The work bags FJ’s editors are loving right now
image via @mimmiterra/instagram
as told to daisy henry
“Slouchy bags till I die.”
There are usually two types of people when it comes to work bags. There’s the type A, ultra-organised, everything-has-a-spot person, and then there are your type Bs, who have no idea what’s rolling around in the bottom of their bags. No matter which way you swing, a trusty work bag will always be a wardrobe essential. What you put in it is your business (we’re not here to judge).
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If your week is anything like ours, then a versatile bag is key. You want something that can fit a laptop and your lunch (on the days you remember to bring it), but not one that resembles a shapeless sack (unless of course, you do). From large, woven totes to studded shoulder carry-alls, these are the work bags carrying us through the week.
Georgia Jay Flo in Coco Suede
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Picked by: Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
I’ve had a bag from Georgia Jay on my wish list for well over a year now and I think I’m ready to take the plunge. Each piece is handmade in the label’s Auckland studio and made from premium leather and the Flo bag is an ideal blend between slouchy and structured. It’s equipped with internal pockets and fits a laptop (essential), making it the perfect carry-all. I can already envision all the outfits it would go with, too!
Get it here.
A-Esque Big Cloud Shoulder Bag
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Picked by: Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor
Let me preface this by saying I’m not on the lookout for a new work bag. I’ve been using the same trusty faithful I bought at age 16, which still renders me compliments almost weekly (I had one this morning!). That said, I am frequently tempted. I’ve been loving the designs coming out of A-Esque lately and am particularly partial to the Big Cloud Shoulder Bag. It’s the right amount of structure and softness, with a firmly contemporary feel thanks to the chocolate suede.
Get it here.
Sonia Rykiel Bag
Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor
I love my secondhand Sonia Rykiel bag which I found on Depop. It’s a sturdy leather, capacious sack that fits a laptop and lunchbox, and it has handy smaller pockets so I’m not always reaching around for my keys and phone. I feel like I’m seeing more Sonia Rykiel at Goodbyes and consignment stores lately, so I’d take a look there if you’re wanting to get your hands on your own. Next, I’m searching for her iconic Domino bag as I’m always drawn to anything with studs.
Find a Goodbyes store here.
Picked by: Ariana Rigazzi, writer and Fashion Journal intern
The black Jasper bag from Marsenè was sitting in my cart until I got lucky and thrifted a vintage lookalike the same day. That said, this piece is basically the blueprint for my perfect work bag. Made from 100 per cent sheepskin, the structured shape is timeless, the adjustable straps and zipped opening make it super practical and it fits a laptop perfectly. Plus, Marsenè is Melbourne-based, so extra points for supporting local!
Get it here.
Khaira The Reina
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Picked by: Holly Villagra, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Production Manager
My all-time favourite bag is The Reina by Khaira. I was first sold on the buttery suede powder blue (gorgeous!), but also on its versatility. It’s one of those bags that you can take from the office straight to an event or after-work drinks.
Get it here.
Mimmi Terra Traveller Tote
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Picked by: Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
I only just came across Melbourne-based brand, Mimmi Terra and I’m in love. I received the Traveller Tote as a birthday gift and haven’t stopped using it since. It fits my laptop, lunch, sunglasses, phone (and all the various lips balms and hand creams rolling around loosely at the bottom). The style comes in a range of colours (from tiramisu to red, pink and purple) and adds some texture to my overall outfit.
Get it here.
Vintage Armani Exchange Bag
Picked by: Holly Villagra, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Production Manager
Slouchy bags till I die. I have a vintage Armani exchange bag from a pre-loved store in Newtown called Reunion. It holds all my secrets (receipts and muesli bars), plus a few copies of our latest magazine, of course. Though I’d like to think it’s a one in a million find, you can probably browse the store’s site for something similar.
Find more from Reunion here.
Acne Studios Logo Shoulder Tote Bag
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Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor
Another bag on my wish list is this Acne Studios tote bag from Incu. I don’t do small bags! I’m also not a trinket girlie, but I love the scanned denim and bows and pearls on this bag, it’s so fun and reminds me of the fashion collages we do in the print magazine.
Get it here.
Toteme T-Lock Leather Top Handle Bag from Incu
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Picked by: Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor
I always try to buy from local designers but have a soft spot for Toteme. The label’s T-Lock Leather Top Handle Bag caught my eye on the Incu website recently and has been taking up a fair amount of my headspace since. The design feels like a nod to old world barrel bag and I love that it’s not instantly discernible as a designer bag (my personal ick). It’s also quite a slim, chic design so wouldn’t be out of place at after work drinks. Twist my arm on this one, I’m tempted!
Get it here.
For tips on restoring leather bags, head here.
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