Work Bag: Balenciaga Papier Tote

The Balenciaga Papier Tote is very confused. Does it want to be carried on the crook of a lady's arm or swung over her shoulder? Does it want to be unstructured and casual or does it want to be structured and professional? It does not know what it is, but damn I love this bag. The unbelievably soft and buttery leather, the understated hardware, and the fact that it doesn't scream designer bag are all huge selling points. Unfortunately, there are a number of issues I have with the design of this bag which I will address. Mr. Wang, if you ever read my blog, please consider my suggestions!

Little background on how I came across this bag. I had saved up a sufficient amount of money from creating PPT decks and Excel spreadsheets, and as we all know: work appropriate items=justification of money well spent. For months, I had been eyeing the Proenza Schouler PS1. I strutted into the store where all good things happen, Barney's in Chicago, about to piss my pants from excitement. As I reached for the PS1, I was underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, the PS1 is a beautiful bag, but at that moment I didn't feel that click. So I journeyed over to the Balenciaga section and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the Papier tote on the top shelf. It came in three colors: black, brown, and olive green. The purchase was such a spontaneous decision that I don't even remember what happened next. All I know is 5 minutes later, I was walking out the store with (what I thought) was the perfect work bag.

 Balenciaga Papier Tote

Most unstructured bag I've owned

Lots of room--I can fit MacBook, notebooks, emergency cupcakes, etc.

 Stuart Weitzman MezzaMezza Boots / / J Brand Maria High Rise Skinny Jeans

Slightly overwhelming and too boxy for my 5'3 frame

Now that I've talked about all the positives of this bag, let me highlight some of the main problems:

1. The handles are a very awkward length. It's just long enough to slip over my shoulder if I'm wearing a thin shirt. If I have a coat on there is no way I am able to get it over my shoulder. This is problematic because if I'm carrying a MacBook and notebooks, the bag becomes extremely heavy and uncomfortable to carry on the crook of my arm or my hands.

2. The base of this bag makes it difficult to carry a MacBook, notebook, or any rectangular shaped item without it falling horizontally flat inside the bag. The base is pretty wide, and the bag is so unstructured that it provides zero support for anything inside. It takes constant readjusting for my notebooks to stay in place, and when they do, the overall effect is really boxy. 

3. The size of this bag is overwhelming for a petite frame. I feel like a bag lady when I carry it around.

Overall, the bag has some great qualities. However, I've contemplated selling it for a Mulberry Bayswater or *gasp* the Proenza Schouler PS1. Very few people own the Papier Tote, but I'd love to hear your thoughts and reviews of this bag!