I was recently faced with one of my many dilemmas. This time it was having to do with the fact that I have a new laptop, but nothing to carry it around in. At least nothing stylish. Being one of the biggest handbag fanatics of all time I feared being tied down to yet another boring looking Targus laptop bag that was completely too large for my 12 inch laptop and, even worse, fugly to the hilt. I had more or less resigned myself to the fact that I needed a handbag that was going to be large enough and sturdy enough to be able to carry everything. This shopping task actually proved to be a little more daunting than I had imagined…
First off, most handbags clearly weren’t made to be toting around a computer and all of its travel accessories. There just weren’t enough pockets. Secondly, even if it was big enough to accommodate my crap, it still was totally uncomfortable to carry everything and felt like the handles were about to rip off the bag. With my dreams of a handbag / laptop bag dashed, I decided to try searching for an alternative solution. I surely couldn’t be the only person in the world searching for a fashionable laptop bag, now could I?
Turns out I wasn’t. I think I actually googled “fashionable laptop bag” and came up with several options right off the bat. I ended up on a site called Career Bags (www.careerbags.com) and found a plethora of cute and functional options.
Then I spotted the Gina B International Luca Bella bag and I was a goner. The bag was gorgeous in black leather with enough outer stylishness to fool anyone from thinking that this bag contains a laptop. That was a key selling point for me. I don’t want to look like i’m schlupping my ass to the city for a meeting. The second selling point for me was that it came with an inner sleeve that you can tuck your laptop away in. Yipee! A case within a case, how happy was I? And finally the fact that the sleeve was removable and I could use the bag as just a large handbag sealed the deal.
I shopped around for a place in the UK that sells these bags and came up with Laptop Stuff who had it at a decent price. I ordered from them (which btw turned out to be a slight nightmare) and my bag arrived the next day. Being the sceptic that I am, I was not going to be totally convinced until I had the bag in my grubby little hands. Well, as it happens, the bag didn’t disappoint. It was awesome. The leather was really nice and all the little features turned out to be just right. I especially like the hot pink accents, really cute. The bag is understated and definitely doesn’t look like a laptop bag. I filled it to the hilt with all of my gadgets and laptop equipment and hit the Tube. My only complaint is that the shoulder strap could use a little padding on it, but other than that I am 100% happy with my purchase.
Next stop? I see that they have the same bag coming out in Red Croc leather in March. Wonder if I can contain myself from ordering it… Stay tuned.
