Unofficial poll time: do you bring a gym bag to work? Personally, I've found that bringing my workout clothes with me to work is the only way I'll hit the gym afterwards (...most of the time).
Right now, I use a large lululemon bag I bought several years ago - I just throw my wallet, phone, keys and other essentials in there along with my yoga pants and sneakers. It's not the greatest system. First, it can get really heavy and cause my shoulders to ache. Second, it's cumbersome, and if I go somewhere besides the gym after work (like last week, when my boyfriend surprised me with impromptu tickets to a concert), it looks odd. Third, taking the time to put together a stylish and elegant outfit and then shrugging on a utilitarian-looking, basic black bag is a bit frustrating.
After giving it some thought, I've decided to implement a new system: use a purse and a smaller gym bag. Having the weight equally distributed on both shoulders is undoubtedly healthier, and my boyfriend gave me a great everyday purse for Christmas! I thought about getting one of L.L.Bean's classic "Boat and Tote" bags, but they're a touch too ubiquitous. Still, the clean lines and preppy aesthetic appeal to me, so I went searching for a suitable substitute. And I think I've found it in this Wm. J. Mills & Co. Flight Bag.
A throwback to the golden age of air travel, when people needed only one medium-sized carry on, the Flight Bag is also the perfect size for gym essentials. Handcrafted from duck canvas, its sturdy shape makes it more polished than a tote bag. The zip top is great too, protecting your gear from the elements (and protecting your colleagues from the unsociable sight of that ratty NYU t-shirt you wear to spinning class).
The only question is, should I choose nautical navy or handsome hunter green?
