What to Look For in a Work Bag
My Outfit
Emily Bag c/o The Cambridge Satchel Company | Sézane Suede Boots | Topshop Coat (sold out) | Boden Sweater | Mango Skirt (past season, similar here) | Boden Sunglasses
You know it’s time for a new bag when the current one is fraying on every corner and has handles that look like they’ll give out at any moment. Not ideal when I’m out and about nearly every day, using said bag from dawn until dusk!
Being a blogger means that every day is different, which is one of the reasons I love it! Most days I work from my desk at home, but other times, I might be working from a hotel room in a new city or a cafe in Notting Hill. That means I carry around quite a lot of things, so my work bag has to keep up!
On any given day when I’m working outside the house, I’m probably carrying around the following in my bag: a DSLR camera, laptop, wallet, keys, phone, glasses (I’m useless without them!) and sunglasses. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that there are a few key features that make for a perfect work bag. (and yes, one of them is being able to fit all of that stuff!).
So when The Cambridge Satchel Company reached out and asked if I’d like to receive their newest bag, The Emily, I of course said yes, because it ticked all the important boxes. Here’s what I look for in any work bag:
Feet
If you’re looking at a larger bag that you want to last a long time, the first thing you should do is check that it has feet. Think of how often you set a bag down. Maybe it’s at a restaurant, on the tube or every day next to your desk at work. Floors aren’t always clean or smooth and that takes a toll on the bottom of the bag. Little metal feet protect from wear and tear (and not-so-nice floors) so the bag lasts just that much longer.
Interior Space
You saw the list of things I carry around when working from outside the house—it’s quite a lot. And I need it all to fit inside one bag!
Something I really love about Cambridge Satchel bags in general is that they are deceptively roomy. You might not think so from its appearance, but all of my work essentials (yes, laptop and camera included) fit inside this one. When shopping for a new bag, I really recommend bringing the things you’d normally carry with you and making sure everything fits inside comfortably.
Quality Materials
You get what you pay for and in the case of a work bag, you want to pay a little more to ensure that it’s made of quality materials. This bag will probably get more use than any other in your closet, so it needs to be durable. As a blogger, I take my work with me just about everywhere. Some days it’s working from a cafe, then taking photos in another part of town and finally meeting friends for dinner. Other days, it’s toting my laptop and camera to another country so I can document a trip. I put my bags through their paces and I find that real leather generally lasts the longest and metal hardware really holds up.
Top closure
I think it’s always a good idea to be street smart, so when shopping I look for a top closure, especially when it’s a work bag. When I’m commuting on the tube or traveling in a busy airport, I don’t want to worry about things like my wallet and phone being in plain view. A top closure gives a bit of security and peace of mind!
Slim profile
This one’s a new addition to my list based on my experiences on the London underground. I’ve been bumped by oversized bags more times than I can count and it’s never a pleasant experience! The last thing I want to do is be the person doing the bumping.
Having a bag with a slim side profile means that I can hold my bag close and not invade anyone else’s space on the tube. And if I’m heading out to dinner or drinks after work, a slimmer bag transitions seamlessly.
Now that I’ve found a new tote that meets all of my criteria, I’ve finally cast aside that poor old bag. I think this one will last quite a lot longer!
What do you look for in a bag? Anything I should add to my list?
Until next time,
Brenda