Still not as thick as my current bag

I have a problem. I really don’t like the “briefcase” I use to carry my laptop. It’s one of those old-school laptop bags that has way too many pockets for me–at most I need a mouse, pen and notebook in addition to the laptop. I don’t need pockets for a calculator, post-its, and all of my files. Besides, the girl in me just wants something pretty.

All I need is something to protect my laptop for the few (but increasing) times I take it anywhere. Well, protect it and hold a mouse and the power cable (ideally the travel version and all the attachments, but I realize that is unlikely). Other than function my requirements are some color options other than black, ease of carrying, and the ability to hold a variety of laptop sizes–I’m not going to have this one forever.

As for budget, that’s probably going to be the hardest condition to satisfy. You could say that I’m… frugal. So frugal that I won’t consider buying an item of clothing that costs more than $50–even if it’s a “really good deal.” I’m really stretching my comfort zone in limiting this purchase to $100. Given that I have something (ugly and bulky) that meets my basic requirements, I can’t validate spending more than that.

Your turn–any recommendations or suggestions? I would love to support a small business if possible.