The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Stylish Laptop Bags for Busty Gals

I need your help finding a backpack or a laptop bag for college! I know this may seem silly, but I'm 5'1" so finding bags that are roomy, fashionable, but don't make me look like a ridiculous comic book supervillain is near-impossible. Messenger bags also tend to look a bit funny on me because I'm a bit busty. Any ideas? —S

Finding a stylish laptop bag is a challenge for any woman, regardless of height or body type, but it's not impossible! Here are some options:

Super Streamlined: One of the problems with most laptop bags is that they are heavy, bulky and cumbersome. Not cute. The solution: A slim, streamlined and lightweight bag that won't weigh you down, like the Rainebrooke Metro Lite Laptop Bag shown here. A padded shoulder strap adds additional carrying comfort while the bright pink design is fun and preppy-chic—perfect for students.

Rainebrooke Metro Lite Laptop Bag, $34.00



The Backpack: Yes, ladies, a fabulous option for carrying your laptop in style is a sleek, grown-up backpack. Backpacks evenly distribute weight, easing stress to your shoulders and back while allowing hands to be completely free. Plus, there's no awkward cross-body strap that may cause unwanted interference with the girls.

Mobile Edge Slimline Paris Backpack, $67.10 at amazon.com (also available in black leather)



Vertically Empowered: If you don't mind carrying a cross-body bag but worry about having a gigantic suitcase-like protrusion jutting from your slight frame, consider a laptop bag that orients your computer vertically, rather than horizontally. This shape will hang closer to your side and keep eyes moving up and down, visually elongating your silhouette.

Mango Tango Messenger Bag with Adjustable Strap, $39.99 at target.com


What advice would YOU share with your fellow readers? Have you found the perfect laptop bag that doesn't overwhelm a petite frame? What type of laptop bags do or do not work for the well-endowed? Share your expertise in the comments!

Comments
I like this post! Can you give some advice on getting a NICE messenger bag for guys? My husband is graduating med school and I am looking to get him a good messenger type bag that looks great and will last.
#1 Alice on 2010-02-01 16:52 (Reply)
I bought my boyfriend the Timbuk2 Detour 2.0 in black from Zappos.com for Christmas in 2005 and he loves it, uses it every day and it looks as good as new. Fits his 15" macbook pro which he takes to and from work.

It's pricey but well worth the cost, something I should have mentioned above! Your computer is a really valuable, expensive investment, so it pays to protect it. Check out sierratradingpost.com for discounted Timbuk2 bags. Lots of great styles to choose from.

Also check sites that sell computers, like Dell, for exclusive styles and discounts for educators, students, etc.

Finally, I carry a Belkin gray/pink laptop bag and it's really durable, comfy and cool. Check out the brand as they make great laptop bags for gents, too!
#1.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-02-01 17:22 (Reply)
I am so in the market for a laptop bag! Do you know of any that works great for a working professional? I see a lot of black leather which is nice but I want something that looks a bit more chic.
#2 Susan on 2010-02-01 18:03 (Reply)
Dell.com has a cool Bag Boutique - check it out!

http://dell.triaddigital.com/bagboutique/?ref=APOS&s=dhs
#3 RoxyRay on 2010-02-02 14:53 (Reply)
i had a problem as a petite girl finding a laptop case too! i found out that a messenger bag worked best for me :o)
#4 fashion court (Homepage) on 2010-02-02 19:00 (Reply)
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