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Workwear Hall of Fame: Longchamp Totes

Accessories· Coffee Break· Fashion· Workwear Hall of Fame | · · ·

Dec. 2020 Update: There’s a ton of Pliage totes, backpacks, travel bags and more in the 2020 Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale!

simple tote for work

Nordstrom has a number of great bags on sale right now, including the classic Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ large tote bag. Only fun colors are on sale, such as ocean (pictured), as well as citrine, lilac, rosalie, and white — but if you’re just lugging stuff to and from the office, a happy pop of color can be a nice pick-me-up. Was $145, now $97 at Nordstrom. Longchamp ‘Le Pliage Large’ Tote Bag

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2015 Update: This bag is now in our Hall of Fame! The brown-strapped Pliage (pictured) has continued to dominate offices for years — it comes in a zillion colors! — but if you prefer a more streamlined look, the Pliage Neo has straps that match the bag (in black as well as colors). Note that you can sometimes find Longchamp on sale during big Nordstrom sales.

Some of our other favorite tote bags include:

collage of 6 totes, including 1) Street Level 2) Cuyana 3) Madewell Transport 4) Tory Burch Ella 5) Lo & Sons Seville and 6) Tory Burch leather tote

Above, some of the best work totes for women as of 2023: one* / two* / three / four* / five / six* (not pictured but also Tumi and Dagne Dover!)
* try this highly-rated organizing insert with some of the less structured bags…

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Workwear sales of note for 3.24.23:

  • Ann Taylor – 40% off everything
  • Athleta – 20% off shorts, swim, linen & more
  • Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything; extra 15% off purchase
  • Boden – Up to 50% off
  • Brooks Brothers – Clearance styles to 70% off. Some pretty serious markdowns!
  • Express – 40% off dresses & tops
  • J.Crew – 25% off your purchase; up to 50% off special-occasion styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Up to 50% off everything; extra 15% off 3 styles; extra 20% off 4 styles; extra 50% off clearance
  • Sephora – Up to 50% off select beauty
  • Talbots – 25% off select styles; 25% off markdowns

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  2. EM

    So 3 weeks ago I had my second (in-person) interview for my dream job in the Federal government. They requested a second writing sample from me, which I provided, and said they hoped to have a decision by the end of June.

    I’m going nuts here, because this is my DREAM job. Is there ANYTHING else I can do?

    • RKS

      Network! Do you know of anyone who could give you an “in” to the office? One person in my office got the job over someone else because her former boss knew someone here, called and gave her a glowing (unsolicited) recommendation.

      • EM

        I have gone through my rolodex a dozen times and can’t find a single person who knows him. I did find someone who knew someone he knew, and am waiting back to hear from my friend as to how strong her connection is.

        It’s like waiting on tenderhooks.

        • Shayna

          Did you try some online-stalking… type his name into Google or LinkedIn and see if you come up with a connection…

  3. KZ

    2 thread hijacks…

    First, a job question. So I’m a recently graduated law student studying for the bar who can’t find a law job. However, I have been offered a political job with someone on the Hill I interned for my 1L summer–the position involves legislation analysis/policy work and a lot of constituent correspondence. It’s a job I would enjoy and I’m fairly my school’s loan repayment program would consider it public interest and cover my loan payments, but it’s in another city (a problem because significant other has to stay where we are now) and it’s not a law job in the traditional sense. Do I take this job now in the recognition that I can’t seem to get a law job (I haven’t had even an interview in months), or do I keep looking for a law job and hope/pray? (my school also offers a small 3 month stipend for public interest law jobs, so if I could find a public interest job, I could have something to do for three months). My concern is that if I take the political job, is it actually going to make it harder to find a new job when I start looking for jobs with firms and more traditional legal settings because I won’t have been doing typical lawyer things? (and I will be looking for a firm job–this is not intended to be a permanent job, but something to do until the economy turns around; my potential employer knows this and is ok with it).

    2nd question–I’m desperately trying to find a skirt or pants to go with a suit jacket I just bought from J. Crew and they’ve sold out of my size online. If anyone happened to order the super 120s skirt or pants in espresso, size 2 or 4, and for some reason you want to return it (or even if you’ve worn it and decided you hate it and want to get rid of it), if you would instead sell it to me, I would be eternally grateful. Nothing is showing up on eBay and I really want this suit.

    • Anon

      I’m not affiliated in any way with this site, but i’m pretty sure that Jcrewaficionada (blog site) has regular places where people post what they are selling and what they want to buy and people can find things that way. Just a thought. Again – it’s not my site and I don’t know anything more about it than what I’ve written here :)

    • Emily

      I had friends who took political jobs on the Hill to wait out the economy – several of them have landed at large firm jobs. You are likely to get a lot of responsibility, and probably network with a lot of people, both of which are good for you.

      Is this an “off-the-Hill” job, like lobbying or campaigning, or would you be working directly with a committee or Congressperson? You might check with your career counseling office to make sure you aren’t inadvertently stepping into a conflict issue if you lobby or campaign. But “on-Hill” work can only help your job search.

      • KZ

        it’s directly with a Congressperson. Our LRAP program can’t cover anything campaign related, so I made sure to steer clear of that. I’m glad to hear it helps–I was really worried about that. Thanks!

    • Erin

      Yes, take the job! I live in DC and I know a few lawyers with legislative/policy type jobs on the Hill (not sure if yours would be on the Hill or in the district office). It’s a good “in” to a number of career opportunities, and it certainly can’t hurt your career. You could do a lot worse.

      Re: your 2nd question, you should go to the nearest store, and if they don’t have it they should be able to search the inventory of other J. Crew stores and find it for you.

      • naijamodel

        TAKE the job. The economy is in the pits. You have no idea when a job could come along and people with more experience than you are still looking. Congratulations on your offer!

    • LL

      I just ordered the skirt in espresso in 2P. Maybe if it doesn’t work out for me?

    • Lola

      I second the advice of the other ladies – it’s a law job! Maybe not a firm job, but helping to make laws is absolutely a law job.

      I’m in a western state, not DC, but I know tons of practicing lawyers who worked in legislative offices before going into practice. It’s certainly a career-building job, like a clerkship. I’d say take it, especially since you’re having so much trouble finding other work.

    • SF Bay Associate

      Re: the suit pants. Call JCrew’s We Will Find It For You service, which works for full-price merchandise. I’m not sure if the super 120s in espresso are on sale, but they may help you anyway.

      Also check JcrewAficionada’s weekly “for sale” post where lots of ladies post items. There’s also a companion “seeking” post where you can post your request. This happens on Mondays. You can post to this week’s post; many people subscribe and will see it even though the thread is old.

      FYI, the Super 120s are Jcrew’s only *unlined* suit pants. They fit great, but I categorically refuse unlined suit pants.

      • SF Bay Associate

        For convenience: http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com/

        And what I should say is that the Super 120s are Jcrew’s only unlined wool suit pants. They have cotton and linen suits every year that are unlined. The crepe, stretch wool, and gabardine suit pants are all lined. The Super 120s skirts and dresses are also lined, just not the pants.

      • The Bee

        I ordered some Super 120s pants a few weeks ago and, at first, was just slightly disappointed because they were unlined. After trying them on for about a minute, I had to nearly tear them off because they were so itchy! The skirt (lined) is fine though, and has entered my regular rotation.

    • D

      call J.Crew. They have a option to find an item. Although it may not be online, it may still be in one store and if so, they will ship it to you. Best of luck!

      • KZ

        I tried; apparently they can’t locate sale items?(I guess because the stock turns over so quickly?) But maybe if I go in the store they can look it up for local stores. I’ll try tomorrow.

    • mkm

      Two words: take it. First, you’re very lucky: offers like that don’t come from very many Hill internships at all, and they are very highly regarded in both the public and private sector. Second: they do count toward public service loan forgiveness programs. I know plenty of former law school classmates — some who landed big firm jobs and who want out, and some who didn’t — who are gunning for positions such as these. The experience is going to be incredible, and if you decide you want to leave, you’ll be exponentially more competitive for any legal job to which you apply. Good luck!!

    • Anon

      Take the job. I worked on the Hill (as an LA–sounds like the same job you’ll have?) for a few years before law school and you will meet a ton of lawyer/lobbyists–more than a few of them will work for large firms in DC and that is a perfect in for you.

  4. lawDJ

    Are these worth the price? I recently saw over 10 of them on the subway on a morning commute in my city. I guess I don’t get the allure… are they super sturdy and able to carry heavy loads without digging in your shoulders?

      • LP7

        Ditto. I’m clearly late to the party, but I finally got one within the last month and it works perfectly as my work bag (I don’t carry a purse). It’s not bulky (I previously had an LLBean leather tote that was just too big for me), yet I can still fit several documents inside, my wallet/cell/blackberry/glasses cases, and a pair of work shoes to boot. A “purseket” keeps me organized inside. While it is slightly less desirable in that it seems to be everywhere, I felt slightly better by not choosing black or navy (those seem to be the most popular color choices in my region).

      • AN

        Thanks for the review. I’m planning to get one as a weekend-travel-all purpose bag in which I can lug around my stuff and whatever I need for my 2 year old!

    • Erin

      They’re as ubiquitous as Vera Bradley bags were 5 years ago, and I like them just as much (which is to say, not at all). I pretty much only see them being carried by preppy 22-year-olds. I’d avoid this trend.

      • Ann

        I see them being carried by everyone from preppy 22 year olds to 65 year olds. I think they are a classic because they are extremely durable (mine is going on 6 years) lightweight, come in useful sizes, and fun colors. To my mind not at all like the Vera Bradley trend, because they aren’t a total patterned out eyesore.

      • Ex-3L Sarah

        I didn’t think this was a trend at all. It seems like almost every single woman in France has at least one of these, and I see them here from everyone. I use mine as a spring/summer purse, and in the winter as an overnight bag. Vera Bradley, on the other hand, makes babies and puppies go blind, IMO. :-)

        • AIMS

          Agreed — I don’t think it’s a trend at all. T his is one of those bags that has been around forever, and will probably be around forever b/c it’s just practical,. lightweight & sturdy (I can only see it going away if the quality goes downhill).

          • Erin

            Maybe it’s something that used to be classic, but now that every third young woman I see on the street has one and every accessories vendor is selling a knockoff, they’re a trend. They also strike me as overpriced. I have a practical, lightweight, and sturdy canvas bag that I’ve owned for literally 16 years and use a few times a week. It cost $10.

          • JessC

            Totally agree with Erin. To be honest, (mind you I’m not super into designer bags) I didn’t really know these bags existed until the past year or so when EVERYone started carrying them. I get that they’re sturdy, but I can’t get around spending $150 on a nylon bag. But, to each their own.

      • MidLevel

        I was starting to get the impression that I’m the only person out there who hates these bags. Every third girl on my bus carries one and they generally look terrible because they are overstuffed and have no structure. Not a professional look.

    • s in Chicago

      I have a tote from Longchamp’s “roseau” line and it is the absolute best bag I’ve owned. It was a bit of a splurge, but it’s light weight, water-resistant, and doesn’t scratch or wrinkle like most leather. Dirt wipes off easily, too. I know I’ll have it for years. I think that’s a far better choice than this one. I just don’t see canvas offering enough durability.

        • lawDJ

          oh, I actually really like yours, but I think it’d be for a different purpose. These I can see as being kept in your purse and you pull them out if you need extra space (since they fold very small). Yours is a very cute tote!

        • SF Bay Associate

          The rainmaker at my office has this purse, which is to say, good recommendation.

        • S

          Great site, I purchase the small bucket bag from Nordstrom during an anniversary sale a couple of years ago in a light tan and love it.

        • cat

          I have this (Roseau), got it on clearance. It’s great but one of the snaps on the side doesn’t stay closed, so the side kind of buckles out and looks less structured. After a couple years there are parts where it also looks pretty worn.

      • lawDJ

        Wait, this is canvas? I thought it was some kind of nylon.

        “Embossed leather trims a roomy, water-resistant nylon tote that folds flat for storage.”

        • Marla

          Not sure it matters, but there was a woman on What Not to Wear about a year ago who had bought one when she moved to NYC and the hosts made her get rid of it — they said the only people who carry them in NYC are people who just moved there.

          • dee

            that is completely untrue. the NY Times did an article about them a year (or two?) ago about how every woman in NYC has one, if not multiple, of these bags.

          • Ex-3L Sarah

            I normally <3 Stacy and Clinton, except when they make someone not from NYC dress like someone from NYC. Granted, everyone who goes on the show needs mondo style. But sometimes I feel like they don't take into account that what works in NYC doesn't work everywhere. Every so often I find myself saying, "Really? You just told the lady from the Yukon that she needs to wear more sandals in her life? And switch from down parkas to denim blazers? Really?"

          • Lucy

            I saw this episode. She did not get one of these, she got a tiny version of this & treated it like a status bag. The tiny versions are, in my mind, for 12 year olds with too much expendable income or for packing.
            The big one is not the same thing.
            Also, the big one is more meant to be a tote than a “purse” so that’s another thing to consider.
            Oh . . . and while I love WNTW, some of it is kind of silly & a lot of their suggestions, are in fact, so not NY but some mid level casting director’s idea of NY ;)

    • j

      I am not preppy at ALL, but I picked up a Le Pliage when I lived in Paris a while back and it has been, without a doubt, the best investment in a purse I have ever made. I’ve had mine for going on 5 years now, and it’s still in great shape. They’re easy to wash, sturdy, hold a LOT of stuff, are classy enough to haul to a meeting, but understated enough to use at school. I’m sitting on my hands to keep myself from buying another one when I get paid tomorrow (I have a major vacation to save up for).

      I wouldn’t try to tote around textbooks or anything TOO heavy, you may rip the corners, but they will hold a wallet, a book, a water bottle, coffee thermos, assorted lady sundries, and a laptop without threatening to cut off circulation in your arm.

  5. VeggieLawyer

    Threadjack:
    I have a wedding to go to Friday evening. Due to a scheduled meeting, I will have to leave from work and go straight to the wedding. I plan to wear a nice sundress with a slightly fuller A-line skirt to the wedding. My firm allows jeans on Friday. Could I wear the dress to work with a fully buttoned cardi on top (so it would just look like a cardigan with a casual skirt on bottom?) I am concerned that even on jeans Friday this look may be too casual. Thoughts?

    • lawDJ

      For my two cents, this is totally fine. You could wear pumps to make it look more professional (and change later if you don’t want to wear those to the wedding).

    • Janet

      From what you’re describing, I think you’d be just fine. (FWIW, I don’t have jeans
      Friday or anything even remotely close, so my opinion may not be best.)

      However, if you’re not 100% sure, why not just take the dress and change at work? It really only takes a couple of minutes.

      • s in Chicago

        I would change at work anyway. You’ll run less risk of spilling something on it or getting all wrinkled beforehand. The change also may help in shifting your mind set to “play time.” I know I always feel a lot more relaxed and ready to have fun when I switch outfits.

        • JessC

          Seconded. (Or thirded, whatever) Last thing you want to do is accidently spill your coffee/have a pen blow up/otherwise muss-up your pretty dress before getting to the wedding.

      • Blonde Lawyer

        So agree with S! Nothing is better than changing out of your work clothes to go have fun.

      • KelliJ

        I would change at work (which I’ve done on many an occassion). You run the risk of getting it dirty or wrinkled. It’s always nice to put on something fresh when you’re going to a wedding after work.

    • dee

      that.sounds.AMAZING! god, I wish I could pay someone to do all my annoying chores for me.

      • dee

        although my two most annoying chores – dropping off/picking up laundry & dishes – would probably be difficult to outsource to India.

    • K3L

      There’s one in Boston (I think) that was started by a classmate of mine who I used to ride with in undergrad … I can vouch for the fact that her program would be amazing.

    • Shayna

      I read it and am sooo tempted to hire someone to deal w/ the things I hate doing — like calling the phone company to switch providers, etc. I’m single and live alone, so while I get TV clicker autonomy, I also am the one who gets to devote her out of work hours to these calls that take faaaar too long!

  8. Claire

    Does anyone know how well this bag works as a carry-on for traveling? I know I used to have a carry-on bag that could hold my laptop, a book, a back pillow, etc. but I seem to have misplaced it. I’ve been on the verge of buying the L.L. Bean Town and Field tote but this looks like a lightweight and fun option as well but I’m worried the nylon might tear easily.

    • Ann

      I use mine for carryon ofter and can fit my laptop and enough clothes for a casual weekend. It does not tear easily. That being said, if you will be carrying it over your shoulder for a long time, the narrow straps tend to dig in and not be terribly comfortable. I prefer Herve Chapelier for carry-on, because of the wider straps, and because the square base makes the bag roomier.

      • jcb

        OH, and this shop will make it in whatever fabric combinations you like (or you can choose a ready-made). They are pretty great.

    • Anonymous

      I use mine as a carryon (not as a suitcase or anything, but as my “personal item”) and it is THE BEST. You can fit so much stuff it here, it’s ridiculous. I usually carry in mine my ipod, wallet, book, magazines, crossword puzzle book, 3 ziplocs of stuff (medicine, liquids, makeup), pashmina, socks, underwear, and other miscellaneous junk I can’t live without. It does get heavy, but I sit the bag on top of my wheeled suitcase and wrap the straps around the handle when walking through the airport. Plus, it fits easily under the seat in front of you, which I think would be hard to do with a canvas tote. The nylon is super sturdy. I used my daily for years before just the corners at the bottom started to wear (tiny holes, still), and I am planning to trying have it repaired for an upcoming trip. I love, love, love this bag. Highly recommended.

  9. dr

    YIKES! Just read (5:30 CST) that NYC felt tremors from an earthquake around Ottawa. I hope and pray that all the Corporetters out there and their SO are safe and sound.

  10. dr

    That’s all good to read! I’m in hurricane prone Houston, so I appreciate natural “disasters” well. However, we have some bit of advance warning. I have a tender spot thus, for those of you living in areas where there is no warning. Hang on sloopy, sloopy (and Corporetters) hang on, wheveryou may be.

  11. Anonymous

    I’ll post this here since there’s not a Thursday thread up yet:

    40% off Calvin Klein apparel online orders, today only (Thursday)(http://www.calvinklein.com/home/index.jsp).

    I just ordered two dresses from there and was happy to find a 20% off code…now, boo :(

    If someone wants to repost the sale info in the Thursday TPS so more see it, please do.

    • lawDJ

      welcome1021 gets you an extra 20% off

      FYI the whole thing didn’t work in Firefox for me, but after switching to IE, both discounts worked.

  12. Heather

    I have a navy Le Pliage to use as a gym bag and my husband, who almost never criticizes my clothes or accessories, told me it looked like a cheap bag a college girl would carry. Hmmm…

  13. Lola

    I just bought a tote on sale and want to use it as a carry-on on a plane trip this weekend. It has one of those magnetic closures – no zipper, the two sides have magnets that attract to keep the bag closed. Initially I thought that was a great idea, but now I’m wondering if it’s safe to carry my iphone near the magnetic closure. Has anyone had a problem with that?

    I remember 20 years ago or whatever, it wasn’t a good idea to get magnets anywhere near your “diskettes” or “floppy disks” because it could erase the data.

    I was also at a conference a year ago where everyone’s hotel keycards stopped working, and we realized that they de-magnetized when they were in the same pocket as an iphone.

    Anyone have any idea about this? Or suggestions?

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