In search of perfect designer work bag

[Anonymous]

I primarily work from home now, but have a lot of presentations/client meetings over the next few months and I need to revisit my work wardrobe. I also need a new work purse/bag and am struggling to find the perfect fit. Criteria:

1. high-end looking and good quality, without high-end price tag. I love the Givenchy Antigona or Philip Lim tote with the zippers or a Celine bag, but can't justify spending that much money on a bag that's too dressed-up for my day-to-day casual wear. Prefer to spend less than $500.
2. Big enough to hold a few papers or a notepad when I don't also have my laptop case with me.
3. No flashy labels. I'm a lawyer and prefer to keep things subtle when in professional space.

I know I'll get snarky responses about the uselessness of designer labels and how Nine West makes perfectly good bags, and while that is true, it's not what I'm looking for here.

[Anonymous]

Just get a large Longchamps.

[Anonymous]

I like this Marc by Marc Jacobs one.

http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3643520?categoryid=null

[Anonymous]

OP here. I may have solved my own problem. Has anyone ever seen the Kate Spade Saturday line in person? Seems to be the cheaper line, but I want to make sure the leather still feels like good quality.
http://www.saturday.com/All-Along-Top-Handle-Satchel/4IRU0396,en_US,pd.html?navid=xsellPDP

[Anonymous]

I don't know the Saturday line, but I think Kate Spade has a lot of good options. I have this one and it's great -- has one pocket for a laptop, another for files/legal pad and then a bigger space in the middle for everything else.

http://www.katespade.com/cedar-street-elissa/PXRU4622,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU4622_color=075&cgid=ks-handbags-shoulder-bags#start=12&cgid=ks-handbags-shoulder-bags

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. That one is great, too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just get a large Longchamps.

This was going to be my suggestion too. I am an attorney in a conservative firm and I have a black leather longchamp

[Anonymous]

MZ Wallace. Fun linings, lots of interior pockets, great basic colors and fun seasonal ones. Really well made. Can't get enough of them!!

[Anonymous]

I found a black DKNY leather bag at TJ Maxx. (still pretty pricey) The leather is super soft, like butter. It's the perfect laptop/notepad, professional work bag. It's very durable, classy and perfect for work. I'll see if I can find one similar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I may have solved my own problem. Has anyone ever seen the Kate Spade Saturday line in person? Seems to be the cheaper line, but I want to make sure the leather still feels like good quality.
http://www.saturday.com/All-Along-Top-Handle-Satchel/4IRU0396,en_US,pd.html?navid=xsellPDP

OP, I was going to recommend kate spade too. I have this one and it's perfect for a purse/carrying a few folders/papers. Just used it at a meeting this morning.
http://www.katespade.com/cedar-street-medium-harmony/PXRU4423,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU4423_color=028&cgid=ks-handbags-totes#start=4&cgid=ks-handbags-totes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found a black DKNY leather bag at TJ Maxx. (still pretty pricey) The leather is super soft, like butter. It's the perfect laptop/notepad, professional work bag. It's very durable, classy and perfect for work. I'll see if I can find one similar.

I think this is it, I removed the metal DKNY sign.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NWT-365-DKNY-GANSEVOORT-LARGE-BLACK-NAPPA-LEATHER-SHOPPER-TOTE-/321523645685?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item4adc4d7cf5#ht_576wt_1153

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found a black DKNY leather bag at TJ Maxx. (still pretty pricey) The leather is super soft, like butter. It's the perfect laptop/notepad, professional work bag. It's very durable, classy and perfect for work. I'll see if I can find one similar.

I think this is it, I removed the metal DKNY sign.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NWT-365-DKNY-GANSEVOORT-LARGE-BLACK-NAPPA-LEATHER-SHOPPER-TOTE-/321523645685?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item4adc4d7cf5#ht_576wt_1153

Also in brown.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/365-NWT-DKNY-GENUINE-LEATHER-CARAMEL-BROWN-GANSEVOORT-LARGE-SIMPLE-SHOPPER-BAG-/181523456149?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item2a43a42095#ht_3283wt_1153

[Anonymous]

Imo, none of these look high end.

[Anonymous]

I've received lots of compliments on the Audrey Brera from Lodis. I have the tan one and love it:

http://www.lodis.com/womens-business-bags

[Anonymous]

I love my Loeffler Randall Rider bag

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=loeffler+randall%2C+rider

http://www.zappos.com/loeffler-randall-rider