Recommend your commuting bag

[Mommy_Mea]

After the new year, my office will be moving and I will be taking the train. I am asking DH for a commuting bag for Christmas, and it needs to hold the following:

- Laptop
- Thermos of coffee (side pocket preferred)
- Shoes (largest will be a pair of wedge booties)
- Lunch
- A book or my Kindle
- Keys/Wallet/Etc
- Occasionally a few files for work

I would like something cute but professional, and I am thinking <$100. I think I would prefer a cross body, but am open to back-pack style. Thanks!!

[TwoBees]

That's a lot to carry in 1 bag! My coworker has a Filson bag that she loves. I rotate bags frequently (and I drive and don't carry a laptop); I currently am using a Thirty-One Retro-Metro bag which I think would fit everything you want. I'm about to get an Initials, Inc Tailored Tote, but I'm not sure that would fit your shoes and/or lunch.

Here are a couple of others that I have considered in the past:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/53792?feat=53799-pprrright
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/savvy-laptop-tote/88831?productid=10317762


This one is pretty too:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/81521?feat=677-cprrtop

Another laptop option:
http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/alfa-laptop-bag/269341?productid=10331078

I realize not all of these have the ability to be cross-body.

[Mommy_Mea]

That's a lot to carry in 1 bag! My coworker has a Filson bag that she loves. I rotate bags frequently (and I drive and don't carry a laptop); I currently am using a Thirty-One Retro-Metro bag which I think would fit everything you want. I'm about to get an Initials, Inc Tailored Tote, but I'm not sure that would fit your shoes and/or lunch.

Here are a couple of others that I have considered in the past:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/53792?feat=53799-pprrright
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/savvy-laptop-tote/88831?productid=10317762


This one is pretty too:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/81521?feat=677-cprrtop

Another laptop option:
http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/alfa-laptop-bag/269341?productid=10331078

I realize not all of these have the ability to be cross-body.

Thanks, maybe I can be flexible on the cross-body if it fits well on the shoulder. I will check all those out!

I know, I carry a lot to work! Right now it is in three bags (purse, food bag and laptop bag), and I know from past train commuting experience I am not going to want to juggle more than one!

[TwoBees]

Thanks, maybe I can be flexible on the cross-body if it fits well on the shoulder. I will check all those out!

I know, I carry a lot to work! Right now it is in three bags (purse, food bag and laptop bag), and I know from past train commuting experience I am not going to want to juggle more than one!

What about a rolling bag?

[Kindra178]

When I saw your title and read your requirements, of course I came here to recommend an MZ Wallace Kate. Best commuting bag ever, from someone who has commuted to work on public transportation for 15 plus years. The problem is price range. The Kate may be cheaper during one of the Advent promotions and will definitely be cheaper in January for the non black colors.

[Mommy_Mea]

When I saw your title and read your requirements, of course I came here to recommend an MZ Wallace Kate. Best commuting bag ever, from someone who has commuted to work on public transportation for 15 plus years. The problem is price range. The Kate may be cheaper during one of the Advent promotions and will definitely be cheaper in January for the non black colors.

Hmmm, I might chip in a bit if it means a good excuse to finally get an MZ Wallace! :) I drooled during the Easter Egg promotion last year, but couldn't justify a new bag. Here is my excuse! :)

[mmommy]

Yes, you want the Kate. Awesome commuting bag, but pricey.

[curiousgeorge]

MZ Wallace will have a Black Friday sale and and advent sale. BF is one day, then advent is 25 days of daily deals. Some colors will definitely be more affordable then!! They launch the deals at midnight EST each night and some things do sell out so check daily!!

[curiousgeorge]

Mz wallace Kate is 40% off at. Flat of the Hill. Available in fern and midnight. Hurry!

[Mommy_Mea]

Mz wallace Kate is 40% off at. Flat of the Hill. Available in fern and midnight. Hurry!
Thanks, I saw. I definitely am not interested in the fern (scared to have such a light color), and I am on the fence about midnight. I really want to burgundy color (forget the name), so i might just hold out for deal on that. Even though I could do store pick up from Flat on the Hill!

[StantonHyde]

Timbuk2 bags are the best. Indestructible!

[abh5e8]

Mz wallace Kate is 40% off at. Flat of the Hill. Available in fern and midnight. Hurry!

is there an online option, or B&M only?

[curiousgeorge]

Just call them when they open in the morning. No online option.

http://www.flatofthehill.com/

[TwoBees]

FYI! http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?482735-MZ-Wallace-40-off-at-Flat-of-the-hill


After the new year, my office will be moving and I will be taking the train. I am asking DH for a commuting bag for Christmas, and it needs to hold the following:

- Laptop
- Thermos of coffee (side pocket preferred)
- Shoes (largest will be a pair of wedge booties)
- Lunch
- A book or my Kindle
- Keys/Wallet/Etc
- Occasionally a few files for work

I would like something cute but professional, and I am thinking <$100. I think I would prefer a cross body, but am open to back-pack style. Thanks!!

[hellokitty]

I agree with Kindra that the MZW Kate would work out, but when you mentioned having to carry shoes... I automatically thought of LUG!

http://www.ebags.com/product/lug-life/puddle-jumper-overnightgym-bag/141047?productid=1364524

It actually comes in a lot more colors. More of a, "fun" looking bag, but with the shoe issue, this would be perfect and it is very lightweight. I have a red crossbody and if I had a reason to get the puddle jumper, I would, lol.

[hillview]

might be out the the price range but
tom bihn are my new favorite.
http://www.tombihn.com/

[Mommy_Mea]

Thanks for the continuing recommendations! I sent DH the MZW Kate weeks ago, but my "choice" color sold out. Highly doubt he jumped on that.

I also sent him some ideas from Ebags, and I will add a few more now. Thanks!