I’m always on the hunt for practical yet chic pieces to add to my closet and my handbag collection is no exception. As much as I love the mini bag trend, I have to admit mini bags aren’t always that practical. When I’m running errands around town or headed to a business meeting, I typically reach for a work bag that can hold more items. I try not to carry too much because I don’t want to strain my neck and back, but I do like to have the option to throw my iPad or laptop in my bag, if necessary.

There are a few things I always look for in a great work bag – style, function and fabrication. A lot of my mini bags are soft leather which is prone to scratching so I have to be more delicate with them, but when it comes to work bags, I usually opt for more forgiving options like grained leather. Tote bags are the obvious option for work bags because they’re stylish yet functional. Here are my favorite work bags in my closet.

Senreve Midi Maestra

This past weekend I featured this Senreve bag on my Instagram and I got so many questions about it. Senreve is a brand that I’ve been seeing pop up more and more and I’ve been so intrigued by the quality of their bags so when they reached out to collaborate, I was super excited to work together and get my hands on one of their beautiful bags.

My expectations were exceeded when I received this bag – the bag is made in Italy so it’s handcrafted with the finest leather. It reminds me of some of my most beloved designer bags – it has the structure of a Givenchy, the shape of a Celine and the sturdy leather of a Louis Vuitton.

Outfit Details

Privacy Please White Bodysuit (wearing an XS)
Topshop White Blazer (wearing an US 2)
Levi’s Denim Shorts (similar here and here)
Quay Sunglasses
Christian Louboutin White Heels (better for budget here)
Senreve Midi Maestra Bag (in ‘Sand’ color)

One unique thing about this Senreve bag is that they’re convertible so you can wear this bag as a shoulder bag, backpack, crossbody or on your arm.

Outfit Details

Senreve Midi Maestra Bag (in ‘Sand’ color)
Style Mafia White Button Down (old, similar here)
One Teaspoon Denim Skirt (50% off right now! size down – wearing a 23)
Quay Sunglasses
Christian Louboutin White Heels (better for budget here)

Givenchy Medium Antigona

Another bag that I adore in my closet is this Givenchy Antigona bag. I’ve had it for a couple of years now and it’s stayed in great condition. While the leather is the smooth version, it’s actually held up surprisingly well. I think I have one minor scratch in the front that’s not really visible (and I’m not too careful with my bags).

I love that I can carry a lot in this bag and it’s still lightweight. It’s been a great bag to travel with too. I always cover it in it’s dust bag before stuffing it under the seat in front of me on an airplane though just to make sure it doesn’t get scratched.

Outfit Details

Burberry Sandringham Trench (in ‘Honey’ color, wearing a US 0, better for budget here)
Free People Bodysuit (wearing an S)
Levi’s Denim Shorts (exact sold out, similar here)
Saint Laurent Sunglasses (better for budget here)
Givenchy Antigona Bag (smooth version, medium size)
Alexandre Birman Heels

Celine Mini Luggage Tote

My Celine Luggage Tote is another favorite work bag of mine. It’s the pebbled leather so it’s super forgiving although I will say the pebbled leather doesn’t quite hold it’s shape as well. Nonetheless, it’s a great work bag because it’s sturdy and chic.

I often travel with this bag too. I love the red color and the gold hardware. I bought mine preowned off of eBay years ago, but I often see one or two pop up on the preowned handbag websites. If I were to buy one today, I’d buy it from The Real Real (here’s my exact one).

Outfit Details

Red Celine Bag
Tularosa Red Duster (wearing an XXS)
Privacy Please White Bodysuit
GRLFRND Denim Shorts
Christian Louboutin Nude Heels
Celine Sunglasses (better for budget here)

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

I rarely feature this Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM bag on my blog (hence the old pictures), but it’s honestly the bag I use the most. Whenever I carry a mini bag, I often keep my Louis Vuitton on hand to hold all of my extra things. This is another bag that I bought preowned while I lived in LA. I don’t mind buying preowned bags since they’re typically just gently used and you can save hundreds. I’m not the most gentle on my bags so a few extra scratches usually go unnoticed to me.

My Louis Vuitton is also the bag I mainly travel with because it can store so much. I always keep it open so I can easily reach in and grab stuff, but if I’m sightseeing or traveling I often don’t like to carry it for that fact alone. Someone could easily reach inside or things could easily fall out. That said, it’s a great work bag because it fits my 15″ Macbook among other things. So if I’m going somewhere with my laptop, I always carry it in my Neverfull.

xo, Maria

Shop myinstagram

view all