Blog friends, I need some fashion advice.
Remember when I mentioned my sore neck and shoulder a couple of weeks ago? Well, I decided to stop using my super heavy shoulder bag for awhile, and use a messenger bag instead. The problem is, the only messenger bag I have at home is this awful one from college – please see the photos below.
This messenger bag seems to be in a TON of my photos from living in Italy.
It worked well for me then! But it’s time for something new – uh, and a bit more professional.
(Apparently, even Steven used it!)
The bag seems to be working well – my neck and shoulder do not hurt as much. But, as you can tell from the photos, it has a very “college” look to it. I feel like a doofus carrying in on the train and into the office.
Can anyone recommend a more professional-looking messenger bag? I only prefer that:
- It be big enough to carry a newspaper, small lunch bag, wallet and little toiletry case
- Not be made of leather (or other animals products)
- Close with a zipper
Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks!
it’s black, it doesn’t look bad. backpacks feel better though because they distribute the weight more evenly. I always look at TJMaxx, Marshalls and the likes for these types of bags and avoid everything that feels thin. I got my current pack about 9 years ago and it has held up fine.
of course my cute tote bag is from GAP. is there any way you can lighten your load and not carry so much? or have core stuff in the messenger bag and extras in a hand held? they aren’t pretty but backpacks really are the best thing for carrying more stuff than you’d want to on a daily basis, this time comfort beats out fashion in my book.
🙂
What’s the difference between a shoulder bag and a messenger bag? I always assumed they were one and the same.
I always get complemented on my seatbelt bag. http://www.seatbeltbags.com/
The Empire Builder from Tom Bihn (http://www.tombihn.com/) is the best bag I’ve ever owned. My boss also has one and we’ve both found that it can hold just enough (laptop + files + change of clothes) for an overnight work trip. I hear they also make great messenger bags if you prefer that style over the soft briefcase.
I know there’s a brand out there that was really popular for awhile that I can’t put my finger on. Big help, right? I’ll let you know if I think of the name…
Evan & some of my co-workers are big fans of the Swiss Army bags. You’ll see a lot of them downtown and on the Metra!
sorry i can be of absolutely no help here!!! i am fashion-impaired!!! i personally don’t think the one you have looks un-professional but don’t take my opinion… that’s why i wear jeans everyday- everything goes with jeans!! lol i think it’s great that Steven was rocking the bag too!!!!
=^..^=
I have no clue what to suggest. I haven’t had a job outside the house in a million years and can’t even remember what I used when I did! Good luck figuring something out though!
I used to do the messenger bags in college too. When I joined the real word I went from messenger bags to tote bags that have worked really well for me. I splurged on a Longchamp Le Pliage bag that I loved. You can pick your own colors on their website
http://www.longchamp.com/en/home-e-shopping/e-shopping-showroom-425.html&genre=femme&rub=XSA&srub=XSH&nav5=articles&snav5=XSH
Now I downsized and just use a slightly oversized pocketbook. I can fit all that I need for the day in it.
Unfortunately the tote bag option doesn’t help the shoulder issue.
de – I’ve tried carrying less, but it doesn’t work. I use everything on a daily basis. I could not bring lunch and eat out… but that wouldn’t work. And I just can’t stand backpacks. They way they feel on my armpits, the insecurity of them, and the way they look 🙁
kapgar – I think a shoulder bag has a strap that goes over your shoulder and a messenger bag has a strap that goes diagonally across your body – from one shoulder to the other hip. I could be wrong 😉
Amy – Those are so cool! I opened up the site thinking they would only have one color, but there is such a variety. I will have to see if there is anything there that interests me.
Eric – That looks like what I have in mind! Especially since it is softer. I like how the messenger bag I am using now hugs my hip, rather than run into it when I walk. I am going to check the bags out. Thanks!
diane – Thanks! I do like the swiss army ones. Maybe I should just keep an open eye at Metra – when I see one I like, I can ask the person about it 😉
CourtneyInControl – It doesn’t look that bad, I just wouldn’t be able to take it into a meeting. I might as well get one that I can 😉
tori – Hee hee hee! Maybe you used a cute purse! That is what I wish I could use, but I have to commute too far.
Gina (Mannyed) – Mine was more like a tote before too. And I prefer to use my right shoulder, which is what caused the problem. But that site has a lot of cute stuff… so maybe I will search around a bit and see what I can find! 😉
How about any of these?
http://www.comparashop.com/details.php?product_id=34962&source=Nextag&zmam=90031077&zmas=14&zmac=260&zmap=SAM39002
http://www.ecamerafilms.com/product_p/7050-45bk.htm
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A2016017&cs=04&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=39888&lid=1022061
http://www.bonton.com/product/home/luggage/business+&+lap+top+bags/kenneth+cole+reaction+messenger+bag.do
Those are just a few ideas from the website thefind.com and then I searched “Professional Bag” 🙂 Hope it helped?!
PS The last one is my favorite! 🙂
Christina – There is a problem with the site and the links did not show up! 🙁 Can you please repost them?
Nevermind – I finally got an email with them at 3:30 and was able to add them back in!
i wish i could help! i haven’t owned a msgr bag since college either, so i have no idea what the hip and professional ones these days would be 🙂
I say look on Etsy because then you can get something original and cute and affordable AND support a small time business person!
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=messenger+bag
Did you like any of them?!
Alice – You’re in the same boat as me 🙂 Oh well, lots of good tips so far.
sizzle – Why do I always forget Etsy?! You know I love the Tidy Cats bag!
Christina – I like the last one too! I love Kenneth Cole! I wonder why I didn’t think of him! It’s prob leather though 🙁
I don’t think it is leather! It would say if it was and its so cheap!
Christina – I wonder if I should just walk over to the Kenneth Cole store on Michigan Avenue one day when it gets warm. Or, just take a cab 😉