I recently joined the urban commuters club and am looking for recommendations for bags. Even when my stuff is pared down, it's still heavy, and includes computer and work material, gym stuff (shoes, microplates, clothes, toiletries), glasses, etc. I live far from enough that when I leave for the day, I'm out until evening and often need to get groceries for the household.

I'm still toying with methods, but have found:

Backpacks: nothing redemptive in terms of fashion, neck pain, sweaty back, but lots of space in one spot.

Messenger bags (Timbuk2): cuts across chest awkwardly and pulls blouses, more comfortable strap than back pack, limited space.

Suitcase (Zuca): doesn't fit in gym locker, annoying to take through crowds and subway, but epic for transporting TJs groceries, no back or neck pain.

Small messenger bag and gym bag: feeling like a bag lady, prone to forget items, benefit of keeping gym items apart and distributing weight more evenly, easier to take in subway. (I owned two Le Pliage bags but both ripped fairly easy).

I work at libraries and cafés, and do not have a locker to keep things, while the closest affordable gym with a squat rack is a one hour commute.

Having to lug things has put me in a but of a fashion slump because it's hard to feel put together when you're constantly carrying a lot around with me. Because I lived so close to a gym and work the last few years prior to moving, I never had to pack for multiple purposes/functions.

What has worked for you? How do you manage to feel fresh and fashion forward on your daily commute?