Help me pick a leather tote

[Anonymous]

I'm changing careers and want to invest in a quality leather tote that will last me many years. Budget is up to $750. Here's what I've been looking at. Thoughts? The bag needs to be able to hold two 13" laptops (I'm in grad school and need one for school and one for work) and their cords, a textbook or two, a couple notebooks, water bottle, etc. I need to be able to wear it over my shoulder but I don't have to walk far, so OK if it's a bit heavy. I like caramel/British tan colors, but am open to other options. Just don't really want black. Interior organization is a plus, but not a must. I can always add in my own laptop sleeves, pouches, etc. to organize stuff.

Cuyana system tote: https://cuyana.com/products/system-tote-16-inch-v2?variant=46713890865467 - would add on the laptop pouch and a strap, I think?
Cuyana easy tote: https://cuyana.com/products/classic-easy-tote?variant=44388555063611 - would add on the insert and maybe a pouch?
Clare V Le Zip Sac: https://www.clarev.com/collections/totes/products/le-zip-sac-loden-rustic-w-cotton-webbing -- maybe a little too casual?
Clare V La Tropezienne: https://www.clarev.com/collections/totes/products/la-tropezienne-8-miel - LOVE this but the handles look too short?
Il Bisonte: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/il-bisonte-talamone-leather-tote-0400017005463.html - seems almost perfect, does anyone know this brand?
Carl Friedrik Ashby: https://www.carlfriedrik.com/products/ashby-zipped-leather-tote?colour=cognac&lining=grey - this was rec'd by Wirecutter and I really like it, just sad that it's not shipping for several weeks

Any other suggestions? I've looked at Nordstrom, Coach, Saks, Lo & Sons, etc.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been commuting to my white collar job downtown for 25+ years, and I went through too many “cute” leather bags.

I’ve used the Lo & Sons OG (or whatever the big one is called) for many years now. Why? Because it can hold 2 laptops plus cords, my day planner, notebooks, a water bottle, my lunch, whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been commuting to my white collar job downtown for 25+ years, and I went through too many “cute” leather bags.

I’ve used the Lo & Sons OG (or whatever the big one is called) for many years now. Why? Because it can hold 2 laptops plus cords, my day planner, notebooks, a water bottle, my lunch, whatever.

I hear you and I'm glad that works for you! I really want a nice leather bag. The ones I posted aren't "cute"; I'm going for well-made and functional. I looked at the Lo & Sons Seville Prima and it seems good, I just wish it came in a brown/caramel color instead of black/navy/charcoal.

[Anonymous]

Your bag is going to weigh a million pounds. With that much weight, pick whatever is lightest with thick straps.

[Anonymous]

I'm a big Cuyana fan. I have an unstructured tote that has held up beautifully for years--it looks brand new (except the monogram eventually wore off!). I think either of the 2 options you listed would be great. That said, I dream of having of a Clare V bag but can't justify the cost. Note that you can get a long strap the attaches to the bag, so the one you really love could work.

[Anonymous]

I have a Cuyana easy zippered tote that has been treated terribly and is holding up well, so I can recommend the brand for your purpose.

Looks-wise, I kind of dig the Le Zip option you posted. Ever-so-slightly less "everyone has this exact bag" vibes.

[Anonymous]

I know you’re young, but that’s too much to carry in a tote bag! You need a backpack. You can carry a tote too, for the lighter stuff.

[Anonymous]

There's a reason that they don't have a picture of that Cuyana "system totel" over someone's shoulder. It probably won't go there comfortably. I'd pass on that reason alone with a tote that was going to have heavy stuff in it like multiple laptops.

I am obsessed with that La Tropezienne -- it's gorgeous. The Ashby is the most practical of them all -- big, big handles, very neutral color, it'll go with everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your bag is going to weigh a million pounds. With that much weight, pick whatever is lightest with thick straps.

This is an excellent point. I finally gave up on beautiful leather totes and now carry a canvas one. I got tired of my bag being too heavy.

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking of trying this one: https://demellierlondon.com/products/the-new-york-black-small-grain?variant=42290984353966¤cy=USD&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn-2tBhDVARIsAGmStVnekEqjEN3XaAllCMpikenSRz8PFcqr_kVdXc13YRxvpapNautUCNQaAjXSEALw_wcB

[Anonymous]

+100 on nixing the leather tote if you’re carrying 2 laptops and the rest of your list. I don’t even like to use a leather tote to carry one laptop!

[Anonymous]

I have the Lo and Sons Seville but I use the OG as an everyday bag.

[Anonymous]

I, too, once had my first "I'm an adult professional with money" bag. It was a felted wool Tumi tote with leather straps. Maybe something like that still exists?

[Anonymous]

My back hurts even thinking about carrying two laptops and a textbook or two! Gd bless you, OP.

I'd get one of those roller bags with that much stuff!

This one is beautiful - and unlined, so probably lighter: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/il-bisonte-talamone-leather-tote-0400017005463.html

I don't think this one will actually fit over your shoulder? https://www.clarev.com/collections/totes/products/la-tropezienne-8-miel

Love the look of this one: https://www.carlfriedrik.com/products/ashby-zipped-leather-tote?colour=cognac&lining=grey

I think if you're looking at Cuyana, you might as well look at the equivalent Madewell tote, too. The transport tote.

Maybe get TWO totes so you can at least move the weight around?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I, too, once had my first "I'm an adult professional with money" bag. It was a felted wool Tumi tote with leather straps. Maybe something like that still exists?

LOL, this is OP - I am not young! I see a couple people made that assumption. I'm just changing careers later in life (near 50). I hear ya'll on the weight - I only have to carry it from the parking lot to the office so it's not a big concern.