Monday, September 13, 2010

Brown Bagging It

No this isn't about school lunches- they are as gross as you remember, or packing my lunch- I'm boring- leftovers or Lean Cuisines for this girl.

I need a new teacher bag.  I've had the same one for 5 years and it's lookin' a little beat up (I'm not very gentile with it).  

The LL Bean Adventure Tote is what I've been using (mine is a different color combo). I like the size, the pockets and the washable fabric.  But it doesn't hold it's shape.
  
I know what I want but can't find it- this is where you come in.  

Checklist:
-big- has to hold 3 2-inch binders, a lunch bag, hard drive, a couple of folders
-over the shoulder straps
-sturdy- meaning it when it is empty it will hold it's shape, stand tall and proud
-some type of top closure
-washable (no leather) and hard to stain 
-outside pockets to hold id, keys, etc.

I found a bag that I think meets most of this- the Rocket Pocket by Scout 
Pocket Rocket 
However, while the company has some great patterns- they don't offer them in this style bag. I don't like any of the options for this bag.

Of course, there is the classic teacher bag- LL Bean Boat and Tote.

But as you see- no outside pockets and in my experience, they get floppy pretty quickly. 

Any ideas or recommendations? 

8 comments:

Emily said...

I'm personally a Boat and Tote girl. But out here in Hippieville, everyone carries Timbuk2 bags. Not sure if they hold their shape, but they're the go-to for the Boulder workforce.

Kelly said...

I love my Vera Bradley bags. I have several and all have held up well and hold quite a bit! I do like the Rocket Pocket bag!

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

I'm also a fan of the boat tote, but I totally get the need for an outside pocket. I got a leather LL Bean tote for Christmas, and it's fabulous, too. It's perfect for class and work because it fits books, binders, everything. (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/38451?pi=597871&qs=3012739-Google_Base&subrnd=0) And, the camel color is super cute.

Okay, it's a bit pricey, but it's true love for me.

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

oh, and ps, there's a great interior pocket that is easily accessible for my keys, phone, etc.

Anonymous said...

Someone at my school has that pocket bag and I totally love it! Another girl at the school I work at just found a great handmade leather bag on Etsie that totally keeps its share...maybe she'll share the vendor with you! Miss you! CK (formally known as CZ)

Leigh @ Kesler Expressler said...

I recently got a boat and tote so I don't know how well the shape will hold over the years, but I hear it does pretty well. It looks like you have some good options, though, and can't go wrong.

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I don't have any reccommendations, but there is nothing like a new bag - is there!?

Anonymous said...

I also used a boat and tote bag but I didn't like that there was no outside pocket.

Maybe check Target or Kohls?