Longchamp?

shiny

I've debated forever about investing in a Longchamp La Pliage bag. I suspect it would be highly useful for my travels, I just don't like the styles with the brown leather accents.

In reference to this WiW post -- http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....meet-jo-go

... I'm now thinking it would have been great to have just such a bag to tote my pumps and stash my snow boots... so I got to surfing.

What do you think about this one in the pebble?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....sonalizeds...

Too large? Would medium fit tall boots?

I also love this one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....4105454?or...

Though I think the solid would be more versatile.

Meanwhile this cross body is gorgeous!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....n=category

Alternatives to this brand? Same look or idea but for less?

8 years ago

Shopping

39 replies

Latest reply was from dashielle (Ann)

Anonymous

I agree. I have never liked the brown accents. The one you posted is gorgeous. In my experience, these bags are not as big as pictured. I would say you need a large.

I found a cheaper alternative at Fossil. It probably won't suit you though because it is heavier. I think you need light and flexible.

8 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I have the all black one and I adore it. It's my most used bag; I use it for work (it fits my laptop and lunch bag, and I use it multiple times a week) and travel. I would highly recommend the large size.

The one thing to know about le pliages is that they have a known issue with sprouting holes at the bottom corners. They will repair the holes for free though, but I'm told it takes a few weeks because they send them back to France to repair. I actually need to have mine repaired but have been putting it off until the weather is better so I can use some of my more delicate bags.

I also really like MZ Wallace bags but they are about 2x the price of a le pliage.

8 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I carried one for ages. They are amazingly useful, brown accents and all. Lightweight, voluminous, folds in your luggage. I eventually replaced it with something along the same lines from Japan, a lightweight structured tote with long handles that packs flat in a suitcase. It took me a long, long time to find a really good alternative.

I like the plain white one. I was always hoping to find one in my fantasy colour scheme of black with white accents. I even considered buying a standard black one and painting the leather white. Maybe I'll do that one day.

There's a problem with the corners, which are the first bits to wear out. You can reinforce them on the inside with duct tape.

8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

That's disappointing to hear about the corners. I already have a very durable vinyl carry on bag that has a sleeve so I can pop it over the handles of my luggage. I was thinking of this more to use as a bag I could fold up and keep in my luggage or to carry shoes or groceries or whatever. Maybe it's not worth the price and I should find a less expensive bag that could suit my needs. Hmmm....

8 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have a magenta one with brown accents that I bought as an auxiliary bag for travel. Last year I went on a vacation with my sister and she mooched it for ten days because she liked it so much. So I bought her one of the ones you linked to as a Christmas present. I thought the neutral with black pattern would go with a lot of things. She was very pleased with it.

Did you see this recent piece on Longchamp and les pliages?
http://www.racked.com/2016/2/3.....-le-pliage

Nordstrom

Longchamp 'Le Pliage - Neo Fantaisie Medium' Geo Print Nylon Tote

$240.00

View Info

Top Pick

8 years ago

jenanded

Veteran

Well being the classic Mardi bag I love these. The white is fantastic and now covet one myself! It takes a while for the little holes to appear... like 18mths of full time udaily use. I vote and enable the white one Shiny!

8 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've always thought the Le Pliages are overpriced for what they are, but maybe that's me being cranky. Are you looking for a large foldable tote (probably nylon then) or a smaller bag?

For extra shoes and such, there's always the option of a foldable reusable grocery-sized bag like Chico bags - not as chic but much more packable.

8 years ago

olga

Active Member

I have all black one, it does not fold small but is very flat if one wants to put it in the suitcase. I find it very useful, mine is of a little stiffer material than the ones that fold and i do not see how the corners will be damaged, i have it for a year and its like new (not in everyday use but few times a week when i am out with the boys or shopping).

8 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Good article, UmmLila.

As a Le Pilage collector for a couple of decades, I find them indispensable as shopping/tote/travel bags. The colours are fun and I've always found they give good value for the money. My first, now 20+ years, bag did finally wear out at the corners, but, with a bit of duct tape, it now resides permanently in the back of my car holding extra flashlights, umbrellas, tissues, corkscrews, bottles of water, powerbars, and all other bits of flotsom that seem to end up in the vehicle. The handle is still firmly attached so I expect at least another decade of service from it in its new role.

8 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

If you buy them from Nordstrom, they said I could bring them back to them for the necessary repairs.

Would an envirosac bag work for your purpose. They are easy to launder.

8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Wow, Elpgal, those envirosaxs are super cute!!!

8 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i see other le pliage lovers have chimed in. i LOVE this line. the extra large travel bags are my go to second piece for travel after my rollaboard. the large tote is useful as a city bag once i get to my destination--travel with it folded. i've got more and more minimalist in travel clothes. i've recently replaced the extra large travel bag with a neo tote--no need to have an extra city bag.

i have an envirosax but is a bit unstructured for me.

8 years ago

Penny

Veteran

For travel, I love my Lo & Sons OMG bag. It's pricey, but sleek, elegant, lightweight, and organized - I love the shoe pocket, laptop sleeve, and others pockets. Plus, it slides over suitcase handles. I have it in black and silver and take it on all my trips. Happy hunting!

8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Thanks BJ1111... I actually could really use an unstructured grocery bag (or two or three) that rolls up like the envirosax's. I used to have one (I think it was a different brand but VERY similar - in that it rolled up small and snapped closed, and was in a fun houndstooth pattern) but it disappeared on me. I thought I lost it but DH just rolled his eyes suspiciously... I think he may have given it to someone visiting us who needed a bag... or put it out in our yard sale this summer when we were preparing the house for sale... sigh.

I could also use the Longchamp too as I see them fitting different roles. My travel carryon is great and I don't see the Longchamp replacing it, but I do often wish when I arrive that I had a different bag to use as a laptop bag in the office, something a bit smaller, that could tuck up tiny and add no additional weight to my luggage. I have checked out Longchamp in the store and do see they are very well made and fit nice under the arm and I adore that they are light weight.

The pebble looks grey to me, not white. Is that my monitor? Has anyone seen it in person? I am attracted to it either way, something different than black....

8 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

the thing about a longchamp as a computer bag is that it's just one big compartment and i lose my wallet and glasses case at the bottom all the time. also, for me, the nylon is too soft/unstructured that it loses the shape that i really like. the neo has more structure but still has only one big compartment. you may be more organized than me...in that case, no problem!

i do like pebble gray --it looks pebble gray, not white on my monitor. i could see it as a substitute for winter white. also good in the summer.

8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Thanks for the reminder, Penny! This brand had been all over my Facebook for awhile, and I was intrigued.

To clarify, when it comes to travel (rather than carrying shoes to a formal event in the winter), I already have a great carryon (Briggs Reilly) that slips over the handles of my luggage. It's nothing fancy but it's super serviceable, generously sized, durable, and probably going to last forever. I'm very happy with it, except that when I arrive at my destination, I use it also as a laptop bag. So I end up emptying out most of the contents on to the hotel bed (all the items that didn't fit in my roll on luggage), except laptop (Mac Pro), chargers, scarf, cardigan and then I tuck in a clutch (with wallet lipstick comb tissues sunglasses gum phone in it) too. Even though it's vinyl it's awkward to carry on my shoulder -- because I'm so short! A taller person would likely have no problem, but it unbalances me, especially when wearing high heels. I feel I am toppling over, and have had some questionable days with my back not happy....

I'm imagining, right or wrongly, a Longchamp bag may fit the bill better, it's somewhat smaller, and could be used as both purse and laptop bag, rather than having to tuck clutch into laptop bag. I could be wrong, but I also have this H&M bag that just *barely* fits my laptop (vertically) and other purse items I need to carry, except charger. It works okay. I just wish it was maybe one or two inches larger in both directions.

8 years ago

Anonymous

I'd like to know what your decision is. If you buy they bag , I would be very interested in your review. It really is a lovely bag and now I'd like one too.

8 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

The Le Pilage bag's strength is that it is a coated nylon, zippered, foldable tote that comes in a variety of sizes. The bag's lack of structure has its advantages and disadvantages: I've used mine to haul around stacks of term papers, notebooks, texts, lunch, my mini laptop, groceries, shoes, coats, and even plants. When I travel by plane, I often use three Le Pilage bags: one large, one handbag size, and the backpack model. The larger Le Pilage is my carryon and holds my coat, handbag, and airplane essentials with the other two bags folded inside. When I get to my destination, I use either the backpack or handbag--or both-- when walking around. The unused bag(s) are folded and tucked away ready to use for purchases. I've gone away for a weekend with just the two Le Pilage bags--one serving as my handbag and the other as my luggage. The bags look stylish instead of looking like I'm carrying luggage. The bags are also easy to wipe down if they get dirty and are fairly waterproof in the rain.

The biggest disadvantage is it can be hard to find loose items in the bags because there are no compartments except for a small inner pocket. My solution has been to put most of my stuff in pouches so I can find what I need without fumbling.

To me, my Le Pilages are workhorses, not fashion bags. They do get worn and scuffed after lots of use, but that means I'm getting my money's worth. I've never had a handle rip off or a zipper give way.

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8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Gaylene, I'm totally fine with workhorse rather than fashion bags for this! My current Briggs Reilly is more workhorse. Question is whether the large Le Pliage is comparable, meaning I need the medium, to tuck inside the Briggs Reilly? It's difficult for me to say, seeing the model on the Nordie's site, who's probably 10-12 inches taller than me.

In my ideal world I'd find the perfect minimalist lightweight 13 inch laptop bag ...that rolls up and tucks into the Briggs Reilly I already own. For DD#1's graduation present I got her a Kate Spade laptop bag which is gorgeous and made of vinyl. It'd be perfect if only it could squash down to carry within a bag like the Longchamps seem to do.

8 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

shiny, i think i understand part of your needs. do you need a foldaway to stow into your existing travel bag that you can use instead of your travel bag at your destination? how big is your laptop? what else would you like to carry in the bag?

the neo bags are not foldable though more professional than le pliage. i feel awkward carrying the le pliage to a meeting because the mismatched handles are too casual for a meeting where i wear a jacket and too stodgy for a meeting where i'm dressy casual.

8 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

BJ, you make a good point about figuring out if Le Pilage fits a person's style. I've carried my black one with the brown trim into business meetings and conferences without any hesitation, but that might not be true for everyone.

8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Yes, exactly, BJ! My laptop is a Mac Pro 13 inch. I need to also be able to carry the charger, which is heavier than the dang laptop. I.e., a simple sleeve doesn't work.

I am a minimalist for purse stuff otherwise (sunglasses, small wallet, lipstick fit in a clutch) but also need space to throw in scarf or cardigan since it can be chilly in the office. I probably should carry flat shoes, and sometimes I do just that... but the added weight!

Ultimately what dictates is how much I can carry without throwing my back out. Tottering in heels (even low ones) with shoulder bag...I am only 5' so I am even dubious about a laptop backpack. At 5' my center of gravity is much lower than all you tall folks, and yes, I'm talking about you 5'3 and higher folks, my daughters are that height and it makes a big difference. Whoa is me!

What seems to work best for me is bags that 1) allow me to stow laptop vertically, rather than horizontally and 2) have a cross body strap. Both seem to distribute weight better. As I said above, I have an H&M bag that barely fits the bill-- it allows me to stow my laptop bag vertically rather than horizontal, it's pleather so light weight, has a cross body strap. Fits my short body well! If only it was 1 inch bigger width and length wise, then I could pack my charger too. As it is now when I carry that one I have to gamble somebody in the office will loan me their charger!

8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Gaylene, I'd jump on the La Pliage with the brown leather but I rarely wear shoes in that color brown. I'm either black leather shoes, or cognac. Not medium brown. Which I think is gorgeous for people with brown hair or similar coloring... but I'm fair and rather pink and definitely cool-toned instead. Which is why I prefer the Neo.

8 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

My first Longchamps is a Lepliage navy with cognac trim. It matches my navy roll aboard suitcase and is my #1 travel 'purse'. I recently picked up a Neo on sale. It is cross body, but the handles are short, and don't go over the shoulder like my older one. Of course it has the cross body strap and fits everything. They are my #1 travel bags.

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8 years ago

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Like Diana, I have the large black with black handles as my daily commuter and travel companion. It fits my heavy work laptop, cords, mouse, scarf and clutch perfectly, and I can zip it up when it rains. I'm glad I got the black because I often have to set it on the floor of the bus or at restaurants and a lighter color would be trashed by now. It always looks polished, unlike my ugly work briefcase in corduroy. Yes, you can wipe them down, but having had one in a light olive years ago, I can say that there are some greasy stains that just don't come out. Love the dove grey if you have the cleanliness superpower though.

Nordstrom

Longchamp 'Le Pliage Neo - Large' Tote

$190.00

View Info

Top Pick

8 years ago

Keix

Veteran

I bought a large Le Pliage in spring 2013 while I was living in France. I used it heavily as a school bag for 3 semesters, then for travel and daily errands... Last year I finally had the tattered corners repaired, and also the zipper pull broke so had to be replaced (zipper itself is fine despite me sometimes packing the bag to the brim). Both repairs were complimentary at the Longchamp boutique in SF; I chose to pick up the replacement zipper pull and have it done at my own cobbler because I didn't want to be without my bag for a month vs. a week.

I just bought the Lo & Sons OG bag, which serves a similar purpose to your Briggs Riley, and traveled with that this weekend to the East Coast instead of my Longchamp. The Longchamp is slightly smaller than the OG, but also lighter (and obviously less structured). It would definitely fold up small enough to be carried in the OG if I needed that. I also have a 13" Macbook Pro and it fits comfortably with sleeve in my Longchamp.

Have you considered buying a Macbook Air charger to carry around? It's smaller than the standard Pro charger and still works on my 13" Pro--I have a 13" Air through work--although slightly slower than the "correct" charger.

The Longchamp definitely felt overpriced to me until I owned one. I've yet to see a truly comparable bag at a lower price point. The nylon is amazingly durable while being super light.

In the realm of Envirosax, which are a different beast altogether--I like flip & tumble bags for groceries. No extra storage bag to keep track of and the quality is good.

8 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Coming back to add that, while I've only had my current black Neo for 2 years, I'd guess the current CPW is well under $1. I use it that often. Like I said, I do need to get the corners repaired but even if I were to just buy a new one, I'm happy with the amount of use I've gotten out of it. I agree w/Ann that the lighter colors do show dirt easier.

By the way, I always make a point to visit longchamps ( even if it's just in the duty free shopping in airports) when I'm traveling abroad, as they sometimes have different selection in other countries. Still holding out hope for a teal one.

ETA: one last point. I ordered and returned a printed le pliage last year, bc it turns out that some of the prints are on white-backed fabric, not nylon, and it felt less durable and like it would soil easily. So be aware of that as well. I think that only applies to some prints though, maybe just the all-over ones - I saw the cat face one last summer and it was the regular nylon.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Well, I am convinced. This will be my next bag. I was leaning toward the dove grey until I read Dashielle's comment.

NOPE. Buying shoes instead.

8 years ago

Anonymous

The handles on my Pliage started to fall apart after just 1 transatlantic trip. My Tumi may not be as trendy, but, after a year of monthly East-Coat to Colorado trips, it still looks pristine. (And much of its working life is spent in bus luggage holds, and I've been known to set it down in snow puddles.) I had a leather Longchamp in the 90s that wore down at the corners after one season, so I'm admittedly not a big fan of the brand.

8 years ago

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