https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:23:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1479342 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:49:03 +0000 Ariadne 1479342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>th<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VermutAtelier">https://www.etsy.com/shop/VermutAtelier</a>&nbsp;This shop. </p> <p>I think twill or any kind of nylon is too casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1479306 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 01:09:32 +0000 Ariadne 1479306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i found a good one on etsy. Like the Petra but with a zip top and crossbody strap and also chraper. Will post link when I get home to my computer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1478301 Wed, 22 Apr 2015 01:53:17 +0000 abc 1478301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went to madewell. Wasn't sold. May try etsy next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1478268 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 23:22:57 +0000 Mellllls 1478268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh i like the one am pointed too. &nbsp;better than a solid gray. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1478184 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 20:20:52 +0000 abc 1478184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am looking at the madewell transport tote in cognac myself. &nbsp;Please report back with your thoughts and what you end up with. &nbsp;Good luck on the interview, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1478163 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 19:36:12 +0000 AM 1478163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The link didn't go to the right bag ...this is what I meant to link to.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1478160 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 19:22:24 +0000 AM 1478160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you ever do something like this?<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/handbags/indy-leather-tote-0363-125022--1"><a href="http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/handbags/indy-leather-tote" rel="nofollow">http://www.lordandtaylor.com/w.....ather-tote</a>...</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477753 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 22:51:41 +0000 Greyscale 1477753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Update - I went to Madewell and held various bags. I decided I really don't like the light grey idea after all. With such big bags, the light color stands out against my black clothing more than I'd like.</p> <p>I also decided that, of the Madewell options, I like the structured and minimalist Transport tote better than the slouchy McCarren tote (and it won't fall over, as someone noted).</p> <p>Now I'm rethinking. The new contenders are black Madewell Transport, black Everlane Petra magazine (gets rave reviews, is expensive and certainly the nicest quality of all the options) or the black Everlane casual Petra (I like how the tiny bit of brown tones it down). The Gap tote in black is also in the running.</p> <p>I guess that didn't really make a decision clearer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477410 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 10:27:47 +0000 Dixie 1477410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My vote goes for the Gap. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477399 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 09:26:38 +0000 Anonymous 1477399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>GreyScale</b>: &nbsp;I would be very interested in knowing what you finally settled on. &nbsp;I do like the idea of having a zipper or closure, but I tend to use my totes for caring LOTS of stuff. &nbsp;I would be ok without a closure. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am going to stop by Gap and see if they have the grey tote in stock. &nbsp;If so, I am going to stock it and see if I can get it on sale. &nbsp;</p> <p>Best wishes on the interview. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477390 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 07:51:59 +0000 stainedglass 1477390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck with the interview. &nbsp;I have similar concerns as Diana about the bags with no zippers and the handle length. &nbsp;I think that the leather handles on the Everlane twill totes make it less casual; it's not as casual as an LL Bean tote. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477270 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 01:48:54 +0000 Greyscale 1477270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Everlane twill tote does have a zipper, which is a big point in its favor. I like the reverse denim (grey) or the solid black twill. But I'm concerned that the twill is too casual with a suit. </p> <p>I don't know why the link to that bag doesn't work - sorry. :-(</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477254 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 01:02:25 +0000 Olivegreen 1477254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worked as an academic and the Madewell Transport Tote would probably be my pick for an interview. Especially for humanities or soft sciences. Hard science would go for the slightly more practical looking one from the Gap.<br /> Good luck with the interview processes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477218 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 23:56:41 +0000 dakotacheryl 1477218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're not completely sold on a leather tote...I have been using this one from Evernote (not Everlane ) for a year now and am absolutely in love with it. &nbsp;Stands up, the front section drops down when unzipped and it's like having a little "office on the go"...</p> <p>And I have it in the grey color...LOVE THIS TOTE more than any other I've ever bought for work.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.evernote.com/market/feature/commuter-bag?sku=BAGS00101">https://www.evernote.com/marke.....=BAGS00101</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477205 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 23:12:38 +0000 Mellllls 1477205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>just a thought...how about a deep red?&nbsp; i think it would tone down the look more.&nbsp; but i like the gray options you have also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477203 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 23:04:30 +0000 annabelle 1477203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please check out this link, even if it's above your budget or not your style, because I'm going to tell you the plus and minus of this structure of the bag I love: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155035439/leather-tote-bag-brown-leather-shoulder?ref=favs_view_2" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....avs_view_2</a>&nbsp; The things I love about this bag: it stands up on its own, i.e., it has a flat, structured bottom and the sides are of a firm leather. The artist put a top zipper in for me, so that when it's raining, my laptop doesn't get wet. The weathered look of the leather actually makes this between brown and grey for you. And I love the two tones of leather and big stitching detail. </p> <p>I did not buy that tote in order to carry the laptop, but intended to carry all the winter accessories once landing at the coffee shop and a big water bottle and manilla folders. But the laptop fits, and I use it all the time. The disadvantage of this particular tote (and maybe some of those you're considering) is that there is no separate spot for one's water bottle. I've been sufficiently scared out of my wits by a friend who insisted I never, never put my water in the same compartment as the computer. </p> <p>Have fun with the interview and the job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477174 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:08:36 +0000 Style Fan 1477174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read a very positive review on Grechen's Closet about the Everlane tote.&nbsp; I do wonder about a tote that doesn't have a proper closure.&nbsp; Mine has a zipper.&nbsp; I bought it years ago (well maybe decades ago) at a craft show.&nbsp; </p> <p>Good luck with the interview.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477172 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:05:37 +0000 Diana 1477172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 2 cents?&nbsp; I like the petra best of all of these BUT I think they all have a huge dealbreaker, which is the open top.&nbsp; I won't buy a bag, particularly one that I will be putting my laptop in, that doesn't zip fully closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, I have a sleeve for the laptop but I still want the added security of the bag being fully shut.&nbsp; </p> <p>Also, the strap drop length seems too short on many of these to fit comfortably over your shoulder (or it may fit but look awkward) if being hands free is an issue for you.&nbsp; An ideal drop length for me is 10-11" FWIW.&nbsp; </p> <p>Sorry, hope I'm not raining on your parade too much.&nbsp; I do think the styles are perfect for academic interviews.&nbsp; (Congrats and good luck!)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477162 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 21:56:32 +0000 catgirl 1477162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I JUST read a post on Alreadypretty about a Madewell bag's handles falling apart really quickly.&nbsp; I've been having doubts about their quality now.&nbsp; Just letting you know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477098 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:58:36 +0000 Greyscale 1477098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a really good point, Carter. I think the Madewell Transport tote is also structured enough, but the softer totes would definitely have that problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477095 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:53:33 +0000 carter 1477095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer the looks of the Everlanes and the Madewells, but for this purpose, I like the Gap one best. The bottoms of the others look like they would distort with the shape and weight of a laptop. The Gap looks like it has a sturdier, more form-holding bottom. It looks like it could also remain upright while the computer is in it if it's propped against a chair leg. The others may slide down or cave in on themselves. (That was hard to describe. Did it make sense?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477093 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:51:53 +0000 unfrumped 1477093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm watching too for work tote replacement. At my trusty TJMaxx , there are logos on almost everything anymore and they just bug me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477081 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:35:30 +0000 AM 1477081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer the Madewell Transport Tote. I like the ultra minimal quality to it. And I really like the gray. I'm looking for something similar and this bag may be a good choice for me too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477077 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:30:05 +0000 Greyscale 1477077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling - the Gap tote also surprised me. I also didn't expect to like it, and wouldn't have thought to put it on the list, but I saw it yesterday in the store and I was impressed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477074 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:25:39 +0000 merwoman 1477074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh and good luck with the interview. You are certainly getting lots of prep time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477072 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:24:36 +0000 merwoman 1477072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some lovely choices here. I'd lean towards a grey bag, I do like the Madewell as well. My concern would be top closure - I won't travel with a tote that can't be firmly closed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477070 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:19:29 +0000 Anonymous 1477070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did not expect to like the Gap one as much as I did. &nbsp;It is hands down my favorite. &nbsp;I like the looks. &nbsp;I like the sturdiness. &nbsp;I love the color. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477063 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:12:41 +0000 rachylou 1477063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The taller totes have my vote. I do use them for daily laptop carrying and I find the way they distribute the weight easier to manoeuvre with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/leather-tote---help-me-choose#post-1477051 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 17:58:55 +0000 Greyscale 1477051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a job interview coming up in June. I need to bring my laptop, but my only laptop bag is a backpack from a local cycling-focused brand, not at all appropriate. A leather tote would be a good option. I can use it for the interview, and then I'm sure it'll get use as a travel bag.</p> <p>I am specifically not looking for ergonomic laptop-carrying bags because this isn't something I'll use for the computer in general. But, it does need to be sturdy enough to lug a 15" macbook (the older, heavier model) to important meetings once in a while.</p> <p>I'll be wearing a black suit or equivalent. Academic style has a complicated level of mandatory informality. I need to not look too polished. The suit is appropriate for this type of interview, but I need to make sure my shoes and bag tone it down, not bring it up a level.</p> <p>I'm thinking probably something other than black, either a weathered brown or a dove grey. Grey is more my style, even if brown leather is more stylish right now, especially among young San Franciscans. Black is also an option, though.</p> <p>Here are a few I have in mind, ranging from more casual to much dressier. Any thoughts?</p> <p>I think I prefer the casual Madewell bag in grey. I think it's sold out in black, but I might be able to find one in a store. </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.everlane.com/collections/womens-backpacks/products/womens-twill-tote-reverse-denim-black-leather"><a href="https://www.everlane.com/collections/womens-backpacks/products/womens-twill-tote-reverse-denim-black" rel="nofollow">https://www.everlane.com/colle.....enim-black</a>...</a></p> </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34740&amp;vid=1&amp;pid=142227022">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=142227022</a></p> <p> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/BAGS/totes/PRDOVR~C0929/C0929.jsp?color_name=fog">https://www.madewell.com/madew.....r_name=fog</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/BAGS/totes/PRDOVR~B2427/B2427.jsp?color_name=dusk-grey">https://www.madewell.com/madew.....=dusk-grey</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.everlane.com/collections/petra/products/womens-casual-petra-black">https://www.everlane.com/colle.....etra-black</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.everlane.com/collections/petra/products/womens-petra-magazine-gesso">https://www.everlane.com/colle.....zine-gesso</a> </p> <p>Photos are</p> <p>1) Everlane casual Petra</p> <p>2) Everlane Petra</p> <p>3) Everlane reverse denim and leather</p>