The bag you take to work everyday isn’t always fabulous, is it? Your “work bag” is basically something “functional” that can carry all your crap and not look too terrible with your different outfits, right? I bet it’s black (or brown) and has stretched out of shape thanks to all the tablets, laptops, gym shoes, work files and odd bits of shopping you’ve stuffed into it month after month.
A smart, fashionable ‒ but not crazy luxe ‒ bag will upgrade your daily workwear look making you seem more polished and professional which is always a good thing if you’re aiming to be noticed by the boss and get a head-start on a promotion.
A bag that is structured but roomy enough for all your gear, with a touch of colour or a bit of bling, can help take your ordinary office outfit from poor to professional.
DVF Stura Bold Duffle bag
This structured doctor-type duffle bag from DVF is sturdy but neat, the hard-wearing leather can take daily damage and the Stura Bold Duffle bag comes with both top handles as well as a handy shoulder or sling strap; there are outside pockets for stashing things you need frequently plus the top will fold out to make more room for extra bits and pieces
MARNI Hard-sided handbag
This is Marni Pre-Fall handbag is basically a fabulous briefcase for women. The two-tone black and white Italian leather with the substantial “feature” zip opening however, transforms this day bag from boring to bling. The way the bag opens down the middle means you can easily access all your bits and pieces easily without rummaging around and looking disorganised.
MARC JACOBS Big Apple The-Not-So-Big-Apple bag
If you’re smaller statured you might not want to lug around a duffle bag. This smaller version of the Marc Jacob Big Apple doctor bag, the The-Not-So-Big-Apple bag (obvious but cute) is perfect. It’s still large enough for your daily necessities including a tablet, but probably not your gym shoes as well, and it’s very ladylike if that’s more your style. There is a handy external zip pocket though, great for stashing your phone or MRT pass.
SABEN Tilly convertible bag from SheShops.com
This Saben leather bag converts from a largish clutch bag to a convenient shoulder bag and is perfect for those days when you need to head straight out from work. Although it’s technically a clutch bag, the Tilly has a zip closure, five separate compartments, six card holders and the strap is detachable which makes it one of the most flexible bags around; it’s surprisingly roomy but you definitely won’t be carrying your runners in this one.
RAOUL Birdy Tote bag
If you really want to make a statement try the Raoul structured Birdy Tote bag. Although it’s called a “tote” this is really more of a cross between a duffle bag and a doctor bag. Made in Italy from top quality leather, this bag should last really well. The added “bling” from the metal hardware actually protects the edges from wear while adding a bit of dash. The bag comes with top-handles and a handy shoulder strap and the main compartment has a zip to protect your goodies; it’s also large enough to stash your gym shoes if you really insist.
TSUMORI CHISATO Two-tone Airline bag
This neat little airline bag – so named because it looks like the bags the air stewardesses used to carry back in the 60s – is mix of duffle and shoulder bag. In two-tone leather with top handles and a shoulder strap that you can also lengthen to turn it into a messenger bag of sorts, this Tsumori Chisato bag is really handy. It has a zip top closure and is surprisingly roomy; it will definitely make a statement too.
ELYSE & I Sabia Madison bag from SheShops.com
The Sabia Madison textured cobra embossed sheepskin leather bag from Elyse & I is a great option if your workplace is less formal. The cross-body style of the bag means you can sling it over your shoulder when you’re running around but the luxe-look materials make it office-appropriate. You can even get away with using this bag after work too, just tuck the strap inside and it works as a largish clutch bag.
The Marc Jacobs boutique is located at ION Orchard #02-12; the Tsumori Chisato boutique is located at Hilton Hotel Level 1; DVF boutiques are located at Takashimaya Department Store Level 2 and ION Orchard #01-08A; Raoul boutiques are located at Paragon Shopping Centre #02-49 and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-17; Marni boutiques are located in Paragon Shopping Centre and the Hilton Hotel.