We've been very demure, very mindful, in the RUSSH office of late. The team are on the hunt for the perfect bag that fits all of our belongings just right – all the while being chic, no matter how much chaos is ensuing inside said bag.
It can be tough finding the right bag to invest in that'll cover all bases. Enough space for ones laptop and water bottle. Enough compartments for little knick-knacks, snacks and sanitiser. Well, we've taken the journey and we're here to report back with our findings: a list of the best carry-all bags we can't seem to put down.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
Top of my wishlist for sure is the Bottega Veneta Parachute. I love that it’s big enough to fit a laptop, charger, camera and all the other daily essentials. But of course this is a very aspirational purchase. What is more realistic is this taupe tote from Vestirsi. It’s ludicriously capacious in the best way and can be worn as a backpack as well as tote. And, not strictly on the wishlist because I already bought it, but I can’t crow loud enough about this July everyday carry-all. I bought it as it slips over the July suitcase I have but it’s quickly become my go-to work bag as it fits everything comfortably including my glass water bottle and lunch tins.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Production Editor
I’ve recently been stuck on the Miu Miu Adventure bag in Nappa leather, which is giving the ultimate slouchy, 70s, preppy vibe. I also love the Miu Miu bag charms people are accessorising theirs with. Reformation’s Medium Vittoria Tote Bag has also long been on my list (in this perfect slouchy tobacco leather), as has the Aesther Ekme Brown Sac Tote (my housemate recently bought a gorg bag from the brand).
Karen Leong
Digital Writer
This Cyrus bag is chocolate brown and mottled and vegan - a sure-fire winner in my rotation of oversized bags. For a reverse shearling option in black fur, Bottega Veneta has manufactured a carrier of my choice, but not my budget. For work and play, and enough geometric shaping to keep the structuralist in me sated, this COMME DES GARÇONS folded tote can transport just enough between my emotional support nalgene, my laptop, and my portable, along with various nasal decongestants and lip balms that line the bottom of any Karrie-owned vessel. And finally for a touch of brighter colour: Acne’s multi-pocket tote is perfect to adorn with any of my trinket-heavy bits and bobs.
Stacey Gaskin
Consumer Revenue Manager
There’s never a shortage of bags on my wishlist. For me, I can appreciate a small bag every now and then, but majority of the time I need a Mary Poppins bag. Need band aids? Gum? Some hot sauce? Or maybe a romantasy book? I’m that girl. I also need a bag that’ll fit my laptop, a magazine or two and snacks.
Cut to: a list of larger scale bags that are practical and beautiful. The LOEWE Medium Squeeze bag does things to me, along with, arguably the bag of the year – Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo. This large natural/black colourway calls my name.
For an everyday bag, I can’t go past this Santa Croce bag from Dragon Diffusion and for those times that I need to pack my life into a bag, the IVY bag from Miu Miu will do the trick.
Olivia Repaci
Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager
I love a bag, and I love when a bag is practical. Even better if the bag is practical and adorable. My pride and joy and best gift I’ve ever given to myself, my Givenchy Voyou is such a great carry all option. She’s chic, she’s modern, she’s practical, she takes all my crap, and she can carry a laptop if you ask her nicely.
If I were to treat myself again in the future, then some options I’ve been loving include this massive Alaia mesh bag for the upcoming warmer months in the office. It could go from desk to deck chair?
I’ve also been completely influenced by our Content Director Elyssa who swears by her Proenza tote, which is now half price on The Iconic (I guess we will have to twin in the office Elyssa!)
Samantha Corry
Assistant to Editor in Chief
My everyday bag I take to the office with me is the Mulberry Bayswater Tote bag – it was actually my mums but I ‘borrowed’ it about a year ago and am yet to return it… It’s such great quality, and super timeless. However, recently when I've had events or something after work I like a smaller bag. When I wear my Tods T Case Bauletto in Leather Small– it is a bit like a Mary Poppins bag in that it's so chic and small yet can fit quite a lot. However, I would love a bit more of a fun bag that has colour and is a bit smaller, which leads me to the Loewe Mini Flamenco in the colour Dark Burgundy.
Alys Hale
Music Editor
I love it when things are multipurpose (those who have seen my handbags know they contain a leatherman at almost all times) so this large slouchy reversible number by A-Esque speaks to my practical multi-purpose heart whilst being rather beautiful. Adding to the practicality by being a hands free backpack, this Bao Bao Issey Miyake is an essential classic for carrying numerous classic essentials. However, I will always have a soft spot for an English bag, like Mulberry’s Bayswater bag which you can fit your entire life in, and from my hometown, the Cambridge Satchel Company’s tote in green is quite adorable.
Phoebe Holden
Designer
I am still flirting with this Palorosa basket bag that has been sitting in my cart for a few months now, this is perfect for stuffing to the brim with everything I need for work and when summer rolls around it will make for the perfect beach bag.
I’ll be heading overseas for Christmas so I’m on the hunt for something chic with a sturdy zip, this crossbody by Deadly Ponies is top of the list. I am also very much on the Miu Miu Adventure train, I adore this delicious versatile suede number too.
Emily Algar
Beauty Editor
I am known for always being weighed down with stuff (water bottles, beauty products, dry cleaning, keys, snacks, jackets… you name it, it’s probably on my person). A roomy carry-all is the easiest way to lug it all around while maintaining some composure. I’m impressed by everything Rylan does, and as such love the Neoprene Leather tote. Neoprene seems indestructible but holds its shape. It’s casual enough for Pilates but nice enough for the office. I love the Haulier totes too, especially for travel. They’re a little masculine and remind me of the LL Bean bag Carolyn Bessette-Kenndey used to carry around. Finally in my dream world, this black Prada one. Christmas is only a few months away, right?
Megan Nolan
Marketing Manager
As someone who frequently travels interstate I can’t survive without an everything bag. If it doesn’t fit my laptop, my water bottle and all my other bits and bobs then I don’t want it.
My top pick at the moment would have to be The Row Large Black Park Tote. Being all black it goes with everything which means you don’t constantly have to change bags, and the square base gives it that little something extra to set it aside from a regular tote bag. This Aesther Ekme one is a close second if The Row is a little out of your price range, or this one from COS.
For something with a little more pizazz I’d love to get my hands on this forest green MM6 Maison Margiela or this Acne Studios Platt shoulder bag which I’ve had my eyes on for months. It’s a little less practical than the others, but makes up for it in personality.
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
