https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:46:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932566 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 06:40:54 +0000 ChrisM 1932566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Red. </p> <p>But: have you looked at more of a nylon construction due to the weight and bulkiness that you’re commuting with? I carry Baggalini bags - they come in fantastic colors and are so practical. Very lightweight. Elly’s blue one looks to be a Baggalini but they come in all kinds of sizes. The crossbody I carry on weekends is flat to my body with a wide strap. I switched due to neck and back pain. I’ll see if I can add one to my finds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932555 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 04:05:10 +0000 Gigi 1932555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's a smart idea to buy the little bag with the idea of being able to put it in the backpack and pull it out for errands and the like.</p> <p>I vote for the red because it is your happy color. I have a wallet in one of my happy colors (a mint green color), and every time I see it in my purse, it makes me happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932550 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 03:46:33 +0000 Carla 1932550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Based on a quick view of outfit pics, I vote RED bag. </p> <p>I am another fan of the bag-within-a-bag approach and have a slim clutch that I will drop into a bigger tote whilst hauling more stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932549 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 03:27:38 +0000 Anonymous 1932549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are being very practical. Eventually . You will want your bags to work together and with your footwear...like Angie's compliment. As you are building a blush compliment, maybe that is the one you should get. I can also see the small bag functioning as jewelry, something to consider. Red or soft white? It's a personal decision like silver or gold hardware. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932453 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 19:28:36 +0000 Liesbeth 1932453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, I’m glad that I’m not insane yet, at least by your standards ;)</p> <p>Jane, I like your pragmatic approach.<br /> Rachylou: yes, being a klutz on regular errands is damn annoying!<br /> Jessikams: I looked up that rm bag, turns out my local go to webshop has it on sale in blush... must... resist... !<br /> Efbgen: your approach to bag shopping seems hilarious but practical! I saw this tiny bag in person and just looked long and hard imagining all of my essentials in there :)<br /> Cj and kathie: it sounds sensible to focus on the bqckpack instead and see if that fixes my problem, but I just know I hate transfering stuff all the time and really want to be able to just leave my work stuff and go out the door, knowing I did not forget an essential like my drivers license.<br /> Suz and jules: nice to know there are others that find this approach practical. Jules, that roots blush wallet bag looks awesome but I’m afraid it’s just a bit too small for my essentials.<br /> Suz and laped: thanks for chiming in on the brand, I saw the bag in person but only the red, which really is pretty.<br /> Elly: you know what I’m talking about!<br /> Everyone who voted red qnd gave me extra arguments for that color: thanks, I’m really getting convinced to go with happy color!<br /> Team white gets a koala hug for their feedback </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932448 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 18:39:33 +0000 Elly 1932448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Similar dilemma. I carry a medium zip tote with a crossbody strap to work since I don't carry a laptop daily but do carry lunch and like the option to throw my dslr in. I bought the larger crossbody tote to do this with after I wore out a smaller over the shoulder tote. I also liked the idea that I could put my sleeved laptop in it for personal travel since I don't have a laptop bag except for a backpack and I usually carry a backpack suitcase which is awkward with two backpacks. However, I find now that I have a shorter and less scenic commute I don't feel the need to take the dslr to work except on travel. The tote is big and floppy after my lunch and water bottle are gone and it is too much to take into a store to run errands after work. I have a wristlet wallet, but find it bulky yet it doesn't have room for my phone. I'm considering not carrying the work bag and switching to a smaller crossbody and leaving more stuff at work (acetaminophen, etc). However, I'm concerned that it will mean I leave things behind in the morning when I'm juggling water bottle, coffee, separate lunch bag, purse, sunglasses and keys. However, a bigger crossbody with room for bottle and lunch is too big for errands! I'm not a bag switcher, so I'm not sure how well I will juggle moving stuff around all the time. I do find that straps from bags inside bags add a lot of bulk. Consider me on the diploma train with you. I like the red- I never get tired of red shoes so bags should be the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932447 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 18:37:49 +0000 Jules 1932447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and looking forward to your bag search, since I still need a comfortable and ergonomic but attractive backpack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932445 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 18:27:46 +0000 Jules 1932445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NOT crazy. This is exactly what I have opted to do about the laptop backpack problem. I got a really cute Roots wallet bag with a detachable cross-body strap, handle and a spot for lip balm and my phone... It has worked out PERFECTLY for my needs (but I don't carry keys in it). It was also convenient when travelling in Europe to have a small purse option for dinner or quick runs for coffee etc, vs. my larger regular purse which functioned as a day bag. I am only hoping they come out with more colours for fall so I can get a second one in a darker tone!<br />Mine is this one but dove grey on the outside with blush accents and inner lining. I don't think they have that colour available anymore. They have a few variations on the style.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.roots.com/ca/en/beauty-wallet-bag-prince-56060011.html">https://www.roots.com/ca/en/be.....60011.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932428 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:30:35 +0000 Suz 1932428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally agree with <b>LaPed</b> about the Matt and Nat bags -- the brights look better than the neutrals on the whole.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932422 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:10:06 +0000 Thistle 1932422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally get where you're coming from.</p> <p>I vote red. Especially that amazing shade of red! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932420 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:05:11 +0000 LaPed 1932420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote red! I do this same sort of overthinking, and have realized that if you really want a certain bright, to the point where you can't stop thinking about it, you're going to end up with that bright eventually and the "versatile" neutrals you acquired while trying to be pragmatic will mostly fall by the wayside. </p> <p>Also, as someone who has shopped Matt &amp; Nat bags in person, I find they usually look better in the deeper, bolder colours. For some reason their very light colours sometimes look a little bit cheaper to me -- like it's more obvious that they're synthetic?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932377 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 14:19:28 +0000 Suz 1932377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote red because it is a happy colour and provides a pop!&nbsp;</p> <p>And also, I absolutely understand where you are coming from on this, and follow the same principle, especially when travelling. I do this either with a backpack or a tote, depending on my means of commuting/ need. I will bring my laptop and other stuff in the backpack or tote and also bring a crossbody that is small enough to fit into the larger bag but can be taken out and used as the more "dressy" option -- and I <b>love</b> this system! I've been doing this for several years.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932374 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 14:14:25 +0000 SarahD8 1932374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote red because I think it will go with your eventual blush complement, and will show dirt less than the koala (charmed as I am by that color name).</p> <p>I am utterly delighted by your coinage of bagsh*t crazy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932365 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 14:03:13 +0000 Bijou 1932365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A small cross body bag is very useful. My vote is red because it goes with lots of colours and a bright colour will stand out when searching for it in your back pack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932360 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:43:22 +0000 JAileen 1932360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a small bag inside your backpack is a good idea. Happy color v versatile? Happy color, of course! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932358 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:40:03 +0000 Kathie 1932358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would concentrate on replacing the backpack first, and see if you find one that meets the “quickly reaching for keys and wallet” issue. Live with that for a few weeks, and then see if you still need the shoulder bag for the “transitioning to evening/weekend” issue. I’ve done both- and after a year of carrying two bags to work, decided that that was less convenient than transitioning the essentials to a smaller bag for evening/weekend. But, I carry a shoulder bag that holds my laptop for work, and commute by walk/train, so my needs are slightly different.</p> <p>As for the two smaller bags, I vote “red,” but, I love red accents, so I might be a bit biased. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932349 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:25:06 +0000 Anonymous 1932349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you are still looking for 'the one,' I would buy the practical choice, the more versatile one. For me, the red bag is jazzy but I know me, I would tire of it and not keep reaching for it.&nbsp; The neutral one is okay or seems just okay for you right now.&nbsp; Maybe it's the backpack you need to be looking for, another one that will serve all your needs and you won't need a crossbody.&nbsp; Less is more, especially on your shoulders.&nbsp; And maybe you could have a spare crossbody at work and use it when you go to lunch or whatever (just put your easily transferred essentials in there).&nbsp; If that doesn't happen often, that might work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932344 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:08:41 +0000 cindysmith 1932344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, if you're bag($h!t) crazy, then so am I, because you're making sense to me. I think the red is plenty versatile, because red goes with almost everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932317 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 10:57:13 +0000 Anonymous 1932317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain. I will follow your thread and future threads with great interest. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932315 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 10:53:47 +0000 Anonymous 1932315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is no such thing as over thinking a bag. Any missteps I have made in bag purchases were a result of not thinking it through. What I do now is grab a bag I am interested in and “ carry” it around as I look at the rest of the store. It gives me a chance to “live” with it and see how it moves with me ( does it stay put easily, does it bash everyone and thing as I move.) even empty you get an idea. But then I also simulate putting my normal stuff in it by putting store items in it and seeing how they fit.<br /> As far as color choices- I like blush better but will it get dirty faster. I yearned for years for a red bag. Finally found exactly what I was looking for- thank goodness it was a consignment find because I tired of the red very fast. Now it comes out maybe 5 times a year.<br /> Happy choosing and enjoy your new bag </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932285 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 08:25:42 +0000 Jessikams 1932285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bags are a struggle, especially with the bike. I feel your pain. Right now I usually do a messenger bag with laptop and a few files, and then a small crossbody that is more in tune with my outfit. I have various colors. I’m trying to use small bags to ease up on shoulder weight., but I usually just end up carrying other bags from pharmacy, grocery... wherever I stop on the way!</p> <p>When you get to buying a nice backpack, I know many people like the Rebecca Minkoff “Julian” which is a medium size and comes in various leathers and fabrics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932283 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 08:00:28 +0000 rachylou 1932283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have these issues too. I’ve been using my backpack purse, ‘cuz it’s helpful when out with Lilypup... but then, you know, we get to the register at the pet store - which is dangerously close to their automatic door - and there’s this whole tangle while I try to get it off while keeping an eye on her near that door... It’s very annoying!</p> <p>I vote for red too... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932281 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:47:16 +0000 Jenni NZ 1932281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like good thinking to me. But no surprise from me, I vote red. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932266 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 06:05:40 +0000 Jane 1932266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t think you are over thinking and ive enjoyed reading your thoughts. I’m concerned I haven’t picked up in all the details but fwiw I’ve ditched the ‘one main bag’ approach to bags a little while ago. I need more more flexibility and have days when one bag works and another just won’t do! </p> <p>So I vote buy the cross body in the koala colour and see how it works - it might do some or all of the time but if it doesn’t work all day every day, I think that is fine too.</p> <p>I also find that if I move my belongings from one bag to another it significantly helps in keeping things to a minimum to carry.</p> <p> (I need something in koala colour, it is such a cute name!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/work-bag-overthinking-need-advice#post-1932263 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 05:57:58 +0000 Liesbeth 1932263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don’t care for my overthinking, feel free to head to the end of this post and vote red or white ;)</p> <p>I am on the lookout for a new work bag or even several new bags. Spendy, me??</p> <p>Seriously though. I used to own a boring laptop bag (messenger style) + fancy large shoulder bag for personal belongings and snacks. For ergonomic reasons I swapped out the messenger bag for a backpack – didn’t spend much to test drive the idea. I kept using my large shoulder bag too. Recently I started commuting by bike once or twice a week. Not good with shoulder bag. So I decluttered and put everything in the backpack. Except this is inconvenient when quickly reaching for keys, wallet and transitioning to evening and weekend errands. Conclusion: I must wear a small crossbody bag together with my backpack.</p> <p>So here I’ve created a new need :)</p> <p>I’m building a blush complement; it’s high on my priority list. But I’ve looked in so many places (online) and I cannot find ‘the one’ that’s practical and pretty, and in the mean time I have practical needs. I have found a tiny crossbody which is like a wallet with a long detachable strap. It looks gorgeous and could hold my bare essentials. With the strap detached I could even put it inside a larger bag – which could then be blush... And I could stop looking frantically for that.</p> <p>Do you think my reasoning makes sense, or am I going bag(sh*t)crazy??</p> <p>If you think I’ve come up with a good solution, then do cast your vote on this tiny bag in either red (a happy color for me, which brightens up my mostly neutral outfits of navy, white, tan and grey) or ‘koala’ (a whitish shade that looks fresh and may be more versatile)!</p> <p>Next up (but hopefully in many more months) I will want to replace the ‘tryout’ backpack with a fancy new one… </p>