From work bags to attire for a conference in Florida, this week’s mailbag was full of good questions.  So let’s get started!

Hi Abra,

I know you’ve posted before about your favorite carry on bags for a laptop, etc. But I don’t recall the brand.  Was it Lo & Sons?  Thank you and have a good trip!

Kim

When I started with the Legislature in 2019, I bought a beautiful leather bag to take to work.  But my office was on the fourth floor of a building where the elevators were always jammed in the morning, and carrying that leather bag up four flights of stairs nearly broke me emotionally.

Now, I keep a selection of non-leather bags.  My every day bag is the Lo & Sons OG 2.0.  This bag holds everything you need, plus you can absolutely beat the holy, living s**t out of this thing, and it will show no wear.  ZERO WEAR.  I have tossed mine about since 2019 and it still looks new.

Second, I keep a CALPAK Haven Leather look tote for when I want the look of leather without all of the heft.  It’s still a little heavy but it won’t break my shoulder.  And lastly, I have a Dagne Dover coated canvas Signature Tote (currently $69 off).  I like this bag because it just looks like a big purse.  I carried one through all of law school and through hundreds of classes and thousands of flights of stairs, I never had an issue.

Still want leather?  Don’t buy from Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s.  Hit the Coach Outlet and the Kate Spade sale section or their Surprise Site.

Belle,

Can you help me find a gift for my intern?  She’s a little older than a regular intern (26) because she just came out of the military.  My boss and I are at a loss about what to get her.  She has already secured a job at State when she leaves.  We want to spend about $100-$125 because we’re all chipping in.

Sincerely, Leesa

Never underestimate the power of buying your intern a gift.  I still have the eagle bookends that my LD bought from the staff gift shop in the House.  Also, bookends are a surprisingly useful gift.  These marble ones are nice.  They’re not very personal, but it’s one of those things you can put in your next office to spruce the place up a bit.

Another great option is a leather pad folio.  If you’re in the House/Senate, Exec, etc. think about getting one with the seal on it.  It’s a nice thing.  If you want something else, I love Mark & Graham for these types of professional leather goods.  Their Commute Clutch is on deep sale right now, and it’s the perfect thing for a staffer who goes from meeting to meeting and needs essentials but doesn’t want to carry a bag.  If she uses an iPad or other tech gear, try this one.

Lastly, I have a refillable leather notepad that has gone with me to every job since 2017.  I love this thing.  

From the DMs:

One quick question, do you have a favorite acne treatment?  Mine is on fire and my regular serum is not tackling this breakout.

KL

No acne product I have ever used has worked better than the Dr. Jart sheet masks.  I put one on before bed, smear the leftover product into my skin once I’m done, and I wake up with smaller pores, smaller blemishes, clearer skin, and far less redness.  They’re $12 each, but worth every penny.

Hi Abra!

What would you recommend wearing to a legal conference in Florida in late summer where I have to speak on a panel during the day and entertain clients at a dinner in the evening? I’m tired of always doing the same boring black business suit outfit.

Thanks for your help!

If this were me, I would have outfits for my non-panel days and then a panel outfit.  My non-panel uniform would be a printed wrap dress and a white blazer.  I’ve been buying a lot of printed wrap dresses from Poshmark lately because my post-baby body is still here and it needs them.

And speaking of white blazers, my ivory Captain’s blazer from BR is currently on sale. This is a MUST BUY situation, and you know I’m not usually that blogger, but I have worn mine 1,000x rounding down.  Also comes in petite and tall, runs up to size 18.

For panel day, I would have a red or cobalt dress.  This is impact time.  Go shine!  If those colors are a bit bold for you a wine or dark green are also nice.

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