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 wouldn't have an everyday bag in suede, it'll mark very easily

My favourite us the Radley, it looks sturdy and well finished

Have a look at Coach. Had my Coach Theo tote bag for the last 10 years and it is still going. Plus it has a large zipped compartment. I personally can't stand "leather bucket" bags without zips but obv many carry them without being robbed.

Love the Demelier one.
I'm not persuaded these lovely bags will last too long under the weight of a laptop, and work papers. Perhaps you don't have the notepad and printed out stuff that I carry around. Plus a spare laptop charger, botyle of water, etc.

The strathberry bag has a little video of someone filling the bag in a way that makes it look like there is a hole in the bottom!

I suppose it also depends on your commute. I’m not sure the at lovely suede bag would survive the Victoria line

Watching and learning from this thread since by lovely grown up children have offered to buy me a nice handbag for xmas. Had been looking at Coach but being swayed by the more spenny Demellier!

Agree with this - I use my Roka backpack for work. Over the years I've tried various styles of bag - tote, satchel etc etc and always return to a rucksack/backpack. But that's because I have a walking/public transport commute. If I was driving door to door then I suppose the practicalities of the style becomes much less important.

Agree with the warnings about a shoulder tote not being suitable for carrying a laptop.

I had loads of neck and shoulder problems and the doctor said it was caused by my shoulder bag, and not even a heavy one, doctor said it was very common.

Points about rucksack vs tote taken on board. I tend to swap my bags around a lot. Sometimes when there's a lot of working I'll be doing rucksack and small cross body handbag. (Mulberry Anthony is fab for this). The tote will be for days when I'm only carrying all the gubbins short distance and need a handbag for the rest of the day. Usual contents are laptop, electronic notebook, headphones, purse. No paper thanks to paperless office and I tend to leave my water bottle and coffee cup at the office (otherwise I forget it).

I've a free evening in London on Thursday, might head to Liberty and John Lewis to look at the bags in real life.

have just realised the Demellier one is suede, which is making me wobble slightly, but it's beautiful

I love the Gucci tote but probably above budget.

https://www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/handbags/tote-bags-for-women/ophidia-large-tote-bag-p-63168596IWB8745

I use Demellier for work, but the New York tote which has a very nice bag shape. Highly recommend these bags - gorgeous leather, I prefer it to my Mulberry tote.

I absolutely love the demellier. So elegant and classy

I was also going to suggest Coach. I've had my tote for well over 10 years. I use it daily with my 15" laptop, filled 1ltr water bottle, lunch box, A4 notebook and LOTS of random crap, and the fucker just won't break!!

If you want something slightly different, the Coach Brooklin 39 is not a tote, it's a hobo, but my laptop fits very nicely in it...
https://uk.coach.com/products/brooklyn-shoulder-bag-39/CU044.html

Wardow has some great offers at the moment!

I like the Demellier New York shape, but need to try it with my laptop to see how it fits

I do have a fabulous Coach tote I might dig out. Not sure how old it is, but it's older than DD and she's in 6th form. It might class as vintage now!

Thank you so much for the suggestion! This could be my Xmas present :)))

Have a look at Mimi Berry - all made in England, beautiful leather, last forever. I'm still using MB bags I bought over 15 years ago and they look even better now than they did then. I recently bought the Marge tote which you can add a strap to if you want to go hands-free. I use it with a bag insert/organiser and it's the best bag I ever bought.

I'd feel awkward asking anything at those prices. I really like this and at the current price it makes sense to me
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-elevated-triple-tote-bag-black/p114013277

Do they ever go on sale after Christmas? I would probably wait if so. I like that one best also!

That’s what I always think too. I would really like to abandon my roomy rucksack and handbag combo in favour of a nice bag BUT I just don’t think any of these bags could handle a laptop, some papers, etc.

Demellier normally have 20% discount for Black Friday so wait until then before you purchase.

I agree, having spent cumulatively £1000s on nice totes, I'm back to using a black Superdry backpack for my laptop (£38) 😂😂

I have a Coach tote bag too. Still looks as good as new after 10 years and has a long detachable strap which is really useful when carrying something heavier, or needing hands free. Really recommend having a look at Coach bags.

Looking at the bags in your links, I like the Demellier and the Aspinal ones best.

I've been using an Aspinall London tote for a few years for the days I need a smart work bag. I often have an ipad in it, and sometimes a laptop, besides notebook and other usual stuff - make-up bag, purse etc. It takes a laptop very nicely but I try to avoid having to carry the laptop around too often in a handbag to protect my back and shoulders. I like the proportions of the London (shorter handles, but long enough that I can still get the handles up on my shoulder and tuck the bag under my arm). It's worn very well, and I still get compliments on it.

I see Aspinall has some Black Friday deals right now...

@Lakeyloo can I ask which coach bags you have please. I've been thinking of getting a Coach gallery Tote in black and walnut for work.

I have a Ralph Lauren and the quality is amazing. I've used the bag daily for years and it's still like new, despite being someone who normally trashes bags fast.