Another "find me a bag" post

[mbcdefg]

I like to take a big black tote-style bag when I go to work conferences, since I often have to carry around paperwork and magazines when I walk the floor. If I use it as a carry-on then it needs to be able to hold my small (10 inch) laptop. I like having a zippered outside pocket for my phone and keys.

I've been using a Nine West tote that I got at TJ Maxx for about $40 last year, but the handle is already frayed and ready to rip. Plus the outside pocket's zipper keeps getting caught on the lining. I'd like something similar in size. I don't care about the brand. Under $100 is preferable. It needs to tuck over my shoulder and stay put. 

I'm eyeing the Lo and Sons Brookline (I like the sleeve that fits over the suitcase handles), so I may ask for it as a birthday gift or just save up for the next big sale. More MM options I'm looking at are the Anne Klein Perfect medium and large totes, but they don't seem to have an outside pocket. 

Pic of the current Nine West tote: 

[v]

How much paperwork are you carrying around? I ask because if your laptop is that small (tiny tiny!) and you want to carry the bag all day, the Brookline may not be for you. It is quite big -- which is great for me when I have to carry a 15" laptop and let's say a 1" thick legal-sized folder (plus sunglass case, wallet, chargers, etc.), but is overkill/annoying to carry around when I have less stuff in it.

If I was carrying such a tiny laptop and a small pile of letter-sized papers, I'd buy the large Longchamp Le Pliage and a laptop sleeve (well, if it was a work laptop I probably wouldn't bother with the sleeve). But there's no outside pocket on that bag (I never use them so that doesn't matter to me, but not what you're looking for maybe).

[Deleted]

There is only one answer. Get the Tumi tote that I posted about a while back. I'm on my phone or I would link. It ROCKS.

[thedutchgirl]

Brookline is on sale now for 30% off. That's about the best price it ever is.

[mbcdefg]

Aug 24, 2015 18:04:36 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

There is only one answer. Get the Tumi tote that I posted about a while back. I'm on my phone or I would link. It ROCKS.

www.tumi.com/p/ana-large-double-zip-carry-all-079341D2

I have that on my Pinterest board. Looks like it's sold out

[Deleted]

Aug 24, 2015 18:24:07 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

Aug 24, 2015 18:04:36 GMT -5 @shoegal said:

There is only one answer. Get the Tumi tote that I posted about a while back. I'm on my phone or I would link. It ROCKS.

www.tumi.com/p/ana-large-double-zip-carry-all-079341D2

I have that on my Pinterest board. Looks like it's sold out

Noooooooooooooooo! Bunch of us out to lunch today with our black Tumi totes slung over our shoulders - we were like the super organized, coordinated, consultant mafia. The 1 dude with us (no Tumi tote) now wants one for his badass wife - they better not discontinue this one!

[mbcdefg]

In case anyone cares, I wound up ordering this just now:

www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/kindred-tote-exclusive/253096?productid=10290892&sourceid=ADWPRODUCT&couponid=94790994&gclid=COOA0tG618cCFVYTHwod8jgGdw

eBags has a 15% off promo, and MH has a $15 off $75 code from PayPal. I got the black purse above, plus a shoe bag and a toiletry bag, and it all came to about $67 at the end with free shipping. And 10% back from EBates.