Posted by Elizabeth Rinert on 7/24/12 10:50am
Msg #427838

Stylish bag or breifcase that works?

looking to buy a bag to carry that is stylish and can nealty originze all my Notary supplies . Anyone know any great bags that have worked.

Thanks,

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 7/24/12 10:56am
Msg #427839

I don't know about "stylish" but I use a locking case. Here in CA we have to keep our journals/seals locked up, and that includes our mobile supplies.

I use this one, a Vaultz tote... it's legal size so it holds packages --- I love it. Holds everything and people often compliment it and say it looks like "Serious business"

http://www.vaultz.net/file_boxes_and_totes/VZ01189

Reply by Yoli/CA on 7/24/12 11:11am
Msg #427842

Not a designer series but works for me. Has compartments for legal file folders, pens, seals and a side slider for my 17" laptop. Also on wheels.

http://www.allbriefcases.com/briefcases-&-attaches/laptop-bags/samsonitesideloadermobileoffice.cfm

(sorry, for some reason unbeknownst to me, (for me) links are not click-friendly on this site -- you'll have to copy and paste)

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 7/24/12 11:23am
Msg #427846

I have a mobile office, too, one of wheels for my computer, etc... thought I keep that separate from my notary case, now, because I often only need the case and the big rolling bag gets in the way some places.

I recently replace my old mobile office bag to this one:

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/tls-mobile-office/149266

I got the bright green one to match another bag that I have in the same TLS series. I LOVE IT. Again, though, that's for my office stuff rather than notary supplies, etc.

Reply by LKT/CA on 7/24/12 3:22pm
Msg #427907

That's the same one I use Marian. I love it!! It's solid, durable, sits upright on the floor and I get lots of compliments too. Some think it's filled with money (LOL!!)

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 7/24/12 11:46am
Msg #427852

I know I'll get in trouble for saying this! But...

I really like the NNA canvas briefcase. It is lightweight and holds my journal, pens, stamp, seal, business cards, forms, receipt book, etc. easily. Plus it comes with an NNA nametag.

I know a lot of people say "a professional uses leather", but this bag keeps it shape, as opposed to some raggedy leather bag that looks like a hot mess unless it is completely full. It is so lightweight and small, but big enough to hold all the supplies. It is $40 for non-NNA members, though. It does look sleek and professional.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 7/24/12 11:47am
Msg #427853

BTW it does not have room for legal size papers

I wouldn't use it for carrying huge stacks of loan docs, but for general notary work it is perfect!

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 7/24/12 11:58am
Msg #427855

Re: I know I'll get in trouble for saying this! But...

"a professional uses leather"

I've never bought in to that, personally. I like leather, but I'm tough on my gear since I'm mobile, and leather is just too expensive and difficult to keep nice looking. I prefer function over style for most things.

Now, if I were back in Los Angeles where I used to live and in the higher end neighborhoods, I'd probably keep a nicer looking bag/case just for those appointments. Sometimes, you just have to do "uppity" when you're in an area with people who care more about style and image. Sadly, in Los Angeles, that's everywhere. Where I am now? No... a guy in his ABUs/fatiques after work is dressed up. It's all cultural and varies greatly by location...which changes easily within just a few hundred miles.

Reply by HisHughness on 7/24/12 12:03pm
Msg #427856

I can sympathize with your problem. I just hate it when summer comes around and my briefcase is black, but I still have to carry it after Easter. I've searched absolutely everywhere, but I just can't seem to find any pastel briefcases. Sometimes it just makes me almost want to cry to look at the mismatch between my briefcase and my pumps.

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 7/24/12 12:12pm
Msg #427861

I use a bag designed for a laptop. It has lots of nooks and crannies, but not enough room to hold loan docs, but is lockable when both zippers pulled together and locked with small lock which I purchased separately. The office supply stores have lots of laptop cases, many in nice colors and definitely on the feminine side. You can also find similar items in the purse section at stores like TJMAXX. That is where I got mine. I paid under $100 for it several years ago. I am pretty sure it is leather. I use a leather look "enevelope" to hold loan docs, to and from appointments. It was under $10 at office depo and came in black, brown and burgandy. I think they call it a document envelope.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 7/24/12 12:13pm
Msg #427862

Hugh, we've told you before ....

.... to stop wearing pumps to signings! It violates most SS dress codes. Those are only for when you're home, in your bedroom, having fun. BTW: Post some pictures. Especially when you're wearing those pink ones!

Reply by NJDiva on 7/24/12 12:25pm
Msg #427868

Would that be bubble gum pink or hott pink (no not hot!) n/m

Reply by VT_Syrup on 7/24/12 5:43pm
Msg #427928

Re: Would that be bubble gum pink or hott pink (no not hot!)

At the moment, my black case contains both my notary stuff and my disaster response paperwork. I keep them together in case a disaster victim needs a notarization. But it's getting crowded, and I'm thinking of separating them. If I keep the notary stuff in the black case, I'll be looking for a fluorescent lime-green case with reflective trim for the disaster paperwork.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 7/24/12 1:20pm
Msg #427884

I am really happy with my dark green canvas attache that I got for FREE (no logos or anything on it). It holds all my gear and docs. I don't have to put on any airs. I prefer functional to stylish. It is also lighter weight than leather. That makes it easier on my back.

Reply by Patti Corcoran on 7/24/12 2:48pm
Msg #427903

Re: Harry, if Not Rot came out with a lightweight bag that

would accommodate legal paper size, I know that I would order one!

Reply by NJDiva on 7/24/12 3:30pm
Msg #427909

Re: Harry, if Not Rot came out with a...ROLLING BAG n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 7/24/12 3:04pm
Msg #427906

For the ladies. If you have a TJ Maxx or Target in your

area, both carry small "tote" type business & computer bags that aren't too large or cumbersome, some from brands like Nine West. I know I carried one for a while & got a lot of complements.
I don't even carry a bag into a signing anymore--just journal, docs, and my handbag (which now contains my stamp & pens).

Reply by Karla/OR on 7/24/12 6:17pm
Msg #427932

Hi Elizabeth~ I purchased the same one (I believe) as Robert. It looks very professional and not like a piece of luggage. It is very sturdy even though its been here and there the past few years, and still looks brand new!I love it! Mine DOES accommodate legal size paper. I believe they sell more than one type now.

I, too, hope Not/Rot offers them in the future!

Good luck with your search.

Reply by ohnotary on 7/24/12 6:41pm
Msg #427933

a few years back I had found a Leather laptop Bag for about $30.00 at Office Max. Has 3 compartments in it and works great with lots of zipper pockets.