Find me a bag for work - I like Toast ‘stuff’

[Likereally]

Hello 👋

I will be starting a secondary teaching job in a few weeks. I have been looking for ages, but I can’t find a bag I like at all!

I am not a tote person but I think that for accessibility, popping my bag down and it being upright etc. I need to get a tote.

Everything is too ‘feminine’ for my taste. I don’t like gold or silver hardware, I like maybe brass/toned down stuff.

My style is Toast, in terms of the artisan ethos, but at the same time I can go formal, in terms of I like the following (probably because of its no nonsense and universal look) https://www.samsonite.co.uk/image-biz-travel-tote-bag-14.1---black/155351-1041.html

But I think a bit big?

I would like it to have sections ideally, with the option of being able to carry a MacBook.

I want it to have a formal vibe.

Any ideas?

I like the lightweight nature of Kipling bags but find them too informal looking.

I like leather which is soft but not too soft.

im open to black or brown bags.

i will be walking so water resistance an issue - although I suppose you could get covers?

my normal style or things i like:
https://mamaowl.net/collections/adults-bags/products/ykra-matra-mini-leather-strap-bottom-backpack-black

https://timeresistance.co.uk/collections/backpacks-for-women/products/large-womens-leather-backpack-the-divine-comedy?variant=50511712813383

love the look of the bags on here: but too pricey:
https://www.billytannery.co.uk

id like it to have a wide-ish shoulder strap maybe, and something with short handles too, so I can carry it around easily.

i love the sections of the Samsonite I posted but the vibe of the leather rucksack I posted.

Can anyone help?

budget around £200-250 (lower better)
thanks 🙏

Hi, I suggest rethinking your purchase. If you are walking and carrying stuff with you (including a laptop) then the most useful and healthiest bag you can have is a back pack. Those you linked to look perfectly suitable for work.

I did look at backpacks but I really not keen on backpack fabric - the leather backpack I posted, I’m worried it will be too heavy once things start going in.
i feel the YKRA one I posted may make me look like a student!

Whether you go for a tote or a rucksack, I'd suggest looking for men's bags rather than women's ones - then you'll get the size and practicality, and the designs are likely to match your aesthetic anyway.

I always end up liking the mens bags! You’re very right. They are always a slightly bigger size and much more practical for sure!

I’m also a teacher and also looking for a new bag! Have you looked at Cabaia backpacks? They are quite ‘smart’ (imho). I’m also considering the Nordace Sienna pro tote…

For smart, could you save up for something from Kate Sheridan? For practical, I agree to want something like a backpack. I wear toast, and my work bag is a dark navy eastpack backpack.

@Sossusvlei thank you, I will a look at those, many thanks

@dudsville i did actually try on an Eastpack backpack in TKmaxx I didn’t like the straps, maybe it was just the model, but I was hoping something more formal tbh.
i have looked at Kate Sheridan, thank you!

I work in a secondary and I have this bag and bloody love it. Sturdy fits my laptop (struggles a bit with charger plug too but don’t always need to lug that about) but has space for phone, keys, pens etc and looks smart and has kept its shape.

does have silver details but very subtle.

https://www.ospreylondon.com/en-gb/the-adaline-workbag-in-black

Thank you for the suggestion!
im finding looking online so hard, I wish there was one shop I could go to that had all the bags in one place.

John Lewis?

My local John Lewis has a skeleton range - a lot of stuff online is not in stores, just lots of radley bags and fancy handbags with a few own brand stuff here and there.

I love, love this: https://www.johnlewis.com/antler-essential-travel-tote-bag-19l-stone/p113476515?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151163389&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1ziVaZ6o3LbPoM4S9hNwDshv&gclid=CjwKCAjwk7DFBhBAEiwAeYbJsWF4PC4lXyoAGBrYYisxgy-GtM5H2SNUZTViPD_xwl4YSk4BUsnXXhoCcLkQAvD_BwE

But if you don't, then I reckon you might like this and the sale price is great: https://www.johnlewis.com/antler-urban-core-tote-bag-13l/black/p113476517

Stubble&Co are excellent. If you want a tote, what about this: https://www.stubbleandco.com/products/the-tote-bag?variant=44244080525541

Or there are lots of backpacks that they do that are excellent too. I have the roll top.

I think you have a decision to make between leather/artisan/Toast-vibe and something more functional, waterproof, and good to carry as you walk. In my experience, you can't have both!