Suggestions for bag or clutch bag for interview

Alidee

Am female aged 22,and will probably be facing a few interviews in the coming months, probably wearing something quite formal... plain fitted skirt, blouse and fitted jacket, navy or black.... I have both. Has anyone any suggestions/links for a nice bag or clutch bag to take with me, or would a tote bag be better? Help appreciated, but nothing ridiculously expensive....remember I'm looking for a job, not loaded!! Thanks for your suggestions, also willing to travel to Dublin etc if bricks and mortar shops would be better. (I don't usually carry a bag... so haven't a clue)

dudara

Clutch bags are for evening/dress wear in general. You're better with a small tote.

Alidee

Thank you for that.... I was going to borrow one from a friend, but I thought it was too blingy... so at this stage I don't mind buying one if I will get some use out of it.

Sunny Dayz

Try Pennys for totes, they have a huge selection at the moment - I got a large one recently with a quilted pocket at the front for €13!
I would go for a black or a beige bag, it will go with most outfits and you don't want it to stand out for the wrong reasons. Make sure it is big enough for carrying what you need when you start work: purse, keys, phone, make up, book/kindle, etc.
Might sound strange but if you are not used to using a handbag, maybe don't bring one to the interview if you might feel uncomfortable with it. If you do bring one in, make sure not to forget about it and leave it behind!!

dudara

Check out Penneys/Zara etc for bags. Sometimes they often even have real leather, without costing a fortune.

Have a think about what you're likely to carry in a bag (i.e. phone, purse, notebook, laptop/ipad etc) and then pick out a bag that would work. Think about other factors - In my case, I always want the handles of my bag to be big enough to go on my shoulders while wearing a coat.

pwurple

Try Parfois. They have reasonable totes, not expensive at all.

http://www.parfois.com/index.php?pais=ie&id=24

Alidee

Your suggestions are very much appreciated, thanks for taking the time to respond. I like the suggestion too of a beige bag... never thought of any colour only black or navy. Have had a quick look at the Parfois website, they (despite the fact that I never carry a handbag, only a chunky purse....) are very nice, and I'd definitely make use of them. Don't want to spoil my chances at interview by not having the correct "look". So thanks to you all.

Miaireland

I would suggest getting either a black or brown leather bag. I normally buy a bag that is big enough (width or height) to take an A4 pad/folder in case they ask you to bring college documents/cvs/references etc.

The reason I suggest leather is that it can be polished if it starts to look a bit scruffy. Make sure that it can be zipped closed so nothing falls outs of your bag while you are in the interview. Also make sure that there is a little compartment in the front that you can keep mints, your phone etc in so that you are not rooting for them if you are called in early to the interview and need to switch your phone off etc.

TK Maxx is great for leather bags if you don't mind investing a bit, they last forever and normally have good handles etc.

MrWalsh

Miaireland wrote: »

I would suggest getting either a black or brown leather bag. I normally buy a bag that is big enough (width or height) to take an A4 pad/folder in case they ask you to bring college documents/cvs/references etc.

This.

Whatever about the material (my current one isnt leather), I definitely feel its necessary to get something large enough to take an A4 pad (even a laptop tbh). It can be used for work appointments also. I need to upgrade my own actually.

I bought a very nice leather bag in TkMaxx before and it became extremely shabby in no time, all strings hanging from the seams/edges - Id be wary of their quality after that.