Help me pick a leather tote

[Anonymous]

I've had a Patricia Nash purse, wallet, and tote for six years that still look great. The tote was less than $200 so well below your budget and might not suit you or your needs, but I've been very happy with the quality.

[Anonymous]

I have the Cuyana System tote and do love it but made the mistake of bringing on a very “active” client trip and think the weight caused permanent body damage

It’s a beautiful well made bag (all of their stuff seems to be that I’ve had) that’s highly functional, I just would never do two laptops.

Echoing others to choose backpack if you’re into a more casual job like business consulting or tech, otherwise try a nylon or fabric tote that’s light

[Anonymous]

Nothing screams newbie more than an overdressed young associate (male or female) with a gleaming leather tote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing screams newbie more than an overdressed young associate (male or female) with a gleaming leather tote.

Huh? Again, I am not young nor am I overdressed as far as I know. I am around 50! I am not trying to impress anyone other than reward myself for the hard work it took to get to this point -- working full time while attending grad school and being a parent. I'm not going to carry a backpack or a rolling bag. How heavy do you think these laptops are?? They're MacBook Airs! I've been carrying both for a few weeks in my current nylon bag and it's fine. The bag just isn't big enough to comfortably fit everything and it's more casual than what I'm looking for, so that's why I'm searching for a larger one.

Thanks to everyone who read the post and gave good advice -- looks like the Cuyana and Il Bisonte are the most popular. I was worried about the Cuyanas holding up based on some of the reviews, so I'm glad to hear they've lasted well for a few of you!

[Anonymous]

I am pretty high up at a well known consulting firm and I carried a backpack yesterday. I got it in Norway and love it. It is so functional and doesn’t hurt my back.

I have a fancy handbag shoved into it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nothing screams newbie more than an overdressed young associate (male or female) with a gleaming leather tote.

Huh? Again, I am not young nor am I overdressed as far as I know. I am around 50! I am not trying to impress anyone other than reward myself for the hard work it took to get to this point -- working full time while attending grad school and being a parent. I'm not going to carry a backpack or a rolling bag. How heavy do you think these laptops are?? They're MacBook Airs! I've been carrying both for a few weeks in my current nylon bag and it's fine. The bag just isn't big enough to comfortably fit everything and it's more casual than what I'm looking for, so that's why I'm searching for a larger one.

Thanks to everyone who read the post and gave good advice -- looks like the Cuyana and Il Bisonte are the most popular. I was worried about the Cuyanas holding up based on some of the reviews, so I'm glad to hear they've lasted well for a few of you!

Sorry OP, that comment wasn’t directed to you but the judgmental PPs who claimed that professsional women shouldn’t use backpacks.
Anyway, your heart is set on a nice leather tote so you should go and buy one!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing screams newbie more than an overdressed young associate (male or female) with a gleaming leather tote.

Who cares. Your colleagues will soon figure out what you know regardless of how you're dressed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I went to a physiotherapist with shoulder problems and the first thing she did was pick up my bag.

[Anonymous]

The way things are going with crime, I wonder if you need a cross body bag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I'd go to a market with leather craftsmen and buy a similar looking bag without a logo that no one else has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The way things are going with crime, I wonder if you need a cross body bag.

The crime rate in my suburban office parking lot is remarkably low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

+1

This is my first time seeing those and they are reasonably priced and cute. The first is super cute but construction wise I would think the straps might start looking squeezed or stretched. Big fan of the way the straps on the second are attached to the interior where some of the others you posted have outside attached straps. I hate the poverty look when straps inevitably start detaching, less noticeable when it’s on the inside. The others you posted are not my taste. I had the same Tory Burch tote I paid $125 for for about 10 years and now the leather is coming off the straps at the shoulder and they don’t have that bag anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The way things are going with crime, I wonder if you need a cross body bag.

The crime rate in my suburban office parking lot is remarkably low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Professional women do not carry a backpack to the office.

Depends on age, profession, person and office culture.

[Anonymous]

I'm loving the leather bags from hobo bags. So soft and lightweight and It's a local company too.