Oh shit, handbag emergency, help!

[nicebutjim]

Please help me. I have a meeting with a client tomorrow at midday. I'm new to my job, I'm anxious for it to go well obviously. The client is a company owning many brands of very fancy handbags and the problem is I don't have a proper handbag (I usually carry a scruffy, broken hand-me-down from my mum which I don't really like). I know for a fact they are very snobby about handbags, watches etc. and check you out straight away. It's their job I suppose.

I know this is very disorganised of me, I know. I've been ill, had other things to deal with, it just totally slipped my mind. But yes I'm crap, feel free to tell me so.

Please help me do some damage limitation here. I can see a few options:

• I take the scruffy one - bad idea in my opinion, its a fabric one and in no way smart not even in a vintage chic kinda way
  
• I play it too cool for school and take no handbag at all (but where do I put my keys, wallet, pad etc.? and can I really pull this off?
  
• I pretend I need a laptop - even though there is no conceivable reason I would need a laptop at all - and take everything in a geeky-looking black canvas laptop bag
  
• I take one of those fabric type bags you get given in fancy bookshops - I have one that has no logo and is light purple. Is this a terrible idea?
  
• I dash out in the morning and buy a cheapo bag, but they'll obviously spot it a mile away
  
• I dash out and buy an expensive bag - I'd quite like to avoid this. For one, I don't really have the money but also, I'm so clueless that chances are I'd buy something I thought was really stylish but was actually totally out of fashion or something
  

I hope someone reads this. I was too scared to post in AIBU...

[Dollydowser]

I think I'd go with the laptop option. Good luck, I hope it goes well.

[LFCisTarkaDahl]

Can't you borrow one - I've got bloody dozens and I'm in Hertfordshire.

[LittlePandaBear]

Is there anyone you could borrow a smart bag from in the morning? Seems a waste to buy one just for a meeting! I can understand you wanting to fit in though and not seem out of place.

[AmberNectarine]

Right, sounds like you really genuinely need a bag anyway, so I vote buy one. Doesn't have to be expensive though - you're not applying to design them are you?

What shops can you get to?

[AmberNectarine]

Yes that's a good idea too, borrowing one!

[Moominhunter]

Can you borrow a bag from someone?

If not I would buy a cheap bag.

[Annianni]

Borrow one, or buy one.
I wouldn't buy an expensive one, but not too cheap if that makes sense.

Good luck :)

[mamapower]

That really is an emergency! Regardless of meeting with handbag snobs you should have a decent handbag!
Phone all friends who are a) not in possession of a purple linen shopper To lend you one or b) buy one!!! Small, black clutch will do, it won't cost the earth but may save your !

[MacyGracy]

I would go for the laptop option.

[HyvaPaiva]

I agree. Laptop case - it's a meeting with a client so this will look fine - or borrow. I'd also suggest avoiding the scruffy bag or fabric bookbag. Those would draw attention. If you buy, don't go expensive: go to somewhere midrange like Zara perhaps. Good luck

[SrirachaGhoul]

I think you need a new bag, little one . Could you justify it as an "I got the job" present to yourself (Well done, btw!)? There are lots of people who will judge you on your "polish" and well-put-together-ness. Shabby/scruffy handbags are not on.

If it's too late, go with the laptop option and then go shopping next pay-day.

[mamapower]

If you take a lap top bag it just looks like you don't have a handbag, since you have no earthly reason to be carrying a lap top bag!!! Unless you borrow or buy you're in trouble with the handbag police!

[HyvaPaiva]

I just re-read and realise you have no need for a laptop case at the meeting. Right, you need to borrow or buy something. Don't take the laptop case, that will be as obvious/out of place as the scruffy one. Sorry!

[NewNames]

Laptop bag. If you get asked (which you won't) "Oh I just didn't want to leave it in the car - so Manu horror stories of people at work getting theirs nicked!"

[NewNames]

*many

[MrsSchadenfreude]

I don't see a problem with a laptop bag - the OP could have come from her office with it or be off to see another client with it later, when she will need a laptop.

[gastonthebabyshusher]

If you have time find a tk maxx (or any other bag selling establishment) and buy a bag!! This won't be the only time this scenario turns up!

[nicebutjim]

Wow you replied! Thank you!
I can't really think of anyone to borrow off tbh. I've only recently moved here two years ago and don't have the kThe consensus seems to be to buy. I agree with whoever said

[mirpuppet]

Laptop bag.

[nicebutjim]

Argh phone sent the message too early, I'm typing with an ill baby lying across me.
So, as I was saying I've got no friends to borrow from. I'm going to buy. It's a client I'll have to meet with repeatedly anyway (I hope!) so the problem isn't going to go away. I can't spend mucj though. Shops I can get to are gap. Comptoir des cotonniers (am in france), expensive boutique type places, maybe kookai. No zara unfortunately.
I know nothing about styles. What's an acceptable work type handbag? Should it be black?

[nicebutjim]

Thing about the laptop bag is like someone said it'll just look like I don't have a handbag because even if it's justifiable to have carted your laptop across town for somereason or other, don't people usually carry a handbag too?

[nicebutjim]

Oh dear have I killed my thread? Is a black plain handbag ok? What kind of price is cheap but too obviously so?

[QueenBeebread]

Can't see anything sufficiently work-y on the CdeC website.

I'd try to find a smart black tote bag. Good for carrying A4/notebooks etc - the practicality of that choice will counteract any brand snobbery on your client's part. Think conservative, clean lines and it should hold its own. And you'll find it useful.

I wouldn't try to buy a designer bag on such short notice if I were you.

[QueenBeebread]

Obvs not suggesting you buy exactly this, but this is pretty much my dream work tote, do if you happen across anything in that vein I'd go for it.

[Annianni]

I'd look for something leather, plain and in a classic colour, black, navy, etc.

Depending on what colour you are wearing, maybe a dark plum would work.

If you don't have much money to spend, i'd not bother going in any boutique type shops.
Just incase you have a last minute panic and spend more than you can afford.

I'd go in the high street shops, and ask a sales assistant when you go in, to save on time.
They'll know if there's any suitable bags for you, and where they are in the shop (to save time)

Good luck :)