Tote bags and business attire

[Kasper]

Sometimes I have a few things to carry with me from the car to some of my appointments or errands which I would rather not put in my pockets or rummage around for in a briefcase. I am thinking about such things as a cell phone, organizer, writing implement and even a comb. It seems that a tote bag would be the best solution as it's light, packable and easy to access but I have my doubts if it would be professional looking in a business environment. I thought although if I got one with a logo of a non-profit agency or PBS station as I have seen people carrying them, it might be passable as it would be perceived as either practical or somehow socially conscientious.

 

[CoryB]

A tote from PBS would look ridiculous with a suit. I have this problem everyday; my pockets carry a cellphone, keys, ID/card case, iPod, and often more. The easiest option is just to get a small man bag or murse. I usually use a bigger messenger bag if I have more than the above listed. I'm searching for a cool small bag. For your situation why not invest in a small briefcase. Any type of bag will likely look professional as long as it is leather and well-maintained.

 

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by CoryB

A tote from PBS would look ridiculous with a suit. I have this problem everyday; my pockets carry a cellphone, keys, ID/card case, iPod, and often more. The easiest option is just to get a small man bag or murse. I usually use a bigger messenger bag if I have more than the above listed. I'm searching for a cool small bag. For your situation why not invest in a small briefcase. Any type of bag will likely look professional as long as it is leather and well-maintained.

I have seen some of these small bags that you are describing and actually think that a tote bag in an appropriate color and with a small logo from a non-profit organization looks more conservative.

 

[LabelKing]

What about something from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods? A discreet logo, that is.

 

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

What about something from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods? A discreet logo, that is.

I would rather it be a non-profit organization. I remember when growing up in Philadelphia that many respectable looking older people would have tote bags from Whyy which was a public radio station that played classical music.

 

[zjpj83]

just carry a smaller and informal briefcase

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

just carry a smaller and informal briefcase
But can you carry apples in it?

 

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

But can you carry apples in it?

That's a good point. I thought maybe the right tote bag would be discreet but if anyone notice I would hope that it would just give the impression that I was being practical using a bag that I received as a thank you gift for donating money.

 

[texas_jack]

small soft briefcase.

like this.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4...Briefcase.html

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by Kasper

using a bag that I received as a thank you gift for donating money.
Beware, who one donates to says a lot about themselves.

 

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

Beware, who one donates to says a lot about themselves.

Yes, I have given thought to that. Do you think that a punlic classical radio station is non-political enough not to offend anyone who might notice the bag?

 

[dopey]

This enables you to appear sympathetic to the opressed and maintaining an appropriate Ã

lan for being the Man.

 

[von Rothbart]

Originally Posted by Kasper

Yes, I have given thought to that. Do you think that a punlic classical radio station is non-political enough not to offend anyone who might notice the bag?

Many consider classical musics oppressive and are offended by them because they were written by dead white males for aging white males. So be careful.

 

[No Shoes]

and along that line, most public "classical" stations, and NPR in general, are generally perceived as very conservative, ie right wing. That's a sweet bag from STP!

 

[CoryB]

Originally Posted by No Shoes

and along that line, most public "classical" stations, and NPR in general, are generally perceived as very conservative, ie right wing. That's a sweet bag from STP!

I would agree with classical music being precieved negatively by some, but I can't imagine anyone considering NPR right wing. NPR is about the most left wing of the major media.