If I buy a gunmetal Le Pliage might I just as well give up on fashion forever?

[explodingkittens]

It's payday. I'm tempted by a Le Pliage (large, long handles) in gunmetal grey. I really badly need a new work bag that will hold tons of A4 files/papers etc, plus iPad, large purse, water bottle etc etc and also look reasonably smart.

But...since I've started thinking about buying one, I've just realised they're everywhere. And it's not as if I'm a fashion maverick (I currently tote around a knackered old Herschel backpack fgs) but...are they just too, too dull? Or are they a classic which I will never regret buying?

[VerySadInside]

I think they are just a wardrobe basic. I wouldn't say classic, more staple. They don't really say anything about the wearer other than they have a functional bag but didn't want a naff one.

[VerySadInside]

I have a couple btw.

[Pouffealouffe]

I've got loads, and I know what you mean. I always think I should get a more interesting bag but I end up drifting back to the Pliage because they're just so practical, they go with everything and I'm always tempted by the different colours. I've had quite a few broken zips though, and the corners tend to wear out quite quickly. Would still recommend!

[Longdistance]

I have several La Pliage bags.

My Dh bought me one in 2007, and it's still going. I think they're worth the money, and the quality is pretty good as the bags I have don't have any problems with them.

[explodingkittens]

They are tempting, just in terms of being so practical. I just seem to see so many of them on the tube everyday.

But I'm so fed up with my ugly backpack (bought when I was kidding myself I was going to walk to work everyday) and really need something practical but nice-looking.

[MooseBeTimeForSnow]

My DH bought me a white Arbre De Vie. I love it but rarely use it as I don't want to get it dirty!

[TheNewMrsTomHardy]

I have several in various sizes and use them all the times , so no regrets here.

Maybe go for a different colour? What about something cheerful - like red?

[KoalaDownUnder]

Honestly, I sort of hate them. There's something about the look (and the ubiquity) that really bugs me. So I'd never carry one.

Obviously I'm very much in the minority there, though!

[App1eCakes]

I don't care that they're "everywhere", I like the shape, it fits everything I want to carry and my black one goes with practically everything I wear. What more reasons would a person need?!

I'd love to get a dark grey one... it's on my wish list.

[PenguinOfDoom]

I have a couple and I like them, except for the fact that it only has one useless pocket and everything ends up in a pile at the bottom of the bag.

[LadyOfTheCanyon]

I'm sure they are practical, but to me they say "I don't know much about fashion but I'm pretty sure this bag is a safe bet." That, and young posh girls who are trying to look middle aged seem to be inexplicably their core fan base.
They are up there with Radley for dull, I'm afraid

[LadyOfTheCanyon]

That said, I think the large leather ones look lovely.

[ButtermilkPancakes]

I have several, some I have had for about 15 years and they're still going strong.

It annoys me that they are everywhere at the moment, but it doesn't stop me from using them. I have 2 of their backpacks as well, which are great.

I consider them a staple.

[JigglyTuff]

Yes they're dull but they're really practical and last forever.

[Gah81]

They are everywhere but I always have a black one to hand: all my other accessories are either black, tan or nude (yes, I'm deeply boring but I also haven't had to buy a pair of shoes for years) so it goes with everything.

I hate that the corners wear out so quickly though. Longchamp, if you're reading this, please can you put little leather reinforcements on the corners too? Mind you, works out well for the company as I keep having to replace

[dudsville]

I do not like these bags, for a lot of reasons, but there are many seas in which to float one's boat, enjoy!

[HollySykes]

I think they're a practical bag, not a handbag. Fine for lugging stuff to work or gym but not for 'going out'. A more upmarket shopping bag.

[Rioja123]

I have a navy one which is the perfect size for my laptop, charger, a4 notebook, purse, etc. Don't really care if people think it's dull!

[ElspethFlashman]

To be fair they've been ubiquitous for many a long year. I remember being on the Metro in Paris back in about 2004 and being astonished that every single woman carried one.

I have a couple and I suspect once you own one you get it. They're light as a feather, waterproof and you can just throw them on the ground.

I also have a hobo version which is cross body. You could fit a small child into it. The woven strap is a bit wide but at least it doesn't cut into you like narrow ones do.

[1sttimemum2014]

I have got the gun metal grey using it is a change bag. How do you clean yours? I tried with plain water and it's left tide marks?!?

[GreyVelvet]

I have this colour too and it got tide marks on it, I think from a water bottle spill. I put it through the washing machine in a pillow case and it's come out clean no marks anymore

[Girlywurly]

Ooh, thanks Rudy, I had no idea and the corners on mine are currently on the way out...

Any cleaning tips then? Mine's filthy inside, and I was thinking of just chucking it in the washing machine and seeing what happens...?

[PenguinOfDoom]

Doesn't putting it in the washing machine ruin the leather bits?