We often hear that fashion is a statement, but the truth is in the fabric of our everyday choices—like what we choose to carry.
My quest for a work bag has been a colorful odyssey, from a vibrant orange leather briefcase from Franklin Planner in the ‘90s, brimming with the essentials of my bustling career, to a more souvenir yet equally chic tote I picked up in Nice. Each bag holds my things and a piece of my evolving story.
Years ago, that orange briefcase was my trademark; it was bright, bold, and big enough to carry my entire office. It was my arm’s companion through countless meetings, its sturdy straps never failing despite the weight of its contents. It was as much a part of my professional attire as my business card.
Yet, as the digital age lightened our physical loads, it also prompted me to reassess what I carried—both in my bag and in my mind.
Fast forward to today, I’ve downsized significantly to a lighter, more colorful tote that still meets my needs without weighing me down. It’s perfect for a laptop or iPad, a few important papers, and essentials for a casual meeting at a coffee shop or a client’s office. More importantly, it reminds me of a splendid trip and sparks conversations about more than work.
So, what does your tote say about you? Does it suggest you’re prepared for anything, carrying everything but the kitchen sink—a phrase my dad loved to use about our overstuffed diaper bag? Or have you embraced minimalism, carrying only what you need and shedding unnecessary burdens along the way?
Your choice of tote, whether a sleek backpack or a designer bag, is more than just functional. It reflects your style, work habits, and outlook on life.
More often as I swap my trusty briefcase for my lighter tote, I’m reminded of the balance I strive to maintain between formality and freedom, tradition and change.
What about you? Do you have a signature bag that has witnessed your career’s highs and lows? Or have you found freedom in downsizing? Share your tote tales—I’m all ears!
Two Links Du Jour:
A collection of bags for work from Franklin Planner – the source of my signature tote from the ‘90s.
Find Your Perfect Work Bag “I Stopped Strangers on the Subway to Find a Perfect Work Tote. I’ve been trying to find one for the past six years. New York Magazine – The Strategist
Two Minutes Du Jour 