Work Bag Review: Dagne Dover VS Michael Kors

I have been on the hunt for a work bag since before I even had this job, here is my "wish list"

1. Large enough that I didn't have to carry multiple bags
2. Color neutral (no black/navy)
3. Lots of pockets
4. Structured ( no slouchy look)
5. Over the shoulder feature
6. Reasonably priced

After lots of web searching as well as trolling malls & department stores I got it down to the final two.

Dagne Dover makes several amazing bags for the lady on the go. They make it easy to stay organized with multiple pockets, including a clip for your keys ( I love this because I can never find my keys!) and a water bottle holder. After much back and forth I decided on the Tote, I felt it would be large enough to hold my lunchbox, shoes, and all other necessities. I was concerned it would be too big, but I felt the other size wouldn't allow me to carry just one bag. The color options are somewhat limited, linen (what I chose) black or dagne blue. I do love the blue, but wanted to make sure I had something versatile, so I went with the white.












 

When it arrived I quickly realized it was just too large. It would be perfect for an overnight trip, or a carry on, but for work I felt personally it was too big (I don't carry a laptop to work, but there is a sleeve for this in the bag) I did like the color, but wasn't totally sold, I had a little remorse for not going for the blue. I loved the compartments, key clip & water bottle holder (which I didn't realize snaps in and out), but while I love the bag I ultimately decided to return it. I was super disappointed as I had been lusting after this bag for a long time, but in the end it just did not fit my purpose.









 Then there was the Michael Kors bag, I was so reluctant to purchase this because I had my heart set on the Dagne, but once I got it home I was so excited about it. The color is pretty amazing, it is very versatile, can easily be worn with both black and brown outfits. I loved the gold accents, and the option for the shoulder strap. My biggest concerns were the lack of zipper closure, and the gold lock on the front. I love MK but I do feel that sometimes things are over "branded" with MK everywhere. While I realize many designers do this, particularly the ultimate LV branding, but it just isn't my style. I very seriously considered returning the bag because of the lock, but then my lovely husband found that there is a key hiding in the strap, and just like that the lock came off. Call me crazy, but I felt this instantly changed the look of the bag! It suddenly felt so chic and I was head over heels!

 

I was even willing to look past the zipper closure, mainly because the bag is so tall that I can easily put my wallet on the bottom for safety when riding the T. To top it all off, there is a key strap so I wont loose my keys (the little things!). I was a little sad about the lack of water bottle holder but I will totally get over that, you can't have it all!