Needless to say, it was a match made in heaven! Straight off, the site stated that it was “created by a working woman for other working women who refuse to settle for anything less than fabulous business cases, laptop bags, handbagsand travel accessories”. To make a long story short, I contacted the working woman who owned Career Bags and Ellen Hart, aka bagguru, is the one of the most enthusiastic lovers of fashion and technology I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, she is president of CareerBags.com, the leading online e-tailer for laptop bags, luggage and handbags for women. With a personal goal to help every woman bring out her personal style in her business life, no wonder CareerBags Fall 2008 selection is just what I needed…here are my favorite pieces:

1. McKlein – Fratti Laptop Tote – Cherry Red: This fun and chic bag combines function and fashion with Euro-influenced design featuring a top zipper allowing easy access into the main compartment; compartments separated by a secured zipper pocket; a padded laptop compartment that fits and protects most laptops up to 15.4” in size; quick, accessible front pocket with magnetic claps for pens, business cards and small devices; and flat, leather straps.
2. Jack Georges – Andrea Small Dome Handbag: This cute little bag is handcrafted from Croco-embossed Italian calf skin. Features include fixed shoulder straps, three-way zip, closure nickel hardware, two inside zippered pockets, and a cell phone holder.
3. Mcklein – Serra Laptop Tote – Cherry Red: Another chic bag that features compartments separated by a secured zipper pocket, interior organizer for pens, business cards and small devices, interior zipper pocket for documents, front and side pocket for small miscellaneous items, padded laptop compartment fits, and flat, leather straps.
4. Clava – Rectangular Zip Shopper: I love anything with shopper in the name and this bag is no exception. It combines style and accessibility by including a zip closure and a full length exterior zip pocket. Comfort is a huge consideration in this bag, which has an interior that’s fully lined, zip pocket with cell phone pocket, and double sided shoulder straps with a 10″ drop.
5. McKlein – Buranco Duffel Bag – Chocolate: I love this bag! It combines function and fashion featuring, quick, accessible front pocket for pens, business cards and small devices, interior organizer for pens, business cards and small devices, main zipper compartment with a magnetic clap for additional security, main compartment featuring an interior zipper pocket for documents and storage space for personal items, and stylish, tubular arm straps all wrapped up in Italian Croco Leather.
6. ACME Made – Slim Cargo – Ecostripes: Be environmentally friendly with this fab bag made of 100% recycled materials. In order to provide for functionality and storage, the Cargo possesses a large outer cargo pocket that is roomy enough to carry most additional accessories and it’s lined with “cashmere-finish” micro-suede lining! This “green” bag features large outer “Cargo” pocket w/ multiple accessory pockets, removable, adjustable shoulder strap, closed cell foam padding on 5/6 sides, hi-impact plastic inserts on 5/6 sides, top grain leather handles, and quilted satin lining.

When I say I’ve just tipped the iceberg on the goodies on this site I mean it. But below is my favorite bag of all… what’s yours?

The ideal work bag must be roomy… On any given day, I’m hauling about a laptop, notebook, small make-up refresher bag, a bottle of water, and potentially my lunch. If it’s a gym day, throw workout clothes and sneaks into the mix, too. Among all that, it’s easy to lose a cell phone, blackberry, extra pen, wallet and glasses… so clearly, compartments are key.

The perfect work bag is over the shoulder, not handheld. But, the straps should be short enough that you COULD carry it by hand or on the crook of the elbow as well. It should be leather (in my opinion), and a neutral color to ensure you don’t have to change it every time you change your outfit.

It might be high end …

Or it might be less expensive…

Or it may be somewhere in between…

Or, break out of the neutral box and get something colorful like this sunny yellow number…

Either way… the bag is only half the style battle. Make sure you don’t overstuff (a very bad look), and make sure you pick one big enough to truly carry your essentials. Otherwise, the collection of work bag, gym bag and lunch/shoes in a shopping bag looks disheveled and sloppy — not a good look for a working girl… not THIS kind of working girl, anyway!

I have a friend who, with the purchase of her new house, has just become interested in interior design. So this Christmas, I have put together a small bag for her. Want to take a peek?

I started with this great reusable bag from Envirosax that I found on Delight.com. All of her gifts will fit perfectly in here. I love the orange and green retro look and seeing as she lives in the city, it is perfect for toting groceries home or carrying magazines for a trip to the coffee shop. Why not wrap with something reusable, such as baskets, kitchen towels and totes?

“Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style” by Kelly Wearstler is an amazing book. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Inside a room I want to be moved- I want to feel the drama” and literally, this book is all about drama! From the gorgeous white Casper Wingback Chair by Viceroy to the Trina Turk boutique in Palm Springs, the photos and advice will be sure to get the creative juices flowing!

Next, I added this candle from Target. She loves Vanilla and Lavender, a nice way to relax the senses after a long day!

For a personal touch, I ordered a Chocolate Velvet Pillow from Ballard Designs with her newly married initials on it. At just $15.50 for a custom 18” square pillow cover, it is a great deal. I will have to get an insert, but I can easily do that at one of the discount stores locally. The chocolate is a perfect option as it will blend with any room in her house.

Lastly, I added these great label tags from Etsy. The mid-century furniture motif continues the theme and make a nice extra. They also introduce her to the world of indie designers on Etsy!

It does take a bit of time, but with some scouting you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a thoughtful gift. It doesn’t always have to be big… sometimes the best gift is just a hand written note in the mailbox (and maybe some favorite homemade cookies to go with it!)

I’m always on the look out for creative gift ideas, so please share yours!