Sometimes we can’t be bothered to choose the perfect work outfit, right? Which is why you need to have a few stylish, fun options when it comes to the bag you take to work. Here are some of our favourite work bags for the new season
When it comes to a good work bag sometimes it takes a while to find the perfect version. I went through about sevem before I finally settled on the black Givenchy Shark bag I’ve now carried for the last four or so years. Yes, the longer you use an expensive bag, the better the ‘cost per wear’ so you can totally justify spending a couple of thousand dollars (or more) on a work bag that you use every day and stands up to everything you have to put it through.
However, you don’t always need to head to the usual suspects (ie. the big luxury brands) for a high quality, stylish, well-made bag for work. There are a lot of brands now producing super nice bags, that not only last, but look smart and won’t break the bank. And because we know that guys are just as stylish these days we’ve also tracked down some great options for men too.
Here are more than 20 new season bags we’ve found that are perfect for all your different work needs.
Bags in a shape and size for every work day need
The Mademoiselle Longchamp bags, which come in three colours, two bag sizes and one wallet, are perfect for working women who need variety but don’t want to think too much. The medium hobo style bag’s clean lines remind you of classic French power women like Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy, and is large enough for day when you need everything with you. The wallet, fits inside neatly and is large enough to carry out for lunch too. If you’re heading out after work, the smaller bag is perfectly sized – not too big and not too small. The Mademoiselle Longchamp bags and wallet come in black, cognac, mimosa and grey in perforated calfskin with an iconic clasp and hardware.
All Mademoiselle Longchamp bags and wallets are available from Longchamp stores. For a complete list of boutiques, go to sg.longchamp.com/stores.
The big bag for those who need to carry everything and the kitchen sink
This fabulous Proenza Schouler medium Hobo bag in textured leather is big enough to carry everything you could possibly need for work, up to and including your gym gear. Proenza Schouler is an American luxury brand that does womenswear, shoes and bags. The brand is known for textural minimalism and sharp but wearable lines. We love the interesting structure of the shoulder strap that’s wide enough to be comfortable no matter how heavy your gear is.
Proenza Schouler is located in the Hilton Shopping Gallery #02-03/04, 581 Orchard Road. tel. 6304 3565.
The structured bag that’s perfect for running around the city
If you’re anything like me, you find yourself running around the city with your hands full of mobile phone, your wallet etc, etc. This Valentino Garavani Joylock leather handbag comes with both a handy top handle and an even more useful shoulder strap – it’s even long enough to convert this bag into a sling bag so you can go completely hands-free.
Valentino is located at ION Orchard, #01-03, Orchard Turn 2, tel. 6509 8062.
The neat elegant work bag with a classic feel
We love an easy but elegant bag for work. The Delvaux Cool Box Taurillon leather bag is perfect for people who prefer a classic shape that’s just big enough to fit everything you need but won’t take up too much room. The elegant box shape and the distinctive metal hardware shows you’ve got style but don’t need to scream about it.
The Delvaux boutique is located at Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road #01-18, Singapore 228209. Tel. 6636 0181.
Bags to add some bling to your work day
If you’re anything like the Honeycombers team sometimes you just need a bit of bling added to your work day, right? These super cute – and totally animal-cruelty free – bags from Stella McCartney are sure to add just the right touch. Sure, they’re not ALL entirely practical, but some days that really doesn’t matter. You can certainly use these for those work-to-party days.
Stella McCartney is located at Hilton Hotel Shopping Arcade, 581 Orchard Road, #02-19. tel. 6304 3576.
The work bag with movie star style and solid construction
We love all the great collaborations between celebrities and major brands, and the Coach X Selena Gomez collection is one that’s created some really solid worthwhile bags. The Selena Grace bag (pictured above) comes in three exclusive colours – Selena Black Cherry, Selena White and Selena Red – and there are also cute bag charms, wallets and even a Selena wristlet to indulge in. What more do you want?
Coach is located at The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands, Canal Level B2-40, 2 Bayfront Avenue, 018972. tel. 6222 1771.
The work bag that’s ladylike with a rock edge
Everyone knows that a ‘lady’ is as tough as any other working woman, so just because you like softer fashion styles doesn’t mean you’re a pushover, right? The Valentino Garavani Demilune handbag in leather and platinum studs is a great way to be girly and tough at the same time.
Valentino is located at ION Orchard, #01-03, Orchard Turn 2, tel. 6509 8062.
The substantial capacious work bag
Italian luxury leather brand Tod’s may be well known for its classic Gommino driving shoes, if you’re a guy, but for women it’s the Tod’s Sella bag that stands out. This softly structured bag is super elegant, lends any look a luxury edge, and is reputedly almost indestructible. We love that it comes in so many colours and different types of leathers and exotic skins too. There’s a Sella bag for just about everyone.
Tod’s is located at Paragon Shopping Centre, #01-48, 290 Orchard Road, tel. 6738 3323.
The modern document case bag for work
We love the straight lines of the Sandro Paris Bianca bags – they are available in a number of different colours and leather types – and are perfect if you need to carry a lot of documents around, or just as an extended version of your iPad case. Made of calfskin, there’s a front pocket for your passes and change, two zip-up compartments and it even has a shoulder strap for hands-free workplace ease.
Sandro Paris is located at ION Orchard #03-17A/18 2 Orchard Turn, tel. 6636 5972.
The French-girl chic work bag
The Chloé Faye comes in so many different versions but every single one of them has the distinctive ring closure and that undeniable je nais se quoi that is French style. We love this version of the Chloé Faye in soft midnight green suede; it’s not such a crazy colour that you won’t be able to match it with your everyday work outfits but it will certainly stand out in a sea of black and brown bags.
The Chloé boutique is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, B1-118-120, 2 Bayfront Avenue. tel. 6634 0281.
The roomy classic work handbag
We love how understated this Kate Spade New York bag is. Although the brand is more known for its ‘character’ bags that look like everything from birdcages to flower pots (and everything in between) the brand also produces some great classic bags that are great for work. The Daniel’s Drive Abigail bag is a no-brainer; it’s roomy enough to fit what you need and the neat shape will look great with all your work outfits. It’s also available in a number of colours and leather textures. What more do you need?
Kate Spade New York is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-17, 2 Bayfront Ave. tel. 6723 7229. For a complete list of Kate Spade New York stores in Singapore, go to www.katespade.co.uk/store-locator/singapore.
The backpack you CAN use as a work bag
We love, love, love the Tod’s Wave backpack. It just looks so much more classy than any other backpack you might be thinking to take to work. Sure, it’s not huge – you probably can’t carry a laptop in it – but it’s super elegant. Oh, and the cute ‘bumps’ look just like the famous Gommino shoes too. This bag looks expensive enough to be seen in any workplace, which is perfect if you’re a commuter. Hands-free elegance: another reason to love a Tod’s bag.
Tod’s is located at Paragon Shopping Centre, #01-48, 290 Orchard Road, tel. 6738 3323.
The secretly spacious work bag
Sandro Paris has great leather bags at really affordable prices – you’ll be surprised. We love the Yza Hobo bag as it’s soft enough to sit neatly under your arm but it will expand enough to fit just about anything you might need. We also love the top handle / shoulder strap, which makes it super versatile.
Sandro Paris is located at ION Orchard #03-17A/18 2 Orchard Turn, tel. 6636 5972.
Add some flowers to your work day with this bag
As we’ve already mentioned, we love the mix of fun prints and practicality of Kate Spade New York bags. This version of the Cameron Street Lane Handbag comes in classic solid colours but we couldn’t go past this great poppy print version that’s new this season. Although it looks small, you can fit everything you need into this well structured bag – we know because we tried. Add some fun florals to brighten up your solid colour work outfits.
Kate Spade New York is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-17, 2 Bayfront Ave. tel. 6723 7229. For a complete list of Kate Spade New York stores in Singapore, go to www.katespade.co.uk/store-locator/singapore.
Get a touch of country in the office with this textured bag
If you’re having trouble dealing with the city, we think this leather textured bag from Fossil can help. The Fossil Kendall Satchel comes in plain leather versions too but we think the addition of the texture on this version makes it smarter for the office. The tan leather adds the country touch, giving you the best of both worlds.
Fossil is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-90A/B 2 Bayfront Avenue, tel. 6688 7268. For a complete list of stores, go to www.fossil-asia.com/store-locator.
The minimalist bling bag for work
We love the mix of hard minimal lines and bling-bling hardware on the Sandro Bonnie bag. It’s admittedly not a huge bag but it’s a great option for work-to-play; the shoulder strap is long enough to be worn as a sling bag too, a great way to keep your hands free on a night out after work.
Sandro Paris is located at ION Orchard #03-17A/18 2 Orchard Turn, tel. 6636 5972.
BAGS FOR THE BOYS
Yes, it’s time the guys got a bit more stylish with their daily work bags. Although these bags are ‘for the boys’, it doesn’t mean that women who like practical, streamlined bags can’t carry them as well.
Match your pouch with your work bag
Personally I have a bit of a passion for Longchamp bags. They’re reasonably priced, made of high-quality leather, and on-trend without being ostentatious. The Gary series of bags (pictured above) have the added cool factor of a patchwork design mix of smooth cowhide leather, metis leather and bullcalf leather with an irregular grain. These are an elegant way for guys (and girls) to tote around just about anything you could need during your work week.
Longchamp Gary bags are available from Longchamp stores. For a complete list of boutiques, go to sg.longchamp.com/stores.
The classic briefcase work bag with a vintage edge
Sometimes simple really is best, like this Fossil leather briefcase bag. We love the vintage feel that comes from the tan leather and the attached brass key. This is the perfect work bag if you’re working in a more conservative industry, but it has just enough style to it that you won’t look like your dad.
Fossil is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-90A/B 2 Bayfront Avenue, tel. 6688 7268. For a complete list of stores, go to www.fossil-asia.com/store-locator.
The smart backpack for the active office worker
We love the minimal lines and attention to detail on all Longchamp bags; these are high points are particularly strong on its men’s bags. The Ruben collection combines modern lines with pops of color in the piping and two-tone leather; it’s available in pilot blue or lacquer red, and also comes as a top handle bag, $1,260, too.
Longchamp Ruben bags are available from Longchamp stores. For a complete list of boutiques, go to sg.longchamp.com/stores.
The working tote bag for the creative industries
We love a good tote bag, and these days it’s just as common for guys to carry them around – particularly if you need to drag a heap of stuff round throughout the day. Yes, you can use one of the ‘freebie’ totes that are always lying around everyone’s house, but if you need something that’s going to last and stand up to lots of wear, this bright blue canvas and leather version from Fossil is a great choice.
Fossil is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-90A/B 2 Bayfront Avenue, tel. 6688 7268. For a complete list of stores, go to www.fossil-asia.com/store-locator.
Fun, versatile backpack for workers who love colour
To round up our list of great bags for work, here’s another versatile backpack from Longchamp’s Cross-Line collection – there is also a Cross-Line top handle bag, $710. The bright colours on the tough nylon canvas makes this backpack a great choice if you’re looking for ‘one bag to rule them all’… take it to work or use it on the weekend, you’ll look stylish whatever you’re doing.
Longchamp Cross-Line bags are available from Longchamp stores. For a complete list of boutiques, go to sg.longchamp.com/stores.
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