Tuesday, July 17, 2012

She's a Boss Because....

She knows how to work her 'work bag'.


Fendi 2jours



Clockwise from Top: 
Fendi 2Jours, $2430
ASOS Oversized Bowler Bag, $35
JCrew Edie Attache Bag, $288
 Kate Spade Zuma Beach Kelsey, $625


For most of us working gals, the work bag is definitely the ugly stepchild of our handbag collections. Our work bags get absolutely no love! We plop them on the floor or stuff them in a drawer while we work. Then, we ram them full of any and everything imagineable after work. And, when it's time to paint the town red, we never ever take them along for the ride.

Because the 'work bag' is the work horse of our collections, it's easy to neglect them. But, when you sit and think about how much you actually use your work bag, and the number of people that see you toting around your 'work bag', it makes sense to invest in one that's as chic as you are.

For me, a work bag needs to be three things:



1. Structured

A work bag should be able to stand on its own four feet. If you can stand your work bag upright, without it melting into an unrecognizable mass of fabric, then you're off to a great start.

Structured bags make better work bags for a couple of reasons. First of all, structured bags have a sturdier base which means that they distribute the weight of the items in your bag more evenly. Evenly distributed weight means a more comfortable carry and a happier shoulder. Also, structured bags are just easier on the eye. A structured bag looks fabulous whether your just carrying your cell phone and a lip gloss or lugging around a set of case files and a laptop.

2. Roomy

A 'work bag' must be able to comfortably carry the items that you take to work. My suggestion would be to bring the widest or longest item that you plan to carry in your bag with you when shopping for your perfect bag. Make sure that this item fits comfortably in your bag and leaves enough room for your other work must-haves. If you carry a lot of things to work then you need a large bag. If you don't, then you can opt for a smaller bag. Either way, keep in mind that a bag that is overflowing with items because it is too small can take away from the overall effect of your look.

3. Classic

Though it's fun to carry around the 'it' bag of the season, a more classic bag will last longer and prove to be much more versatile. My advice would be to stay away from bags with too much detailing. Neon trim and stud accents may be en vogue at the moment, but you're looking for a bag that your daughter's daughter will want to wear. So, you should be looking for a bag with good bones, a classic shape, and a versatile color.

Here are some of my favorite 'work bags.' I've included bags at a variety of prices so that we can all stay fly regardless of our budgets. Are there any 'work bags' that you guys are loving right now?



Prada Saffiano



Clockwise from top: 
Prada Lux Saffiano Open Tote, $1730
Zara Shopper Basket, $80
ASOS Leather Bucket Tote, $124
Micheal Kors Jet Set Macbook Tote, $300



Hermes Birkin




Clockwise from top: 
Hermes Birkin 30cm
Micheal Kors Hamilton Tote, $406
 ALDO Pressel, $55
ASOS Warehouse Padlock Shopper, $63


Celine Trapeze




Clockwise from top: 
Celine Trapeze 
Doone & Bourke Satchel, $209
J Crew Edie Attache $290
Dolce & Gabbana classic shoulder bag, $1300


Balenciaga




Clockwise from top: 
Balenciaga Work bag, $10,555
Elliott Lucca Saddle Exotic Tote, $260
Furla Piper Tote, $548
Ivanka Trump Shopper Tote, $150


P.S. My absolute favorite bag is the Fendi 2Jours. If you're loving it, or any of the other bags, just click on the smaller picture of the bag and you should be forwarded to a website where you can purchase it.
Love,
Jillian















14 comments:

  1. This was a very thoughtful post and I appreciate it very much. I am starting a new job in September and really have not given much thought to my work bag. These tips will come in handy :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice post! Those are some awesome alternatives. Thanks Jillian!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just bought a bag I love from Zara that is perfect for work and stuffing my change of shoes in.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would love a amazing work bag! You have inspired me to look for one!

    www.theluxuryrehab.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes Jillian yes!!! Love this post as I am a bag lover!
    For us in the UK we usually favour the Mulberry bayswater. Of late I have been craving the Prada saffino

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love that J.Crew bag! And in that green? Yes ma'am! I'd let that bag come out and have fun with me.

    ReplyDelete
  7. love all your bag inspiration there's nothing like a chic big work bag!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like that Zara shopper but I don't have a Zara where I live :-(. The ASOS leather bucket tote looks like a fantastic alternative. Love this post.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great post, I am looking for a new workbag right now. Thank you for the guidance.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great post! I have been thinking that my work bag is not chic and professional looking so you have definitely inspired me to get a fab new one. Thanks for the tips hun!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great post, just looking for a work bag. On my short list: Delvaux - Trompe l'oeil and Jerome Dreyfuss - Carlos (this one is slouchy but so gorg...)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for sharing this, it was a good reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great post. Really inspired. My work bag needs an emergency makeover lol

    ReplyDelete
  14. Amazing post...thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete