Guest post from That's So Missy – The Search for the Perfect Work Bag

Missy of That’s So Missy was one of the first (and bestest) blogging buddies I made. There are a lot of things we have in common and we have bonded offline (although not in person, but not for lack of trying!). One thing we don’t have in common is a love for fashion – she has it, I don’t (sadly). So I thought it would be fun to bring a little bit of glamor to Misadventures with Andi, so I asked Missy to guest post for me. And you are real in for a real treat!

The Search for the Perfect Work Bag

Work bags can be a funky thing: Most of us need a bag that will hold a laptop, maybe some papers, and then all the other stuff. Stuff like our wallets, our make-up bags, possibly a lunch, an umbrella, a good book to read during lunch (oh, how we all wish there was time), and perhaps even a change of clothes for drinks or the gym after work.

Well, I’ve spent my fair share of moolah on bags for work, and my biggest dilemma by far continues to be the size of the bag. Too big, and you look like you’re headed to The Hamptons for a long weekend. Too small and you’re up a creek trying to jam in all of your essentials. At the root of this issue? I can’t stand using a purse AND carrying a tote bag for work.

I love the challenge of finding the right bag. Usually my taste is less Tote-y (is that a word?) and more handbag-ish looking. While I am currently unemployed, I am in the process of interviewing and have begun searching for the perfect bag for the millionth time. Here are my favorite bags under $300:

B. Makowsky’s “Los Angeles” Metallic Tote, $288

I’m not quite sure why this is called a Metallic Tote because there’s really nothing metallic about it. I saw this bag at Macy’s last week and LOVED IT. The leather is soft like butter, it doesn’t smell like leather (I hate that smell), and it’s large enough to hold a 15″ laptop. Plus, it looks just like a normal handbag. Love it!

Piel Belted Laptop Tote, $209 with free shipping
(Plus 10% off at checkout)

I just might buy this for myself. Not only is this a seasonless shade, it also has a separate compartment for a laptop. And, it has adjustable shoulder straps and protective “feet” underneath. Love! While I’m on the subject of loving things, I cannot say enough about ebags.com. I purchased a Guess bag from them last year and had a good experience. The site is so well organized and most of the products include views INSIDE the bag, which is key to the purchasing decision.

By the way, be sure to read the review of this bag. I love how the woman states that she searched high and low for the perfect bag and loves this one so much that she no longer needs to carry a purse and a tote bag to work!

Hobo International Soft Patent Tote, $298

While I’m not a fan of yellow, I could see some women really liking this shade. The bag also comes in Poppy, Black and White. It’s such a simple yet beautiful bag. And with a 10″ shoulder strap drop it definitely will fit nicely on the shoulder. The only downside? It doesn’t look like your laptop will fit in this bag (width is 13″) but, hey, you can still use this as an all-around work bag. I think it’s fab.

Merona Woven Tote, $29.99!!

Here’s a great bag from Target that won’t break the bank! It could pass for a Cole Haan, don’t you think? I’ll have to check it out the next time I’m in Target. You might be able to get your laptop in this bag because it’s 17″ across.

Thanks, Andi, for letting me indulge in one of my favorite sports: Shopping! It was an honor to guest post on your blog.

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