Laptop Bag Lifeline

What is the best laptop bag for a Road Warrior?

2013-04-23T16:09:57-07:00

I traveled most of my business life with meetings to attend and trade shows to visit until I started www.careerbags.com. I was on the road almost every week and it was long before beautiful rolling laptop bags or messenger bags were available so I feel your pain. How do you choose a bag that will look professional and fashionable without injuring yourself? How do you choose a bag that can carry all of your business necessities and personal items?

The first place I would start would be to look at the “Shop by Career” section of the www.Careerbags.com website. Why not let other visitors in the same field do all of the work for you? Lawyer? Banker? Real Estate Mogul? Check out their picks!

If you do travel for business whether you are flying or driving and you have a lot to take with you, I highly recommend a rolling laptop bag and matchin g handbag. It is such a great soluti on and we have so many beautiful bags to select from.

Light weight, pretty, practical and what a fantastic value.

Cabrelli 15.6" Logan Rolling Laptop Bag/ Logan handbag - Black

Sturdy and professional-

Generations Lite Collection #6527, 17" Laptop Compatible Business Wheeler

Compact and elegant

Caprice Red Rolling Laptop Bag

Vacation-Work Travel Tips

2013-04-10T11:58:33-07:00

Summer vacation is just around the corner. Let's be honest about the fact that you will probably take your laptop or iPad and do a little work. I remember when my daughter was young and we took family vacations and I would sneak out to call the office.

Why not disguise your laptop bag by carrying a matching set of Amy Butler Bags for your next trip? So many beautiful fabric combination and different size bags to select from. She also has matching laptop wraps that you can sneak in your luggage and just say it is for lingerie!

Take a peek at all of her fabulous designs and keep your email checking to a minimum and enjoy your family.

Careerbags+Coakley Exclusive Offer

2013-04-01T15:57:11-07:00

Coakley and Careerbags have come up with a collection that is out of this world. You can't find it any place else on the web or in a retail store. For a limited time we have put together a collection of my favorite bags plus a free set of accessory pouches and a leather clutch that can take you from a business lunch to an evening out.

Available in three cool colors. Coakley 15" Everyday Faux Suede Microfiber Portfolio +Leather Clutch + Accessory Pouches

CAREERBAGS EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION- a $455.00 Value only $250

15"Everyday Portfolio- With its professional silhouette, this executive style portfolio embodies elegance.

The soft durable micro sueded fabric is topped with a fabulous leather top flap and the 9 pockets conceal your business essentials.
The top leather flap conveniently tucks out of the way for easy access to your business essentials.
Exterior features include the stow away leather lid, adjustable straps, lipstick mirror and spacious front pocket neatly hiding three additional stretch pockets and zipper access to the interior wallet pocket.
Interior features include a roomy zipper pocket for securing your wallet and other valuables along with three stretch pockets, leather phone pocket to name a few.

Leather Clutch-With your purse and business essentials neatly stored in your Coakley Tote, complete your Collectionwith this classic leather clutch that slips into your larger bag or stows in your luggage and comes out for lunch and dinner meetings.

Exterior features include an adjustable shoulder strap, magnet snap closure.
Interior features include a zipper secure pocket with three stretch pockets. The spacious interior holds your cell phone, reading glasses, small wallet, lipstick and room key.

Accessory Pouches- Power cords or cosmetics have a perfect home in these matching pouches. The laptop bag alone originally retailed for $265. It is one of the best quality bags that we offer on Careerbags. It was designed by the brilliant Mary Repke who was constantly on the road in several managerial positions over the years. She designed this bag after interviewing working women in every possible career she could think of. Lawyers, doctors, educators, financial planners, you name an occupation and they probably own one of her bags. You will save over $200.00 and we are happy to be the only company to offer this collection.

The Dallas Accessories Market Report- Fantastic Spring Colors

2013-03-25T11:11:14-07:00

Even though it got down to 38 degrees in Dallas overe the weekend, Spring was definitely in the air at the Accessories Market. Colorful and bright and more fashion tech products than I have seen in a long time. I think that some of these designers have finally realized that tech toys are an important part of our daily lives.

Color blocking is a word that we all hear and I saw a really great collection of leather products that used color blocking in the most beautiful and practical way. I hope to have them in our store very soon. These gorgeous leather colorful cases are iPad carrying cases with a little handle and a strap. The colors made me so happy!

This designer also has some briefcases in all of the colors that you see on the iPad cases. the prices were really amazing for an all leather collection. It was impressive!

We also found some terrific iPad cases from one of our current designers and will have some new iPad cases and covers up in the next few weeks. I was really glad to see colorful new laptop bags and business cases.

I have always thought that business accessories do not need to be boring so I know that you will love what I found!

5 SPRING Cleaning Tips for Your Office

2013-03-21T15:29:17-07:00

The arrival of spring often motivates us to clean our homes and spruce up the yard. Why not do the same for your office? Cleaning your office is typically not a top priority, but the resulting clutter and disorganization can definitely slow you down. Follow these 5 SPRING cleaning tips for a fresher environment and a new outlook.

Before you begin go buy yourself some flowers for your desk to put you in the mood.Who doesn't love flowers?

1. Schedule your clean-up advance. The day before, have large waste receptacles and cull through old files and remove unused desk items. Make it fun with a casual day and a healthy lunch whether it is your home office or company office. While taking a few hours to clean will likely interrupt the work flow for the day, in the long run it will make you all much more efficient. Don’t forget a shredder for sensitive items like receipts, bank statements, or confidential client information.

2. Recycle or Donate.

That old monitor, printer, blackberry’s (so 90’s) stored for the last two years is taking up prime real estate. Go through your office and collect old electronics and extra still-usable supplies like tape dispensers and staplers. If items are salvageable, donate them to a local non-profit, otherwise recycle them along with appropriate paper products.

3. Invest in new supplies.

Now that drawers and cabinets are free of clutter, it's time to restock. Make a list of the frequently used items and be sure to include organizers for drawers and desktops as well. Having the right supplies at your fingertips will keep you focused on your work, not wasting time tracking down incidentals.Also consider buying fun and colorful files. Work does not need to be boring.

4. Neaten up your computer.

Sift through emails, deleting unneeded files and organizing those you want to keep. Turn a critical eye to documents, photos, and files on your desktop. If you haven't used or looked at them in a year, do you really need them front and center? Delete them or refile.

5. Organize your desk. Start with your filing system. I share an office with someone who needs to have everything on his desk that he thinks he might be working on. We are talking CHAOS! While we each have our own way of organizing, in general it's helpful to set up a system that includes four components:

This Spring Desk Accessories and File Totes from Jamie Raquel now sits on my desk and in my office.

1) An Inbox such as a letter tray for random items
2) A Review File for magazine articles or potential projects
3) A Tickler File for future action items
4) A Current Projects File often kept handy in a wire filing rack on the desktop

Next, think about your overall practices and procedures. Are there any new or simpler ways of doing things? This is a good time to re-evaluate and update.

A thorough cleaning always brings a renewed sense of optimism and freshness to your life. Boost your outlook and your productivity by sprucing up your office today!

Designer Spotlight-Jill-e Laptop & Camera Bags

2013-03-13T16:22:07-07:00

So many of us carry a camera these days for work and for play. We love documenting every moment of our lives and we especially love taking pictures of food. When did this start? I actually think that a beautifully art directed plate of food is worth a picture.

Just like my quest for finding the perfect women's laptop bag led me to create Careerbags.com, my love of photography led me to the Jill-e Collection.

The Jill-e company was created to answer the need for every photography lover looking for the perfect bag to carry their gear safely and securely with a little bit of flair to match their creative style. They design the collections using only the finest materials including top grade leather, durable, dependable hardware and stylish details. The Jill-e brand stands for quality, style and function.

They have a great selection of Women's Camera Bags with pockets for the slimest camera made as well as bags for professional women phographers that carry everything. This Classic Collection Rolling Leather Gear Bag can accomodate a 17"inch laptop computer and 1-2 DSLR or SLR camera bodies and 3-4 moderately sized lenses. Or 1-2 DSLR or SLR camera bodies 1 long telephoto lens with 2-3 moderately sized lenses. Plus extra batteries and memory cards, accessories and a few personal items.

I have several photographers in my life and they were so happy when I found this collection. My daughter's boyfriend is a professional phographer and he travels all over the world for photo shoots. http://www.kinofistpix.com/

When he wants to carry his camera, a lens and just a few things he uses the Jack Collection Small Messenger bag thanks to me.

For a real phography buff and a special person in my life I bought the Jack Collection Leather Rolling Laptop and Camera Bag.

This bag holds a DSLR Camera, a 17" MacBook Pro, a telephoto lens, batteries, cables, and anything else you would need to take amazing pictures.

Weather-resistant Colombian leather in deep brown
Padded exterior walls protect your equipment and essentials
Telescoping handle and heavy duty rollers make travel easy
Comfortable dual carrying handles
Adjustable dividers for interior flexibility and customization
Protective "sleeve" pocket for laptop or business files
Matching pouch to hold personal items
External storage pockets, internal netted pocket

Designer Spotlight-Urban Junket

2013-02-28T08:37:31-08:00

Tracy Dyer is the founder and designer of Urban Junket and we have been working with her since she started her company way back in 2006. She is way ahead of just about anyone in the industry and brings years of experience to the game.

Fashionable, Eco-friendly and fun. Super cute colors and so many to choose from.

The Urban Junket t.o.t.e. collection of bags is designed to help carry and protect
your valuables while observing the environment and your sense of style. These
high-quality, functional bags come in a striking array of colors and use
environmentally friendly materials to minimize our impact on the earth.

Four lines make up the 2013 t.o.t.e. collection but the most compelling collection is called
Power Trips
The Power Trips line is the first of its kind. Three stylish and colorful designs come
with built-in portable power packs to help women recharge numerous devices,
such as smart phones, tablets, eReaders, MP3 players, etc. while on the go. Three
styles include

Jen Powered Crossbody Bag

The Jen Powered Cross body Bag is the ultimate device bag with a middle padded pocket that is perfect for a tablet. The built-in battery pack will recharge a typical device for up to 10 days of partial charges or two full smart phone charges and is compatible with any USB or Micro USB-powered device.

Features: 3 internal pockets: phone, devices, pens, keys – one zipped Removable zippered gear bag with business card pocket - can be used for cord storage Internal battery pack and holder - slit opening allows the battery to be used in both the main compartment and

Karen Powered Handbag

Not only is the Karen Powered Handbag a stylish, well organized handbag, but it comes with a battery pack built into the bag! This bag is big enough to hold any tablet or 13 inch laptop as well as your regular handbag stuff.

This Urban Junket eco-friendly and battery powered laptop bag is great for a woman on the go! The built-in battery pack will recharge a typical device for up to 10 days of partial charges or two full smart phone charges and is compatible with any USB or Micro USB-powered device. Exterior Features: CA Prop 65 compliant hardware (no lead, nickel or cadmium) Large front pocket with Velcro flap One slide-in back pocket & one zippered back pocket front pocket JB Powered Laptop Tote

Interior Features: 5 internal pockets: phones, devices, pens, keys - one zippered Padded laptop section for protection (17"W x 12"H x 2"D) Removable zippered gear bag with business card pocket - can be used for cord storage Internal battery pack and holder - slit opening allows the battery to be used in both the main compartment and front pocket

Designer Spotlight-Cabrelli & Co

2013-02-21T15:43:07-08:00

We are so excited to start our new series called Designer Spotlight. I love this idea but I cannot take credit for it because our Social Network Guru, Yiana from www.designleap.net suggested it. The first Brand that we are spotlighting is a fantastic company out of Canada.

CABRELLI & CO

Cabrelli & Co. has been around since 1940 and they really change with the times. Their Fashion Executive Roller-brief collection or rolling laptop bag as we call them is the perfect item for the woman “on-the-go” who needs to bring her computer and files everywhere she goes. If you travel by plane there is not a better option out there and we have seen them all. It is for the woman who needs space and structure, but with a great stylish twist that still looks professional.

Developed to be a carry-on size for planes, the Roller-briefs offer a variety of trendy colors, shapes, prints and materials. They also feature padded compartments for laptops and tablets, organizer pockets, quality retractable handles and sturdy in-line wheels.

The Chocolate Faux Croc Rolling Laptop Bag is my personal favorite. Mine will arrive any day actually (like I need another bag) it fits a 15.4" laptop Computer and it has tons of room for all of your necessities.I carry a business card case, a book, iPad,MacBook, power cords, a leagal pad (yes I still write)

I put my cosmetic case inside when I am flying somewhere, healthy snacks and my 3 pairs of glasses. Everything is in a small accessory pouch so that I can stay organized

In March they are adding Executive handbags that were made to slide over the handle of the Rolling laptop Bags This is my number 1 favorite feature. They fit over the handles of the Roller-brief to make navigating airports easy; and each handbag has a padded sleeve for either a tablet or e-Reader.

You can actually pre- order them. They are up and ready to go. They are availalbe in Black, Grey and Navy as shown.

5 Tips On How To Grow A Small Business

2013-02-14T13:00:59-08:00

Most of my blog posts relating to Careers have been focused on our customers that work for large companies. How is it possible that I forgot the small business owner when I happen to be one? Your objective as an entrepreneur is to find out how to expand and grow your business. That’s a tough thing to do, considering that you have to deal with clients, suppliers, employees, fluctuating markets, changing customer demands and so on. Let’s take a look at the top 5 ways you can grow your business.

1. Give incentives to your employees
I know that you are probably thinking that it is going to cost you more than you have available. It doesn't need to. A compliment, recognition, flowers, take them out to lunch or how about a gift card for a new laptop bag? Since Employees make up the throbbing heart of an organization and rewarding them from time to time is only going to make the engine of your business run without glitches. To grow your business, you should applaud, award and appreciate your employees on their merit, whether it is in the form of money, felicitation or kind words.

2. Network through existing clients and vendors
Are you working with clients and vendors, who are giving you business repeatedly because they like your work? Then take this opportunity to know how to further grow your business. Ask them for referrals and recommendations that will help you get more business from other parties.Join a Network Breakfast Group and show up with plenty of Business Cards and make sure you have a nice Business Card case to pull out of your bag.

3. Focus on customer feedback
The simplest answer to the question how to grow your business is that you must listen to what the markets and customers are telling you. If the customer is not happy with your product or service, it will reflect in your sales. If the markets are not picking up, it will reflect in your business’ share price, brand valuation and so on. Focusing and keenly listening to feedback about your business will give you great insights.

4. Diversify
Many businesses forget that they actually have the ability to cater to more ancillary products and services for customers, who already enjoy their core product/service. To understand how to grow your business, consider opting for diversification. Who knows, this might help you to capture a whole new segment of the market?

5. Stress post sales services and relationships
Do you know why most businesses never learn how to grow their business? Because all they care about is notching up their sales. Customers hate brand names and business that don’t service and provide post sales relationships to them, in case they need a repair or need to make a return. Focus on building a relationship with your customer, not just blindly treating them as a number.

January Report-Top 5 Laptop Bags

2013-02-12T16:14:16-08:00

I am always surprised at the variety of different sizes and styles of laptop bags that make our top five list each month. It just shows me that our customers are all so unique and interesting. When I first started Careerbags over 7 years ago, we mostly saw black bags ending up in the shopping carts. Fashionable Black Laptop bags and not those bulky black nylon bags like you would find at the big box stores. Oh wait! we don't sell bulky balck nylon bags, that was the point of starting this store.

So here are our Top 5 bags for January 2013 from our latest report.

1.Urban Junket Robin 17" Laptop Bag-

Well it has so many attributes that no wonder it is our number one bag. It is made from Eco-friendly material, it comes in a ton of colors, who doesn't love outside pockets and it looks like a fabulous handbag and we have it on sale for $139.00

2. Clark & Mayfield Stafford Pro Leather Laptop Bag 15.6"

This bag has been so consistent and on our top 5 list over the past 6 months. The leather is just lusciuos, a huge front pocket for all of your essentials, and I love the lining of this bag because it is not a big dark deep black hole. The light color makes it so easy to find just what you need to grab at a moment's notice. This one is on sale for only $189.00 for full grain leather.

3. E-GO Collection 12" from Jill-e

Beautiful embossed leather in 4 luscious colors. Classic and elegant for sure and so roomy for a small laptop bag. It fits my little white MacBook just perfectl y. I love the three separate compartments so I can keep everything in place. One of our customers gave this a great review and noticed that it looks so much like a Michael Kors handbag.

4. Cabrelli Red Croco Rolling Laptop Bag

This is truly one of my favorite new collections that we offer on Careerbags. Each week we add another new design and they are rolling off the shelves. So many fun colors and styles but this seems to be one of the best. We have this bag on sale for under $140.00 and you can't beat that.

5. Alesya 15" Leather laptop Bag

Out of necessity comes invention…

For many years, Alesya invested in her wardrobe, only to have the perfect outfit ruined by a clunky, bulky, manly, laptop bag. So, she did what any other american would do: she designed by own line! Once you take a look at the bag, you'll certainly smitten with them.

Well that is all for now. I will report back after our February numbers are in. I have a feeling that we will have sold a lot of Red.