Reader Request: Business Lady Bags

Good morning!  Sorry for the silence yesterday, but after an eventful weekend and a night of HBO, I just forgot to blog.  Oops.

However, I'm excited to be back today so that I can help Catie, a reader looking for a classic, chic bag that will take her and her laptop on airplanes all over the country.  Her budget is reasonable (durable leather bags aren't cheap, people) and she needs to be able to take it from under the seat in front of her to a meeting with clients without damage.

In my personal experience, I've learned that bags intended for carrying laptops are generally much more comfortable to carry around and have straps that were made to support about 15 pounds of computer and other stuff.  I daresay many a large purse has been ruined by women (like me) insistent that a large purse can do the job of luggage.  So, I've put together some options for Catie that will do the job and look good for years to come:

First, my top choice (again) is the Alesya laptop bag.  It comes in two colors (black and gunmetal gray) and looks super comfortable with a wide strap and lots of compartments.  It's also much less expensive than many other designer options!

Some other contenders:

Do you have a bag that serves you well?  Let Catie know where to find it!

Reader Request: Working Girl Totes

This week's reader request comes from Joena, a recently promoted (Yay!) lady who is looking to invest in a new every day work tote that can hold a laptop, among other things.  There are few things I enjoy more than perusing the internet for purses, so I was happy to oblige!

Joena is looking for something ladylike (she loves feet on a bag, but it was hard to find for under $300!) and wants the bag to be versatile so she can wear it when traveling.  My top pick is the Alesya bag which is actually made for carrying a laptop and has tiny gold feet.  It's within budget, and comes in three gorgeous colors.  Also, I want one.

I also found some other great options, some within budget and some slightly over, that would make a great addition to Joena's work wardrobe.

ladylike work totes by cardiganjunkie featuring vintage leather handbags

work totes 2 by cardiganjunkie featuring satchel handbags

Which bag do you recommend for Joena?  It's a tough decision!

Reader Request: Camel Colored Bag

Last night I got to have fun purse shopping for reader Kristi, who is searching for a camel colored handbag to add to her collection.  Like many of us, her budget is not unlimited and it can be a challenge to find a bag for around $200.  However, I think I found some great affordable options, as well as a few investment pieces that may be worth skipping a few restaurant meals and $4 coffees.

camel handbags by cardiganjunkie featuring metallic handbags

I think my favorite bag is the Vince Camuto Kim in the top left of the collage.  It's unique, but not too slouchy, and the color looks gorgeous.  The Zara options also look very promising (and under budget!) and even I'm saving up for a J. Crew Brompton one day.

What bag is your favorite?  Do you have any favorite brands that Kristi should check out? 

P.S. To be completely honest, if it were me looking, I would start stalking my local Last Call and Nordstrom Rack stores for the best bargain I can find! 

The one that got away...

I heart Nordstrom Rack.  It's close to my office, and I often stop in for a quick lap around the store to see what's available that week.  However, on Monday I did something dumb. 

I have been on the lookout for a good crossbody purse that's not too big or too small to take on my trip this summer (and everywhere else).  While cutting through the handbag section, I spied a Kate Spade Fanfare Brette purse in leopard patent leather for $119.  I carried it around for a few minutes, then decided that I did not need it right now and put it back.   Immediately, an old man grabbed it and ran to his wife saying "I got it!"

It turns out the leopard is hard to find for under $199, even on eBay.  And now I want it back.

vacation purses by cardiganjunkie featuring genuine leather handbags

After much internet searching, I'm not finding many other options that I like as much.  Whatever shall I do? 

Help me out - I need some leads!

My Future BFF: Clare Vivier

Every so often, I come across a designer who does everything so right (in my eyes) that I'd stalk them and try to hug if we ever crossed paths.  Clare Vivier is one of those people, but I would probably scare her.

She seems so cool (but not French, her husband is), and her effortlessly chic bags and leather goods are everything that I've ever hoped to find while shopping.  She also has a blog, where I discovered my next purse last Friday:

(in orange, please)

However, until the petite messenger is in stores, I'll drool over the rest of the collection.  Join me...

clare vivier totes by cardiganjunkie on polyvore.com

clare vivier 2 by cardiganjunkie featuring an envelope clutch bag

all items available at seevivier.com

P.S. You can also check out Clare's house on Apartment Therapy, her favorite places in Silverlake, and her closet via Closet Visit (scroll down)