What kind of bag do you carry to work?

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I don't normally have to bring work stuff home but when I do, or when I have meetings outside of the office and I have documents with me, I use this black N/S Le Pliage Longchamp Cabas as my extra bag. It's lightweight and since it is black, it still looks professional IMO.


I also have the LP Cabas and also a document briefcase from the same line, both in black, For less-than-ultra-professional meetings or other occasions I usually take them, but for more formal occasions I use my Longchamp Roseau which is SO chic it's not even sane anymore.
 
I always have two bags: 1) my handbag - which I change depending on my mood; and 2) my work bag - currently an LC Pliage where I store my 15'work laptop, planner, pen case and some files. But, I'm now looking to switch to a backpack as it really is more convenient for me.

@ Rocket_Girl & @ Amazona --- I'd love to hear some backpack suggestions please!
 
Hi! I keep on being indecisive and going between carrying all my stuff to work in a huge bag or having a separate work bag for stuff and then having my everywhere stuff in a small bag.

Right now I have:

Minkoff MAC for everyday/everywhere essentials - iPad, iPhone, battery pack, makeup, cash, cards, etc.

and a

Coach baby bag for work things- macbook, papers to work on, pencils, adaptors, etc.

How do you guys manage?

I double-bags as the trend now calls it. So I have a work bag that is really a work bag, and a handbag.
 
I always have two bags: 1) my handbag - which I change depending on my mood; and 2) my work bag - currently an LC Pliage where I store my 15'work laptop, planner, pen case and some files. But, I'm now looking to switch to a backpack as it really is more convenient for me.

@ Rocket_Girl & @ Amazona --- I'd love to hear some backpack suggestions please!

Ha - Batgirl, i wish I had the backpack thing figured out!

Have tried and failed:
Alexander Wang Marti Bag.
Bought with the fantasy that a decent looking (aka not hike-worthy) backpack in buttery leather could also work as a shoulder bag or sling. Especially appealing w/ Marti's expansion zip. Technically, yes. Alas, functionally, just... no. It does both well enough, yet is far from perfect for either.

MarcJacobs pebbled leather (mens) backpack. Looked chic and held stuff well... but hurt my back.

I have GREAT nylon packs for hiking -- they hold stuff well and feel great on my back - just hate those for a work setting.

Still searching. Came across one here on TPF just this morning - in the threat on what bag brings the most compliments: Henri Bendel Jet Setter convertible backpack. Have never seen one IRL -- but price point is quite low (relative to my other bags) - so I may try that next.

What have you tried and how did they work out?
 
Hi guys,

I've been wondering about this for the past year or so. On the daily, do you guys carry a big tote to work with your essentials and laptop OR keep them separate? I find that I end up carrying a purse, lap top bag AND lunch bag and sometimes it's really overwhelming. Now that Winter is approaching I want some ideas on how I can downsize? What do you prefer? A large tote to work or keep them seperate (in case you need to run out for lunch/after work and so on).... Post pics if you can of "What do you carry to work?"!!!!
 
I think responses will vary depending on if people drive or rely on public transportation, the local climate, etc. I am in a mild climate with no winter weather to contend with and I drive to work daily and park in a garage with covered pedestrian access to my office. I carry two bags into the office: (i) a handbag (usually Chanel), and (ii) a small Gucci Swing Tote with my lunch and heels since I typically wear flats in. On the rare occasion I need to transport my laptop, I carry it in a separate laptop bag.
 
I carry a tote (laptop in it's protective case, files, misc stuff, etc.) and a handbag to work. I also have a small wristlet/pouch in the tote for when I go for lunch. It contains my office keys, security tag, phone and CC. I have quite a few of these wristlet/pouch and change them depending on my mood.

I drive to work. Extra shoes are kept at work.
 
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For my current job (train hostess), I carry a huge tote and a backpack. In the tote I have my personal stuff and the backpack carries my work gear (safety vest, cash, paperwork, cardigan, scarf, vest, small first aid kit).
I have alot of personal items to carry, since I might need anything from makeup to hair brush to perfume to medicine to bandaids to wet wipes, and also my tablet for keeping up on how our time table is holding up.

When I worked a more normal job - as in, my office didn't move at 200 km/h and I didn't switch every 2-4 hrs - I just carried a large tote or a nice backpack. I didn't have to drag a laptop with me, so a Large Le Pliage fit my things and lunch cooler.
 
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I drive to work. I work with three bags.

1) my handbag has my wallet and essentials. This goes to and from with me to work.

2) a Longchamp pliage tote. This bags carries all my folders and papers. This is the bag I carry around with me while I'm AT work. This bag only comes home with me if I have to bring work home.

3) a large faux leather tote travels to and from work with me daily. In it I carry my lunch, coffee thermos, water bottle, extra shoes if I need that.
 
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Thank you everyone for the responses. It's true that it depends on the commute to work and the industry you are in. I should have been more specific. I work an office job so I was doing the same as you UppUpnAway, carrying 3 bags to and from work and I drove to work. I also have my 2 year old toddler and his bag with me as I drop him off on my way to work.I just find it so cumbersome in the winter to load everything in the car. I am trying out different methods this month in hopes I find something that works.
 
I drive to work. I work with three bags.

1) my handbag has my wallet and essentials. This goes to and from with me to work.

2) a Longchamp pliage tote. This bags carries all my folders and papers. This is the bag I carry around with me while I'm AT work. This bag only comes home with me if I have to bring work home.

3) a large faux leather tote travels to and from work with me daily. In it I carry my lunch, coffee thermos, water bottle, extra shoes if I need that.

Hi

I have a question regards water bottles in the bag. Is the water cold? Will not the condensation from the bottle make marks in the bag? Or get the interior vet? :shocked:
 
Hi

I have a question regards water bottles in the bag. Is the water cold? Will not the condensation from the bottle make marks in the bag? Or get the interior vet? :shocked:

The water is room temperature. I use a cheap-ish bag to tote food and drink, this faux leather reversible tote: http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/street-level-reversible-faux-leather-tote-wristlet/3559375

The bag gets totally abused from random spills so I don't use an expensive one for that. Only my handbags are expensive!
 
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Hi

I have a question regards water bottles in the bag. Is the water cold? Will not the condensation from the bottle make marks in the bag? Or get the interior vet? :shocked:

I never have any issues with bottles, moisture and condensation when I use my lovely little neoprene bottle cover. It cost around 5€ and keeps my drinks cool and moisture doesn't get through the fabric to cause havoc on my bags or anything in them. Cannot recommend highly enough!
 
This varies from time to time. But right now I am carrying one tote that carries my laptop and other daily essentials. I am currently carrying a wristlet inside the tote. I have carried a tote or purse and a laptop bag. It depends on which bag I carry. I keep a refrigerator in my office so I don't have to carry lunch everyday.
 
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I've tried a bunch of different options but here is my latest favorite:

"vintage" Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack - That has my larger must have items in the pockets- sunglasses, cosmetics, iPad, water bottle..

and then inside the backpack I have my:

mini reissue as my grab and go bag that I take with me when dropping off the kids that has my must always have essentials
pouch with other items that I never take out of backpack: mini first aid kit with foldable scissors, reusable utensil, ziplock bags, emergency snacks, etc...
pouch that gets removed when I'm at work that has stuff for the kids - diapers, small toys, change of clothes, wipes

and then in the car I keep a tote of things that get put in my bag when I'm at work and taken out when I'm off of work- laptop, work pouch with keys, cables, chargers, mouse, etc.. and keyboard

What bags do you bring to work? My system sounds a big complicated but it's been working for me.
 
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