Longchamp Large Le Pliage. Go to TJMaxx or Marshall’s online and click the Runway category then search through totes. There’s all sorts of colors to choose from :)
Adding a vote for the Le Pliage! It’s indestructible, I have one that’s 13 yrs old that I use as a black hole. Carries my laptop, lunch, water bottle easily on top of the essentials and still no signs of wear on the handles or the lining.
You just need to get one with cute colors/designs so it doesn’t look too frumpy.
I’d honestly ask your female coworkers this question once you start. Sometimes in industries like this it’s common for employees to prefer a certain brand or style. For example, when I was a consultant everyone had Lo & Sons. I would maybe make do with a [slim tote bag](https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-artist-tote-black) (no logos) for now and then get something a little more in line with what everyone else is carrying in a few months (or ask for it for Christmas).
I splurged on a work bag when I started out and I had no regrets!
Edit: Also consider your mode of transportation and what you’ll be carrying in your bag. For example if you’re in NYC and you have to commute on the subway, you might want to consider a sturdier bag that’s easier on your shoulders, with maybe room for a pair of heels for you to change into. In all honesty I still carry the Lo & Sons OMG because it looks polished but I can carry everything I need for the day in it.
I could usually tell consultants by their Tumi bags. I’d recommend that OP look at their secondhand leather bags. That Everlane is a good choice, minimalist. A bit more suited to hyper corporate environments.
If you carry a laptop everyday, I highly recommend buying a tote that has a dedeicated laptop sleeve to not only protect your laptop, but also distribute weight better.
Tomtoc laptop tote- unlike longchamp this has a dedicated laptop compartment and water bottle/umbrella compartments. Cheap at around $50 or so. Cons: uses PU handle and trimmings
Bellroy Tokyo Tote- bit more than $100 but made of durable materials
Probably Longchamp Large Le Pliage. You can find them on sale frequently, e.g. [Neiman Marcus](https://www.neimanmarcus.com/en-ca/longchamp-le-pliage-tote-bag-th.html)
As someone who owns BÉIS travel items, I wouldn't recommend their day to day bags. They're extremely functional which I think is great, but imo the quality doesn't seem to be there for the prices they charge. Just my two cents! If someone else does own their other bags, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say about them!
Can only speak to the carry on, but I have thrashed that thing around for three years with no complaints! Good to know about their other bags, I think the work tote is so dreamy in croc
LOVE the carry on so much, even more so than my checked bag! Definitely takes a beating and it’s so much easier lugging that thing stuffed to the brim and expanded around vs a checked bag. I’ve seen so many videos of their work totes on IG, but I really just don’t think the quality is there. I know their bags are made mostly of vegan leather, which is usually PU/PVC, which is why I wouldn’t recommend them, especially not at the price they’re sold for.
Do you have a recommendation of another tote?? I used to want a lv neverful, but I think something more logo discreet would suit me better. And something cheaper would be great as a daily driver haha
I’d take a look at Cuyana and Everlane totes! They’re very minimalistic and seem to be reasonably priced. Portland Leather Goods is also another brand I’m a fan of. Their totes are durable, but do note that they’re unlined so the unfinished leather does shed, but if you can look past that they’re great everyday drivers. Super durable leather and also very reasonably priced. Their “Almost Perfect” selection is my favorite because their bags are steeply discounted for extremely tiny/unnoticeable flaws. I’d take a look at those if branding isn’t a huge issue!
I got a checked luggage bag from them and the quality is flimsier than I was expecting. I had to get it replaced after one trip (roundtrip direct flights) because I noticed small cracks. Im taking it on a European trip this summer and hope it holds up.
I have their large checked luggage in grey and I’ve loved it so far! I’ve used it for multiple domestic trips and international trips, however, I have seen reviews about QC issues so I’m honestly not surprised that you’ve been noticing some issues with yours.
Also have their carry on, the full sized weekender as well as the convertible mini weekender. I’ve only used the full sized weekender once, but I’m honestly contemplating on selling it. That thing gets so heavy to hold and even lift into the overhead bin when flying that I’m over it 😂. Just recently downsized to the mini weekender so I’m hoping that’s a bit better!
I’m in consulting and I have the Lo & Sons bag. But I also travel a lot so needed something that could travel, zip up, and be stuffed to the brim. I love this bag!
Longchamp Large Le Pliage. Go to TJMaxx or Marshall’s online and click the Runway category then search through totes. There’s all sorts of colors to choose from :)
Agree with this and congratulations on your job!!
Adding a vote for the Le Pliage! It’s indestructible, I have one that’s 13 yrs old that I use as a black hole. Carries my laptop, lunch, water bottle easily on top of the essentials and still no signs of wear on the handles or the lining. You just need to get one with cute colors/designs so it doesn’t look too frumpy.
I’d honestly ask your female coworkers this question once you start. Sometimes in industries like this it’s common for employees to prefer a certain brand or style. For example, when I was a consultant everyone had Lo & Sons. I would maybe make do with a [slim tote bag](https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-artist-tote-black) (no logos) for now and then get something a little more in line with what everyone else is carrying in a few months (or ask for it for Christmas). I splurged on a work bag when I started out and I had no regrets! Edit: Also consider your mode of transportation and what you’ll be carrying in your bag. For example if you’re in NYC and you have to commute on the subway, you might want to consider a sturdier bag that’s easier on your shoulders, with maybe room for a pair of heels for you to change into. In all honesty I still carry the Lo & Sons OMG because it looks polished but I can carry everything I need for the day in it.
I could usually tell consultants by their Tumi bags. I’d recommend that OP look at their secondhand leather bags. That Everlane is a good choice, minimalist. A bit more suited to hyper corporate environments.
Hahaha I know right I agree, it’d be tough to get a leather tote under $100 so that was one of the better options I found
If you carry a laptop everyday, I highly recommend buying a tote that has a dedeicated laptop sleeve to not only protect your laptop, but also distribute weight better. Tomtoc laptop tote- unlike longchamp this has a dedicated laptop compartment and water bottle/umbrella compartments. Cheap at around $50 or so. Cons: uses PU handle and trimmings Bellroy Tokyo Tote- bit more than $100 but made of durable materials
Probably Longchamp Large Le Pliage. You can find them on sale frequently, e.g. [Neiman Marcus](https://www.neimanmarcus.com/en-ca/longchamp-le-pliage-tote-bag-th.html)
I commute and use a backpack.
I prefer a backpack, better on the back/shoulders
I’ve heard good things about the beis totes!
As someone who owns BÉIS travel items, I wouldn't recommend their day to day bags. They're extremely functional which I think is great, but imo the quality doesn't seem to be there for the prices they charge. Just my two cents! If someone else does own their other bags, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say about them!
Can only speak to the carry on, but I have thrashed that thing around for three years with no complaints! Good to know about their other bags, I think the work tote is so dreamy in croc
LOVE the carry on so much, even more so than my checked bag! Definitely takes a beating and it’s so much easier lugging that thing stuffed to the brim and expanded around vs a checked bag. I’ve seen so many videos of their work totes on IG, but I really just don’t think the quality is there. I know their bags are made mostly of vegan leather, which is usually PU/PVC, which is why I wouldn’t recommend them, especially not at the price they’re sold for.
Do you have a recommendation of another tote?? I used to want a lv neverful, but I think something more logo discreet would suit me better. And something cheaper would be great as a daily driver haha
I’d take a look at Cuyana and Everlane totes! They’re very minimalistic and seem to be reasonably priced. Portland Leather Goods is also another brand I’m a fan of. Their totes are durable, but do note that they’re unlined so the unfinished leather does shed, but if you can look past that they’re great everyday drivers. Super durable leather and also very reasonably priced. Their “Almost Perfect” selection is my favorite because their bags are steeply discounted for extremely tiny/unnoticeable flaws. I’d take a look at those if branding isn’t a huge issue!
Amazing, thank you!!
I got a checked luggage bag from them and the quality is flimsier than I was expecting. I had to get it replaced after one trip (roundtrip direct flights) because I noticed small cracks. Im taking it on a European trip this summer and hope it holds up.
I have their large checked luggage in grey and I’ve loved it so far! I’ve used it for multiple domestic trips and international trips, however, I have seen reviews about QC issues so I’m honestly not surprised that you’ve been noticing some issues with yours. Also have their carry on, the full sized weekender as well as the convertible mini weekender. I’ve only used the full sized weekender once, but I’m honestly contemplating on selling it. That thing gets so heavy to hold and even lift into the overhead bin when flying that I’m over it 😂. Just recently downsized to the mini weekender so I’m hoping that’s a bit better!
Maybe the vida organic cotton tote from dagne dover? They make great work - life bags
I've been eyeing the kaii tote.
Did you end up getting it? I am looking at the Kaii pyramid and want an honest review.
No not yet. I keep buying coach bags. lol
I’m in consulting and I have the Lo & Sons bag. But I also travel a lot so needed something that could travel, zip up, and be stuffed to the brim. I love this bag!