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 love my Polene Cyme bag. Very sturdy. https://uk.polene-paris.com/products/cyme-textured-root

@Nightlight8 it's this one but I've had it for 10 + years and i don't think they make them anymore. This was the only link i could find with a picture. Very similar to the Gallery but it has the long strap which is really handy.
Amazon.com: Coach Pebbled Leather Tyler Tote Purse - #F54687 : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

https://rokalondon.com/collections/tote-bags this one from roka london is actually so good. Not exactly a YSL tote but for work this has actually been perfect for me and it has a built in laptop sleeve

Thank you. I'm after this bag.

I'd get a TFY bag (totes for you) it's got a compartment for everything you can think off and still have plenty of room for more things. They are on Instagram or if you find them on Google. They come in some beautiful colours 😍

I bought this bag about three or four years ago:

https://www.johnlewis.com/coach-willow-leather-tote-bag/p5235882

Works really well for work, can take A4 (that was the main criteria) and can also take my work laptop, if needed - usually only for switching buildings on site.

Try poppies and peonies tote bags. They are a Canadian company but the interior has so many pockets and a laptop sleeve, key leash, stanley holder etc. I have a few and I love them.
Multitasker Tote Chestnut | Poppy and Peonies – Poppy & Peonies https://share.google/gGalY1V7S6S0v3Pdu

These are cute but with a laptop in I feel it will be too stiff on one side? The video with a laptop it’s going in short side

also what do people do with their valuables (wallet, phone, keys) in a big bag? Do you take the big bag out at lunchtime or take another bag?

sorry for stupid questions!

https://www.carvela.com/women/bags/tote-bags/latte-taupe-synthetic-carvela-9291947979

https://www.carvela.com/women/bags/tote-bags/como-large-tote-taupe-synthetic-carvela-5218247979

I’m loving taupe handbags atm, Carvela or Ted Baker are my go-tos 😍

Blimey these are great!!

Love the video. I might get one! What's the vegan leather like?

Out of your original list, I'd go for the Aspinal. But the Polene is gorgeous.

I have a Mulberry Bayswater and a large Iris, but it's tight with my laptop so I tend to only use those when visiting clients as | don't need my laptop.

Otherwise I use a large Le Pliage, at the moment I'm using this and I have to say that for the money it's been absolutely brilliant. I'll be emptying it in a couple of days and using it as my cabin bag.

https://miatui.com/collections/travel-bags/products/jennie-travel-bag?variant=55379905675639

@Definitelynotme2022

thats a very good price point! Would it take a 15 inch laptop do you think?

I have one of these, too, and it is a robust bag! I wish it had one more internal pocket, but that's all that's wrong with it.

I have this. After trying every kind of bag for work, I chose this. Very functional with great pockets and looks ok. I have it in blue and it looks new after a few years use.

I know it's not in the same league as the totes you've posted about, but I've just bought this and it's game changing.
So. Many. Pockets.
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E476764-000/00?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18140988923&gclid=CjwKCAiAz_DIBhBJEiwAVH2XwEPQKBZ1KxdXWIuiKhfMnlkEcrNPwcnG1T0jfhcn5C5irHdxfVX42BoC-LwQAvD_BwE&colorDisplayCode=57

These are lovely. Might get myself the Berry one. And wrap it up from Father Christmas!!

Well I spent ages on the poppies and peonies site and finally decided to buy but it’s £20 and returns would be a pain. Wish I could see one in the flesh first!!

From these options I like the demellier one the most. It’s the most classy and classic looking.

This coach is a great option - have you considered using a bag organiser/insert to give you extra pockets/organisation? X

This thread has reminded me of a gorgeous coach hobo I used to have that was strong enough for my laptop which I could just get in if I angled it right. The wide strap made it so comfortable to hold.

i miss that bag so much. sigh.

I have some inserts but find they take up space so use little pouches as and when..

I have been impressed at how tough a bag it is.

@Bruisername

It definitely will - my laptop is 15.6 inch and fits easily. I can also get an A4 notepad and a slim waterbottle in. Plus keys, bits of makeup, tissues etc. It has lots of pockets which are very useful for bits. I generally don't take an actual handbag with me. It has over the shoulder straps and a long, adjustable crossbody strap too.

As a brand, I've found them great. I also have one of their expanding travel bags that I use for going backwards and forwards from my boyfriends house. It's so light, but really strong.

Can I ask which insert you use please? I have a tote which could do with one. Do you need one made by the same company as the bag?

I had a bag similar to the Ralph Lauren one but it gets so heavy once you put a laptop and everything else inside. The straps are too thin my opinion, they will dig into your shoulders/arms and just be really uncomfortable to use.