Would You Carry a Tool Bag for a Handbag?

(No, I'm not talking about this kind of tool bag)

Last weekend I was on the hunt for a replacement for our sorry "toolbox" (which is currently a worn out old shoebox) and I stumbled upon Klein Tools canvas tool bags.

(Klein 16" Canvas and Leather Tool Bag - $49.94 at Amazon)

$50 seems like a little much to spend on a canvas bag for tools, but I think one of these bags could make an awesome ant totally unique purse.  They have such a cool, authentic feel.   Upon browsing Amazon I found that Klein offers some other leather goods.  This one could also be cool open handbag:

(Klein Tools  15 inch Leather Bag - $100 at Amazon)

They also have some cool leather pouches that would be great for organizing stuff inside your handbag, or maybe as a clutch (A utilitarian twist on the American Apparel zippered clutches that it seems like everyone seems to be carrying)

(Klein Tools 12.5" Leather Pouch - $29.38 at Amazon)

If you like the look, but these are too utilitarian for you, there are some higher end brands that make similarly inspired bags.   I love the buttery yellow of this Heritage canvas and leather mason bag:

(Heritage canvas mason bag with leather bottom - $79 at Hickorees)

Or finally, Fleabags has some beautiful looking versions in a variety of colors and patterns.   The classic beige and brown leather is my favorite

("The Original Flea" in pebble - $440 at Fleabags)

So, what do you think?  Would you ever carry  one of the Klein tool bags or would you hold out for a more conventional handbag?

Work Totes Worth the Splurge

Carrying a laptop to work everyday can be a total pain and on top of that, most work bags aren't very glamorous. (I even considered a backpack!) So, when a friend asked for help finding a good "go-to" bag that would work both for the office and beyond, I started thinking about what makes a good carry-all.  In my mind, the perfect "work bag" is one that looks and feels like a handbag, but can also fit a laptop and other day-to-day essentials.    Here are my current picks for stylish work bags that are worth a bit of a splurge: 

1. Black Radley London Earlsfield Work Tote  ($398)  

2. Red Lodis Audrey Zip Top Tote Bag ($255)

3. Tory Burch Mae Leather & Suede Tote Bag ($695)

4. Maxmara Tan Tote ($845)

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Lady Army Green Leather Tote Bag ($455)

6. Kate SpadeBlack Vanston Maryclare Tote ($525)