I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect work bag for ages – and I’ve finally found it, in the form of a spacious yet stylish design from a surprising brand
It fits all your essentials in(Image: Abbott Lyon)
As a frequent traveller with long train journeys and regular overnight work stays, I’ve been on the lookout for the ideal work bag for quite some time. It needs to be stylish, comfortable to carry for extended periods and, crucially, spacious enough to accommodate my hefty work laptop.
I’ve experimented with various styles, from backpacks to crossbody bags, but never discovered one that met all my requirements – until now, when I stumbled upon this practical and designer-inspired bag in an unexpected place.
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I’ve finally found the perfect work bag(Image: Abbott Lyon, Laura Mulley)
High street jewellery favourite Abbott Lyon – beloved by celebs like Stacey Solomon and Olivia Attwood – has recently expanded into handbags, and I quickly snapped up the Milan Leather Bag in black. Priced at £89, it’s a steal considering its size.
This new Abbott Lyon bag bears a striking resemblance to the Bottega Veneta Hop Large Leather Shoulder Bag, which comes with a staggering price tag of £4,250. The Abbott Lyon version features a woven-look leather finish, wide shoulder strap, and boxy shape. Like many of Abbott Lyon’s products, it can be personalised with gold initial charms. Plus, it’s also available in autumn’s hottest shade: burgundy, reports the Mirror.
What attracted me most to the Milan bag was the image on the brand’s website showing a model effortlessly sliding a laptop inside it – a crucial feature for me. When it arrived, I immediately tested it with my bulky work laptop and was delighted to find it fit easily, along with all my other daily essentials like a water bottle, purse, notebook, phone etc.
It also comes in burgundy(Image: Abbott Lyon)
While one-shoulder bags aren’t typically recommended as the best option for your back (opt for a supportive backpack if you have back issues), I found this bag really comfortable to wear, largely due to the wide strap. However, it can slide off the shoulder quite easily if worn with slippery clothing or not packed particularly full.
The bag also tends to topple over when placed on the floor; I think it would benefit from having a slight base, rather than the two sides simply joining together like an envelope.
Despite these minor issues, I’m over the moon that I’ve finally found the perfect work bag for my needs – and without having to splurge on a designer piece.
Another option I’ve come across is the Radley Bridgewater Medium Ziptop Tote, which is more classic in style and currently half price, down from £239 to £119.
For something more affordable than both this and Abbott Lyon’s, there’s the Accessorize Black Laptop Tote Bag, priced at £40 from Next.
