(I realize this is VERY different content for my blog. Rest assured, I will be back to my erratically scheduled writer and reader content after this. Also, none of these links will make me any money. They are not sponsored, and I’m not an affiliate.)
I’m not an influencer, and I don’t post product roundups or reviews. But I’ve been looking for a new, book-friendly tote or purse recently, and when I got nowhere shopping in person, I asked social media for recommendations.
With my usual tote literally busting at the seams and my old pleather purse starting to shed, I needed a new bag.
Here’s the purse in question, with my three-month-old corgi, Merlin, for scale. (If you scrolled this far just to see the puppy, Merlin’s hashtag on Instagram is #MerlinMandoKai.)
This black purse is about the size of a gallon of milk on its side, 7″H x 12″W x 5.5″D (18cm H x 30cm W x 14cm D)
Here’s my request for purses as I shared it on Threads:
Purse carriers, influence me, but please also listen to me. I’ve had so many purses, I know what I don’t like.
Chatbots don’t use purses. Please only respond if you have a purse you love.
I don’t like:
- Backpacks for daily use, including minis
- Giant black hole bags with no interior divisions
- Main-pocket zipper. It can have a zipper, but it will be left unzipped. Zippered pockets are fine
- Tiny purses. Must be able to fit at least 1 paperback novel
- logo patterns
- cowboy style (tassels, hide)
I don’t love:
- crossbody bags. I prefer holding on one shoulder or crook of my elbow. I have a crossbody bag now with smaller handles and prefer the smaller handles.
I do love:
- quirky or fandom bags. I have multiple though and would like a more minimalist style for my new everyday bag. But go ahead, influence me!
- tote bags, but I want something with 2-3 inside sections without having to use a half dozen zipper pouches to organize
- slouchy styles
- something big enough for a tablet
The Recommendations
I got so many excellent recommendations, from Threads and from friends, I wanted to share my favorites!
REMEMBER, the pros and cons I’m sharing for each are my personal pros and cons. You might love crossbodies, leather, texture, zippers, and slim pockets! These are in no particular order, and again, the links aren’t sponsored.
Knott Large Carryall Bag from Kate Spade
From the brand: We think a shoulder bag should be two things: chic and functional. This pretty one holds all of your essentials—wallet, keys, and phone—and has a pocket to stash snacks (be it gummy bears or almonds). Because those are essential, too.
Size: 11.2″H x 12.8″L x 7.6″W
Material: pebbled leather, fabric lining (also comes in suede!)
Colors: black, taupe, blue-gray (the suede one comes in two browns and pink)
PROS: perfect size for my laptop and a book, solid color, three main sections with two pouches and one interior zipper pocket
CONS: I wouldn’t be able to fit much else. I like to avoid leather straps when possible, because they end up fraying and splitting.
Current price: $165 with free shipping at Kate Spade Outlet. Additional sales for Labor Day can bring it down to $120. (The suede one is $175 with sales that can bring it down to $127.) You can also check Nordstom Rack or Macy’s.
Medium 5 Pocket Canvas Tote Bag from Lands’ End
I’m linking to the search results here rather than a specific product, because they have so many varieties. My husband still uses a waxed canvas one his mom must have bought in 1995!
From the brand: Our iconic Canvas Tote withstands the test of time because of the details we build into its genius design. Rugged cotton canvas makes it endlessly durable while the bottom and handles are reinforced so it can support a heavy load, making it the perfect bag for the beach, work, groceries – whatever you require. But the real genius is in the pockets – with multiple inner compartments you can keep your smaller items secure and organized. After all, isn’t anything better with pockets?! To begin building your best tote, choose from the available options and we’ll refine them as you go. … Tested to hold up to 250 pounds (weight at which handle fabric breaks)
Size: 13.5″H x 12″L x 6″W
Material: 100% cotton canvas (also waxed canvas variety)
Colors: many colors and patterns
PROS: the best choice for a canvas tote. It can stand upright. It will last forever. I like that you can add a zip top, longer handles, or personalization. One main section with four pouches (“slip pockets”) on the inside and one slim pocket on the outside.
CONS: A bit too casual for me for an everyday purse. Not machine washable.
Current price: About $40-45. Personalizations and upgrades can add $10-11 each and sales can take off $10. Free shipping for $99+ orders.
Adeline Shopper Tote from Quince
From the brand: A workhorse carryall, but make it very fashionable. The Italian leather exterior makes this tote timelessly chic, while the durable and easy to clean lining ensures it’s built to last. And with a center zipper divider roomy enough for a 13-inch laptop and three slip pockets, it truly can carry it all.
Size: 12″H x 14.5″L x 5.5″W
Material: Italian leather. (If you like real leather and zippers, also check out their Vivienne Work Tote)
Colors: black, ivory, red, teal, light blue, three browns, olive green, pistachio green, navy
PROS: probably the best choice for a minimalist leather tote, and I love the color options. Center zipper pocket can hold my laptop. Two main sections with three pouches (“slip pockets”).
CONS: I think Merlin would eat this.
Current price: $150 with free shipping.
The Bucket Bag from Poppy & Peonies
I’m a little afraid to even mention this brand, because after someone recommended them to me on social media, it’s been all P&P ads on every site, every day. And yet…I’m going to share several of their bags because they checked so many of my boxes!
From the brand: The Bucket Bag is effortlessly chic and made for your most stylish moments: coffee dates, city strolls, or weekend days off. The structured silhouette features an exterior zipper pocket and a back pocket for quick-access items. The interior includes a zip compartment, two open compartments, zip and slide pockets, and a key leash for organization. Crafted from soft vegan leather, it’s a timeless style you’ll reach for season after season.
Size: 13″H x 14″L x 5″W
Material: Italian vegan leather, liner made from recycled plastic bottles
Colors: black, chestnut, taupe, olive green
PROS: Very similar interior to the Quince Adeline Shopper, but in “portrait mode.” Two main sections, two pouches (“slip pockets”), and one zipper pocket. Exterior has an extremely slim “patch” pocket and a side zipper. Center zipper pocket can hold my laptop. No top zipper. The snap gives it a slightly slouchy silhouette.
CONS: I worry about the external side zipper a bit. Seems like it just gives pickpockets a second option? Regardless of the exterior color, the interior is light pink. I love the green, but with the pink interior, I’d feel like I was gagging Kermit every time I reached inside.
Current price: $99. Free shipping on orders over $150.
The Go Getter Tote from Poppy & Peonies
I’m a little afraid to even mention this brand, because after someone recommended them to me on social media, it’s been all P&P ads on every site, every day. And yet…I’m going to share several of their bags because they checked so many of my boxes!
From the brand: The Go-Getter was designed to carry all of life’s daily essentials with room to spare. Our spacious, all-in-one tote is sleek and sophisticated without compromising on function. Protect your laptop with a stylish, removable 16-inch padded laptop sleeve. Features two interior water bottle pockets, ample interior storage and organization including designated pockets just for lipstick…..yes! The top zip closure will keep your belongings safe and secure and the convenient trolley sleeve makes it easy attach to your luggage so you can navigate the airport with ease.
Size: 13″H x 19″L x 8″W.
Material: Italian vegan leather, liner made from recycled plastic bottles.
Colors: black, chestnut, espresso, cognac, cream, navy, green, olive green, berry
PROS: Very similar exterior to the Quince Adeline Shopper, but with more organization on the inside. One main section, one laptop sleeve, two water bottle/Stanley pouches, four pouches (“slip pockets”), and one zipper pocket.
CONS: Top zipper. Detachable crossbody strap, which means dangly bits on the corners. Straps might wear faster than some other varieties.
Current price: $125. Free shipping on orders over $150.
The Multitasker from Poppy & Peonies
I’m a little afraid to even mention this brand, because after someone recommended them to me on social media, it’s been all P&P ads on every site, every day. And yet…I’m going to share several of their bags because they checked so many of my boxes!
From the brand: Think of the Multitasker as your office on the go and travel companion in one. With a roomy interior that fits all of life’s essentials and a convenient trolley sleeve for breezing through the airport, the Multitasker is the perfect blend of style and function. Protect your laptop with a 16″ padded compartment, and keep everything secure with a top zip closure. Inside, you’ll find two interior water bottle pockets (yes it fits a 40 oz Stanley), plenty of storage, and dedicated spots for your phone, lipstick and everything else you need to tackle the day.
Size: 12″H x 20″L x 9″W. (Just a bit wider and deeper than the Go Getter)
Material: Italian vegan leather, liner made from recycled plastic bottles. (There’s a recycled nylon version of this tote, too)
Colors: black*, chestnut, espresso*, cognac, mocha mousse, taupe, navy, green, berry*, blush (*colors available in nylon version)
PROS: It’s basically the Go Getter with different (maybe more durable?) straps. Definitely the choice if you like blush pink.
CONS: Top zipper. Detachable crossbody strap, which means dangly bits on the corners. Regardless of the exterior color, the interior is light pink. I love the green, but with the pink interior, I’d feel like I was gagging Kermit every time I reached inside.
Current price: $125. Free shipping on orders over $150.
Comparison
11.2 x 12.8 x 7.6 (smallest)
Real leather
13.5 x 12 x 6 (tallest)
Canvas
12 x 14.5 x 5.5 (slimmest)
Real leather
13 x 14 x 5
Vegan leather
13 x 19 x 8
Vegan leather
12 x 20 x 9 (largest, longest, thickest)
Vegan leather
Honorable Mentions
Mina Baie bags
These are designer diaper bags, but you’d never know to look at them! I really like the Harlow and Sienna midi sizes. Both would fit my small laptop. Unfortunately they don’t ship to Hawai’i! They are $179 and $199 and ship to the continental U.S. for free.
Dagne and Dover totes and bags
Dagne and Dover is a higher priced brand ($200-400) with real leather, vegan leather, neoprene, and fully recycled nylon tote and messenger bag options, all with internal divisions similar to the Poppy & Peonies. My favorite is the Enzo Messenger Bag—it looks more like a slouchy purse but fits a laptop. While I like neoprene a lot, it has been a hair magnet for me in the past, and I now have a corgi. If they release one in Corgi Brown, then I’ll think about it.
Tokyo Tote from Bellroy
Similar size to the P&P Go Getter above, but marketed to men. Imagine the Go-Getter wrapped in a windbreaker. Five colors, but the only one I like is sold out. It’s a shame, because I do think I prefer this material to faux leather! $139 with free shipping.
Macy’s selection of totes
I don’t love Macy’s department stores. I got a gift card there once, and I could not find anything in a style that I liked. Color me surprised when I looked at their online selection of totes, which aren’t available in store! Some of these might not be available by the time you visit the site, so I’ll give names rather than links, and you can search by brand or material. If you’re looking for a bag to hold your laptop, filter for size large, but always check the dimensions to see if it will fit your particular computer.
Leather: Patricia Nash Eastleigh, Michael Kors Kensington, Giani Bernini Nappa,
Faux leather: Giani Bernini Pebble Tulip, Anne Klein Carry All, Victoria Hyde Yoana Shopper or Jolene Business Bag, DKNY Willa large tote, Style & Co Extra Large East West Tote, I.N.C. International Concepts Liliah Large Seamed Bag
Other materials: Victoria Hyde London Yoana beach bag or Medium Lifestyle Bag
Amble Hobo from Haiku
This is a casual hobo bag in a nice size with 8 colors to choose from, but it has the “blackhole” interior with only slim pockets. I like the recycled water-resistant fabric. Current price: $80 with free shipping. Some colors are on sale for 15% or 20% off. Teachers and nurses get an additional 15% off with GovX verification.
Other Options
The Teacher Tote is a startup created by teachers. Their waterproof nylon tote with leather straps didn’t make my final cut because I couldn’t find information on the manufacturing, and I’m not sure if they can ship outside the continental U.S.
LOVEVOOK is a Chinese company that sells on Amazon and their own site. The backpack I used while teaching is a LOVEVOOK similar to this one, and I do like it. The totes and handbags definitely seem like knockoffs of Poppy & Peonies, though, and I felt like their marketing—especially their photography—was inauthentic. Still, if you are on a teacher’s budget, it’s worth taking a look. I think their prices are cheaper on their site, but you can see their reviews on Amazon.
- This one has an accordion folder pocket.
- This one is a solid color faux leather.
- This one is rectangular tote shaped and embroidered faux leather.
Which one is the best for me? For you?
I am leaning towards the Bucket Bag—the worst name, but a really cute style! I wish it came in blush or had a different liner color with the olive green. I think I’ll end up choosing a Poppy & Peonies bag, but I can’t settle on a color.
If you like these styles of bags, which would you pick?
Lara Willard 