I Commute With This Bag Every Day—and I'd Still Take It to Dinner

Elle

4 days ago

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The women of New York City do a lot of what we like to call schlepping. And if I had to put money on it, I would say editors rank at the top of the list of who carries the most crap on any given day, second only to mothers. (To say nothing of the editor mamas! I salute you.) Sara Naghedi was one such NYC woman all too familiar with the daily grind of getting from Point A to Point B and back again. Then, in 2015, she launched what would become my favorite bag for all my schlepping needs.
I've had my Naghedi St. Barths Tote for some time now. In the past, I've relied on backpacks, standard canvas or leather totes, and countless other bags to haul my essentials to and from the office and after-work events. Let the record show that my company-issued laptop is the largest one Apple offers (I think the tech department just wants to see me suffer), so it's always a feat to find a bag that fits it.
When I first laid eyes on the Naghedi bag I would soon call mine (see below), I thought it was woven leather. That's how good this neoprene looks. Yes, neoprene! I, too, couldn't believe it until I touched it, feeling its stretch, strength, and durability.
With their unique fabrication, these bags offer the practicality of tried-and-true shoppers with the aesthetic appeal of designer purses. It's not so precious that I'm afraid to take it on the subway for a night out, like I might be with a bag I really splurged on. As much as I wish I could pull off the beat-up Birkin, I could never outdo the Olsen twins. This is a better option for me—it functions as a work bag that makes sense and delivers on a stylistic level.
I fell even harder for this brand when I learned about its background. Each bag is handwoven by a woman whose life has changed because of this job. Women in need of work opportunities are taught to weave Naghedi bags at home. They're afforded flexible schedules and fair wages as skilled artisans—without having to leave their children or cover cost-prohibitive childcare, which are often the reasons many women can't work at all. Plus, the brand offers a take-back program in which customers can send back any Naghedi bag for 30 percent off a new one. These pre-loved pieces are deconstructed, cleaned, and remade into styles in the Waste Not collection.
Regarding complaints, I have one—and a half. It took at least a month for the handles to stretch out enough for me to wear mine on my shoulder. I do wish the drop length were longer. (Note: This might not apply to larger styles.) My half-gripe is that there aren't any pockets or compartments, but it does come with a matching zippered pouch, and that helps.
As for other fans, fellow commerce editor Sarah Maberry owns several Naghedi bags and agrees that if you're going to try one, it should be the Medium St. Barths. Celebrity supporters include Jennifer Lawrence, Mindy Kaling, and Gisele Bündchen. Naghedi is sold online and at retailers including Nordstrom, Amazon, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Prices range from $50 to $460.
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