“Do I look professional enough?” “Should I go with these shoes for a pop of color or should I stick with the black flats?” Or more recently, “I think I’m getting too old to be carrying around a backpack” Around this time last year I didn’t really care about this stuff, but I do now and I’m attributing it all to adulthood. I ended up giving in to my thoughts and purchased, what I believe to be, the Beyoncè of bookbags– The Kensington Jacqueline Tote. I never substituted a tote bag for a backpack before, so this was a big “first” for me. I spent a couple of days carrying my new bag around campus and I think I can get used to it.
Things I was looking for and Initial Concerns:
- The size
- If I can’t fit anything in it, then what’s the point?
- I don’t want to look like I have a duffle bag on my shoulder.
- I’m short. The bag can’t be bigger than me.
- I want to be able to comfortably carry the bag on the shuttle during my work commutes without taking up unnecessary space
- Design!
- It needs to go with everything, but it can’t be ugly either.
- It needs to stand up on its own.
- The straps need to be durable and comfortable
- Pockets!
- I want a laptop pocket.
- A place for snacks, lotion, chapstick, and… and… and…
So I bought the bag, but…
- I think it might be a “tiny bit” too big.
- Like, it fits my laptop, 5-subject notebook, pencil case, iPad mini, water bottle, and a few snacks. BUT it does look a little like a duffle bag/weekender. I can push the bag towards my back, but it can be a little overwhelming for me at times. You know what? As I’m writing this, I realize that it might just be a little long. If they shortened a bit and just added a little more depth to the drop, it’d be perfect.
- That’s it.
I typically use Jacqueline on the days that I don’t have to go to work or lab. I found that it’s just easier for me to carry my bookbag on the shuttle bus, especially since there’s a good chance that I’ll be standing up the whole ride. Other than the size, I do love it. It makes me look and feel grown, like I have my sh*t together. I plan to get a few years out of this thing because it certainly wasn’t cheap– it’s coming with me med school and everything; thank goodness for the carry-on strap in the back! Anyway, I’d recommend this bag to anyone who’s looking to add a little more professionalism to their look. It’s certainly not one of those bags that can double as a purse, so keep that in mind.
Here are some other bags that I was eyeing before I ultimately decided on Ms. Jacqueline:
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