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 the Lily tote you posted, but the Demellier is lovely and more reasonably priced.

I also like the RL tbh and think its a great price.

Definitely 2nd one from JL

Seriously do adults actually expect to receive gifts st Christmas?

Yes. It’s lovely.

I see Scrooge has arrived!

OP - did you manage to have a look at some in the shops?

Seriously, yes.

You bet!

thanks for all the tips. Viewing trip was scuppered by a nasty cold, hopefully will get there soon.

as for Xmas presents, this will be from my husband, it's nice to treat each other at times. And I'm comfortable that the Demellier is in budget, but the Gucci isn't. Although I'm tempted to look for a used version of the large Lily

I think current short list is the Demellier, but want to look for the New York as well, the Aspinall and I could do with a look round Coach

I don't like the Ralph Lauren one, but the rest are fine. I don't share the hatred for Radley on here - I think they make gorgeous, plain, classic bags that last for ages. I have a few and love the tote most of all. It gets lots of compliments.

I'm a practical sort of beast, so that influences my view.

While the Demellier is lovely, isn't it suede? If you're lugging it about for work, think of the scuffs, rain-damage, etc. It's too fragile to last more than a season.

Also, I live in London and travel a lot with my computer, so I won't buy bags that I can't completely zip up, safeguarding the contents. Too many of these totes are far too easy to pilfer from with no or just a clip fastening.

But perhaps you are car-to-office so my concerns are not relevant...?

I've had nice totes from Aspinal and Osprey London (not the sports brand Osprey) in the past.

Osprey has Black Friday deal on the collier

mu only reservation is that with a commute on the tube I’d prefer a detachable cross body strap as well

I'm a little tempted by the recycled knitted tote in the osprey sale

How is the quality of these? And what is the customer service like?

I am very tempted, but a bit put off by their TrustPilot!

Coach outlet online have a black Friday sale on.

Well off the back of this thread I’ve sent DH a link to the Hendrix hobo on the osprey London site and I’ve bought myself a camera bag in the Aspinal sale

a costly read!!!

I have the Radley for work, I only carry my laptop from the car park into the office so I’m not worried about the weight and more often than not it’s on my arm rather than shoulder.
i couldn’t justify a more expensive one just as a work laptop bag and it fits the bill perfectly, plenty of room for laptop/charger, notepad and snacks!