Ladies, what type of bag or purse do you use for school?

[Student88]

I have been working for 4 years and have just been using a small purse all the time. I am starting in the fall and I'm not really into backpacks anymore since undergrad. So i'm curious what you use to get ideas for a  new bag. Thanks!

[starofdawn]

Ha! I was just looking at Coach/MK totes earlier today, but decided not to buy any because I'm not completely sure which size to buy - or if I needed it at all.

 

I, too, have been working for the past 4 years, carrying a small purse, and want to look into other options besides backpacks.

[lala1640]

This is definitely something I've been tossing around as well! In undergrad I carried the typical longchamp and found it was good, held a lot, kept clean, but still felt a little weighted as far as carrying with thinner straps. I've also gotten a really cute knomo London bag from TJ Maxx which was super durable as well and had better straps for carrying laptop, books, etc than my longchamp. This time around I'm actually going to invest a bit and buy a Lo and Sons bag, which I can store more stuff in, laptop, books and really love the concept behind the bag! Depends on your price range but those are some bags that have worked well for me!

[starofdawn]

Never heard of Lo and Sons - just searched on their website and I love their Brookline bag.

[dstock]

I worked for 4 years as well before grad school.  I didn't want to use a backpack either-  I started out just using purses and about 6 months in I caved and dug out my old backpack from undergrad.   Everyday I carry my laptop, a notebook/folder, wallet, lunch/snacks, water bottle, etc and I couldn't make a shoulder bag work.   It definitely feels...NOT put together.  Maybe I can get some suggestions in this thread

[lala1640]

Love that Brookline as well, I'm having the hardest time deciding on size and color for mine! They're really fantastic bags, I've had quite a few friends buy the OMG and OG bags, and store everything in them! A bit pricier but definitely worth it in the quality and I find they're a bit more unique than the Longchamp bags I've had for years and years!

[iphi]

I second the backpack. It may not look classy, but hauling around a shoulder bag all day really kills my back and shoulders.

Apparently I am prematurely old.

[m-ttl]

I own two Cambridge Satchel company bags. I bought them off modcloth, but there are more options on the company's website. I bought one four years ago (the brown one), and saved up for the larger 15'' Oxblood this year. Both fit a 13'' macbook, but the 15'' bag fits more stuff - my planner, a paperback textbook, wallet, keys, phone, etc. I also have a Herschel backpack I bought on sale when I need to carry way more than that. 

 

But personally, I've gotten loads of compliments on the satchels, and there's nothing quite like good quality leather bags. 

Edited April 13, 2014 by m-ttl

[ion_exchanger]

I'm a huge fan of messenger bags. They are more comfy than backpacks. Also I am not a fan of the way that totes need to be carried, even though I have had my eye on a few Calvin Klein and Michael Kors totes. I carry a Solo messenger bag. It's medium heavy and comfortably fits my iPad, notebook, small umbrella, and other school essentials. Plenty of pockets for everything. It even fits my big dell laptop. It has one of those shoulder pads for comfort. I love it!

[Student88]

Ha! I was just looking at Coach/MK totes earlier today, but decided not to buy any because I'm not completely sure which size to buy - or if I needed it at all.

 

I, too, have been working for the past 4 years, carrying a small purse, and want to look into other options besides backpacks.

I too have been looking at Coach bags but not sure if it can hold everything I want to in it.

 

 

 

Other bags I have been checking out is the Longchamp Planetes (looks similar to the lepliage) and a bag from Fossil called the Sidney shopper (another tote with a zippered closing). I was looking at backpacks earlier but I'm still debating. I might get one for days I need to take a lot with me. 

[danieleWrites]

I love my spine. It's the only spine I will have and it cannot ever be replaced.

 

I have backpacks. If I'm carrying a light load (tablet, keyboard, no more than 2 trade paperback sized books, one legal pad, and assorted daily life accoutrement, then I'll use my backpack purse (no support in it). For daily use, I use a backpack that has a rigid "frame" built into the back and has straps that help me support the load with my hips, though it doesn't have a waist strap like a hiking backpack. It's not an actual frame, internal or external, but there is some rigidity there. On days when I have to tote a lot, I dork-out and use a pull-behind bag/carrier.

 

I'm old (for the average person here) and many women my age are starting to have to cover up things like hammer toes and varicose veins. If you wonder why older women wear pants and closed toed sandals to the beach, look at their daily wear. I may not be rocking the fashion scene, but unlike too many of my peer group, my feet still look fabulous naked.

 

If it's about looking professional, buy an understated bag.

Edited April 13, 2014 by danieleWrites

[LittleDarlings]

I always carried Victorias Secret big totes and they fit my books and folders.  If I was carrying my computer I would wear a backpack though and carry a regular purse or just move the important stuff from my purse (wallet, chap stick etc..) to my backpack.  So yeah I will likely get a rolling backpack for grad school. I feel like it will be easier for me.  

[maelia8]

I destroyed my shoulder a few years back by carrying weight unevenly (avoid carrying more than 10 lbs on one side, folks, you'll regret it in the long run!), so for me it's got to be a backpack with even weight distribution and minimal stress on my shoulder. I buy super durable leather-bottom Jansport backpacks with lots of pockets, and that usually seems to do the trick. I've tried backpacking backpacks because they have better support, but unfortunately, they are not usually shaped correctly for carrying a lot of square, flat, rectangular things like books and laptops. 

[deci:belle]

I've been carrying a purse instead of a backpack to school since high school (since backpacks made me lean forward in my posture), and now I have a lovely bend in my spine to the side. Even when I stand up straight I'm lean - so I'm thinking for the first time in a long time I'll have a backpack again to counterbalance it. It seems either way I'm screwed. Maybe I need to drink more milk!

Edited April 13, 2014 by deci:belle

[ProfLorax]

For folks of all genders, Timbuk2 makes great, sturdy messenger bags. And if you care about these things, the company is upfront about where their bags are made and how they try to be green. Since the bags were originally made for bike messengers, they are HUGE and STURDY. And once you're done with your bag, you can return it to them and get 30% off your next new bag.

 

Most importantly, unlike shoulder bags I'd buy at Staples or fashion boutiques, these bags are built to last, even when you have three textbooks, your lunch, a giant water bottle, and your laptop in them. My only regret is that I didn't spend the extra dough to get the shoulder strap; I'll do that next time!

[bsharpe269]

The people in my department who try to be cute and carry shoulder bags end up having to pack them SO full that they look huge and sort of ridiculous. I think it's worth it to just go with the backpack. You can fit more in it and it is so much more convenient. There are plenty of extra pockets for bringing my coffee mug and lunch with me and it doesn't hurt my back. There's also a padded area for my laptop so I don't have to worry about breaking it.

[iPsych]

I'm a big fan of the Longchamp bags. I used one for my last two years of undergrad and its survived carrying my laptop and textbooks everyday. I use it for work now and it holds my lunchbag and work materials perfectly. I've even stuffed my jacket in there a few times!  And it does all this while surviving the wear and tear associated with using the NYC public transportation system everyday.  I also find that the material of the back better endures rain/snow than other totes I've had (Victoria's Secret, Michael Kors). Aside from the durability I feel that they go with every outfit outfit since there's no huge conspicuous logo or patterns.

 

The only complaint I have is that it puts all my weight on one side so if that's already posing a problem, it's definitely not the way to go.

[mockingjay634]

I recently purchased a Lo & Sons OG bag (wish I had gotten the OMG... the OG is overwhelming huge but I guess it isn't a bad thing).

 

I haven't used it for school yet but I plan to. So far, it can fit my 11' Macbook Air, iPad (with case), Kindle, notebook, two novels, a compact gym outfit and shoes, daily essentials... It's just too roomy not for it to work. Make sure you get it in black and it makes the perfect bag for a conference weekend.

[lala1640]

Super helpful @sateria143!! I was between the OMG and the OG Lo & Sons, but from seeing friends with the OG, I thought it was a bit too big! Yay, cannot wait to order, thank you!!

[C&C]

After using purses, totes, and a massive greenback pack throughout the last eight years...I finally decided to buy a well-reviewed laptop backpack. My back and shoulders couldn't take it anymore! I'm beyond excited to use my new backpack this fall. 

 

Here's what I got (all black): http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/swig-laptop-backpack/1914252

If I ever need to carry less, or look a bit nicer, I always have a black purse to switch over to, but I think this backpack looks quite nice.

[rj16]

Gosh, I hadn't even thought about this! I've been using a plain jansport backpack for the past 4 years or so. It has probably saved my back but it's far from pretty and it's not going to last much longer. Time to go shopping! 

[Student88]

I destroyed my shoulder a few years back by carrying weight unevenly (avoid carrying more than 10 lbs on one side, folks, you'll regret it in the long run!), so for me it's got to be a backpack with even weight distribution and minimal stress on my shoulder. I buy super durable leather-bottom Jansport backpacks with lots of pockets, and that usually seems to do the trick. I've tried backpacking backpacks because they have better support, but unfortunately, they are not usually shaped correctly for carrying a lot of square, flat, rectangular things like books and laptops. 

I'm so sorry to hear about your shoulder. Seeing posts about how heavy bags can hurt is making me re-think using a large tote. 

 

 

What should one look for in a backpack so that it's more grownup? Leather perhaps? Drawstring closure?

[mockingjay634]

I'm so sorry to hear about your shoulder. Seeing posts about how heavy bags can hurt is making me re-think using a large tote. 

 

 

What should one look for in a backpack so that it's more grownup? Leather perhaps? Drawstring closure?

 

I think the Herschel backpackers are perfectly made for grad students, especially the Little America line... they are very upscale, roomy, and classy.  They have a 25% off sale this weekend on Flight 001 as well.

 

http://www.flight001.com/all-products/bags/backpacks.html

[toasterazzi]

I use a backpack 90% of the time. It fits all of what I need most of the time, and it's much less annoying to carry than a tote bag. I do have a tote from my university that I use if I ever have any extra stuff to carry. I have also used messenger bags in the past with varying degrees of success, but I've been eyeing the Timbuk2 ones for a while now, so I'll probably be getting one of those in the future.

[GreenePony]

Personally, backpacks are uncomfortable- I have narrow sloping shoulders with a wider bust so the straps just dig in and pull. I got an Ellington shoulder bag (roughly the size of their Heidi Messenger) but I don't carry a lot into the city - water bottle, notebook, folder, wallet, Kindle and the usual miscellaneous (chapstick, pens, travel container of Ibuprofen/pepto/immodium/midol/half my medicine cabinet). When I need to bring a change of shoes for a longer walk or working in the warehouse I brought a gym bag too. For my program I really don't need textbooks and most can be bought for kindle so I do save space there.