Last week, Cat from Kirkland sent me this question:

I have no aspirations of becoming a bus chick. However, I’m in salary negotiations for a job in downtown Seattle, which means that I may become a bus chick within a couple of weeks ([commuting] from Kirkland to downtown). I’ve been obsessing about what type of bag to carry. I normally carry a laptop bag and a purse and sometimes a small lunch bag. But, with my new transportation situation, I need an all purpose bag. I dress up and wear heels to work every day. So, already I realize that I’ll need to carry an extra pair of shoes, as well…

So bus chick – tell me – how in the world am I gonna carry all of this stuff and still look presentable? I read your post about bags, but I need specifics. I need something durable, professional, waterproof, and cute.

Interesting timing, Cat. I’m on the hunt for a new bus chick bag as well, having discovered a pretty major flaw in the Tumi soft-sided briefcase I’ve been carrying for over a year. (The strap loosens and detaches after a long period of carrying it–even with only my light laptop and my wallet.)

Readers: Any suggestions for attractive, versatile, professional bus chick bags?

A side note: I do my best to avoid carrying an extra pair of shoes unless it’s absolutely necessary and instead look for shoes that are stylish and comfortable. In the winter, that generally means heeled boots (with heels that aren’t too thin or high, of course). Then again, my job does not require me to dress professionally, so I can get away with more casual attire than, say, an attorney could. Any downtown-office bus chick types with footwear suggestions?