E! illustration/Courtesy of Sofia VieraI've been looking for the perfect work bag ever since I moved to NYC. I've tried way too many bags and backpacks to mention, and almost nothing has passed my countless tests. Sure, it's easy to find a bag that works for the office when your commute is 10 minutes downtown. But when you live in Brooklyn, and you're in the subway for forty minutes going to Manhattan you need a bag that survives it all and still looks good for the office and brand events after.
After years of trial and error, I found the best work tote bag that looks chic, is comfortable to carry, fits everything I could ever need (shoe change included), and gets me compliments everywhere I go.
- Best Work Bag for a Busy Commute: Poppy & Peonies Avenue Tote Cognac Suede
- Hate Carrying a Lunch Bag? This Work Bag Has It All: Poppy & Peonies Double Duty Tote Espresso
- The Editor-Approved Work Tote Bag in a Matching Set: Poppy & Peonies Multitasker Set Chestnut
Poppy & Peonies Tote Bags are perfection. While the exact tote bag I own (The Meadow Tote) is sold out, there isn't much difference between each of the bags from the brand. I'd happily recommend any tote bag from Poppy & Peonies. The most similar that's still available is the Avenue Tote in Cognac Suede.
It needed to have a top zip closure that actually closed, to prevent the dirty subway air from getting on my things. It needed to have long, strong, and comfortable enough straps that didn't hurt my shoulder. It needed to have a separate laptop pocket that wasn't too bulky, and a roomy enough interior to fit clothing or shoe changes for after-work events.
It also needed to be made of a durable enough material so that it didn't get ruined in the rain or snow. And while I don't know how it'll be in the snow, I did get caught in the rain with it. Afterwards, the material still looked good, and none of my stuff inside got wet. This bag passed all of my NYC-commute tests with flying colors.
Let me warn you, though, this bag is huge. It doesn't feel huge or heavy at all, but you are carrying your entire life in a tote bag. Every event I go to, people both compliment my bag and ask me if I'm an editor... It's a little bit of an IYKYK secret: editors carry giant (beautiful) bags. So, people might notice your bag first, before they notice you. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing!
So, whether you're looking for your first big-girl bag for the office or you want to replace your current go-to with an autumnal choice, I couldn't recommend this tote bag more! Plus, it's under $200!
Poppy & Peonies Avenue Tote Cognac Suede
Crafted in faux suede with smooth vegan leather straps, this tote bag features plenty of organizational pockets inside, a built-in key leash, a laptop compartment, an interior cup holder, a back trolley sleeve that zips up, and protective metal feet on the bottom.
Poppy & Peonies Multitasker Cognac
Made with vegan leather, the Multitasker tote features two interior cupholders, a laptop compartment, a removable shoulder strap, multiple interior pockets, a key leash, top zip closure, and an interior lining.
Poppy & Peonies Multitasker Set Chestnut
This matching set comes with everything you need for a full day at the office, including the best-selling Multitasker tote bag, a cosmetic case, and a clear tech case in a matching vegan leather colorway.
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