It's in the Bag: A Tote for Every Task

Credit: Mark Wagoner

Get ready to lose the canvas tote you got at the last teachers conference. After all, if a large purple Teletubby who speaks in baby talk understands the importance of accessorizing -- he carries a very smart red bag -- there's no reason a role model such as yourself should ignore this important detail. Read on to find a carryall that meets your load-bearing, fiscal, and style requirements. Shoulder your burden with a little pride.

The Goods

The Venezia Tote
$89; J. Jill
www.jjill.com [1]
The rust red of this bag will liven up your day without screaming "RED!" And the big, roomy ultrasuede compartment will hold whatever you throw into it -- while a cell phone pocket and key clip keep essentials handy.

"She Rules" Jennifer City Case
$110; Sumdex
www.ebags.com [2]
Tote your laptop without tossing your style. This bag is light and safe for you and your technology. It features padding for the computer, a safety light for you.

Dolce Leather Tote
$188; J. Jill
www.jjill.com [1]
Think investment. This beautiful unlined leather tote is a work of art. The wide opening makes finding your stuff a cinch, but it's the fine Italian leather you'll love; it will soften with time, improving as you do.

The Metro
$63; Ogio
www.bagking.com [3]
All your gear can cohabit comfortably -- laptop in a protective sleeve, MP3 player in a fleece-lined pocket. And you, too, will be comfortable wearing this fully padded backpack with a tuck-away sternum strap. Ride your bike or walk to work, but don't break your back in the process.

Mesa Tote
$120; Ellington
www.ebags.com [2]
If you can survive on a handheld computer and a few personal items, the Mesa will easily take you from classroom to dinner date without ever saying "schoolmarm."

Canvas Mailbag
$76; Triple Five Soul
www.ebags.com [2]
Roomy, hip, comfortable, affordable. Everything is right about this bag, down to the corduroy detailing, decorative stitching, and adjustable strap. Wear it cross-body or over one shoulder.

Commute
$100; Timbuk2
www.timbuk2.com [4]
This messenger-style bag features a padded laptop compartment surrounded by near-indestructible ballistic nylon fabric and a rubberized bottom -- fling it anywhere you like. Scads of internal pockets keep you organized, and external water-bottle pockets keep you hydrated. Timbuk2 bags are available in a seemingly endless array of colors and patterns; you can even customize your own when you order off the Web.