Which doctor's satchel should I get?

I loved Angie's black doctor's satchel that she brought with her to Japan (does anyone know what brand it is?). I've always loved the "doctor's bag" silhouette, being a doctor myself. I don't have any similar bags or any plain black bags (except for a super old Coach purse that is getting pretty worn and is too small to carry much).

I just deposited another couple rebate checks and another check from consignment, so I went to TJ Maxx to see if they had anything similar, and lo and behold they had one bag that fit the bill:
http://www.zappos.com/lauren-b.....chel-black
It was half off ($159 instead of $298). Still kind of expensive for what I thought I would find at TJMaxx, but I went ahead and grabbed it since there was only one figuring I can return it. I'm not sure if I'm keeping the RL one though...I'm not super crazy about the matte texture of the leather (kind of like corrugated cardboard) and it doesn't make my heart go pitter pat.

I think I like the look of this Fossil Maddox satchel better:
http://www.zappos.com/fossil-m.....dbag-black

Plus you guys know I have a thing for Fossil bags. The Fossil one also has a strap to make it a cross-body and it has side pockets on the outside, so it seems like it would be more versatile (The RL does have a small flap pocket on the outside, but doesn't look like it holds much). So even though it's full price ($198) and more expensive than the Ralph Lauren (and the RL is "worth" more than the Fossil), I'm thinking of getting a Fossil instead. Plus the Fossil comes in other fun colors, like orange or yellow or red--should I get a color instead of black? (Suz's post is selling me on the charms of a yellow bag).
http://www.zappos.com/product/7886594/color/100209
http://www.zappos.com/product/7886594/color/764
http://www.ebags.com/product/f.....=944100552
On the other hand, maybe the Ralph Lauren one looks more professional/structured/elegant/doctor-like. Also the RL has metal feet on the bottom and the Fossil doesn't (not sure how much that matters?) I haven't seen the Fossil one IRL, so not sure if it is too casual looking?

What do you think--which one should I get? (Check out the additional pictures and videos on the Zappos website of both bags). Thanks for your advice!

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11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

*cough* FOSSIL.

To be honest, #1 looks more like a traditional doctor's bag than #2 does ... but come on, you can't say no to Fossil.

*giggle*

Anonymous

I prefer the Fossil but #1 is more dressy. Do you own any other black bags? If not, I would get it in black.

goldenpig

I know, so true Lyn (fellow Fossil fan)! Do you like the black one or one of the colors? I'm thinking of getting one black with the rebate money, and asking for a colored one for Mother's Day!

Zap, I don't really have any black bags that I am using everyday--I do have a Coach handbag from 20 years ago that I still have (I'm still using the matching wallet), but it's pretty worn (you can sort of see in the pic that the corners are rubbed raw) and a little too small for my needs (I tend to like bigger bags, now that I have two kids and bring papers and a laptop to work). Most of my bags now are big enough to slip my Macbook Air in, which I like. I haven't had the courage to get rid of the Coach though since it's my first "designer" bag and I've had it for so long--I wore it every day for years! I kind of wanted to get a bigger basic black bag since a lot of my outfits now are so patterned/colorful, it might be nice to have a more neutral bag. But I also don't want to settle for a boring bag either.

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Transcona Shannon

I adore the classic vibe of #1.

Kristin L

I love the black Fossil and the red Fossil, but like a lot of other people, I have a thing for Fossil. I've never had an RL bag, but I know Fossils last a long time. But, when comparing the prices, the RL bag is cheaper and you don't have to wait for it to get delivered!

modgrl

How about a light bag for spring and summer? You can always find black bags, especially in the fall.

I'd say a black bag is a good one to have then. I have both a black satchel and a black hobo, They get a lot of play all year long.

christieanne

I have about 6 black bags but they are all different lol. I like the RL but being that you are a Fossil fanatic that would probably be very good for you.

Kristin, I like the red too, but I do have a red Fossil tote already so it might be too redundant. Rita, which lighter color--orange or yellow? Or some other bag suggestion? I already have an orange straw bag, so the yellow one might fill more of a hole...(if you can call a yellow bag a wardrobe hole!)

Zap and Christieanne, that is good to know that multiple black bags are OK! I feel like my bag and jewelry collection are both somewhat slim compared to my clothes wardrobe, and I'm lacking in some of the true basics (like black bags).

I think Angie's bag is more of a domed satchel rather than a doctor's bag. Does that matter?

My taupe and cream bags get a lot of play too. Given your colorful wardrobe, any of those two colors would go beautifully.

Jem

I love the Fossil bag! I think black bags are boring... (runs and hides) I would much rather have one in a color.

Kari

I prefer the Fossil back too - and I definitely have a soft spot for them. I like the quirkiness of their designs.

catgirl

I MUCH prefer the Fossil bag. But I kind of like a bowling bag shape for this style of bag.

Jewell

I, too, am a big Fossil fan but I have to say I prefer the RL bag. It looks dressier and more professional (at least on my screen). It has cleaner lines and much less hardware than the Fossil. It's true that many Fossil bags skew toward the casual side, and the canvas cross body strap is less polished looking than a leather one.

Ultimately, if neither of these bags feels PERFECT, then I think you should wait. Sometimes all it takes is a little patience to land the perfect bag : )

ManidipaM

I prefer the RL if you're after a definite doctor's bag vibe. The Fossil... well, it didn't say 'doctor' to me at first glance. But considering the Fossil as a bag (without doctoring considerations), I rather like the yellow, if you intend to carry it with casual wear too, but think the orange or black would work better with most of your working woman wardrobe. (My first choice would have been red, honestly :-p But you already have red bags, so!)

Mamapicklejuice

I also MUCH prefer the sleek, chic, RL bag if you are really looking for a "doctor's bag." The Fossil just looks a bit...sloppy and slouchy in comparison. If you don't love the RL bag, then just sit back and wait for the right one to come along. Black doctor's bags are not that rare.

Fossil does have actual "doctor's bags" with the frame openings and things - but they are vintage. I've seen a few pop up on Etsy for < $50, if you're interested

#1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmOMS6F8HGg On Zappos - the Fossil "Lineage Framed Doctor's Bag"

#2 - a more structured one if you liked a bit of 'colour' - not a Fossil - http://www.amazon.com/Tuscany-.....pd_sbs_a_6

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http://www.neimanmarcus.com/pr.....Cat=search

Totally off point, but I'd love to have this one!

Amy

I like the black Fossil the best.

hlcdlc

Active Member

I like the clean lines of #1, but for me, it would come down to touch. For a work day bag, I want substantial leather, but still a nice "feel." weight also matters, I am getting tired of lugging around really heavy bags these days.

Which feels better to you, as you've seen them IRL?

Lyn, that second bag is gooorgeous. Good thing it's too far out of my reach price-wise!

MsMary

The Ralph Lauren leaves me cold, I'm afraid. LOVE the Fossil and I like your plan of getting the black now and asking for a colored one as a gift!

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