A plum, gray and black argyle checked backpack ($40, Foxy Jeans, foxyjeans.com; Winners, winners.ca) works for a range of ages, whether it’s a sophisticated statement for school or a fun addition to your desk. (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)
An update on a classic with asymmetrical lines and red piping to add interest, this laptop briefcase can also hold a tablet in nits front pocket ($65, best buy, bestbuycanada.ca). (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)
Tom is outfitted for head back to work, job interviews or graduate studies in a charcoal three-piece suit ($545, Alfred Sung). a fuchsia dress shirt ($89.50, Calvin Klein) coordinates well with a fuchsia paisley patterned tie ($49.99) and silk pocket square ($9.99). a pair of black leather slip on shoes ($125) and a black dress belt ($55) complete his look. all items Moore’s Clothing for Men, mooresclothing.com. Tom carries his laptop and other essentials in his caramel Sleeve plus ($89.99, nice-pkg.com for locations) which features black trim and zippered compartments. meanwhile, Melinda heads back to work in a magenta bowed dress ($139.95) and a multi-coloured glass bead necklace ($29.95, both Le Chateau, lechateau.com) and carries her tablet in a vibrant orange quilted PVC bag ($44.99, nice-pkg.com for locations). (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)
If your workplace or school calls for a more casual style, you’ll stay sharp as Melinda does, by carrying your essentials in a red tweed netbook carrier bag ($49.99, nice-pkg.com for locations). she wears a pink tie-dyed top ($40, Foxy Jeans, foxyjeans.com) and a pair of dark navy, low-rise skinny boot cut jeans ($198, Fidelity Denim, fidelitydenim.com). Melinda’s own bangles and a coral ring ($15, Le Chateau, lechateau.com) add to her look. she keeps in touch using her iPhone, which is refreshed with a limited edition black and white patterned case ($29.99, GRC Cory Ferguson for PKG, nice-pkg.com for locations). (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)
Tom carries his black mini backpack, featuring an adjustable molded tablet pocket ($45, Swiss Gear, available at Access and Staples, staples.ca). he dresses up his beige ribbed turtleneck ($59.95, Le Chateau, lechateau.com) and Slim Jim Nudie indigo jeans ($235, over the Rainbow, rainbowjeans.com) with the vest from his three-piece suit ($545, Alfred Sung at Moores Clothing For Men, mooresclothing.com). the orange iPhone case ($29.99, PKG iphone 4 case, nice-pkg.com for locations) gives just the pop of colour this outfit needs. (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)
“Nothing kills the look of a stylish suit or outfit faster than an old, scruffy looking canvas bag,” says Tarek Al-Azbat, the creative director of Nella Bella. This NB Man Stockholm messenger bag in caramel has the perfect amount of polished sophistication, matched with style. $99, nella-bella.com.
The thinner laptops available today allow for sleeker bags that won’t weigh you down. This Frankfurt laptop tote in Salmon ($98, Nella Bella, nella-bella.com) is a great example, in a pebbled finish that works well with season’s textures.
This messenger-style bag may look like your average grey on the outside, but it opens up to reveal a unique multi-coloured plaid interior ($40, Roots, available at Bentley, onlinebags.com). (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)
A pink quilted bag, sized to fit a 13″ laptop, can even accommodate a tablet in the front pocket ($49.99, PKG, nice-pkg.com for locations). (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)
The Stuff grey wool tablet sleeve ($44.99, PKG, nice-pkg.com for locations) has a hidden handle, so the piece can be carried under the arm, or around the hand. (Derek Ruttan/QMI Agency)