Hi Sparkle - we do seem to end up on the same threads often! I think we share a very similar purchasing philosophy. The work tote I have now is just a generic, unbranded item from a local department store. I've also looking for a nice work tote upgrade... the one I've been looking at recently, which seems to fit my requirements, is the Louis Vuitton Empreinte Lumineuse.
What size is the largest bag you're comfortable carrying?
- Thread starter Shelby33
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I can’t stand wearing large bags and carrying lots of things. My largest is the longchamp pliage I wear to uni (height 30cm, width 50cm, depth 20cm according to the website) but it’s because I have to bring a laptop, binders and sometimes textbooks. I ditch this bag at any chance I get 
For me wocs, minis and small bags are ideal but I have medium bags that I like aesthetically, though I carry them practically empty. I don’t like carrying “just in case” items, I only put what I’m certain will use that day, which is usually not much. I’ll even take something as small as my student ID card out of my bag if I don’t need it that day. My boyfriend knows not to give me stuff to hold for him- I will refuse
For me wocs, minis and small bags are ideal but I have medium bags that I like aesthetically, though I carry them practically empty. I don’t like carrying “just in case” items, I only put what I’m certain will use that day, which is usually not much. I’ll even take something as small as my student ID card out of my bag if I don’t need it that day. My boyfriend knows not to give me stuff to hold for him- I will refuse
I have come to realize that I like my bags to be either very large or very small and often use a combination of the two. I don't carry much at all, but sometimes I need the extra space to take a pair of shoes, or the ipad, a sketchbook, or shopping. In that case I want a large bag and my preference is for a simple tote shape, very light and with lots of spare space. Typically I'd use it in combination with a small crossbody (i.e. when travelling) or carry a clutch inside to be used on its own (for lunch, meetings etc).
My largest bag currently is this one. I thought it would be too big for me but nope, love it, may even consider the next size up:
And I am waiting for my Hermes store to get one of these in a color I like:
My largest bag currently is this one. I thought it would be too big for me but nope, love it, may even consider the next size up:
And I am waiting for my Hermes store to get one of these in a color I like:
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I carry bags of all sizes, so it really depends on what I need that day. When I was working full-time, I usually carried medium to large sized bags like the LV Speedy 35 or Goyard tote. I'm currently a grad student, so I carry a practical Jansport backpack most days. It can fit a ton of stuff, including my laptop, notebooks, gym clothes, etc. If I am running errands or going out at night, I carry a small crossbody like the Gucci Soho Disco or my Rebecca Minkoff mini mac. I do tend to lean towards bigger bags though because I like to carry just-in-case items.
Comfortably around 12.5/13 inches wide... I am very petite so prefer to not appear like the bag could carry me lol. That said, i am finding if i go to small i am juggling stuff in my hands, a bag in the 12/13 wide range works well to cram a few purchases in without overloading. When i want to pare down i stick to wristlets and/or wristlet wallet styles and just stick with my cards, bit of cash and phone.
I change out my bags often and tend to use the size that corresponds to my needs on the day, but I generally prefer medium to larger sizes. I have PMLE, so special sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, and a parasol are a must for me in the sun - and masks and hand sanitizer are now probably permanent residents right next to my wallet and keys. And while I've managed to teach The Teen to carry his own sling bag, I still end up acting as The Husband's beast of burden more often than not.
But frankly, I don't mind carrying all the extras as long as I love the look of the bag.
But frankly, I don't mind carrying all the extras as long as I love the look of the bag.
I’m a small/mini bag person on the daily. Typically leather crossbodies.
For work I use a 13” laptop tote with a small crossbody since my bag stays at my desk. When I was taking classes and commuting, it was a 13” laptop backpack. I used nylon in these instances as I find I’m less concerned about size (although I am a petite person) but more concerned about weight which is why I’ve learnt to downsize.
For work I use a 13” laptop tote with a small crossbody since my bag stays at my desk. When I was taking classes and commuting, it was a 13” laptop backpack. I used nylon in these instances as I find I’m less concerned about size (although I am a petite person) but more concerned about weight which is why I’ve learnt to downsize.
