I am so sick of seeing Longchamp bags. They’re not faux pas, they’re just boring. Mind numbingly boring. So I thought I’d post some leather tote bags that do the same job as a Le Pliage bag but look a lot better doing it.
Elected Official
DvF Rustic Bucket Tote (ShopBop, $545)
Hill Staffer
Kristin Tote (Banana Republic, $130)
Unpaid Intern
Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Hurray!! I agree, Longchamp bags are so cliched and dull. Almost as gross and obnoxious as Uggs in terms of pervasiveness.
I agree, although admit to owning the smaller longchamp bag (it is perfect for football games, etc. where beer slippage is more likely). I thought I'd share my current leather tote – the Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Francesca. Fits my computer and much more. I love that both straps can go over the shoulder. I have it in black and am now oggling the red DvF Belle posted here.
All-around love for the leather bags, Belle! Headed to a conference in Philly next week – anyone have any suggestions for attire?
agreed – though i'm still with the foldable longchamps totes for an extra travel bag (i.e. the way they were always intended). you never know when you're going to pack a surplus of purchases.
So agree! I just ordered that BR tote last week. Thanks for reminding us that there are options!
Thank you! I have always found longchamp bags to look too casual with professional attire but figured women used them because they could fit their laptops and the kitchen sink. These options are so much better! Aldos also has great work-appropriate bags at reasonable prices and their bags are very sturdy
THANK YOU! Especially since so many women continue to carry them once the corners have begun to fray. Probably the same ones who never fix their heels.
I'm not loving these bags. I'm in law school and the Longchamp Le Pilage is the only bag that will carry 1) my massive casebooks 2) my 15″ laptop and 3) my random essentials for a 12 hour day at school – all without adding extra bulk. (Other than a backpack, but let's face it – backpacks are fugly.) Longchamps don't have to be boring – the come in a myriad of colors and you can also tie scarves on them or monogram them to make it more personal/ aesthetically pleasing.
In a professional setting (i.e. a law firm) I would reconsider. But I also would not be carrying around 20 pounds of casebooks every day at a firm. But for my lifestyle at the moment, there is no better bag than a Longchamp! (And it is INFIINTELY better than those heinous Vera Bradley creations…ughh)
Just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.
Any idea what Jessica Pearson on Suits carries?
I agree that Longchamps are totally boring, but please show me another bag that:
–Will not be damaged if you get caught in an unexpected summer or winter storm
–Holds books + sneakers + files + lunch all at one time
–Weighs next to nothing on its own
–Is tailored and classy but not trop cher for a public servant to respectably carry
–Zips shut so that no one can pickpocket you on the Metro
Once I find a bag that can do all of the above, I will replace my Longchamps. Thanks!
I have a Rebecca Minkoff bag that does all those things. Actually, I have two. One's leather and weatherized, but weighs a bit. One's linen, weighs nothing and held: a trench coat rolled up, an iPad, three magazines, a hardback book, a wallet, a blackberry, a bottle of water, two 8.5×11 folders, an iPad and flats when I was in NYC.
Just because Longchamp is the easiest one, cause you see it on everyone, doesn't mean it's the only one.