A work bag

[fiestasprimavera]

I know it's a bit soon for Back to School, but I need a new work bag for new job on Monday. I'm becoming a Civil Servant, moving between MOD Whitehall, Tech Roundabout and Forces' bases.

I would like leather, big enough for a laptop and a pair of shoes.

No fixed idea about budget - open to classics. I love Mulberry, but the big ones are £££££.

Maybe too small?

www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/bags/mulberry-x-alexa-chung-alexa-denim-blue-tumbled-patent

Its never too early to buy a bag :)

I have a Knomo and love it- great quality and manages to look smart but still very practical. Any designer ones I've had have never fit enough in them so I always ended up with Theo bags. I have a backpack as it's the easiest to carry but they do nice totes as well.

knomo.com/products/audley-laptop-handbag-120-101-blk

Good luck with the new job!

Two bags not Theo bags

I've also just bought a Knomo tote for my new job. It's roomy enough for a laptop and has loads of pockets.

Smythson? I have the Panama tote it's excellent quality. This one is in the sale at £398.

www.smythson.com/uk/black-ludlow-medium-ciappa-tote-1028810.html?cgid=92

Hello, sorry for going quiet. Thank you for your replies.

Work has scuppered my plan by giving me a huge laptop with Bluetooth blocked, so need to carry a huge battery, headphone plus cable, mouse plus cable.

Therefore I need something huge and strong, so my plan for a lovely bag has been shot to pieces. Does a huge, strong, elegant solution exist? Aaaarghhh.

Oh poor you! If it’s that big would go for something with wheels so you don’t wreck your back or neck

The Aspinal London Tote is pretty large!
I have a Large Zipped Mulberry Bayswater which is cavernous (I can get big lap top, lunch, water bottle, purse, makeup bag and glasses case in it and other random crap). They have discontinued this size now but you can get one second hand for about £850 if that's within budget?

Check out catwalk bags online. I got a massive plain large leather laptop bag with lots of compartments

Mulberry is your answer Beautiful, strong, quality and understated . The Bayswater is the classic work bag. Big enough for laptop, notebooks, water and more.

Have you tried a Mulberry Outlet? They often have Bayswaters at a good price. I would go for a classic colour like oak or black. They are expensive but will last a lifetime.

www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/london-tote-in-warm-grey-pebble

Another vote for Aspinal London Tote.

I have this in this colour. Game changer. Feel like Mary Poppins with the amount that fits in it. Definitely would easily do a laptop etc and is sturdy.

Lots of colours available too.

Mulberry bags are not as good quality as they used to be so I would look into the older style - preloved

I have an ancient Mulberry Brynmore which is from their men’s messenger bag range. It has aged beautifully and is really spacious. Could something like that work if you buy pre-loved? I agree that the quality on their older bags is much better.

If your laptop is that heavy I'd be seriously considering a backpack

@fiestasprimavera

Hello, sorry for going quiet. Thank you for your replies.

Work has scuppered my plan by giving me a huge laptop with Bluetooth blocked, so need to carry a huge battery, headphone plus cable, mouse plus cable.

Therefore I need something huge and strong, so my plan for a lovely bag has been shot to pieces. Does a huge, strong, elegant solution exist? Aaaarghhh.

How big is the laptop?

Personally I find it better to use a rucksack when carting around laptops and cables. My back is taking the weight then. The back pack I bought has an adapter to charge my phone, an adapter to charge a power bank. Pockets for my purse, notebooks, pens etc. Side pockets for my drinks bottles. I never take a second bag

www.elvisandkresse.com/products/fire-hide-compact-briefcase

These are made from scrap firehoses

If you have a heavy laptop then would definitely second pp's suggestion of using a back pack. The knomo that I have is a backpack and I love it.

knomo.com/collections/harewood/products/harewood-laptop-tote-backpack-black-119-413-bsn

I've also looked at (but not bought) the Senreve Maestra which can be worn as a backpack, tote or crossbody. It's leather, made in Italy and comes in a range of colours. It was all over Instagram a while ago.

www.senreve.com/collections/maestra-bag

@butterfly990 do you have an Elvis and Kresse? I love their ethos and the bags look nice but I've never seen one in real life. Keep considering their crossbody bag.