Happy Thursday :) Yesterday, I went shopping with my bff {kr} who is in town from DC! We had one mission: to find the perfect bag for grad school and work. {kr} wanted to invest in something which would last longer than a season--with a little flair. She nabbed a fantastic deal at the Kate Spade outlet and brought this gorg bag home for less than $150! I decided to channel our bag hunting into today's post--and found five bags at a few different price points below...
Is the $500 bag from Mulberry worth the extra pennies? I'll leave that up to you! What we learned yesterday is that a little sleuthing goes a long way. Spend some time identifying what you need the bag to carry--and bring it with you or read the reviews online. When you find something you love, you won't hate carrying it when you head out for happy hour. If there's one thing I've learned in my quest to spend selectively, it is to identify the things which will make me happier on a daily basis...and save to get them!
P.S. If you didn't get the title reference, your new objective for the week is to watch I Love You, Man.
I was actually looking for something similar to this for work- good timing! I've been looking at the Longchamp ones for a while now debating whether to spend the money or not.
ReplyDeleteLife Unsweetened
I really like the less expensive ones you found! I think this would definitely be something to save on in order to splurge on others. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI must have missed you by an hour - as usual - I was at the outlets yesterday, bag hunting at Kate Spade with my work friend for a laptop bag. WE ALWAYS DO THAT.
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to get a bag like this for Fall! I bought a cheap one at the beginning of Summer and I'm already regretting it. I love the first 3 options - they're all adorable, practical, and not ridiculously expensive!
ReplyDeletei find work/school bag shopping to be so frustrating! it needs to look nice enough for work, but also something you don't worry about getting wet, putting on the ground, etc... i went through a gazillion option when i started grad school and finally settled on boulevard friday bag with my initials and i actually get compliments on it all the time...and it still looks great two years later! they are similar to the longchamp but much less ubiquitous, which was important to me!
ReplyDeleteI've had my Longchamp for years and I love it, but it's time for something a bit more grown up! But I have my eye on the Mulberry Bayswater, which at $1100 is going to take even more time to save up for...
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Sometimes I say "totes magotes" and I wonder if anyone knows what I"m talking about. Glad to know you do!! I would die for that Mulberry!! Great post my friend! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love the Longchamp totes. I have the medium sized one, but would love get get the larger one for school or work.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm {kr}, the one who solicited {av} to help me with this task. I'm a grad student on a tight budget, but was starting to H-A-T-E having things break on me just because I thought buying cheap was what I should do. I thought about a Longchamp but they're just not "me" style-wise, so I wanted something with a little more urban flare. We hit the outlets and {av} helped me identify something that was sturdy and timeless - things I'm not always good at figuring out. The fabric was huge - I wear things into the ground so wanted something I could clean and that would stay looking new and fresh. Also wanted something I could take to a bar after school and not feel like I was weighed down, even if I'm carrying my massive '07 laptop....this was perfect. Turns out Kate Spade also has a 2 year warranty if you keep the receipt, so no matter what I do to this thing I'm set til 2014!
ReplyDeleteOMG i read the title and burst out laughing! Me and my brother always say totes magotes! Plus I work in a warehouse where we pack tote boxes and I always say it to my coworkers and get strange looks. Love it :) Best reference.
ReplyDeleteI'm dreaming of a Longchamp Tote but I don't think it's going to happen for awhile!
I have the same exact black longchamp bag & have been using it every. single. day. since Christmas. I don't think anything beats it & it's super chic. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
leigh
I love my Longchamp and Kate Spade, so I'd say either one of those would be an excellent choice! They are all so beautiful though, so it's definitely a tough call! Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI love my Longchamp because it is so durable. the fabric makes it almost immune from spills and stains and I don't feel bad about setting it on the ground in class!
ReplyDeleteI own the first bag...love it and would never trade it!! :)
ReplyDeleteHoly cow...no the $500 bag look exactly the same as the cheaper ones....it better come with extra goodies inside for that price hahaha. I need a nice computer bag or case for my new macbook pro, so thanks for ideas :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I am constantly on the hunt for the best work bag because I have to lug my computer and files around all day long. I've gone through so many over the past few years, and am always looking for something better! Appreciate the post!
ReplyDeleteLove your friend's find! Don't know that I could justify $500 for the Mulberry when there are so many great options here for less.
ReplyDeleteI used the Longchamp bag for years and loved it, though I pretty much adore that Tory Burch tote!
ReplyDelete♡ Lexi @ Glitter, Inc.
I absolutely adore my O.M.G. Bag by www.loansdsons.com!!! (ps I don't work for them, I swear. This is a completely honest review). Two of my friends have also purchased the same bag after checking mine out :)
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