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Elizabeth
Master December 2016

NWR: All about work totes. What do you use?

Elizabeth, on March 29, 2017 at 5:37 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 39

I know we have a lot of professional women on here. Do you use a work tote? Does it double as a purse/handbag?

I used to have a a tote that I could fit everything in and it was small enough that I could use it as a purse as well. After many years of wear, I had to get rid of it and I'm surprised to find I can't find another one I like. They're all either too big (because they all have to include a compartment for laptops these days, but I don't necessarily need to lug my laptop around) or they're too heavy or they're just not as nice.

I like comfort, which is why I love Vera Bradley handbags, but for a work tote, I want something that looks more professional. I just bought the Lo & Sons Brookline. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm hoping it works out. In the meantime, I'm looking for alternatives.

What do you use?

39 Comments

Latest activity by Elizabeth, on March 30, 2017 at 1:27 PM
  • Erin Wood
    Master July 2017
    Erin Wood ·
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    I use a leather laptop bag. There isn't room for it to double as a purse. It carries my laptop, headset, portable wifi, notepads and pens. I've even had to cram 2 laptops in there before. It's been great.

    ETA- mines a Worthington whatever that means. Lol!


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  • Farah
    Devoted August 2017
    Farah ·
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    I have a Kate Spade tote. It's huge but that's? because I needed something that would fit my laptop. There's enough room to use it as my purse too.

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  • C&N
    Super October 2017
    C&N ·
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    I went with an Aldo bag and I love it. I had a hard time finding one because I wanted it structured with a few pockets, but it had to be able to fit my 15" laptop.

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  • Kristin
    Master January 2034
    Kristin ·
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    I got a Vera Bradley laptop bag that fits all my case files in and if a kid gets it messy it can go straight into the washer.

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  • lyla
    Master July 2017
    lyla ·
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    I have a Kate Spade one now but I'm eyeing the classic Louis Vuitton.

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  • herecometheclarks
    VIP June 2018
    herecometheclarks ·
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    Following!

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  • Chica
    VIP October 2017
    Chica ·
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    The best one by far is the Tory Burch Ella Large Tote. I have it in Black. Ive purchased it 2x. The 1st one was stolen. I love it so much I had to repurchase. It fits everything laptop, books, files,etc. It has many pockets. Its durable. Its classy. Best $200 Ive ever spent. Lol (well one of)


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  • Christina
    Devoted August 2018
    Christina ·
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    Dagne Dover. Swear by them for work/classic/versatile totes.

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  • fallinthegarden
    Master October 2017
    fallinthegarden ·
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    I have a Vera Bradley one. It fits my laptop, papers to grade, and my wallet, lotion, headphones, glasses, and water bottle. It's a more professional-looking pattern, although as a teacher no one would care if it was a bright pattern.

    For my next work bag, I'm eyeing up a leather Vera Bradley one. I have two of their leather purses, and I love them.

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  • FutureMrs.G
    VIP July 2017
    FutureMrs.G ·
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    I have a Kate spade one that I LOVE. I used to work in outside sales until recently so it was my lifeline to carry all my stuff! I work in sales still but now it's mostly by phone, so I usually take a backpack to work since I commute on the train Smiley smile

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  • Giselle
    Dedicated February 2019
    Giselle ·
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    I use the Louis Vuitton Neverfull mm. One of the best investments I've ever made tbh!

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  • Dena
    Master April 2017
    Dena ·
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    I had a Coach bag from several years ago that had 3 main divisions for laptops and files, and then some extra pockets. It was nice and professional lookeing but still cramped. I use my neverfull Louis or whatever it's called now simply because it's what I had and it fits a laptop plus all of my other regular purse items for when I travel.

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  • SAK2SAH
    Super October 2017
    SAK2SAH ·
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    I have a Tumi bag. I love it so much I bought the wristlet that matches and the cross body purse that matches. They are great quality

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  • BoudreauToBe
    Master July 2018
    BoudreauToBe ·
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    I used have a Michael Kors bag that is big enough for a laptop but small enough for a purse. I bought a larger Ralph Lauren bag so that I could fit more junk in it, but it was obnoxious to use as a purse. I got both at TJ Maxx for under $100 each

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  • MrsBobby
    Devoted September 2017
    MrsBobby ·
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    Dagne Dover!! The compartments are awesome. Looking into the never full or a tumi next

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  • Futuremrswilson
    Master June 2023
    Futuremrswilson ·
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    I got a bag from 31 two years ago to hold all my school supplies (teacher), graded papers plan book etc. love it. Even big enough to fit my lunchbox in it.

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  • HappilyEverAfter329
    Super April 2018
    HappilyEverAfter329 ·
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    I have a Kate Spade that fits all of my belongings and my laptop. I also love Vera Bradley. She has a newer like that looks super business professional in my option.

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  • Tricia
    VIP October 2017
    Tricia ·
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    I have a Vera Bradley tote. I love it. But I don't have a laptop. It fits my lunch bag, umbrella, and whatever else I need to take, books, save the dates and guest list, etc

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  • Sarahmouche
    Master January 2017
    Sarahmouche ·
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    With the proviso that i don't usually carry around a laptop, just legal files and some purse basics, my work bag is actually a large Dooney & Burke leather one that my parents found in Macy's in 2012. It looks practically as good as new, no big logos, and is plum and dark blue color-blocked with cognac leather handles.

    I have no other Dooney stuff, but I am so loyal to that damn thing! Maybe they have a new version out there?

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  • MrsDrum
    Master June 2017
    MrsDrum ·
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    A few of my coworkers use Kate Spade totes. I just use a boring, black, nylon laptop bag because I don't want to use my purse for work stuff because I have a Louis Vuitton Lockit that I baby.

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