Which tote bag do I want for Christmas?

[NotGalinda]

I fancy getting a tote bag that I can get my laptop and various work bits in, and move away from my rubbish (but roomy) rucksack and small handbag combination. I've seen these ones, and wondered and quality etc. Advice or alternatives welcome

https://www.johnlewis.com/lauren-ralph-lauren-karly-crosshatch-leather-large-tote-bag/p110505839

https://www.johnlewis.com/radley-oak-street-leather-tote-bag/saddle/p112115404

https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/the-hudson-tote-in-tan-milled-pebble?objectID=13106&queryID=9e1cd1397379ec9d685da489e7167e4a

https://demellierlondon.com/products/the-tokyo-tote-burgundy-suede-burgundy-smooth

I don't want suede, as I'm not sure it stays looking nice. And not keen on black as I as wear a lot of brown and navy.

I’m not fussed on the Ralph Lauren metalwork and the radley is just a No. The Aspinal one is nice but that tassel thing puts me off as it’s unnecessary detail. The demellier one is absolutely gorgeous though. That would be my choice.

This -

https://www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/handbags/tote-bags-for-women/gucci-totissima-large-reversible-tote-bag-p-839112AAFEQ6258

DeMellier, without question. Beautiful bags that remain classy.

If avoid Ralph Lauren if you're over 25. It's everywhere with under 25s at the mo so it looks a bit cheap as a result. Just like mark Jacob's bags a few years ago.

The aspinal one looks massive, like you could quite easily carry a St Bernard in it.

Dependant on how much you want to spend on a work bag, I have this and it is an absolute workhorse! Flannels and Frasers have 20% off certain colours. Perhaps there will be markdowns in the outlets/ online for Black Friday.
It’s nice enough to use socially too.

www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/bags/shoulder-bags/bayswater-tote-maple-navy-small-classic-grain-with-contrast

Checked Bicester and this is a good price.
You can purchase over the telephone.

I like Strathberry bags

www.strathberry.com/products/kite-hobo-maxi-caramel

From your list I would go for the RL or the Demellier.

I have a similar Mulberry snd the strap is not strong enough for a laptop.
I’ve gone back to a backpack when I have heavier stuff, backache not worth it from a tote however much I prefer them.

Fair point on RL

Gucci definitely more than I want to spend on this.

I don't like the Bayswater, I've looked at it a few times over the years and didn't like the unlined finish. Although I do quite like the look of the Lily tote

https://www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/bags/lily-chain-tote-black-cherry-small-classic-grain?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22683656625&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5uDIBhDAARIsAOxj0CFiy2kAomf-Xw4m5GTUj6I3GSYiFNVXdkP5lJ9G07uUnj0MaknGwdgaAjbLEALw_wcB

I've always liked the look of strathberry bags, but nothing seems to be quite the right shape

Ooh thank you for this thread - I’ve been covering a camera bag and love the ones on aspinel which are on sale!!

back to your question - I like the mulberry you just linked but is it really secure enough for a work laptop? I’m fed up with my backpack too but worry the laptop will end up lost or stolen or covered in my lunch in this bag!

I love Mulberry but that Demellier one is a beaut and looks to be more ethically made.

The Demellier one is gorgeous. My favourite out of everything linked on this post, including the Gucci.

I came to say this.

Love the tan suede 😍

Definitely the Demellier, I have one (the crossbody Vancouver) and it’s gorgeous and great quality.

I like the Ralph Lauren that everyone else seems to hate! But would caution against a tote bag with laptop because of the weight. The bag itself will be heavy plus the weight of laptop and all your other stuff will mean a lot of weight on one shoulder. A backpack might not be as nice but will be more practical and you could end up spending a lot of money and going back to your backpack after a few days nursing a sore shoulder!

I was going to say, all of these straps look way too skinny to me and would dig into my shoulders thereby causing pain. I’d look for something with thicker straps. I bought a Knomo bag years ago and still have it. It’s a beautiful cherry red leather laptop tote bag but unfortunately they’ve shrunken their colour selections and product lines dramatically over the years. https://knomo.com/collections/tote-bag

Demellier 100%

DeMellier is a great brand.

I wouldnt use the RL one for a laptop bag, the hooks for the straps dont look as if they could take the weight

From experience.. they definitely can’t! 🙈

I have a Demellier (a New York) and love it. Great brand.

For work 100% the radley one or a knomo!

The problem with the RL is the straps. Theyll be wrecked in 6 months

The demellier one is by far the nicest. But it is the most expensive.

Agreed but i think the straps wont last (stitching is secure / good but that leather strap looks thin and will warp)

I have a ysl tote v similar straps that crumbled with the weight of a laptop. When i took it back for strap replacment / repair i was chastised by the male shop assistant because apparently a tote bag "ez not for putting many sings een" thanks for the tip... 🥴