Style Counsel: Work Totes for the Long Haul

We're always on the lookout for the perfect work bag; one that can accommodate the necessities of the day while still radiating style; here's a roundup of the bags we carry (lug) at Remodelista.

Have you found the ultimate work bag? Let us know.

Above: Margot has a weakness for totes and owns more than she cares to confess. She is currently coveting Peg and Awl's Waxed Canvas Tote. It come in two sizes and four earthy colors. The detachable shoulder straps are made from Swedish gun slings (an oxymoron if ever we've heard one). The muliti-pocketed interiors are lined with vintage striped or checked fabric from curtains, dresses, and pillowcases; $220 at Peg and Awl.

Above: Sarah's go-to bag is an oversized canvas bag made by her friend Matt Dick from Small Trade Company. Read more about Sarah's Bicycle Commute to work. Photo by Mimi Giboin.

Above: "I am a big believer in bags within bags (it's a mobile filing system of sorts), and these leather wallets from RTH in Los Angeles are favorites," says Sarah. "I first spotted the wallets at March in San Francisco, but they can also be purchased online at RTH Shop. The Muji Gel Pen in black writes beautifully and never seems to leak ($1.25 from Muji). The Letts of London Diary ($13.20 from Amazon) is a 20-plus-year legacy system that I can't seem to retire." Photo by Mimi Giboin.

Above: "On my last trip to London, I fell hard for Ally Capellino bags," Janet says. "I bought Ally Capellino's iGor Rucksack as a present for my bag-obsessed husband and turned it into shared bag. It's the perfect carry-on bag for quick business travel; generously sized (ample room for laptop, notebook, cosmetic bag, and camera) without feeling big." Made of lightly waxed canvas and leather with a padded interior laptop pocket; £330 at Ally Capellino.

Above: Christine favors the La Tropézienne tote bag by Clare Vivier. "It's my most versatile bag, as it carries anything and everything—laptop, reading material, and the assortment of extra clothing layers I need for the variable London weather." Made of Italian leather, it is available with a 5-inch or an 8-inch handle; $386 at Clare Vivier. (N.B. La Tropézienne is available in the UK at Bodie and Fou.)

Above: Christine matches her Clare Vivier bag with a Lorraine satchel by London designer Ally Capellino (£350 through Ally Capellino). "The satchel holds my phone and wallet and key purse from Design Guild and comes solo with me for quick errands or lunch," she says. "A simple Tumi bag carries my tech accessories."

Above: Meredith's Filson Zippered Tote is a workhorse. "It can fit everything—laptop, glasses, myriad notebooks, measuring tape, lunch. It's a bit like Mary Poppins' bottomless bag, and I'm always amazed at what it can fit. Plus, I'm partial to Seattle brands." The Filson Zippered Tote is $140.

Above: Alexa carries around a mix of bags—"a simple canvas tote for tech gear and an envelope bag from UK designer Lizzy Disney." Inside Alexa's bag, you will fine white wooden Delfonics Pens, a sample-size La Tulipe Eau de Parfum, mini Sugar Lip Treatment (to battle San Francisco winds), a small RTH card case, and a black notebook.

Above: "Living in New York City I walk everywhere and run up and down subway steps so I try and carry as little as possible," Francesca says. "My current favorite bag is a tiny sleek cross-body zipper pouch from Celine. Perfect for the essentials; cell phone, note pad from Merci, reading glasses from Anthropologie, and a black pen." (The Vendetta Mini Flap Crossbody Bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim is a similar bag that is currently available; $695 at La Garconne.)

Above: If she needs to carry a laptop, Francesca uses one of the giveaway totes she's collected. "Currently in rotation are ones from Transportation Alternatives, Freize Art Fair, and E. R. Butler."