The Perfect Work Tote
I really miss back-to-school shopping. I loved picking out my outfit for the first day of school, stocking up on fall clothes and- oddly enough- shopping for school supplies. Working in an office allows me to still shop for most of those things, but just in a different way. Instead of shopping for the coolest backpack, now I shop for the perfect work tote. It needs to be large enough to carry my essentials- keys, train pass, wallet- as well as larger items like my lunch or any books or papers I need to bring home.
Finding the perfect work tote isn’t easy, though. The ones I can afford are usually made of cheaper materials, so a pen or heavy book can cause rips and tears or changes the general shape of the bag. And I don’t want a bright green work bag since it will clash with my outfits- even if I do work in a less-conservative workplace in terms of dress code.
My current work bag is the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote, and I love it. It’s still holding up after a year of wear-and-tear and it matches any outfit, so I’m sticking with this one until it falls apart. But if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect work tote or bag, here are a few to look into.
Top: Madewell The Transport Tote | Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote | Sole Society Faux Leather Tote
Middle: Kate Spade New York Small Cedar Street Harmony Tote | Tory Burch Small York Saffiano Leather Buckle Tote | Michael Kors Large Jet Set Reversible Tote
Bottom: J Crew Downing Tote in Perforated Leather | Modcloth Triple the Charm Bag
The MK Large Jet Set Tote has been on my lust-list for MONTHS! Thank goodness Christmas is coming up 😉
Top left top left! Love that one. Great roundup.
Honestly? I want all of these but the last one (just not my style). They’re all the perfect shape/structure and they’ll hold everything!
I’ve been wanting that Madewell tote, so gorgeous!
I love the Longchamp bag! Such a great staple. I’m actually pretty obsessed with my work bag: loandsons.com/the-omg Lo & Sons always seems to be running sales too (just sign up for their emails so you know about them) so if you ever buy anything from them wait until it goes on sale! I have my eye on some of their bigger, weekender bags too…
I have the Madewell Transport Tote and I ADORE IT. If I could marry it, I would. Great everyday bag, great work bag, and also a good carry-on for travel. 🙂
I love a great tote bag! I have one from Whipping Post that looks similar to the Madewell one and the quality is amazing!
OMG I am always so in love with tri-color things, so that last tote is so gorgoeus!
oh my goodness, that last tote is AMAZING. Fabulous finds, love.
I’m a sucker for the red one! Impractical for some outfits I guess, but I don’t care
I love the J. Crew and Tory Burch options!
I used to use a Longchamp (through high school and most of college…with some repairs) and recently switched to the Cuyana leather tote. Despite being a former Madewell employee, I picked it ’cause of the inside pockets. Love both! Great picks!