Need Help Finding the Right Bag

elissaann26

I start my CPA review classes this week and realized I am going to be carrying a lot of stuff around (purse, laptop bag, gym bag, and lunch bag with all 3 meals for the day).  So I thought it would be nice to at least limit my bags by combining my purse and laptop bag.  I've been some hunting and came up with the below options, but am not completely sold on them.  Let me know which one you like or any others you think might fit the bill!

Criteria:  Must look like a purse, so when I grab it go meet the girls for a coffee they don't give me the side-eye for bringing my briefcase.  And yes, I'll need to bring my CPA review materials in case they are running late and I can cram 15 more minutes of studying in.  Must be able to hold my laptop, 1 notebook, 1 calendar, a workbook + purse things (wallet, sunglasses, etc.).  Needs to be sturdy and able to withstand 6 months of being thrown around and packed to the brim.  Must have some character (nothing black) but be able to work in multiple seasons (winter, spring, summer).

 

Like the personality of this one, but not sure if the fabric will be durable enough.

 

 This one is a book bag/ diaper bag, so I like that I'll be able to use it in the future.  But not sure if the print is too light and will show wear.

 

 I love the look of this one, but I'm not so convinced that it is going to be able to hold my laptop plus my notebook, calendar and workbook.

 

I love the colors of this one (since they match my current wallet), but I'm concerned the cream background will get dirty quickly.

Which one would you pick?  Or is there another that I should consider?

JennaNAaron

I like them all a lot.  #3 would be my vote!

ShhLovesJkh

I like them all too, but would pick 1 and 3 as my favorites. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

unc00ref

I like #2 and #3 the best.

unc00ref

My other suggestion is to look at www.thirtyonegifts.com  They offer many styles with lots of fabric options, plus monogramming!

McNursey

I'm going to go against the grain here. I like 2 and 4.

terpbrideinnc

I think they're all equally cute, though I thought the same thing (re: durability) about the first one. Being that the 2'nd one could be a diaper bag, is it machine washable? If so I wouldn't be quite as concerned over the dirt factor. Overall, I'm drawn to #2 & #4, though I think the style of #3 is probably the most versatile.

I have to say, I totally feel your pain. When I was studying for my prof. engineering exams I was dragging books/multiple bags w/ me everywhere and it drove me absolutely crazy!  Consilidating is definitely the right move, I wish I had done that.

KataMarie

McNursey:

I'm going to go against the grain here. I like 2 and 4.

 

I thought I was the only one  that was going to pick 2 & 4... glad to see someone else did too!

unc00ref

Just had another thought.  If you are worried about the fabric on any of the Etsy bags, most of those sellers would be happy to take a custom order - change the fabric, make the bag a little bigger, etc.

elissaann26

Thanks for all of the votes and opinions!  Last night I put together all of the items that must be loaded up and they measure 11x10x4, so I definitely think my stuff would fit in any of the bags.  Right now I'm leaning heavily to #3 since it is more "purse-like", I love the durability of denim, and I think how the pattern will go with different seasons and accessories.