My Four Go-To Handbags

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My Four Go-To Handbags

As someone who loves quality products and versatility, I have a handful of handbags that I use year-round. I haven’t purchased a new handbag in quite some time and let me share with you why in this blog post today.

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My Four Go-To Handbags:

Work Handbag
Tote Bag
Seasonal Handbag
Camera Bag
Extra: 4-in-1 wallet clutch (read more about it in this post with video!)

Work Handbag

Outfit Details:
Pants: Banana Republic 00P (exact & blog post on why I own 7 pairs) + Paige Jeans 24 (similar)
Top: J. Crew XXS (exact on sale or similar)
Belt: Talbots XS (new version or similar)
Shoes: M. Gemi Cerchio size 5 (exact or similar for less)
Sunglasses: Tory Burch (exact on sale, my blog post)
Handbag: Michael Kors (similar + handbag organizers I love)

For those who are also working professionals, you will probably agree with me that we have a go-to work handbag that we LOVE! For me, this style with one main compartment and 2 side zipper compartments has worked very well for me over the past 3+ years. It also is a classic design because despite the exact handbag not being sold anymore by Michael Kors, you can find very similar designs by leading handbag designers.

Here is what I look for in a work handbag:

Neutral color to coordinate with lots of work outfits
Handles and Strap options: I usually only use the handles on this work handbag but it does come with a long strap that I wear over my shoulder or as a crossbody bag
Pockets for cell phone and extras: I like the pockets on this handbag but opted to add in a handbag organizer for added versatility – my favorite comes from this Etsy Shop where you can order a custom option too!
Large enough for iPad or small laptop: While I don’t typically carry either of these items with me in this particular handbag, it is nice if you need to fit one of these electronic devices into a work handbag that it will accommodate it. Personally, I think a separate laptop bag is more practical and saves your shoulder or arm from a heavy work handbag!

Shop Work Handbag Recommendations (click image):

Tote Bag

Outfit details in this blog post & free download!

Outfit details in this blog post

A versatile large tote bag has SO many functions. It can be used as your daily handbag, tote for running errands, tote for trips to the Farmer’s Market / grocery bag to carry produce in, laptop bag, or carry-on for flights. This particular tote bag has served many purposes for me over the 4+ years I’ve owned it.

Here is what I look for in a tote bag:

Large main compartment
Extra stability at the base to easily set on the floor without it falling over
Medium length straps to place over my shoulder
Leather material or nylon material to easily wipe clean
Reversible design is a bonus: My tote bag is cognac brown on one side and mint green on the other

Shop Tote Bag Recommendations (click image):

Seasonal Handbag

Outfit details in this blog post

I love having an option for a seasonal handbag, particularly for spring and summer months. For me, this usually means pastel and bright colors to brighten up my day! For my seasonal bag, I opted for a bright mint green color in a classic design that easily fits my daily essentials. It does have the option of adding a long strap to it for wearing over the shoulder but I typically wear it on my arm. Another option could be a crossbody design or a fall/winter color such as burgundy.

Here is what I look for in a seasonal handbag:

Happy Color: Pick a color that makes you happy and puts a smile on your face
Feet on the button of the bag: I prefer handbags that have feet on the bottom of them to help protect the leather
Size: The size of handbag is personal preference and I typically like it to fit my large wallet, sunglass case and water bottle in my seasonal handbag

Shop Seasonal Handbag Recommendations (click image):

Camera Bag

Outfit Details:
Top: Madewell XXS (exact + blog post 5 Favorite Tops + 3 Favorite Tees)
Pant: Banana Republic 24 (exact or similar)
Belt: Talbots XS (new version or similar)
Shoes: Target size 5.5 (similar or similar for less)
Necklaces: Baublebar (small bar + long pendant or similar for less)

A great camera bag is an essential for anyone who loves to take photos with a DSLR or DSLR-type camera while traveling or out around town. I searched for a long time to find a stylish camera bag that I loved and finally settled on this one by ONA (read my full blog post). I was looking for one large enough to fit my camera with lens attached, wallet, extra batteries, remote and sunglasses in. I primarily was traveling with this bag and walking around Washington DC, New York City and Chicago (What to see in 48 hours blog post). I love this bag but I will say that it can get heavy over time because of the thickness and quality of the leather material and I could have gone with a smaller bag or a non-leather version if I was wearing it for extended periods of time on a consistent basis.

Here is what I look for in a camera bag:

Large enough to fit camera and necessary accessories (extra lens, batteries, remove, etc)
Neutral color to coordinate with different outfits
Long strap to wear over my shoulder or as a crossbody bag
Pockets or zippers to store extras in
Clasp or zipper closure to ensure the bag does not open accidentally in public

Shop Camera Bag Recommendations (click image):

Extra: Wallet Clutch

Outfit details in this blog post

Outfit details in this blog post & free download!

I love my 4-in-1 wallet clutch that I’ve had for 3+ years in 2 colors! You see it a LOT in my outfit photos and I previously talked about it in this blog post with video. This exact style is still available and continues to come in classic and seasonal color options.

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Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.

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My Four Go-To Handbags:

Work Handbag

Here is what I look for in a work handbag:

Tote Bag

Here is what I look for in a tote bag:

Seasonal Handbag

Here is what I look for in a seasonal handbag:

Camera Bag

Here is what I look for in a camera bag:

Extra: Wallet Clutch

Follow my updates on Social Media & Subscribe to Emails

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