Today, the Edit is answering reader questions about $15 mentor gifts, the perfect work satchel, accessories for a camel coat, and more…

Belle,

I recently achieved a major professional milestone that culminates a 3-year career transition. To celebrate, I want to buy myself a really nice handbag – something that I’ll have for years. Can you recommend any satchels or hobo bags that are timeless and professional? I want to feel like the Chairwoman of the Board when I walk into work with my bag. If you could keep the budget under $500, I would appreciate it.

Thank you! – AKS 

I love a good celebration gift, and handbags make the best ones. I still remember when I bought my first designer bag (a Rebecca Minkoff MAB).  Maybe it sounds silly, but it felt like a professional accomplishment.  I could finally afford one of the great bags all of the women I wanted to be carried.   Here are six examples of power satchels for the office.

Upper Left, Kate Spade Cameron Satchel ($378) // Zac Posen Eartha Bag ($495) // Furla Mercury Satchel ($425) // Loeffler Randall Dome Satchel ($450) // Vasic Collection Resty Satchel ($416) // Henri Bendel Carlyle Tote ($264)

The key to choosing a great work satchel is to choose a bag with presence.  It needs structure, a neutral color, and a strong look.  I also like to choose bags that aren’t obviously one designer or another.

My favorite bag in the group is the Furla in the upper right.  It has a strong shape, a gorgeous charcoal color (good in summer and winter), and isn’t identifiable.  The flap closure is super chic.

If you’re looking for a cool bag for under-$300, I would give Henri Bendel a try.  Their bags are well-made, and come in lots of styles.  Not all of the styles are winners, but some are cool.  If you’re looking for a versatile colored bag, I adore the Riverside Carryall in burgundy.

Hello Abra,

Help! I am desperate for a long, ivory cardigan, but the only ones I can find are expensive (Sorry, I’m not spending $300 on a Tory Burch cardi.) I love Banana’s merino boyfriend cardigan but they don’t have ivory, or white, this season. Can you help me find one?

Thanks! – Rachel 

Of course, I live for a good Easter egg hunt.  Halogen has an ivory rib knit cardigan.  Free People has a very hygge-looking chunky cardigan.  This Hinge shawl-collar cardigan is worth a look.  If I were buying one, I would grab this Charter Club cardigan.  Plus-size? Try this 14th & Union cardigan at Nordstrom Rack.

Abra,

Do you have an under-$15 suggestion for a female mentor gift?  Mine is definitely on my Christmas list this year.  But, ya know, intern budget.  

Love the blog, Dia

Your mentor wants your gratitude.  But if a gift is on order, I like personalized stamps.  You can just stamp your address on the back of envelopes, no need to address them.  I used to have a stamp with my initials for approving memos (nerd alert).  Or go all in with a wax stamp.

Hi Abra,

You may have covered this already – but what are your gift ideas for the boyfriend’s parents? I’ll be spending Christmas Day with them, then we are going to Iceland (!) with them a few days later. I was thinking to get them separate Christmas and “thank-you-for-an-amazing-trip” gifts, but curious to see if you think that is too much?

Thanks! – Kristen

First, I would buy one Christmas gift and then send a nice thank you note (one to each parent) when you get back.  The other option would be to have a photo from the trip placed in a nice frame and give them that as a thank you gift.

As for gifts, I would consult with your boyfriend about what they like and what might be appropriate.  Intangible items are usually a little better for gifts when you don’t know the person that well, that way they don’t feel the need to use or wear the gift if they don’t like it.

Generally, consumables are good (try Amazon, Williams Sonoma, Goldbely).  Whether it’s food, wine, coffee, liquor, or snacks, almost everyone has a favorite food.  Tickets or passes can also be a good gift.  If the father likes to golf, maybe a buy him a round at a nice course near their home.

Hi Abra! 

I finally invested in a really nice camel coat. The trouble I’m having is with accessories. My previous outerwear wardrobe was all black and it turns out I’m just not a huge fan. I think I would prefer softer, more tonal combinations. Can you help me find some scarf/hat/glove combos in softer tones that achieve the grownup, sophisticated look I’m going for? Thanks so much and love your site!!

– Kristina 

I LOVE these cashmere woven gloves in oatmeal (nearly identical under-$50 option).  I’d add this luxurious looking ivory Free People scarf.  For a hat, try an ivory beret or fur-pom beanie.

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