Wednesday Wishlist: Carry All

This time of year, I seem to be perpetually in need of a giant bag to hold all of the stuff I'm lugging around. In the summer I can get away with a little crossbody bag, but once September hits it seems like I need to tote half of my life around with me, so a roomy shoulder bag becomes a very valuable thing. Happily, there are many good options to choose from. Let's take a look...

clockwise from l to r:

Vanessa Bruno Cabo Embellished Shopper ($253) -- These were everywhere ten years ago and were kind of overplayed in my opinion, but somehow a decade later this tote seems kind of fresh and interesting to me. I like the moody gray fabric offset by a bit of sparkle, like a cloud with a silver lining.

Monsoon Ticking Stripe Shopper ($38) -- crisp, clean, practical.

Target Leather Metallic Tote with Color Block Base ($60) -- Target seems to be introducing some slightly higher end bags to their inventory, including a number of interesting metallic options. I generally find their bags look and feel a bit cheap, but this two-tone tote is quite sharp.

Urban Outfitters BDG Convertible Tote -- I could never bring myself to pull the trigger on a Foley + Corrina City Tote, but I did quite enjoy the look and the cool slouchy shape. I'm digging this black on black inspired-by version from Urban Outfitters (though I may not be able to get over the fact that their parent company continues to be the worst).

Street Level Canvas Tote ($48) -- this bag has a lot to love -- practical shape, smart color combo, great price. A nice option if you're looking for an alternative to Madewell's popular Transport Tote.

Warehouse Leather and Suede Shopper ($69) -- this is about at sexy as a tote bag gets. The most fabulous way to schlep around way too much stuff.

Dogeared Big Canvas Tote ($32) -- a sturdy tote that comes with your choice of cheeky sayings. Since you know I'm going to end up at Chipotle, this one seems particularly practical.

Clare V. Matilde Backpack ($525) -- this a splurge (slightly less so if you can catch it during the Friends and Family sale), but it would be a nice investment piece if you have to tote around a lot during the workday. I have a lot of meetings and client visits and I always have to carry presentation materials, folders, tablets, and my own personal nonsense with me. This bag is chic and elegant and might even give people the impression that I have my shit together.

Wednesday Wishlist: Perfect Everyday Bags

Confession time: I'm not really much of a handbag girl. Of course, I need to lug my stuff around so I have to have a few good options in my closet, but they're far from the most important part of my wardrobe. I don't need to have a different bag to match every mood, I don't really care about the latest it bag. For my everyday bag, I have a few very specific requirements: it has to be leather (or at least look like it), it has to be roomy but not bulky, and it should be easy to carry (nice long shoulder straps, and maybe a crossbody option).

I don't have a brand preference -- I generally avoid anything with logos and instead try to find bags that convey style and quality while staying kind of anonymous. These bags may share some details with of-the-moment bags (a little quilting here, a tassel there, etc.), but they are definitely not knockoffs. Theory just launched a line of bags and accessories and I love the way they described their aesthetic: "Unbranded is our brand". When it comes to bags, I'm happy to take mine unbranded.

Since my bags get a lot of use, I don't mind spending a little money for something I love. Here are some of my current favorites at around $200:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

1. Madewell Transport Tote ($168) -- A best-seller and blogger favorite. Even though this generally meets all of my perfect bag's qualifications, the Transport Tote didn't really catch my eye until I saw the black/cognac color combo. Boom: love. The price feels a bit high for me, so rather than wait for a deal I think I'll try the next best thing: raiding my mom's closet. My ever-chic mom was way ahead of the trend and picked up an almost identical Cynthia Rowley tote on sale at Marshalls...almost 2 years ago! I'm sure she'll be ready to retire it soon...

2. Vince Camuto Kat Convertible Satchel ($150, on sale) -- I love the shape of this bag. Marc Jacobs made it popular years ago, and for good reason -- you get a roomy bag that tucks neatly under your arm and goes with almost everything. The poppy red color is my favorite.

3. Deux Lux Basketweave Hobo Bag ($129, on sale) -- Deux Lux is one of my favorite brands for stylish and affordable bags. Even at full price they are pretty reasonable, but I often find great deals at TJ Maxx and flash sale sites like Hautelook. This one is clearly influenced by Bottega Veneta, giving it a modern but timeless feel.

4. Isaac Mizrahi Oversized Hobo Bag ($218) -- Just big and slouchy and great. The only issue is making sure you don't overload it and give yourself a hunchback, but this is perfect for the eternal Girl Scout who never likes to leave the house unprepared.

5. Boden Maida Vale Bag ($228) -- The most classic slouchy hobo shape in a really fresh color. Check out the other options, too -- the silver is great if you love a good metallic.

6. Deux Lux Drawstring Bucket Bag ($105) -- I gravitate towards totes and hobos, but a bucket bag is a fantastic and practical style that would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Keep the strap a little short or wear it crossbody to keep it from going too soccer mom.

7. Forever 21 Colorblock Faux Leather Tote ($30) -- If this looks as good in person as it does online, this is a steal! I love the color combo and the overall versatility of this bag. Forever 21 can be very hit or miss when it comes to handbags, but I've got my fingers crossed for this one.