Handbag question...

Question

For the ladies out there and any gentlemen with opinions, what do you think about this particular Mulberry bag for interviews?: https://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c2 ... /category/

I want something that matches decently with black and brown so would normally lean towards a navy or gray (and could just purchase it in black, oak, or chocolate), but I think this particular shade is attractive (nor can I find a navy or gray I like or sold through an authorized Mulberry retailer). However, I'm worried: is it a little too garish? It doesn't look super-shiny to me (see the gold one picture next to it below) or tacky, but I work kind of an atypical business job and usually don't have to be in super formal business attire so I think I've lost my sense for what is/isn't appropriate. The shape is classic and it is a nice leather though, so I'm hoping that makes it more passable. Thoughts? I really want to get a new "interview" bag for this coming year and definitely don't want to take the plunge only to be "the women with the tacky bag" in the waiting room!

Thanks!

Anonymous · Answer

Is it the blue/black one? I'd be a bit hesitant because it looks like an animal print? I tend to shy away from animal prints for anything formal.

isa · Answer

I agree with jlola - I tend to be conservative when it comes to animal prints for formal things. I think the shape is good though - maybe you can find a neutral color like a dark maroon?

I'm on the hunt for a bag myself - "needing" an "interview" bag is a decent excuse :-D

I'll keep you posted on what I find...

I'll keep you posted on what I find...

ElleBee · Answer

Hey Ladies, No, no, it's not the blue/black animal print one! I do have enough sense to avoid animal prints for formal business things.

Sorry the link wasn't bringing up the one I was talking about...it's the dark bronze one, and should be the main one on the page (if not though, it's the one in the line that's to the right of the gold)....I think the fifth one in line? And yes, if anyone finds anything they love and wouldn't mind sharing, please let me know!!! Thanks for all the opinions and advice. :-D

Miketx · Answer

Are you talking about one of these Messenger Bags? https://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c1 ... /category/

Anonymous · Answer

I think the bronze is fine? As long as it isn't super shiny like you said. Just get it and return it if you don't like it

ElleBee · Answer

No...it's the "slick metallic bronze" Bayswater. Kind of shaped like a Hermes Birkin.

WOW! I just clicked the link to see what it's leading you guys back to, and I realized the sale bags have been marked down another couple hundred!!!! It pays to wait!!!!

isa · Answer

Glad it's not that one! I think the bronze should be fine. Like jlola said, if it's not too shiny, it should work. During my visits, I saw a lot of girls carrying the Longchamp bags. Not sure if they were for interviews or just the regular daily bag.... ( https://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29389780~2376779~6008000~2376251?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2376251&P=1 ). Personally, I'm not a huge fan of those. Reminds me of something my mom would carry

But seemed like a lot of the girls had them....just throwing another option out there...

isa · Answer

I like the shape of that one! Will it be big enough to fit a portfolio w/ resume and all inside?

ElleBee · Answer

Interesting that so many ladies had the Longchamp bags....I definitely wouldn't have guessed that. I had one of those in college for toting around my books and they are quite roomy, but I feel a bit too casual. I actually just got the counterpart to the nylon Longchamp (an Herve Chapelier) to use for toting around books and my laptop when in business school, because with an Herve, unlike a Longchamp, you can actually wash it in the washer which is very convenient. But, I digress...

Yeah, I love the shape of the Bayswater too! I found it another $100 off at Gorsuch this morning and (after calling Mulberry to verify that Gorsuch is an authorized reseller) bought it in the dark metallic bronze color under discussion. I like that it'll match with browns and blacks. I measured out the shape to see if it'll fit a portfolio, etc. and it looks good. I was concerned about that too. I have a Louis Vuitton Alma in Epi Leather (monogram is great and all but I think it's a little over the top for formal business attire) which I was planning on using but then realized my portfolio wouldn't fit in it's dome shape.

BigBad · Answer

ElleBee - I love the Bayswater in bronze... Definitely gives you some style, but doesn't cross the line into unprofessional. My question is whether you girls think it's necessary to have such a pricey bag? I'm starting to feel really naive for showing up with my regular canvas work bag (not a longchamp...those def aren't my style).

On the topic of interview fashion, I struggled so much figuring out what kind of top to wear under my suit. I always feel overly masculine and ugly in a button-down, so I wore a cute, simple, feminine blouse instead, but I wasn't sure if it was professional enough. My work environment is more trendy than professional when it comes to dress so I never have to wear a suit even with clients. What did you wear for shirts?

rjacobs · Answer

That bag costs as much as my suit.

My Armani suit.

Two words: Sample Sale.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't think you need to spend a ton of $$ on a bag, as long as it looks good and professional that's all that matters.

For shirts I usually don't wear button downs either, unless they have a feminine neckline. Otherwise I'll wear just nice fitted shirts/blouses or light sweaters.

isa · Answer

I agree. I usually don't do wear button downs either - they're just not so comfortable. I usually wear a fitted shirt or light sweater. They're more comfortable and involve less ironing

I also tend to be conservative in terms of shirt pattern, and avoid uber-trendiness when it comes to interviews. I figure there's plenty of time for that after I get into school/get the job or whatever.

traffix · Answer

Why am i not surprised that this thread gets bigger by the day (and that I continue to read it)? As long as I m posting, lemme put in a shameless plug for Coach handbags (COH). Thats the bag u guys and girls should be gifting this holiday season.

Btw, could the moderators move this thread to the "off topic"/any other relavent section?

(Disclosure: The author had a long position in Coach at the time of posting)

fall09 · Answer

I sold my position at $22 for a loss.Otherwise I too would have recommended.

solaris1 · Answer

Oh please. Coach is so passe. kate spade is where it's at! I know this is going to get discussed on chat.

nink · Answer

Personally, I've been admiring Cole Haan's winter line...they are magnificent in detail and style...

BigBad · Answer

Oh please, and the looooong thread about which school had the hottest wife/girlfriend/hookup potential  wasn't  off topic? At least we're talking about interview cloths, which is very stressful for women!

And for the record it's clear that whichever school ElleBee, jlola21, AC, and BigBad wind up at is going to be the school with the hot women.

solaris1 · Answer

Hear, hear BigBad! Threads on ties and suits are apparently allowed to exist on the B-School Application Forum!

Handbag question...

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