New work bag

[ShouldIStaySelfIsolated]

Please help me out! I've looked on here already and found a some threads from a few months ago, but lots of links were dead or sold out.

I'm looking for a new work bag. My requirements are:

Must be able to fit A4 notebooks in

Must have a separate pocket to put keys and phone in

Would ideally have a shoulder strap in addition to shorter ones (either permanent or removable)

Smart enough for work, but doesn't look like a "work bag" iyswim, so I can use it at the weekend too sometimes.

I like the Marc Jacobs tote bags, and that was my first choice til every man and his dog got one at work. I liked a Lulu Guinness one that I saw on one thread, but it was sold out ( and I can't find the link now anyway)

Budget was higher when I was looking at the MJ tote, but now I'm planning on getting the smaller one and a different bag for work, so around £150... £200 for something amazing.

Ideally tan or black, but open to a bright colour (deep winter colourings)

TIA

I use the Kate Spade Bleeker large tote as my work bag as I hate carrying two. It comfortably holds two laptops, perioherals, my wristlet, makeup and a spare pair of shoes.

Thanks for this... I love the different colours too and it's on sale at the moment 😍

Any other suggestions?

I love Meg & Bee tote. It's lasted 2 years daily use. The quality of the leather is very good and you can buy long straps either from them or on Amazon to match your outfit.

Meg&Bee

I use a longchamp tote

I love the detail on that. Thanks

Is totally forgot about these... someone I used to work with had one, and loved it. Thanks

I've just heard our local Ted Baker is closing down later this week, so might have a look there too. Gutted as I love their stuff

I’ve had this one for 3 years now and it still looks perfect. Don’t be put off by low price - it’s really nice in real life. At least I think it is.

https://amzn.eu/d/9oNNOHF

How is that so cheap?!

Does it have that weird leather smell though that cheaper leathers and a lot of stuff off Amazon have?

No! I was worried about that, as I think a couple of the reviews had mentioned it, but I don’t remember any funny smell at all.

I think part of the reason it’s a bit cheaper is the way the lining works. The cotton lining and zip are (purposely) slightly loose from the leather on the sides - you can get your hand down in between the leather and the cotton. It’s like an extra side pocket - it’s on purpose. I find it quite useful. Some of the reviews mention it. A very high end bag wouldn’t be finished like this - but it’s not messy or a mistake, it’s just a bit simpler.

I can fit lots in - laptop and a4 notebook and headphones and charging cable and keys and phone etc. It holds its shape well. And it’s definitely real leather with a nice smart finish (a bit shiny but not in a tacky gloss way).

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/3735/Hannah-Leather-Tote-Bag/MID_TAN

I've coveted this for a while. in navy and tan

Oh, now I love that 😍

They're not leather though, are they?

Saffiano leather according to the website. Although, where has the OP said it needs to be leather?

They haven't, but that is what I want.

I asked this as one is on ebay with the description "This tote bag features a solid black exterior made of durable PVC material, perfect for carrying your everyday essentials."

This is the link on the Kate Spade website (although admittedly it is the zip version which is different) https://www.katespade.co.uk/products/bleecker-large-zip-top-tote/KC923-404.html?gadsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwZC2BhAQEiwAXSgCluP9GWLHMTHcQ9uc2MqpOQMaWDQhSB7YWCxynH4byaLuG6HO-M2RoCUfUQAvDBwE

Leather listed on the materials on the right.

Edit- this is the same as your ebay link, again lists leather. I'd get my intel from the kate spade website over a random ebay listing personally www.katespade.co.uk/products/bleecker-large-tote/KC921-001.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_ZC2BhAQEiwAXSgCloF3I4vD-2oTFqR3mTw3LqnXJNTqIA0IjHIuLV2mukwBIz-MLndW5xoCDvoQAvD_BwE