Beauty

[NicoleCL]

Hey ladies -

This has nothing to do with beauty, but we have some savvy shoppers on this board, and I'm hoping for suggestions.

I need a tote bag for work. It needs to be large enough to hold a water bottle, lunch, files, and a laptop computer. I'd like it to be stylish, lightweight, and professional. I really love this one by Tumi, but it's about twice what I'd like to spend:

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=16324966&prodFindsrc=paramNav

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Nicole in Portland

[rhinovodka]

Look at Vera Bradley. If you don't like prints, she has some plain colors. Perhaps the "Vera" style might suit.

[Katcat1]

Hopefully, you have a TJMaxx and Marshalls in your area. You may find something in those 2 stores. Canvas fabric may be nice -- you want something lightweight. You could look at Vera Bradley "Sale" items online too.

[Vamp]

If it doesn't need to be leather, I like the Vera Bradley microfiber collection, particularly the "Vera" bag in classic black. It's $99

[txrose]

Love Vera Bradley they wear well and some of them can be washed. They have a great selection and run specials.

[Vamp]

If you want leather, check out Latico bags. You can find them on Amazon. They obviously won't have the quality of Tumi but the price is under $200.

Michael Kors, Cole Hahn, Coach, Marc Jacobs and Dooney Burke also have leather totes. You can check their websites or Nordstrom carries them as well. Personally, I think Cole Hahn makes fantastic bags, but you are only going to save about $100 vs. the Tumi. The Dooney Burke Charleston bag is about $200, but may not have all the features or be big enough for what you want. Fossil makes more affordable bags, but I'm not sure what they have in totes at the moment.

[PamB226]

This one is only $139.00 - A234702 Dooney & Bourke. I have it in the black with tan leather. It's big and looks great

[Tootie15]

DD carries the Miller Vera Bradley .... roomy enough to hold her lunch, water bottle and purse .... (and shoes in the winter)

[griffy]

Hi,

I recently purchased a tote bag specifically made to fit a laptop. I wanted something cuter than the average laptop case. I found this one on Amazon on sale for about $65.00 with free shipping. It's lightweight, tons of organization, zips up and has a padded laptop compartment for good protection. I'm pleased with it and it got great reviews on amazon. It's made by a company called Kailo Chic (see link below). Comes in various colors and patterns. Good luck and let us know what you end up buying.

http://www.amazon.com/Kailo-Chic-Womens-Pleated-Circles/dp/B001F3DUD0/ref=sr_1_4/186-1023837-499520...

[tokie]

I was given a Patricia Nash Tote. Macy's sells them (but not as many prints & colors)and Shophq dot com #711-247, it is so roomy, I have room for my laptop, water bottle, insulated lunch bag and more. Mine is a fall colored floral print but they have other prints as well as plain colors. I love mine and it's not heavy.