Looking for the perfect work bag/tote/purse?

If you are like me, you are always on the look-out for the perfect work bag that will hold everything you need, and still look stylish. The "perfect" bag FOR ME not only has to hold a laptop, phone, and some paperwork files... but also keys, wallet, (sun)glasses, a make-up bag and maybe even a sweater? The "perfect" bag will also allow me to find all these things easily so functionality and organization is a must. I prefer to sling my bag over my shoulder, but there are times I need my hands. So a longer strap is a great accessory to allow it to be worn "messenger bag" style which keeps everything on my body but still easily available. Lastly, this bag should be able to fit under an airplane seat without dumping over!

I recently did some research for a client and from that I've created a list of my favorite handbags and totes. Now you'll also have to understand that I am pretty frugal and always looking for a deal, so while I may covet some of the more expensive ones listed, I will end up buying something similar that I find at TJ Maxx!

Kate Spade – Hadley Road Dina $348

A classic leather shoulder bag with open-top so everything is easily accessible. Plus it comes with a removable pouch that doubles as a clutch. (*Use this with the organizing insert below...)
SIZE 10.7"h x 13.5"w x 6.4"d.  drop length: 9"

https://www.katespade.com/products/hadley-road-dina/PXRU9473.html

Dagne Dover - Legend Tote $265

This bag has so many pockets and separate compartments, it can hold everything including a drink!  The zip top ensures that items won't spill out if knocked over.
SIZE 11.5"h x 14.75”w x 7”d.  9" Handle Drop.      
https://www.dagnedover.com/collections/legend-tote

 

Knomo – Grosvenor Place $199

Two easy-access front pockets with RFID lining – perfect for cards, passport and phones.  Main compartment: padded section for laptops; 2nd compartment for tablets or other; zippered top.

SIZE 13"h x 16.5"w x 5.5"d Handle Length: 10"

https://knomo.com/products/grosvenor-place-15-laptop-tote-119-209-blk

 

Michael Kors - Whitney Large Leather Tote $298

An everyday, everywhere bag crafted from 100% leather. The spacious interior can accommodate a laptop or extra pair of shoes. Zippered top. (*Use this with the organizing insert below...)
SIZE 11"h x 17.5"w x 7"d. Handle Drop: 11.5"https://www.michaelkors.com/whitney-large-leather-tote/_/R-US_30S8SN1T3L

 

Kate Spade - Molly Large Tote $228
An effortless everyday bag. A removable pouch snaps in & out, a dog-clip closure keeps the tote closed while giving you easy access to inside. (*Use this with the organizing insert below...)
SIZE 11.5”h x14"w x5”d, handle drop: 9.5”

https://www.katespade.com/products/molly-large-tote/098687329965.html

 

Madewell - Transport Tote $188

The top zip closure ensures all your necessities stay in place.  (*Use this with the organizing insert below...)

SIZE 13.5h x 14"W x 6 ½"D. 8" strap drop.

https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-tote-53228.html

These are from Amazon, and have great prices. I would buy these!

YALUXE Women's Vintage Style Soft Leather Work Tote Large Shoulder Bag $60
https://www.amazon.com/YALUXE-Womens-Vintage-Leather-Shoulder/dp/B079HV83SJ/ref=lp_14308055011_1_2?srs=14308055011&ie=UTF8&qid=1537461881&sr=8-2&ascsubtag=[]c2[i]eq5Pmb&tag=thecutonsite-20

SQLP Fashion Women's Leather Handbags ladies Waterproof Shoulder Bag Tote Bags $34
https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Leather-handbags-Waterproof-Shoulder/dp/B01N18UU4X?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2&ascsubtag=[]c2[i]7nJCuO&tag=thecutonsite-20

If you choose one of the tote types above that does not have a lot of inside pockets or sections, you may be interested in one of these?  I found this on a Facebook ad so I don't know anything about this vendor.  But I thought it was a great add-on!  It comes in Red, Grey or Beige.

EasySwap Premium Purse Organizer $29.99
https://proudqueen.com/products/easyswap-premium?fbclid=IwAR2wgtVjcEiX5uexgDixFnh1FQnzoCsIwSJ4KmfGIeKj0RJCcoVN7VEgKvk


If you are into the backpack style for ease of carrying, but still want have organized access, check out this pack for a great option.  Again, I found this ad on Facebook so would love to know if anyone purchases it and what they think! 

Modernistlook LUXE Smart Backpack $89.99
https://www.modernistlook.com/en/product/modernist-luxe-brilliance-series-smart-backpack/?utm_campaign=NoInterestManual&utm_source=USALLA&utm_medium=facebook&utm_term=&utm_content=video1&fbclid=IwAR1oTZSZ_BDpLFlMtWdihPIqAN9CPYicU5cDJY4rBKf088yrZKVb3gl2fd4


And finally, one more Facebook find.  A great weekend bag for when you want to un-plug and leave the laptop at work!  This great bag seems perfect for a quick trip whether on a plane, train or boat. It's soft sided but has a great shoe compartment, can fit under the airplane seat and offers outside pockets for easy access to passport and tickets!

 

Lo & Sons - Catalina Deluxe $158.00
https://www.loandsons.com/pages/catalina-deluxe-womens-weekender-travel-bag

5 Surprising Remodel Trends We'll See In 2019

Here's the latest on five surprising remodel trends that experts expect to be popular in 2019, along with predictions about which ones are likely to have staying power.
- Courtesy of Craig Nosler RE/MAX Integrity P: 425-765-5588, www.CraigNosler.com

5 Surprising Remodel Trends We'll See In 2019

1. No Upper Cabinets In the Kitchen

Many interior design experts are talking about the growing popularity of kitchens that have no upper cabinets. It’s a clean, clutter-free look that pairs well with today's minimalistic trend, but it doesn't come without a trade-off.

 

Having no upper cabinets can result in a nice “win” in the looks department as long as the kitchen still has sufficient cabinet space. If the result is a lack of storage, however, it's likely to be a net loss.

Fad Factor: Low to high. It depends on how much storage space you end up with. The level of functionality you may lose is an excellent deciding factor for most rooms (and especially when it comes to the kitchen).

2. Sinks Made of Bright Metallics

The craze for metallics is one fad that’s bucking the current trend of minimalism, which means that this year you’ll see more sinks made of copper and bronze.

Some designers are confidently advising a matte finish, but you don’t have to look far to find someone else telling homeowners to boldly go towards the look of shiny gold.



Native Trails Farmhouse Sink, courtesy of Build.com.

If you like features that make a statement but want to play things safe for future resale, an eye-catching style in a matte metallic may be a good option.

Fad Factor: Low to moderate. As long as a sink style is not too "out there" and the sink itself is a practical design, it's likely to stay reasonably desirable.

3. Terrazzo for Floors, Backsplashes, and Countertops

Terrazzo is a composite material made from chippings of marble, quartz, granite, or glass set into cement. It was popular in the U.S. from the early 1900’s through the 1950’s.

And now… it’s back. :) Here's an example of what it can look like, although it comes in a huge variety of other styles and colors:


Terrazzo's versatility makes it a good candidate for inventive backsplash designs, which are in high demand right now. It can be poured in place or purchased as ready-to-use tiles.

Fad Factor: Moderate. With such a wide range of styles available, how durable the Terrazzo trend may be for your home depends a lot on how unusual a pattern you choose.

4. Matte Black and Hunter Green In Kitchens and Baths

Last year gray seemed to be everyone’s favorite color, but in 2019 expect to see black and hunter green used more frequently in kitchens and bathrooms.

(This might not be the hunter green that immediately springs to mind. The color showing up in many design blogs is a dusky mix of gray and dark sage, as you can see in Benjamin Moore's 2019 Color Trends palette below.)

 
Fad Factor: Moderate. A black or dark gray color scheme may be a safer option than green.

5. Bold Floral Pattern Wallpaper

Yes, bold and colorful wallpaper is making a comeback... and floral patterns are trending. (But wait, keep reading! :) If you look at current design blogs you'll see a wide range of other fresh styles to choose from.

As long as the thought of wallpaper doesn’t make you want to dive into the nearest sensory deprivation chamber, you might enjoy browsing through the LED wallpaper collection from Meystyle, or Piet Boon’s amazing concrete-inspired designs.



LED wallpaper by Meystyle.
Image courtesy of Meystyle.com.

Fad Factor: Moderate to high, depending on the style. Bold floral designs make a statement that's hard to ignore and can make rooms feel smaller. Patterns that create an understated, contemporary look will have more staying power.

On Their Way Out?

To everything there is a season.... These are the styles some design experts say are losing popularity:

- The all-white kitchen.

- Classic subway tiles.

- Ornate features, such as heavily styled cabinets.

- Gray as a base color scheme.


Still Going Strong

- Deep drawer kitchen cabinets. (Expect these to be around forever.)

- Concrete countertops.

- Boldly colored kitchen appliances.

- Pendant light fixtures. 

The Bottom Line...

On any day you can usually find one expert saying a trend is "in" while another says it's going out of fashion. Styles that are both attractive and highly functional are the ones most likely to stand the test of time.