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Updated: Jan 4, 2022 71 Comments · by

Coffee Break: Devoe Backpack

The Personal Shopper (TPS)

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Nordstorm has a nice selection of Tumi backpacks on sale right now. This smallish one caught my eye — I like the large outside pocket and the deep red color, as well as the trolley sleeve so it fits over your rolling bag.

This one isn't the HUGEST bag, but it looks ergonomically friendly and functional if you're biking to work, walking to work, or traveling on a plane or train and just want a small collection of things with you in your seat. (Psst: I still love and recommend this Bluetooth keyboard — great for typing more comfortably on your phone. I actually prefer it to the Apple keyboard I bought for my iPad.)

The pictured bag was $345, but is now marked to $239.

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Some of our other favorite stylish backpacks for work, pictured below: one / two / three / four (also: not pictured but great!)

collage of 4 black backpacks for work: Tumi (gold hardware), MZ Wallace (quilted details), Herschel (black canvas) and Knomo (nylon backpack with leather details).

Sales of note for 9.16.24

Sales of note for 9.16.24

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Comments

    • Anon

      You say that, but I know of two big conferences going on now and I’ve got one to go to for next month (when I figure the Omicron wave would have crested). And it’s a suits-wearing conference. Fun!

      • Anonymous

        I love the greed of companies right now. It’s just bizarre when you realize how much the whole health system is on fire and has been for awhile. I’m in Illinois, and had cancer surgery in September delayed two months due to Covid crowding–yes, pre-Omicron and I tried several hospitals). Our governor is now formally in the media asking hospitals to limit non emergency surgeries. Indiana’s rapid tests are nowhere to be found and they are trying to limit by age to serve the most vulnerable (their health dept says they go through 50,000 a week and are expecting to only have 11,000 for near future). But gotta keep traveling and having group events and pretend things will be “normal.” Sorry, but the backlog here isn’t something that just goes away in a few days or weeks and there was backlog before this even started. A lot of these patients take up beds for much longer than cardiac, etc. and there are more of them. Lord help whoever has a stroke or blows out a knee this winter….

        • Anon

          Be mad at the unvaxxed and crazy unmasked people then. Not those of us being responsible managing known risks in every way that has been recommended.

          • LaurenB

            Everything is relative. Being unvaxed / unmasked is obviously cr*p anti-social behavior which should be shamed, but that doesn’t make fully-optional conferences that could be done virtually a great idea either.

        • Anon

          I’m in Indiana and there’s no problem getting rapid tests here…I just bought a bunch of at-home tests at Walgreens the other day. Some of the local health departments have temporarily limited testing but it was because of a shipping issue so they have much lower supply than normal. The pharmacies all have testing appointments available. Sorry you’re surgery was delayed and it’s definitely true that our hospitals are overwhelmed, but your statements about testing here are not accurate.

    • anne-on

      I am SUPER grateful that RSA was pushed to June…having to fly cross country to go to San Fran during a surge was not looking like a wise decision.

  2. Anon

    I used to go on an annual trip to the Hanes outlet at Potomac Mills for hose, tights, and knee-high black stocking (for wearing under pants in the winter ) or trouser socks (which were a harder-to-run version of knee-highs). Any good spots to get trouser socks these days? I have all of last year’s (actually 2019’s) tights still, but they stick under pants and it’s back to trouser socks or whatever is the current version of this.

    • Anonymous

      I like the Cole Haan trouser socks, available at a lot of different retailers.

    • Anonymous

      For warmth under pants or thin socks to wear with shoes you’d otherwise wear barefoot?

    • PM Hanes

      FYI, you might have problems at that outlet site. I went to there in December to do a similar stock-up on pantyhose, and they didn’t any in my size (nude, B). The kind clerk explained that it had fallen prey to supply chain issues. So, as with pretty much everything right now, be prepared with a back-up option.

  3. Anon

    I’m in need of a classic, ladylike, long (calf-length), wool (cashmere optional) dress coat. Up to…$600? The fabric really needs to be lovely. I, like the rest of the world, have been wearing puffer coats for the past several years, but I really need a classic dress coat with a beautiful drape to it. No weird zippers, embroidery, fringe, etc, etc. Flexible on color. Size 14. I’ve checked Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s – you ladies always know of great sources – where else should I look?

    • Anon

      I keep looking for this and can’t find anything like this, especially long ones. I bought something on sale at Lands’ End and am not convinced, two years later, that any amount of $ would have gotten me any closer to goal. Kate Middleton seems to have many coats like this, but from UK brands and perhaps not gotten recently.

    • Anon

      Poshmark, Etsy and/or Ebay. There are plenty to pick from, and classic styles are classic. Mine was $125, is probably older than many of my staff and I get non-stop compliments.

      • Anon

        Agreed. They don’t make this kind of stuff any more; clothing manufacturers think everyone wears nonstop athleisure. If J. Crew and LL Bean don’t have anything, OP will have to buy vintage/used. I would check Thredup, Poshmark, The Real Real and eBay. Cinza Rocca would be a good brand to look for, or look by fabric/material type.

    • anne-on

      How tall are you? And how warm does it need to be? I’d definitely check Neiman Marcus and Saks as well as some brands directly – Cinzia Rocca, Soia & Kyo, Mackage, Ted Baker, etc. I think Kat just posted a round up around the holiday – this is a GREAT time to get them on sale.

    • Elle

      If you’re in a major city, check out Suit Supply. It’s generally a mens store, but I was there with my husband buying a new suit for him and I fell in LOVE with their custom wool coats. There was this green color that I’m obsessed with. The sales woman said that she has just gotten one made for herself and that they actually do a lot of custom work for women. The custom coats were in the $550-700 range depending on the material. I’m probably going to end up going back and buying one as a present to myself soon.

    • Emma

      Fleurette or Reiss? I don’t think your budget covers Max Mara but I tried one a few weeks ago and it was honestly so gorgeous and soft, so if you want a splurge… I’m pretty pleased with my Artizia Cocoon coat – it’s mid thigh, but the fabric is nicer than the Jcrew ones, and they might have a longer cut available.

    • Monday

      I’m such a broken record, but: vintage, online. Everyone loves my long wool coat, it’s just as warm as my puffer, and I got it for $40 on Poshmark. Most new items these days are junk. (And yes, I do see options for size 14 and above, though I admit that’s a bit harder with vintage shopping–they’re there!)

    • Anonymous

      Talbots used to be good for this but looks like they have gone to wool blends.

    • Anon

      Talbots used to be good for this but looks like they have gone to wool blends.

    • Anonymous

      Start with looking at the S Max Mara collection, or the Sportmax.

      Then Ted Baker and Reiss. You could also look for Belstaff, Filippa K or Michael Kors.

      You could also be lucky with Benetton, for something a little under budget.

    • Anon

      Brooks Brothers, especially an outlet. I see classic and nice wool coats for ~$180-200 pretty commonly at the outlets. Separately, I also found a gorgeous cashmere dress coat at a thrift shop for ~$20 recently… so sometimes you get lucky – sending good vibes for that to happen to you!

    • Anonymous

      I actually found 2 Calvin Klein wool coats (1 black with an interesting belt, another a dark tan) at Burlington Coat Factory, both under $100, original prices were $300-400 (probably accurate at Macy’s).

    • Anon

      The Aritzia New Cocoon Long Coat. I’m partial to the Gold Camel.
      I’m in love with mine, going on 2+ years.

    • Anonforthis

      You want Molly Moorkamp’s Barrett coat. (Might be out of your price range though!)

    • Anonymous

      Cinzia Rocca (a cashmere blend on sale will hit your budget), or Hobbs. Hobbs is sold at Bloomingdales.

  4. Emma

    I will unexpectedly be in LA alone this weekend. Any suggestions on what to do? I’ve been here before, am staying in Santa Monica but have a car. I like hikes (reasonably easy since I don’t want to be stranded alone in the mountains), nice brunch where I won’t feel self-conscious as a table of one, bookstores and independent boutiques, maybe a nice spa or yoga class that doesn’t require a membership, but not sure if that’s a good idea considering omicron.

    • Anonymous

      I had a lovely solo brunch at Gjelina in Venice years ago on a similar trip.

    • Senior Attorney

      If you are staying in Santa Monica, the Getty Villa is a short drive up Pacific Coast Highway and it is great. The weather should be beautiful this weekend so I think that would be amazing.

      Santa Monica Seafood is informal (a little cafe inside a fish market) and I seem to recall they have a bar/counter you can sit at. Rustic Canyon is expensive but the food is divine (although I think they are only open for dinner — maybe go early and have drinks and apps).

      The Georgian Hotel has a great front porch where they serve brunch and I think that would be nice for a solo experience, watching the waves and the people (recommend a reservation).

    • Anonymous

      The Museum of Jurassic Technology! http://www.mjt.org

      It is weird and totally worth seeing. They are requiring timed tickets (lots available for this weekend).

      Also, go to Venice Beach and take a walk by the canals.

      • Emma

        Sounds fun! I will look into reservations, thanks. And good idea re: Venice, I went a couple years ago but would love to go back.

    • Anonymous

      Temescal canyon is very close, just up in the palisades and has easy hiking. I like Bardonna in SM for a neighborhood brunch spot but doesn’t have a view or anything like that. Misfit in downtown SM for something closer to the water. It should be bright and sunny and not too cold once the morning chill burns off, consider a walk or bike ride along the beach path, should be gorgeous.

      • Emma

        Thanks! I took a beautiful walk on the beach towards Malibu today (I’m working East Coast hours, so done around 3pm) and it was gorgeous so I’m thinking of making it a habit this week. I wasn’t going to stay the weekend, but COVID is making travel complicated so here I am, it’s currently freezing where I’m from so I might as well enjoy the sun!

    • Anonymous

      If you’re anywhere near Mid-Wilshire during your stay, LACMA is fab, if you enjoy art, also great outdoor stuff there. And LACMA is walking distance from the Farmer’s market where you can get all sorts of food outdoors, or pick up a picnic lunch from Whole Food’s or Trader Joe’s.

      • Senior Attorney

        Oh, also in that neighborhood: The Peterson Automotive Museum is a must if you are into cars (pay extra for the guided tour of the collection in the underground parking garage), also the new Motion Picture Academy Museum just opened and looks fab!

    • Elderlyunicorn

      Solstice Canyon is a lovely, easy hike in Malibu. Mandeville Canyon or Upper Saddleback are also easy, pretty hikes … very crowded on the weekends though.

      Back on the Beach is a cute little restaurant on the actual sand, next to the Annenberg Beach House. You could walk (or rent a bike!) along the beach path and stop for brunch.

    • Anonymous

      SALT is a restaurant in a hotel on the marina in marina del rey. It is worth going to for the gorgeous water views in the sunlight. The food is good, but the views are spectacular. Reservations recommended, definitely request outdoor seating, if you can, about 30 minutes before sunset. Valet required if you drive.

      Verandah is a hotel restaurant with a pretty porch — the food is solid, but again, the attraction is the ocean view.

      Temescal is a super popular hike, about 3ish miles round trip with options to expand. Los Liones is also a popular hike and well-traveled, so there will be others around on your hike. If you want to drive a bit, you can check out Griffith Park (it has the Hollywood sign). It’s very popular because it has a lot of fire roads, but also has trails.

    • failed oldest daughter

      Salt & Straw for olive oil & honey lavender ice cream.
      If you read romance, Ripped Bodice could be a fun bookstore excursion.

  5. anon

    I usually like the fresh start of a new year, but I have to say I’m not really feeling it in 2022. It’s hard to set goals and look ahead when everything still feels so chaotic because of the pandemic. Yes, we’re in a better place than we were in 2021, but my reserves are drained. I need to get past the “what’s the point of all this?” feelings because I’d like to do more this year than just getting by and maintaining (and not even doing that particularly well). Anyone else feeling this way?

    • Hanging On

      Same here! Not sure if the two weeks of holidays made this malaise worse . . . hang in there! At least this site and the comments are back to keep me sane.

    • Anon

      yes. I actually feel much worse than i did in January 2021. Last year we had a restful winter break with our kids. This year we did not. Last year I felt hope as vaccines had just come out. Now I’m just exhausted. This morning at our staff meeting we had to go around and say our “word” for the year, two people announced they were starting master’s programs and i kind of wanted to say that my mantra for the year is just survival

    • Anon

      Judging by the posts on this morning’s thread, I would say literally everybody is feeling this way.

    • Anon

      Yes. I’m just treading water. Every single day is the “I just need to get through this week” meme. Plus I had several major health problems in 2021, so there is no room inside my head for anything other than survival right now. Resting, making nutritious meals, and going to endless MD visits are all I can manage.

    • PolyD

      Goals are over-rated. Especially in cold dark January at the beginning of a second year of a stupid pandemic.

      I myself am hibernating and being grouchy and eating way too many carbs. And I’m not going to punish myself about feeling this way. I imagine that once it starts getting warmer and lighter out, I’ll feel better.

      And THEN maybe I’ll set some goals! Or maybe not!

    • Anonymous

      Same. For me 2021 was an absolutely horrid year for reasons not caused by, but made worse by, the pandemic. Now I finally have a solution for those issues that seems to be working, and then omicron comes along and pulls the rug out from under me. WTF, universe?

    • Anon

      My 2021 goal was to floss every day and I did it. So that’s my goal again for 2022.

      Achievable goals for the win!

      • Anon

        That was my goal and I didn’t do it. I did better than in the last for the first 90 days though.

        This year, I may need surgery so I am holding off on planning anything until my appointment next week. I am guessing my plan to get it done in winter is shot by omicron.

    • Wheels

      Same. This time two years we were choked with smoke and threatened by so many bushfires (Australia) and we have such high cases here right now there’s a 1/3 positivity testing rate, unbelievable queues for testing and no RAT tests to be had. My doctor stressed to me today that I must avoid getting Covid so my household is in lockdown. Again.

      I feel exactly like you: it’s chaotic and my reserves are drained.

  6. anon101

    Cross-posting as I got no replies from the moms group: Any ideas for what to get as a show of remote support to a family whose child is undergoing life-saving surgery?

      • Walnut

        +1

        For an anecdotal story, my Dad was at the local hospital and was surprised to see a neighbor in the hallway. He walked over to shoot the breeze and turns out the neighbors wife was being life flighted. My Dad opened his wallet, handed over his cash and gave the neighbor a quick hug. Turns out the neighbor left the house that day in a hurry and didn’t have a credit card on him. When he got to the big city the gas station wouldn’t take an out of town check, so that cash was needed just to fill the gas tank in his truck.

        So push through the awkwardness, ask for their venmo, and just send over some cash.

    • Anonymous

      Kindle or audible credits? Gift card to hospital gift shop? Healthy delivery place with prepared meals (not meal kits)?

    • anon

      Food delivery gift cards, something for the kid to do in the hospital (age dependent), something for siblings, if any (also age dependent).

    • Sloan Sabbith

      Gift cards if you don’t want to get cash. See if there’s a Starbucks in the hospital or whatever other coffee/food shop there is. UberEats for delivery to the hospital or Ronald McDonald house or hotel. Gas gift cards. Visa gift card. Being hospitalized is expensive.

    • Pep

      Our local hospital sells discount parking coupons in packets of 5 for $15 in the gift shop. Each ticket allows one in/out in a 24-hour period. Maybe see if something similar is offered at that hospital

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