Bag Ladies

A few weeks ago The New York Times had an article reviewing fancy lunch bags. I thought hmmmm wouldn't that be fun to get some designer lunch bag samples to write about? But then realized I would just end up leaving one of those nice bags on the train, never to be seen again. So, instead I decided to chronicle the actual bags that us Wall Street gals actual use and they aren't those fancy designer ones.

I personally don't like the brown bag. It has to be held or tossed in a tote. In the tote, the insides get crushed and hardly any tupperware containers fit in it. Costs less than a penny.

The grocery store plastic bag will fit just about any tupperware container and then some. It has the crush factor too, but it also contains leaks. I found this out when my salad dressing container leaked. This also gets tossed into a tote, but it does have enough handle to allow carrying. Free.

I bought this at the grocery store for $1.99. Stylish stripes, huh? It's got a foil type inside, but no insulation. I like it because it fits plasticware. I don't like that the straps don't fit over my arm, allowing for free hands. I hold onto it, but don't use it so much anymore.

The small shopping bag is a the "go to" lunch bag for wall street gals. Free! This Loft bag will last for many commuting trips. It has a really pretty grosgrain ribbon handle and sturdy paper sides. I'm sure the company designs them with lunch in mind. They probably love us gals giving them all that free advertising. I never throw out a bag this size.

Ahh, the most expensive bag I own. I confess my mom bought it for me. It cost $20 at Bloomingdales. I hope I don't leave it on the train. I've left many a lunch bag on the train. It's not insulated, but look at the length of those handles! You can slide this bag up your arm and have free hands to dig out subway cards, wallet, you name it. Great feature. My current favorite. 
My previous  favorite was from Wal-Mart. It cost $5. It had those same long handles, was insulated and black. It looked like a handbag. Yes, I left it on the train. Wal-Mart doesn't sell them anymore and that made me sad, but then my mom bought me the bag at Bloomingdales and I got over it.