Want to connect with other women 40+, make friends, and have fun? Then join The Girlfriend Social Club today! You'll love it!
Subscribe

3 Bags That Work Hard And Look Good Doing It

From a cozy bean bag sling to a heritage canvas backpack and a genius travel bag that gives back, these picks are stylish and smart.

Comment Icon
3 bags, no reception giveaway bag, pug nyc, steele canvas backpack, collage
Courtesy of No Reception, Pug NYC, Steele Canvas
Comment Icon

Okay, let's be real. Your bag game might be strong, but there's always room for an upgrade (or three). Whether you're shopping for groceries, hauling books or jet-setting across the globe, these three bags are about to make your life way easier and cooler. I'm talking about a bean bag that moonlights as a sling, a tough-as-nails canvas backpack that ages like fine wine, and a travel diaper bag that's basically a genius organizer disguised as style. You may wonder how you ever lived without one of them.

PUG SEAL BAG
I have the Pug Seal bag in red. It's genius. Designed by Kudos, a New York-based exhibit design studio, this bag is as unconventional as it is clever. It isn't just a bag. It's a conversation starter, a bean bag-on-the-go, and honestly, a bit of a novelty in the best possible way. Function-wise, it's a total powerhouse. Spacious main compartment for oversized items? Check. Pockets and pouches galore? Double check. Adjustable strap with a magnetic buckle? Yes please.

Pug NYC inset.jpg

It even has loops for charms and a removable inner beanbag that gives it that plush, lounge anywhere feel. Take the beanbag out, and it becomes lighter, sleeker, deeper and even easier to carry. And when you're not using it? It folds up super easily. No bulk, no hassle. Tuck it away until your next adventure. It's practical and playful. Made with durable, water-repellent, recycled fabric, it's designed with circularity in mind, so you can feel good about wearing and showing it off. And while enjoying the red, it comes in other colors too, so there's a perfect Pug for everyone.

STEELE CANVAS BACKPACK
If the Pug Seal bag is playful and inventive, the Steele Canvas backpack is its quietly brilliant counterpart, and honestly, I love it. Inspired by one of Steele's best-selling laundry backpacks, it's a pared-down design that redefines utilitarian cool. Made in the U.S. from thick, durable canvas, it starts off structured but softens with use. It's minimal, functional, unisex and stylish in that low-key way that never tries too hard.

two steele case tote, backpacks

My maroon version adds a subtle pop of color, but it comes in black, too. Whether you're a college student, teacher, craft hobbyist, hauling groceries or packing it as a reliable overnight bag, this backpack fits the job with ease. It's rugged, refined, full of character and proof that sometimes, the most unassuming designs are the ones you end up reaching for every day.

GETAWAY BAG
At first glance, the Getaway Bag by No Reception Club might look like just a diaper bag, but as my friend Rica said, "Technically it's a diaper bag, but it's pretty brilliant. You can totally use it for daily/non-kid things. It has adjustable shelvers! It's just so smart." And I couldn't agree more. Designed for travel and parents on the go, it meets airline personal item size limits and features two customizable shelves, multiple access points, an insulated lunch bag, a TSA-approved laptop sleeve, and stroller clips. It's so versatile, it works perfectly as a daypack, commuter bag, or chic everyday bag.

no reception, backpacks

No Reception Club is committed to people and planet. They donate 1% of annual sales to Baby2Baby, helping provide diapers to families in need. Every Getaway Bag sold donates enough for 20 diapers. Made with recycled materials and premium hardware, this bag is as sustainable as it is smart. Whether you're a parent or just love clever design, the Getaway Bag is a real game-changer in my opinion.

Got a bag you swear by or one that totally surprised you? Share your go-to carryall in the comments. The Girlfriend is always looking for the next obsession!

Follow Article Topics: Style-&-Fashion