…it’s the stuff of life…both literally and emotionally…do you set out each morning with enough gear in your tote to run a fortune 500 company from your taxicab? or do you pare things down to the barest survival-kit essentials…wallet, agenda, keys, lipstick, and a packet of kleenex?
so today…as i was having breakfast with my dad…a woman walked into the restaurant…looking absolutely fabulous…great business suit…polished shoes…hair & make-up flawless…and then i saw it…the horror…her version of…i’m guessing a “business” briefcase…or maybe she thought no one would notice…and maybe they wouldn’t have…except for…the fact that she walked in…met two other people…it was obvious that it was an important meeting…which she was leading…and the 4th chair…she put her lovely eye-sore version of a briefcase for all to see…it was a very discolored back-pack…had a tear or two in it…and she proceeded to remove folders from it…as she started her meeting…
i caught both the other people with her…looking at the back-pack…several times…so…did she blow the meeting? not sure…i mean…i give her credit…she looked very well put together…but…every piece needs to be thought out…and your briefcase should not be an after thought..unless it stays in the car…and doesn’t see the outside world…or potential clients…
so what would have been a better option? i thought you’d never ask…because…really…there are so many options out there…when i worked in corporate america…and the briefcase was pretty much attached to me throughout the day…it was a purchase that i thought long and hard over…what look was i trying to go with…and most importantly…what was i going to be carrying around?
here are some great options…
– shoulder bag…the reliable shoulder bag with a handle…just in case…clean lines outside…lots of pockets inside…durable and practical…made from sturdy leather in a neutral color…a bag that can travel as easily to the office as to the stadum…
– tote…the ultimate traveling office…with room for your laptop…agenda…makeup kit…and assorted papers…it’s bound to get heavy…make sure it has a shoulder strap that’s comfortable long and allows your hands to be free…
– large envelope…sleek and minimalist…this bag is a good one for important documents…and is a feminine…lighter alternative to the traditional briefcase your father may have carried…the style is neat…tailored…and elegant…the only drawback? no handles or strap means it leaves you one-handed…
what i found helps as well…if you are in need of carrying around a briefcase…carry a small cluth…a great small bag to throw in your tote during office hours and use on its own at night or for important lunches…the clutch is a classic…so invest in quality and good design..it should last you for years…no need to be carrying around two large bags…right??
great options out there at so many price points…so leave your kid’s backpack alone…make sure you are top notch for that next big meeting…
Its amazing how one bad accessory can ruin a total look. I have seen a great look destroyed with scuffed up boots. Currently I am usually one of the Simply Vera Bags from Kohls for my lap top bag….it looks classy and trendy and is not obvious that it carries my laptop…I often get compliments on it. Sometimes we just need to think out of the box.
oh yes…scuffed up shoes…another one…for sure…unfortunately it is the “one” thing that is out of place that most will focus on…which is not what you want!
i agree in thinking out of the box…and being that you got yours at kohls…confirms that they are out there in all price points…sizes & colors!