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Another one

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I'm still looking for a bag that I can use for work and the rest of life. If you've been following my hunt, I'd love to hear your comments on this one. It isn't bright red, but the cognac color is fine. It is big enough to comfortably fit A4 papers. I wish the site had more info on the pockets and set-up, but I can see that it does have an outside pocket for little things I need to get to quickly. This is darn close to the $150-ish price limit I set myself, and I don't think I'd feel overly concerned about carrying it around. https://www.pikolinos.com/de-d.....lor=COGNAC

https://www.pikolinos.com/de-d.....olor=BROWN

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I like it, but it's VERY casual compared to the Kate Spade one. Is that what you're after? How dressy do you expect your new workplace to be?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback, Jenn. The KS may have been a little too fancy. It certainly is more elevated than my usual day-to-day.

For work attire, think academia--neat and pulled together, but not dressy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like these too. Urban, weathered and earthy. Not as versatile though. Also, the multiple pockets would make me feel disorganized. Make sure they work for you.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Angie, this feels truer to myself. But I do have to sure it'd be office-appropriate.

Funny that you think there are too many pockets--I was afraid there were only two, not enough. Here's hoping that reality lies in the middle!

Anonymous

I think this would fit right in if considering academic setting. Casual but either has that great patina. As long as you have another bag for times when a rucksack might not be appropriate- I say go for it. Quality bags cost but the last forever with care.

Molly Mac

Veteran

I have never owned their bags but Pikolinos make fabulous shoes. I have several pair and they are extremely comfortable, chic, and wear really well. I would think their bags would be of similar quality.

Sal

Veteran

I like this bag and would imagine it would wear well (it has the look that can take some marks, scratches and be polished/conditioned up)

I can see it in an academic setting.

If you want to get this sorted fairly soon this looks a great option to me.

cindysmith

Veteran

I love this bag, I like the rugged feel of it., but i wonder if it's too rugged for an office?

rachylou

Veteran

They look good. My question is about the buckle straps... not easy access there...

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thank you, everyone, for the responses!

Rachylou, I wish there was more info on the site. The cheepo bag I got just for running around town has a magnet under the buckle. I’d hope this would too.

Cindysmith, that’s exactly my question.

Sal, you know how I roll!

Molly Mac, I’ve admired Pikolinos from afar (online) for a while now, just got my first pair. They are sandals. I was also considering cool-weather shoes while in the store, and nearly every pair that caught my eye was that brand. Glad to hear a good report from someone who’s worn them for a while!

Efbgen, I think my “nicer” bag will be the bookbag I got 30 years ago in Switzerland. It is leather, and in very good shape. We all had them, and I can’t find a single one online. It is with most of our stuff in a storage locker (not the shipment arriving in a couple weeks), so it will be a while until I have it.

jill58

Veteran

Echoing Cindysmith, it might seem a bit rugged for an office. I've worked in academia and even given the casual environment, I'd want something a bit more polished--but that's me, and these bags may suit your needs perfectly. The Kate Spade backpack didn't seem particularly dressy to me, but I get the feeling that it didn't seem quite right or you wouldn't still be looking. Are you committed to a backpack or are you also looking at other options.

jussie

Veteran

I think it’s very, very cool. As to whether it’s formal enough for your workplace... I’d say probably? I know that’s not very helpful.
I think the backpack style is a great idea though, and I’ve often wished my Work satchel was a backpack as it would be much more comfortable for my back as I carry a lot in there.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Jill58, I think the reason the Kate Spade jumped out at me as it did was that I hadn’t even considered a backpack before. I could do a crossbody. Main thing is, hands free and able to ride a bike (so styles that just go over one shoulder and require keeping your arm in a certain position so they don’t slide are out).

Jussie, unfortunately, “probably“ is probably as precise as anyone can get without knowing the actual office (which I don’t know yet either). The main thing is that people who work in offices and on campuses, so are familiar with styles there, aren’t jumping out at me saying “aw, hail naw!”

Toban

Veteran

I quite like the look of Lo & Sons work/travel back packs. Very streamlined and functional. Perhaps boring? I have one on my wishlist.

I love the look of the Pikolinos, but they would be too rugged for my office.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Toban, thank you for the suggestion and for the honest comment. What kind of office do you work in?

Toban

Veteran

FashIntern, my work environment is science/academic/office, but nearly everyone at a postdoc or higher level of training, so it leans predominantly business casual and a small contingent of grad school casual. Bags in my environment tend to be simple, functional, streamlined. Like a tote bag, or non-flashy backpack or courier bag. I see a lot of Timbuktu like courier bags, especially with men. I don't see a lot of leather, but that might be because I'm in an environmental health sciences group that leans towards vegetarianism and non-leather options (not fully, I don't see it impact shoe selection much). Mostly, bags don't stand out. I honestly can't recall a bag that stands out. Often people are simply using the free black lap top bag or a simple backpack. I am currently using a simple Fossil tote in a cream/camel print.

If the Pikolino's bag meets your style descriptors and image, go for it. My recollection of your style is a little less casual and rugged than this bag.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

This bag may be close to what you're after. But you may want some others to choose from, so you can be sure.

You might check out Aunts & Uncles for bags with a similar look and feel, and more color options. Bonus: They are made in Germany and should be easy for you to find or order. I have a bag by this brand and really appreciate the quality.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Firecracker, thanks for the tip. I think I’m sort of honing in on a bag, going from one extreme to the other.

Toban, thanks for describing your work environment. It sounds very familiar, and is where I’d like/where I expect to be again. And I really don’t want to be known as “the-lady-with-the-red-backpack-from-a-fancy-designer-that-she-probably-paid-a-ridiculous-amount-for”. I’d much rather be known for my work, or at least for my personality. After the discussion on that bag, I felt like wanting a non-standout bag wasn’t something that would be understood around here, so appreciate your comments.