Macy's is having a weekend sale right now, and it looks like a lot of their handbags are on sale. If you look in the sale section under the categories "totes" or "satchels," you'll find a lot of classic, structured, work-appropriate bags for under $150. You could not go wrong with something like this: http://www1.macys.com/sho...uleId%3D65%26slotId%3D93

If you're looking to spend a bit more, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, and Tory Burch are in the more approachable price range for designer bags ($300-500 or so) and will have some nice classic silhouettes to choose from. Whatever you choose, I would go with leather. It will hold up the best, and a classic camel or black leather bag is not going to go out of style.

I currently have my eye on this Sam Edelman bag: http://shop.nordstrom.com...category&resultback=1720