NCEP: Thought on work laptop bag

[2curlydogs]

Before y'all get excited, we have a shitton of reward points to redeem from our credit card, so my first choice is something I can get for free.

I'm currently looking at the Michael Kors Kelsey Large Top Zip bag in black. My other potential brand options are Coach (Taylor Signature), Dooney & Bourke (Nylon Shopper and Florentine Large Amelie), Kate Spade (Watson Lane Maya large).

Said bag has to be large enough to fit my laptop (on the slim side), charger, mouse, notebooks, plus the usual essentials of wallet and keys, business cards, id card, chap stick, maybe a lipstick.

Otherwise, quite frankly, my price point is $40, so don't roll on here recommending LO & SONS OG or something. Because it's replacing a free vendor swag bag that's lasted 10 years. 😜

[krystee]

Don’t laugh at me, but does Vera Bradley happen to be one of your gift card options? I got this as my work bag (it’s a backpack—I hate heavy bags on one shoulder) and I love it. And I am apparently not alone because I have since run into six other coworkers who have the same one. It won’t work if you’re in a super fancy role, but if you’ve carried a free vendor bag, I imagine it would be an upgrade!

www.verabradley.com/us/product/Iconic-Campus-Backpack/22598-22598081

[mrsukyankee]

I too would suggest a backpack if possible having done both and now I definitely only wear a backpack when taking my laptop to work.

[Velar Fricative]

I have this one and love it because it’s a convertible backpack. Not within your price point but only posting if by chance you can get it for free:

www.zappos.com/p/hedgren-diamond-kayla-2-way-backpack-black/product/8916529/color/3

[wawa]

I'm now fully converted to the backpack life. But I also now take the bus to work. I think you have to move between buildings and such though, so maybe it applies. Mine is also convertible because I loath wearing a backpack with a blazer. It gets all bunchy.

Lole lily. Which still is above your range, but highly recommend that format. (tote/backpack. With real straps, not plain nylon webbing)

Now to actually look at the ones you mentioned and offer actually helpful opinions...

[t]

Question re: logistics of work bags. Do you carry a purse too? If not, what do you do if you’re running out after work for errands, dinner, etc? Just grab your wallet and phone, pack a separate bag, or lug your entire work bag around with laptop, et al? Do you just have duplicates of your purse contents in a work bag, or do you have it organized such that you can just transfer these items from purse to work bag?
Currently I just have a crappy tote that I thrive my laptop in and a few file folders, mouse, and charger. But I also carry a larger crossbody bag and an insulated lunch bag. It’s annoying.
How am I still puzzled by the logistics of this at 36?

[Mrs.flang]

Aug 22, 2019 8:23:28 GMT -5 t said:

Question re: logistics of work bags. Do you carry a purse too? If not, what do you do if you’re running out after work for errands, dinner, etc? Just grab your wallet and phone, pack a separate bag, or lug your entire work bag around with laptop, et al? Do you just have duplicates of your purse contents in a work bag, or do you have it organized such that you can just transfer these items from purse to work bag?
Currently I just have a crappy tote that I thrive my laptop in and a few file folders, mouse, and charger. But I also carry a larger crossbody bag and an insulated lunch bag. It’s annoying.
How am I still puzzled by the logistics of this at 36?

At one point I was carrying a large tote bag and had a smaller crossbody purse that fit inside it, so I only had to carry the one and then could pull out the crossbody if I didn't need the large tote.  I was also often able to fit a lunch inside the tote. 

That was ideal, but since then the amount of stuff I carry has grown so now I'm back to separate bags and might be looking to change it up soon with a smaller cross body.

ETA - disclaimer that I don't use a mouse and don't travel with a charger often (I keep one at home).

[mrsukyankee]

t, I keep a small cross body bag at work for small errand stuff, but otherwise, my backpack is coming with me. I tend to only use a purse on weekends and never carry my entire wallet with me to work. I put a credit card, tube card, work id and money in a small leather id holder and move that back and forth between my backpack and purse, as well as my kindle and phone. I keep eyeglasses in each of them so don't have to move. I leave a charger for my computer & phone at work so I don't have to lug it (I also have one for each at home). I don't really wear that much makeup but when I did, I'd have a small bag that I could move between my purse and my backpack (copies of what I had at home).

[spindle92]

This is my work bag that I have used for 5+ years and love it.
It is $70.00 at Best Buy but i think it goes on sale a quite regularly.

www.bestbuy.com/site/swissgear-zoe-womens-laptop-tote-black/6125121.p?skuId=6125121

[litebright]

I will be good, and tell you that of the ones you listed, I would go with either the Michael Kors or the Coach bag. I like the style of the D&B bag the best, but I personally like having a few more pockets. I also like that the Kors bag has a trolley-attachment option and more pockets in general, that would appeal to me.

That said, I carry a Swissgear backpack, and there are definitely plenty of options in your price range. I have tried a messenger/tote over the years because they look more fashionable/professional, but TBH, mostly I need mine for trade shows. Being able to carry the laptop weight on my back instead of on one shoulder trumps fashion, at this point, and anyway, pretty much everybody else at trade shows is also using a backpack.

[2curlydogs]

Aug 22, 2019 8:23:28 GMT -5 t said:

Question re: logistics of work bags. Do you carry a purse too? If not, what do you do if you’re running out after work for errands, dinner, etc? Just grab your wallet and phone, pack a separate bag, or lug your entire work bag around with laptop, et al? Do you just have duplicates of your purse contents in a work bag, or do you have it organized such that you can just transfer these items from purse to work bag?
Currently I just have a crappy tote that I thrive my laptop in and a few file folders, mouse, and charger. But I also carry a larger crossbody bag and an insulated lunch bag. It’s annoying.
How am I still puzzled by the logistics of this at 36?

With my current bag - which is a messenger bag - I carry a separate purse. I also have a backpack that has all my workout gear in it. So, on any given day, I'm slugging 3 bags from my car to my office.

My work bag carries my laptop + gear, plus my lunch bag. I was hoping to consolidate my purse into my work bag and just hand carry the lunch bag.


We wouldn't have to do so much of *waves hands* this if women's clothing just had DECENT POCKETS IN THEM.

I'll look at for convertible backpack/handbag though. I like that idea.

[msmerymac]

Aug 22, 2019 8:23:28 GMT -5 t said:

Question re: logistics of work bags. Do you carry a purse too? If not, what do you do if you’re running out after work for errands, dinner, etc? Just grab your wallet and phone, pack a separate bag, or lug your entire work bag around with laptop, et al? Do you just have duplicates of your purse contents in a work bag, or do you have it organized such that you can just transfer these items from purse to work bag?
Currently I just have a crappy tote that I thrive my laptop in and a few file folders, mouse, and charger. But I also carry a larger crossbody bag and an insulated lunch bag. It’s annoying.
How am I still puzzled by the logistics of this at 36?

I do not carry a separate purse. I carry a separate lunch, but I'd find a way to pack it all together if I took public transit to work. 

I do have a wallet with a wrist strap that I can fit my phone in if I'm just running out to grab lunch or something. If I'm going to an event in the evening that's not work related and have time to stop at home, I usually just switch out contents into my purse. (I change bags so often that it's not an inconvenience - chapstick, hand sanitizer, phone, kindle, wallet, sunglasses, keys, and sometimes my planner.) If I don't stop home or I need to take my laptop, a shopping tote style bag, like the Turin Shopper from Tumi or the classic tote from Dagne Dover looks enough like a purse to get by, even if it's a little large. 

[wawa]

Aug 22, 2019 8:23:28 GMT -5 t said:

Question re: logistics of work bags. Do you carry a purse too? If not, what do you do if you’re running out after work for errands, dinner, etc? Just grab your wallet and phone, pack a separate bag, or lug your entire work bag around with laptop, et al? Do you just have duplicates of your purse contents in a work bag, or do you have it organized such that you can just transfer these items from purse to work bag?
Currently I just have a crappy tote that I thrive my laptop in and a few file folders, mouse, and charger. But I also carry a larger crossbody bag and an insulated lunch bag. It’s annoying.
How am I still puzzled by the logistics of this at 36?

My wallet is a phone wristlet thing. So that's my easy grab that moves between bags as needed, or is the only thing I grab for lunch or errands. It can't handle glasses or lip products though, so depending on where I'm going or what I'm doing I'll use my sunglasses pouch as a "wallet" since I can cram my phone, chapstick and cash/cards in it. Both live in my work bag during the week. I can also shove my lunch in my work bag but I don't bother with a separate insulated container ..i just drop my snaplock with my leftovers in the general area. (i.e. Not with my laptop.) I stick it in a grocery bag if I fear leakage.

On the weekeneds I ususally carry just the wallet or glasses pouch. If I need more stuff those both go in a normal purse for the day. I never carry a work bag and purse.

[Velar Fricative]

Aug 22, 2019 9:47:27 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

Aug 22, 2019 8:23:28 GMT -5 t said:

Question re: logistics of work bags. Do you carry a purse too? If not, what do you do if you’re running out after work for errands, dinner, etc? Just grab your wallet and phone, pack a separate bag, or lug your entire work bag around with laptop, et al? Do you just have duplicates of your purse contents in a work bag, or do you have it organized such that you can just transfer these items from purse to work bag?
Currently I just have a crappy tote that I thrive my laptop in and a few file folders, mouse, and charger. But I also carry a larger crossbody bag and an insulated lunch bag. It’s annoying.
How am I still puzzled by the logistics of this at 36?

With my current bag - which is a messenger bag - I carry a separate purse. I also have a backpack that has all my workout gear in it. So, on any given day, I'm slugging 3 bags from my car to my office.

My work bag carries my laptop + gear, plus my lunch bag. I was hoping to consolidate my purse into my work bag and just hand carry the lunch bag.


We wouldn't have to do so much of *waves hands* this if women's clothing just had DECENT POCKETS IN THEM.

I'll look at for convertible backpack/handbag though. I like that idea.

I just watched this week's new episode of Adam Ruins Everything and part of the episode talked about the crime against humanity that is lack of pockets in women's clothing.

[downtoearth]

I looked at the ones you are looking at and I like the fun, but functional look of the Dooney & Bourke Nylon Shopper, then the Michael Kors Kelsey, then the Kate Spade Waste Lane Maya. I don't really like the others much.

Not that you want another option, but a local person here makes these vegan leather laptop bags that are in similar style to the ones above and are so well made. About $100. Wonder if you could find something like that local to you at a fair or boutique.

ETA: Oh and I have a sporty Timbuk2 laptop bike bag, so I'm not one to talk, but before this I had a faux leather one like this and a laptop sleeve the held my computer and a charger - not much more in that sleeve.

Like this one: www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/danielle-carry-all-tote-bag?category=women-accessories&color=020&quantity=1&size=ONE%20SIZE&type=REGULAR

And a similar neoprene sleeve like this: www.amazon.com/Multi-Color-Water-Resistant-Neoprene-Notebook-Briefcase/dp/B01F6PMY16/ref=asc_df_B01F6PMY16/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198093101467&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1381922607896452677&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021300&hvtargid=pla-379032855519&psc=1

[LoveTrains]

I got this beautiful kate spade tote 18 months ago and am disappointed as the straps are now fraying.

I personally bought the lo and sons og last night which I know you said not to recommend but others may want to know it was 50% off and only $137.

[wawa]

This is not for 2cd, but for people in the market for a pretty laptop bag, I got my baby sister a Jemma bags Emma in Saddle brown (she just finished law school, took the bar the other week, started working this week. It was her grad present) and it is BEAUTIFUL.

It cant do a million files (she confirmed she'll have a rolly bag for that before I bought it. She's a PD) but can take a laptop and a pair of flats and a notebook and a slim file, and a water bottle, and whatever other odds and ends you wanna shove in there, and it looks so damn sharp. And it's scaled such that it doesn't overwhelm my 5'2" sister. it looks feminine but professional. And the removable strap is long enough to wear it crossbody. I wanted to keep it when it arrived.

I think ESF has the birdie and loves that? They're nice bags. Add them to the list with all the OGs and dagne dover and so forth.

[ribollita]

Aug 23, 2019 6:36:53 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

I got this beautiful kate spade tote 18 months ago and am disappointed as the straps are now fraying.

I personally bought the lo and sons og last night which I know you said not to recommend but others may want to know it was 50% off and only $137.

I have a Lo&Sons Seville and have owned it for 18months as well and one of the leather straps had started to come apart. I emailed them and they sent out a free replacement the next day. I was impressed!

[msmerymac]

Aug 23, 2019 8:53:28 GMT -5 ribollita said:

Aug 23, 2019 6:36:53 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

I got this beautiful kate spade tote 18 months ago and am disappointed as the straps are now fraying.

I personally bought the lo and sons og last night which I know you said not to recommend but others may want to know it was 50% off and only $137.

I have a Lo&Sons Seville and have owned it for 18months as well and one of the leather straps had started to come apart. I emailed them and they sent out a free replacement the next day. I was impressed!

This happened to me when the crossbody strap of my OG pulled off one side. I was at a conference (and just wore it over my shoulder the rest of the trip, which is what I normally do anyway), and by the time I got home, a new one was waiting. Of course, I gushed about it to anyone who would listen after that.

[LoveTrains]

That’s awesome re Lo and Sons. Kate Spade is uninterested in sending me new straps or helping me repair my bag. 😢

[ESF]

Aug 23, 2019 6:54:16 GMT -5 wawa said:

This is not for 2cd, but for people in the market for a pretty laptop bag, I got my baby sister a Jemma bags Emma in Saddle brown (she just finished law school, took the bar the other week, started working this week. It was her grad present) and it is BEAUTIFUL.

It cant do a million files (she confirmed she'll have a rolly bag for that before I bought it. She's a PD) but can take a laptop and a pair of flats and a notebook and a slim file, and a water bottle, and whatever other odds and ends you wanna shove in there, and it looks so damn sharp. And it's scaled such that it doesn't overwhelm my 5'2" sister. it looks feminine but professional. And the removable strap is long enough to wear it crossbody. I wanted to keep it when it arrived.

I think ESF has the birdie and loves that? They're nice bags. Add them to the list with all the OGs and dagne dover and so forth.

I do have the Birdie! It's such a great multi-purpose bag. 

I just looked up the Emma and I'm in love. It's gorgeous!  That color you chose is my favorite neutral for handbags. I was a  L&S Pearl holdout for ages because I waffled between the camel and black, and finally did the camel, and have not regretted it. It's more versatile than black, IMO. You are such a nice sister! Also, I really love the company's fabric choice for the lining.

[ESF]

Also while we are on the subject, wawa - what did you do with your Aleysa bag? I have to pack up my stuff soon since we move in five weeks (!!!!!) and I'm at a loss as to what to do with mine. It's in excellent condition except for the handle. I'm thinking I will just hold on to it and hope to find a solution some day...

[wawa]

Aug 23, 2019 11:03:20 GMT -5 ESF said:

Also while we are on the subject, wawa - what did you do with your Aleysa bag? I have to pack up my stuff soon since we move in five weeks (!!!!!) and I'm at a loss as to what to do with mine. It's in excellent condition except for the handle. I'm thinking I will just hold on to it and hope to find a solution some day...

Mine went at the ring, so I took it to a cobbler and they sewed it back together for me! It's not the best color match ever and it's sloppier than is ideal, but I paid like $10 for the repair. So...fair!

[secretlyevil]

+1 for backpack - it isn't the most stylish but makes a world of difference.

[wawa]

Aug 23, 2019 11:01:20 GMT -5 ESF said:

Aug 23, 2019 6:54:16 GMT -5 wawa said:

This is not for 2cd, but for people in the market for a pretty laptop bag, I got my baby sister a Jemma bags Emma in Saddle brown (she just finished law school, took the bar the other week, started working this week. It was her grad present) and it is BEAUTIFUL.

It cant do a million files (she confirmed she'll have a rolly bag for that before I bought it. She's a PD) but can take a laptop and a pair of flats and a notebook and a slim file, and a water bottle, and whatever other odds and ends you wanna shove in there, and it looks so damn sharp. And it's scaled such that it doesn't overwhelm my 5'2" sister. it looks feminine but professional. And the removable strap is long enough to wear it crossbody. I wanted to keep it when it arrived.

I think ESF has the birdie and loves that? They're nice bags. Add them to the list with all the OGs and dagne dover and so forth.

I do have the Birdie! It's such a great multi-purpose bag. 

I just looked up the Emma and I'm in love. It's gorgeous!  That color you chose is my favorite neutral for handbags. I was a  L&S Pearl holdout for ages because I waffled between the camel and black, and finally did the camel, and have not regretted it. It's more versatile than black, IMO. You are such a nice sister! Also, I really love the company's fabric choice for the lining.

I put more thought into this bag for her than both of mine combined. But I think I made the right decision. I'm hoping it wears as nicely as I think it will. Should develop a nice patina and just keep on keeping on.