Finding the Perfect Work Bag

Back in 2014, I received my first paycheck as a wee intern, and blew it all on a new computer bag. It was one of those Michael Kors saffiano tote bags, and I thought I was hot shit prancing across the quad of my university in my first "designer" bag. It was actually a great bag, and I used it for school/work up until earlier this year, when I upgraded to a 17" laptop. The bag no longer fit my computer. It lost its structure anyway and looked like a crinkled mess with frayed straps. Goodwill didn't even want it. I needed to find a new one.

Coach Folio Tote - Oxblood

Rating: B

Given that I loved my Michael Kors bag, I thought this was going to be a close match. Unfortunately, it was too small! If I had a smaller computer, I probably would've kept it. I would say it's a B- for what I need, but an A- in general because I would actually recommend it, so I split the difference....kinda.

Coach.com | $295

Burberry Reversible Tote - Black

Rating: C

I saw that Burberry had a digital sale, and my inner bougieness decided to jump on it. I thought it was a cute bag and if I wore totes casually, I probably would've kept it. However, because this bag is reversible, it didn't have any pockets. It barely fit my computer and looked super stretched. The leather was also really stiff and cut into my shoulders with my computer inside. No bueno.

Burberry.com (out of stock) | $600

Anya Hindmarch Vere Tote - Black

Rating: B+

When I first saw this bag, I honestly thought it was the one. It miraculously fit my computer, had a thick shoulder strap, and even had lots of pockets in the front flap for my phone, wallet, business cards, and more! I wore it to work for a week and really liked it. Unfortunately, the leather is so soft that I got scared that it was going to lose its structure and not look good after a few more wears. It was also kinda short so my laptop stuck out of the top a little bit. I now need to find a way to sell it because they don't do free returns, and I would need to pay to ship it back to London. Boo.

Anyahindmarch.com (out of stock) | $747

Béis Work Tote - Black

Rating: A-

Sooo I fell prey to an Instagram ad for Béis bags and decided to check it out, given that I stan Shay Mitchell. Lo and behold, I found The Work Tote. Hallelujah! This was everything I needed! It's huge, so it fits my computer and my lunch. The bag even comes with a long shoulder strap! It also has lots of internal pockets and has a removable pouch, which I use for my papers and tablet to take to meetings as a clutch. The only reason why it doesn't get a solid A is because it doesn't feel as nice as real leather, but it is definitely worth the price.

Beistravel.com | $128

Okay, so in the end, I settled. I had spent a few months searching for a bag that would fit my computer, and I was so tired and frustrated. I came to the realization that the perfect bag doesn't exist, and I'm pretty happy that I can see myself using this one for awhile. Case closed 👩🏻‍⚖️