Finding the right wallet is like finding the right partner in life: once you find a good one, don't let it go. Wallets are such a personal thing and it's hard to find one that suits your needs perfectly.
They're also a pain in the you-know-what to find. Once I find a wallet that suits my needs (pockets, pockets, pockets), I keep it for years.
Purse and bag policies at sporting events are here to stay. From NFL stadiums to colleges (Hello, SMU), restrictive purse policies limit the type and size of bag you can carry into a game. This also applies to all non-sporting events held at an NFL venue. Going to a concert at AT&T Stadium? That tiny purse policy applies. The PGA Tour also has a restrictive bag policy.
Officials says it's about safety. Sure, that plays into it but it also gets fans into the venue quicker and eliminates that bottleneck at entry gates.
Are you constantly searching for the perfect bag for work? I am. It's a struggle to find one that is stylish yet functional and capable of holding all our crap: computer, iPhone, iPad, makeup, business cards, water and who-knows-what-else.
Can we talk about Gucci's Swing Leather Tote? I love it. Gucci has created the perfect bag for working women, students or über-moms who need to haul diapers, snacks, wipes and sippy cups yet still want to look stylish.
The medium version (the one I have) comes in a variety color options and measures 13.4"W x 12"H x 7"D with an 8.6" strap drop, similar in size to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM (or medium size). It features two interior pockets which can hold a cell phone, pens, notebook, etc. It also has an interior zipper pocket which Gucci says can "fit an iPad." It does. Sold.
The small version also features a variety of color options while measuring 10.6"W x 9.5"H x 6.3"D with an 8" strap drop, similar in size to the smaller Louis Vuitton Neverfull. This roomy bag can also hold a lot.
The Takeaway
At $1000 for the small and $1350 for the medium, these bags are investment pieces. I believe they are a better value than the Louis Vuitton Neverfull for two reasons: the generous interior pockets and the beautiful, supple leather construction. (Tweet this). The Neverfull is simply monogrammed canvas and starts at $1180 for the smallest version.
If you do invest in one of these, I feel it's a wise one. They are timeless classics you can carry for years. If you do tire of them, you can always consign or resell them and get a portion of your money back. My Louis Vuitton Neverfull practically paid for itself.
I know because I've searched for decades. Only recently have I found some quality options. I bring this up because the Wall Street Journalwrites about the conundrum working women facewhen schlepping around their work items, along with their personal stuff in a solid bag that is functional yet stylish.
The woman profiled, Silicon Valley executive Kim DeCarlis, seems quite the practical professional carrying a medicine kit, eye mask and ear plugs in her surprisingly fun Johnston & Murphy computer bag.
I jaunt across North Texas from sports facilities to my story shoots to Mother's Day Out carpool lines. I have a bag that goes everywhere and carries everything: my Gucci Soho Shoulder Bag.
It comes in a variety of colors. The metallic color is chic and versatile, too. I call it a Kitchen Sink Bag because it would truly hold that and more while still being stylish enough to take someplace fun and not scream "WORKING MOTHER WITH A SIPPY CUP IN BAG!" Candidly, I think if it came between the husband and the bag, the bag would win.
I am also in love with the Sophie Hulme Leather Tote. It's professional, structured and holds my iPad, notebooks, cell phone makeup and jumbo bottle of hairspray. I get more compliments on this bag than any I have ever carried. Both men and women comment on it. It also comes in tan and burgundy. Just gorgeous.
Quality Work Bags Under $400
Both of those purses are investments but I will use them for years to come. Here are some stylish options for under $400. Still some major bucks, yes, but for something you will use daily, this is money well-spent.
