Longchamp Le Pliage or Vanessa Bruno Cabas?

[bettykt]

I'm starting work soon and will need a strong sturdy bag to carry a large A4 ring binder type folder and some papers and was wondering whether the above bags are strong enough. I would also like to use the bag for holidays to carry around dc stuff. In the past for work I have used Orla Kiely Tesco jute bags but now I fancy something a bit smarter. Which would you buy? I know they are priced differently and am fine with that.

[pinkhousesarebest]

The VB one is the schoolbag du jour round these parts and seems to acquit itself well.

[bettykt]

42 Now that is interesting home and pink. Have to admit I do like the sequins on the VB bag. Which size is good for carting stuff around in? The bigger one? Gosh I'm so fickle, was all sold on a pliage last night...........

[polyhymnia]

Really think you'll like it . Enjoy! It's ideal for work but you could always get the Bruno one as well at some point in future for non-work occasions.

[polyhymnia]

PS I wouldn't personally ever go sequins ( which I do have a bit of a weakness for in right context) for work - too 'girly'.

[homeanddry]

DD has a black one and it's extremely chic, the colour tones the sequins down and it's not over girly. She loves it. It's the smaller size, fine for a few slim A4 files, pencil case and assorted bits & bobs.

They don't do up, of course, but style wins over practicality hands down in her book!

[VarsityQueen]

Thanks thecraicdealer. I'd actually pinned this to my S/S 2014 Pinterest board but thought it was very pink! Will have to check it out in real life!

[bettykt]

Questions, questions, so if I went for the VB bag I presume the canvas one would be stronger than the linen one. Is it the canvas one which is tent like material?

[Oly4]

Another vote for le pliage! I love
Both of mine, strong and worth every penny. I have the long handled shoulder ones

[TheJumped]

Def go for Longchamp - the VB one looks tacky to me and is copied a lot and looks cheap (sorry!) whereas Le Pliage is a classic and will last years. I recommend the 'large shopper' - it's not too big to use as a handbag but also works as more of a workhorse - as a nappy bag, cabin bag for flying or whatever.

[almapudden]

If you get a pliage, make sure you get one with long straps. Mine kept sliding off my shoulder and in the end I got fed up and replaced it.

[FrugalFashionista]

If you like the cabas but not the sequins go for the original, the LL Bean tote!

[homeanddry]

Yes the linen VB linen is definitely more flimsy than the cotton, which is tent-like canvas.

[AmberNectarine]

The cotton is very strong. Mine is dark grey and looks great - not overly sparkly.

I recently conducted a little study for my blog on the types of handbag I saw women with on my commute. The Pliage was the most carried by miles, significantly eclipsing even the ubiquitous Mulberry Bayswater. Puts me off a little, though it is a good, practical, sensible bag.

[bettykt]

That's interesting Amber. I like Le Pilage but ideally would want a grey one which they don't seem to do whereas VB come in grey. Decisions decisions.

[faustina]

I quite like that it's everywhere Amber. Makes it a kind of non-bag bag. They usually do a lovely gunmetal shade of grey at Longchamp. Are you sure it isn't there?

[MrsSchadenfreude]

My pliages don't last at all. I reckon about 6 months. They go into holes in the corners and I lose pens and other bits. I've given up on them now and have gone for a Coach leather tote instead.

[PhilippaB]

I have had the long shoulder strap version (£68) for 13 years, it has only just got a couple of tiny holes in the bottom corner folds and it has been used for everything from workbag, to ballet bag, long haul travel bag, chucked down at the park bag, beach bag, napoy bag etc. still perfectly useable and looks exactly as it did the day I bought it apart from the slight wear that only I have noticed. I think you would need for bigger work stuff and longer straps sooo useful. I also got the beautiful Feather tactile one for bday last year which is envy of everyone. They are light (when empty;-)) so means you can fill up. If you live near Bath go to Mallory for them, great service and choice. New season colours out this month. Buy, you will not regret it!