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Restart the bag search?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Today’s post reminds me that, for the fist time ever, I’ve been thinking about getting a purse. Most other times I’ve bought one, I’ve come across it spontaneously, and added it as an afterthought. The lovely Victoria Nash bag my mom searched for with me a couple years ago is the exception.

Walking and taking public transit around Berlin (have yet to get bikes lined up), I’m carrying the same little Coach crossbody as I did in Tampa. There, I kept reusable shopping bags in the car, drove everywhere, and could leave things from one stop in the car while I did the next. Now, i keep this very lightweight shopper rolled up tightly inside the mini bag.

Every time I buy anything at all—a bottle of something to drink as I go, a tschochke at the flea market for my birthday, a jar of yogurt for the next 3 days breakfast, anything—or pull off my outer layer, or whatever, I end up carrying that bag. It’s huge, and I can’t put it back until I get home to unload it (because I am *not* driving a car, woohoo). I am sick of it (that smile is sheer defeated irritation), and can’t wait for my medium-sized bags to get here. They wouldn’t work for a week’s groceries, but that’s not the way I shop here anyway. So yeah, I’m finding myself oddly (for me) interested in purses.

This isn’t just about being fussy over having to carry a doofy bag. I posted a month ago about wanting a work bag. I need to get one in the very near future. Since that post, I’ve seen a Kate Spade ad for a very cute red backpack that would be just the right size, and could carry papers/a laptop and still have room for whatever I picked up on the way. I don’t know, however, if professional women of a certain age use cute leather backpacks. (If so, I’d want to find one at a lower price than Kate Spade’s newest line).

When my ship comes in and I have these medium-sized bags again, running around the city will be much easier; but I’ll still need to get something slightly larger and professional. Nothing on that boat is the right size or shape for paperwork, and they don’t give off a remotely professional vibe. It wouldn’t kill me to continue pulling this bag out whenever necessary, or I could find something simple to hold me over. It would be amazing though, to find that perfect bag that i could use for work later and quotidian needs now and then.

Comments and suggestions appreciated.

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by Stagiaire Fash

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by Stagiaire Fash

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Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Christina F.

Veteran

When you live in a city, you need a bag that works for you and your lifestyle. Period. Now that I've established that, I don't see why you can't get a leather backpack if you like! It's different from your other bags, and I at least have found the cute backpack trend to be a godsend to me here in the city.

Elle

Veteran

Not sure about your city, but here, a cute backpack is totally professional. And red is really a neutral in my book. I love the bags you have posted. Have you also looked at Everlane (more professional) or Baggu (more casual) for bags?

anchie

Veteran

Well, I live in Vienna, use public transpot and reusable bag from my purse for shopping all the time. But if you need permission to get the new bag, you have it

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

So, with Christine F’s encouragement, here is the bag I love.

The color is red-as-neutral for me. If it veers from straight up red at all, it is towards blue, which is the kind of red that works for me.
I can carry it multiple ways, most of them hands free and very easy on a bike.
It is just tall enough for DIN A4 papers (they’re 11.7”).
My laptop is smaller than 8.5x11”, so would fit easily. At 3.5 lbs, I don’t think it would unduly strain the leather or hardware.
At 4” deep; it’s big enough for me to slip in a pound of coffee, an eggplant, and a tube of toothpaste, or other groceries/household needs, but not so big as to be unwieldy or look sloppy (I’ve got the silk shopper and my natural talent for that).
Leaving laptop & most papers at home; I could put a clean shirt & undies in it, and head out for the weekend right after work, without looking like I was taking my briefcase along on vacation.
It has slip pockets just where I want them.
It is priced at just over twice what I want to spend.

Is it on close-out sale anywhere? Is there something similar in my price range? Should I set up the heist of the century, for a bag?

And does this look appropriate for someone with a reasonably responsible job to take to work?

https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....tart=false

Gigi

Veteran

Fashintern, did you mean to post a pic of the Kate Spade bag?

Since it sounds like mini backpacks are OK for professionals (I didn't have a clue about that either), I would buy what is going to be good quality and do the job well. It sounds like the Kate Spade bag fits the bill. If you have the money, I would get it. This is a very important purchase for your lifestyle.

ETA: I see you've added a link.

Gigi

Veteran

I think that bag looks perfect. I like how it's convertible.

A good bag generally is going to cost you. I don't think the price on this one is exorbitant.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

More support while I was writing! Thanks, Elle and Anchie.

Anchie, the shopper is irritating right now because I’d have to pull it out for even a tootsie-pop, because my usual bag is that tightly packed. But even once the rest of my stuff is here and I have some room in my bag, so only have to pull out the spare when I have a number of things, I still won’t have a professional-looking bag. The closest I own is the leather Schulranzen from when I was in Kantonsschule over a quarter century ago, and I left it in storage. My son’s monogrammed zebra-striped backpack from Pottery Barn is big enough to carry resumes and other paperwork; but I don’t think the impression it would make at an interview would be much better than the shopper’s.

Going back now to edit the initial post to draw out the professional issue, that it isn’t only the irritation of overkill.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

It just occurred to me that when my son got his new computer a year ago, he got a Jack Spade sleeve for it. Yes, it was part of a package, and yes, a sleeve is less than a backpack, but it would make sense to get the same level quality for my professional life that I got him for fun & high school.

Part of why I balk at that price (besides it being a lot of money when you’re unemployed) is probably that the two in the Finds were about $50 each, and I got the Coach second hand, in excellent condition, for $25. Add in $100 for the V Nash, whatever I spent for the bucket bag in the kids’ section at Target, and we still haven’t reached the price of this bag.

ETA: this one hits most of the points I listed above, but doesn’t make my heart sing. Would it be the responsible buy? https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....tart=false
I’m going to post links to others I’m considering, so they’re in the same place as suggestions people make.
https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....tart=false

https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....tart=false

Kathie

Veteran

A number of the women I work with love the Henri Bendel backpacks. https://www.henribendel.com/us.....ckpacks-2/

Similar price range to the Kate Spade, but I’ve seen them on sale more often than KS bags. I’ve been using a KS bag for 4 years- same bag, every day, public transport- and it’s held up beautifully, so at least for me, the price was justified.

Roberta

Veteran

Maybe you could experiment with an inexpensive backpack first, see if you like it. I did that - they are very smart-looking and popular in Chicago - but I found I didn't like wrestling in and out of it to put things in/take things out. I am happier with a roomy crossbody, like the Sherpani below.

Sherpani Sadie RFID Crossbody Bag, One Size, True North

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JAileen

Veteran

I have the Sak bag you’ve pictured, but in navy. I’ve used it dozens of times. It holds a lot, and works as a crossbody. The bag itself is lightweight, and the guitar strap makes it a little more interesting. And it’s not precious, so if something were to happen to it, I wouldn’t be devastated.

Gretchen

Veteran

If you are thinking about a backpack but aren't 100% committed, you might see what's available on Amazon. I have this one, purchased in 2015, and used primarily when I'm traveling for work and will want to have hands free. I also like the size of the sections so I can keep my computer or paperwork separate from other things.
https://smile.amazon.com/Vinta.....1_26?ie=UT

However, I'm not really a backpack person. It's just not what I reach for on a daily basis. For work-in-office days, I tend to go with a KS tote (make sure it zips closed) and keep a smaller wallet that can be transferred. KS has regular "surprise sales" which can be a great way to find what you're interested in at a solid price. You need to be subscribed to their mail list for the invitation.

Anonymous

I'm going to be perfectly honest here ..... because I hear you doing what I have done (and regretted) in the past.

Specifically, I have fallen in love with a bag. That might be the Kate Spade maple street - kenzie leather convertible backpack. Then I slowly start to second guess myself. I start looking for cheaper alternatives. Alternatives that are workable, but not really what I wanted and I can't say they make my heart sing. I buy one feeling that is the responsible thing to do. I come to hate it. I buy a second feeling that is the responsible thing to do. Eventually I have bought multiple options, none of which I love. I spent as much or more on options I don't love.

I should have bought the one I loved in the first place. It would have saved me time and money. You certainly have thought it though so I don't doubt the Kate Spade would meet your needs. Backpacks are so versatile. The red is your happy color.

Molly Mac

Veteran

I injured my shoulder and neck in December and had to switch to a backpack. I am never going back to a shoulder bag, cross body, or tote. The comfort and convenience of backpacks have won me over. I like Hershel backpacks as well as the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack. I use backpacks in my professional life and feel they are as equally appropriate as a tote or briefcase as long as they have clean lines and are of good quality. I really like the blue waterproof bag you picked. Pretty and practical.

SarahD8

Veteran

I’m with Sterling. Get the bag you really love (hopefully on sale, sign up for those emails). You will use it constantly, the cost per wear will rapidly approach the zero asymptote, and you will get such joy from having the exactly right practical bag that makes your heart sing.

However! I also agree with the cautions to make sure you really do want a backpack. Maybe work through what you will do in a situation where you need repeated easy access to wallet or transit pass etc— maybe also wear a wee crossbody, that could be tucked inside the backpack when not needed?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thank you everyone for the comments. I apologize that I didn’t get back to this sooner, and that I’m not responding individually yet. I had to be at the immigration office a couple hours before sunrise this morning, so am not all here.

I do like backpacks, and I’m swiping right on Handbag Tinder for this one, but I have some serious questions before we can hook up:
-Is .25” clearance really enough for papers? KS has a slightly bigger convertible backpack, but the best color in it is blush. I like it and it would work with my wardrobe, but it’s hard to think of a dumber color for muggle me to get for a daily bag. Even white wouldn’t be so dumb for me, because there wouldn’t be dye to potentially discolor. Those of you with white wardrobe wizardry, enjoy your magic! I have to pass on anything approaching lightness and possibly look for a slightly larger bag in a stronger color.
-Will this color work with my work clothes, which have a lot of navy and bright blue (yes, clearly), with burgundy details on some things like this blazer (hmmm)? What about with the berry colors I like in chilly weather, like in last fall’s challenge (https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ry-capsule)? I think it will be great with black and white, will work well with blush and washed out colors, and be fine with the bright colors I have here now.
-Are the straps and hardware sturdy enough to carry a laptop frequently?Caution there was Suz’s point in my last post on this.
-And of course, will I love this personality as much irl as I do online?

I’m going to take a nap, then look at the suggestions people have kindly made here, as well as those from Astrid and others on that earlier post.

Here is that post from a month ago: https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....er-bag-now

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Gigi, thanks for the heads up on the missing link and the thumbs up on the bag. I’m considering biting the bullet.

Kathie, thanks for the Bendel link. Do professional women in your world carry the bags with rounded tops? I’m begining to realize how much I like the shape of the KS. HB has several cute squared-off ones, but only a couple the right size for DIN A4 papers. I don’t want to fetishize the red, but I’m starting to realize I want a stand-out color.

Roberta, thanks for the link. Crossbodies r me. If you don’t mind my asking, what was the less-expensive brand of your “trial bag”?

JAileen, yep, it’s a good one. I’ll be glad to get mine back.

Gretchen, thanks for mentioning the sales! Do you know if they do price adjustments afterwards?

Sterling, thanks for looking out for me!

Molly Mac, I hope the shoulder is better! Thanks for the endorsement of backpacks and the suggestions of more brands to look at. It’s a good thing I was just looking, not ordering. The blue one is the only one I find appropriate today, except at 20” it’s as long as a carryon.

SarahD8, good point about the small stuff I need to be able to get to fast.

Anonymous

It is expensive, Fashiontern. I want you to buy the bag that is best suited for your life and that you adore. I want you to adore it every single day.

It sounds to me that you are thinking it through thoroughly. That part of it is always a challenge for me.

-0.25" would not be sufficient for me for files and papers.
-I own two light color bags (both pink). So far no issues with dirt or staining.
-Red is a neutral to me. I feel it goes with everything, however, color intensity may be an issue. You may need to pair the bag with some of your outfits to see how it works.
-Hardware is important. I have never had an issue with hardware, but that is certainly a consideration.

Best wishes.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I live your Berlin lifestyle most of the time, Fashintern - NO car in Europe and in Salt Lake City. A small crossbody is not big enough. You need at least a medium sized bag, and the red KS you love is gorgeous and suitable.

#1 is SUCH a cute pic! And I always keep those types of fold up shopping bags in my handbag for a walk-everywhere lifestyle.

Kate Spade new york maple street - kenzie leather convertible backpack | Nordstrom

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Angie, i am so happy to be back to this lifestyle!!

Sterling, I may well wait to be able to check the bag out against some of my work clothing before making a final decision. As I mentioned in my post from the mall yesterday, I’m standing down from this decision for now. There are other things I need to worry about, so a simple, cute, medium-sized knapsack on sale was an easy pick for carrying around town for the kind of things Anchie and Angie mention.

I still haven’t seen the KS in person, will try to do so, but really am thinking of it more as a wake-up call/beacon, letting me know that backpacks are a possibility, and probably a great idea for me, than as *my* bag.

Besides that being a lot of money for me right now, I think it would be burdensome to carry such an expensive piece. I tend to sling my backpack to the ground, placing it between my feet, when I have to stand for a long time. I couldn’t do that, would worry about it in any kind of precipitation, and generally think I’d feel like I was serving the bag instead of vice versa.

I will still look at it when I get a chance, and may surprise myself. I will, however, also keep my eyes open for other professional-looking bags with squared-off (not rounded) corners, in a size big enough for DIN A4 papers but not so big as to look sloppy, in a cheerful color, with sturdy hardware and the pockets I need.

And of course I will ask your opinions about said bag(s) here!

anne

Veteran

FashIntern, I think for you, and what you have said about your preferences etc on YLF, that the course of action you've outlined in the last sentence is very appropriate and sensible.

Also, I've not made it to any of your other threads recently, though I have read some, but I'm delighted for you that you've made it to Berlin, and wish you the best for finding a job, getting your stuff soon, and all the organizatios you are having to do.