I had so much fine shopping for shoe week last week that I decided this week, we’ll talk about handbags. Welcome to bag week.

If you go into an office lugging a heavy laptop bag or large work tote, the last thing you want is to haul that monster to lunch or coffee.  Instead, many women carry a smaller bag that fits inside their larger bag — a bag within a bag.  This Matryoshka-like system is especially helpful when traveling, so for an upcoming work trip, I’ve been hunting for a smaller bag.

This JW Pei Elise top-handle bag caught my eye immediately.  The top handle styling and offset clasp give it a really cool look.  The inside has accordion-style pockets to organize your card case, keys, phone, lipstick, etc.  Plus, it also comes with a separate crossbody strap if carrying a bag by the handle like Grace Kelly in a Hitchcock film doesn’t fit your lifestyle.  Also, the bag costs under-$90.

Looking for something less prim and proper?  JW Pei’s Ashlie crossbody has a modern styling.  The bag’s hardware and shape have a cool, equestrian styling.  And at $99, it’s an affordable extra to boost your summer shirt dresses and eyelet tops.

Either bag would make a fantastic bag within a bag.

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