’ Vincennes MM.
 
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I say Fendi Pickaboo. Especially the light version without the center part that divides it in two. It’s very good and roomy and yet very presentable for work.

Also when I have a lot of document or need to look very good and no loud logos I wear Chanel Cerf tote. It’s good for carrying documents and even a laptop, and has a very small logo. Not sure it’s still available in stores, I bought mine in 2012.

I agree that H Kelly 35 is definitely not for heavy use because of the closure. The whole weight of the bag is holding only to that tiny small closure. You definitely can’t overpack it.
 
@papertiger you’re right, the Peekaboo is probably not good option as a work bag
@atlantique a leather Neverfull could be an option, just how much heavier it is vs the canvas one?
I don't own a Neverfull in leather, so I can't say how heavy it is.

I think the Epi leather could be an option, because I have had many LV bags in Epi leather many years ago. Unfortunately the Epi Neverfull isn't available no more, but I have seen some in the second hand market. The Empreinte leather is heavyer then the Epi I think.
 
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I don't own a Neverfull in leather, so I can't say how heavy it is.

I think the Epi leather could be an option, because I have had many LV bags in Epi leather many years ago. Unfortunately the Epi Neverfull isn't available no more, but I have seen some in the second hand market. The Empreinte leather is heavyer then the Epi I think.
Epi leather is Incredibly hardwearing, I have a black Epi keyholder which I bought , living in Paris in about 2000/2001, it still looks brand new.
If you can get hold of a bag in new condition , I’d definitely recommend it.
 
I say Fendi Pickaboo. Especially the light version without the center part that divides it in two. It’s very good and roomy and yet very presentable for work.
+1 for Fendi Peekaboo x-lite! I have the large size and use it for work. I think it looks better with age and still polished for a professional environment. I’m not sure if Fendi still makes this style- I got mine preloved (for a steal!) and would recommend going that route
 
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From those options NF is a good and sturdy choice. Carry similar things like you and have tested tons of bag styles.

I don‘t think Birkin oder Peekaboo would be good choices except you are going by car. I commute with the subway and train and in that case the bag has to fulfill several points to be convenient. Those two would fall out for me, Birkin because of the weight and Peekaboo because of that weird opening and the thin compartments.
I will write what I tested sofar for me.

I find the LV NF MM quite usefull, though I am not a fan of the tote shape. Lightweight, sturdy (it can carry heavy), easy to stuff.

LV Grand Noe, fantastic work bag, fits so much and you can cinch it up. Lightweigt, sturdy again. I have an Epi leather one.

LV Keepall 35, smaller than antipated. Does not fit DIN A 4 easily. Is less high than the Speedy 30.

Speedy B 30 tad to small for work stuff, does not fit DIN A 4 paper, barely fit iPad Pro 11. Lightweight.

Gianni Chiarini Marcella Tote, dreaded tote shape, but great size to put everything inside, even space for grocery. Not a real luxury brand, but a lot of variations to choose from, monogrammable and pretty good looking and sturdy.

Polene Cyme bag (the big one), hate it. Because of the shape everything rumbles around in circles, not possible to have stuff stay where it is supposed to stay.

I just bought a medium puzzle tote from Loewe, which I also plan to use for work, but haven‘t used yet, so I still don‘t know how it will fare.

My other luxury bags are to small for my needs as a work bag.

My favourite is currently the Grand Noe.
 
Among your choices, I'd go with a trusty NF. It's super light and expandable. It's also durable and an all weather machine if you get de. I've used the heck out of my NFs and they still look good. Runner up is a goyard tote, but it isnt as durable as Miss NF.

I also loved my LV Totally because it was also super light. It's a zipper top so I didn't worry about something falling out of my purse (or keeping my stuff safe). Plus, extra bonus: I could stash an umbrella and water bottle in the side pockets for easy access.

The Bayswater is classic, but it was super heavy with only a few items in it and it just wasnt practical for me. I was a commuter and I felt like I was carrying a brick.

Another fav of mine: Chanel Cerf executive tote. This baby is super light and not too "in your face" if you happen to be among folks that are judgy.
 
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Longchamp and Boss have some amazing bags suitable for work.
I have a Boss Taylor satchel and it's a permanent staple in my selection of work bags. It's a textured leather and even after 5 years of wear (wore it for a year straight) it's still not showing signs of wear. The branding is very subtle. It's not the lightest bag but it's def something I will never sell as it will be in my rotation until it wears out. I'm pretty sure I'll be retiring before the bag's dead. 😄

LC Penelope is another top purchase from a few yrs back. You can get it with either short or long straps and in several colors - the style is discontinued but it's very available on the preloved market. 3D and Roseau lines both have totes and top handles that will fit all your things and the leathers are very durable so they will keep for years.

Edit: M Bayswater is also a lovely bag, heavy but very classic. The new ones are not worth the price (quality is crap nowadays) but if you can find one from pre-2013, I strongly recommend!
 
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