I was looking for a new purse the other day when my mom delivered some startling news to me. “Ashley, you’re growing up- and you might need to shop more practically. You should buy a ‘grown-up’ bag or look for a briefcase.” The word grown-up still terrifies me and makes me think of frumpy high-waist jeans paired with new balance sneakers and an oversized college sweatshirt. No, I am the ripe age of twenty-one years old, and I refuse to be a grown-up just yet. It took some convincing for my mother to finally push me into looking for an older more sophisticated looking purse. I’m usually a fan of bright colors, unique patterns (a la the Poppy line of Coach) rather than the classic timeless colors of Ralph Lauren. However, I know that once you step into a job interview, everything about you is mercilessly judged…..including your bright pink bag. So I found some classic bags for collegiettes on the brink of entering the career market that won’t compromise our fashion sense.
Coach Kristin Elevated Leather Tote– $698
This sleek bag is an oversized leather tote that comes in 6 neutral colors. A silver or white version would be good for a city-hopping intern, while the dark blue and sparkly black adds a fierce touch to an outfit for a night out. Unlike other Coach designs, this purse skips their famous C or wagon prints and opts for a sleeker look with just one smaller flap with a classic gold buckle. The bag is 16 inches high and thus can fit both your folders and an extra cardigan or pair of flats if changing is necessary. This tote is perfect for a fashionable internship, though the price and its lack of compartments can be listed as cons.
Topshop Colour Block Lady Bag– $70
Topshop has recognized its customers are growing older and has added a growing number of briefcases to its purses collection. Their new colour block lady bags boast a lengthy 30 cm width perfect for carrying laptops and resumes. The bag comes in shades of all white, brown and white, and black and white (all neutral colors perfect for blending in at the office). It offers both a hand handle and shoulder strap. The only con is its polyurethane material which may not be the most durable especially under poor weather conditions, but its price is certainly a plus!
J Crew Edie Tote– $348
The always classy J Crew offers a larger version of its very popular Edie purse in a larger Edie tote perfect for job hunting. With a very structured look and smooth leather finish, the purse could be seen on the likes of Jackie O. It comes in both a classic black and a beautifully unique “flame” color just shy of a bright red tone. Like the Coach Kristin tote, the bag offers only one outside pocket with a double-turn lock. Although it is also pricey, its durable leather and vintage style will help it last ages.
Banana Republic Leather Satchel– $130
While the name satchel makes one think this purse is fit for an Indiana Jones (or Hangover?) adventure, this purse is definitely more for a career-oriented and classy girl. Its red-lipstick hue and long 8” straps gives this a look from Mad Men. The bag is over 6” deep and thus can hold everything necessary (your laptop + more). And its 100% leather is a good investment for a bag without forcing you to break your bank account. If you’re not feeling the red, the satchel also comes in crocodile embossed black and brown hues.
Laptop Cases:
Urban Outfitters– $29-39
Always count on Urban Outfitters for providing you with unique and fresh choices. Urban has five great new laptop cases from its designers Kimchi, Trompe L’Oeil, and Cooperative (my fave). The Trompe L’Oeil line offers unique designs of its cases such as a painters’ canvas, an addressed envelope, or a classic blue plaid chest. Cooperative goes classic with a two-toned black leather case. While Kimchi goes vintage with a pale silver larger version of a cluth and our favorite double-turn lock. Laptop cases will protect your computers from getting scratched or damaged in the rain and will insure that your graduation present stays in tip-top shape.
Kate Spade Knightsbridge Janine– $525
While the first thing one may notice about this bag is the price, the crocodile patent leather and signature Kate Spade light gold trim certainly comes in a close second. This bag is classy, elegant and appropriate for women of all ages. It has a 16” length, both a hand handle and shoulder strap, and four zipper compartments making this bag very useful. Plus, its interior is a nice cream and white polka dot which will always brighten your day.
Like what you see? Here’s the links!
Coach: http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-handbags_silhouettes_totes-10551-10051-5000000000000015036-en?t1Id=62&t2Id=5000000000000015036&tier=2&LOC=CC
Topshop: http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2600398&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208705&parent_categoryId=208582&pageSize=200
J Crew: http://www.jcrew.com/browse/multi_product_detail.jsp?externalProductCodes=44804%3A44801%3A44805%3A44802&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302027662&bmUID=1312924197093
Banana Republic: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=14421&vid=1&pid=855863&scid=855863002
Urban Outfitters:http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?popId=WOMENS&navAction=poppushpush&isSortBy=true&navCount=30&pushId=WOMENS_ACCESSORIES&id=W_ACC_BAGS
Kate Spade:
http://www.katespade.com//designer-handbags/leather-handbags/knightsbridge-janine/PXRU2800,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU2800_color=001&start=8&cgid=phone-cases-laptop