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The one tote to rule them all

Liz A.

Veteran

I don't have the answer! I'm looking for collective wisdom.

I've been carrying the Le Pliage Neo in grey for almost a year. It is very close to meeting my needs with a few fatal flaws, so I'm wondering if there is something better out there.

I love that it is large (large enough for my monster 15" work laptop ugh), but when it's not full it doesn't seem that big. I don't care to switch bags on the weekends so I'm using it all the time. I love that it is lightweight, and that it has long handles.

What I don't really love is the lack of pockets. Just a few side pockets are all I need, and would especially love one on the outside of the bag. I rarely end up zipping it, so that's not necessary, and I actually hate the little snap flap thing.

If you have any recommendations, please let me know! Thanks

Longchamp 'Large Le Pliage Neo' Nylon Tote

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General

45 replies

Latest reply was from Liz A.

Joy

Veteran

Instead of pockets, find cute small fabric bags or even zip-locs and put stuff in them to stay organized. Be sure that they are colors that you can see easily inside your bag (not black). I have one for membership and loyalty cards, one for sunglasses, one for medical supplies, one for tissues, etc. they make it easy to grab what I may need for the day and to change to a different bag

Neelie

Veteran

Have you looked at Lug bags? https://www.luglife.ca/collections/totes

I have the Taxi Cab Full Tote in grey and love it. I like that the handles are longer, and they are very durable.

This is the Canadian website, I assume they are available elsewhere?

greycat6

Veteran

I'm always on the quest for the perfect bag. One that works for toting things around, including a tablet, as well as not being too bulky. I have always been tempted by the Le Pliage bags but have stayed away because of lack of pockets so I understand what you mean.

My current favorite bag is the Overnight Bag from Lo&Sons. Despite the name, it doesn't look like a suitcase! It is big enough for what I need but sleek enough to not look clumsy. They are pricey but very well made. I've had mine for over 2 years and still going strong.

https://www.loandsons.com/the-og?product=305

Good luck!

Diana

Veteran

Maybe check out MZ Wallace totes? The one I have (the Chelsea tote) is very similar to the le Pliage but I like the simplicity and unlike you rarely use the pockets on my bags. They have many options with loads of pockets. Here's an example, and there are other styles and colors available as well.

https://www.mzwallace.com/shop.....DQodWaUANg

Liz A.

Veteran

Joy, I have done that with the little bags, and it's a passable solution if I don't find something better.

Neelie, I have never heard of that brand. Will have to check them out.

greycat, that's a nice looking bag!

Diana, MZ Wallace looks very promising! I like the look of those quilted bags too.

JuniperGreen

Veteran

There are various bag organizer inserts that might help you out if you want to hang on to your current tote! I follow Joy's reco and have a few small fabric bags within my main tote, but have often eyed these inserts as they might make bag switching a little easier.
https://www.amazon.com/Handbag.....8&

K.M.

Veteran

I don't have an answer either because I've been looking for the same thing, but I do have a question: do you use your tote as your only/main handbag? Or do you use the tote + a small handbag?

I like to carry a lot of stuff with me and I end up lugging a big Coach bag (heavy and overfilled) PLUS a not-very-attractive fabric bag (grocery-bag style, but doesn't scream "groceries") with other stuff. I was hoping to switch to a smaller handbag plus a nice-looking tote.

Or perhaps I need a Kon-Mari approach to what I carry along with me everyday...

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

I don't know if it fits your price range, but the Le Pliage Cuir has a full size zip pocket on one side and two phone sized slip pockets on the other. I echo the bag organizer idea and often slip a soft clutch when traveling as a combination organizer and alternate bag.

Penny

Veteran

Seconding greycat6's recommendation - I have Lo & Sons OMG (slightly smaller version of OG) and it's fantastic, especially for travel. Has held up very well over a few years, and I love all the compartments (e.g., the shoe pocket, which is also great for anything you need to access quickly).

Anonymous

Lug is a Canadian company, which is perhaps why you don't know it. Try Baggallini - they make great nylon bags and totes.

Anonymous

I have an older sister who loves to sew. Right now she's making totes, and she wants to open a business on Facebook. She's making totes for me and my youngest DD soon, and once we receive them, I will let you all know what I think. I have no idea what the style of the totes is going to be. I was able to pick out the fabric, though--tropical palms for me and cats for my DD.

Liz A.

Veteran

Thanks for those who recommended a bag organizer. I have never gone that route but maybe worth looking into.

K.M. lol! I only carry my le pliage on a daily basis. I just refuse to be one of those women on the metro with multiple bags. And I feel like I carry a lot of stuff around! At least my aching shoulder tells me so.

dashielle, maybe someday the Cuir will be in my price range. I've also been eyeing this Dooney, but I'm not sure how I will explain the expense to my husband

Baggalini and lug have gone on the list, and I have also checked etsy, but haven't found anything just right.

Anonymous

I have an organizer in my handbag. It's great whenever I want to switch purses, and I can find what I'm looking for easily and quickly.

Liz A.

Veteran

PS oh my goodness, the reviews are scaring me off of this MZ Wallace. Straps sliding off drive me batty. Wondering whether the LeSportsac would be any better. The straps look a bit short on both as well although it says they are the same if not longer than the le pliage.

MZ Wallace 'Medium Metro' Quilted Oxford Nylon Tote

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LeSportsac City Chelsea Tote

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have an MZ Wallace bag (blue camo) and I don't have any issues with the straps

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have a Le Pliage and agree with you about its advantages and disadvantages.

I have always (thought that I) preferred structured bags (like totes and satchels) and the Le Pliage, while nice, doesn't look as good unfilled as mostly filled, in my opinion. Yet it's so light! And fits so much!! And doesn't get damaged by the rain! But I want a few pockets!!! Arggggh!!! What's a woman to do?

Well, I went out and bought a crazy hobo! I hemmed and hawed and doubted my sanity.

Turns out it works better for me than I ever could have expected. I LOVE this bag. It fits my (13") laptop plus a sweater, plus a water bottle, plus a book, plus wallet, plus, plus, plus. But if I empty it of all but a phone and wallet, it collapses into itself and looks small and sleek somehow. (How? I don't know. It's a miracle). It fits under my arm and has a nice wide strap. The length of the strap, that some complained of, is actually an advantage to me -- it is not *too* long. More balanced (for me).

Plus, it has phone pocket and zippered pocket inside, which is all I really need.

I just bought a similar white bag for summer. It's not quite as large and would not work for a 15" computer but should fit mine okay. It's not as great a style for me but I got it cheap on ebay. Unfortunately, I could not get the Bryn in white -- I waited too long and they were gone.

ETA, I HATE sliding straps with a fury that surpasseth all, and my Bryn bag has never, ever slid, NEVER. This is one reason I adore it. I also adore its soft soft texture, which I literally pet.

Rebecca Minkoff 'Bryn' Double Zip Hobo

$295.00 $117.97

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Rebecca Minkoff Isobel Leather Hobo Bag, White

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kkards

Veteran

seconding Diane...anything MZ Wallace....seriously...designed by women for women....and almost everything has tons of pockets --i have spent some quality time with my sisters testing them in there SOHO store...with the main determinate being an outside pocket for Metro Card. they are expensive, but IMO hold up really well. I own both of the finds... and most of there bags come in various sizes

MZ Wallace Oxford Metro Camo Print Backpack

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MZ Wallace 'Jane' Handbag

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Liz A.

Veteran

Suz, you are a very good saleswoman. I am now strongly considering that Bryn bag. I would LOVE a hobo if it could work with my laptop, because of the single strap (less chance of sliding off, which the Le Pliage does do).

I almost pulled the trigger on this Cole Haan bag when it was on sale, but I ended up deciding the color would not have longevity for me, and the strap felt a smidge short.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

This might be a sort of tangential suggestion, but I would take a look at Marshalls and TJMaxx -- I have found some really good (name brand) totes there for good prices. Usually when I'm not looking for one! I have a favorite that is so perfect for me -- one outer pocket, one inner pocket, light but sturdy, good straps... it's the one below. Good luck!

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cherylm

Following this question with interest as I am always on the search for the perfect tote bag that closes at the top - preferable with a zipper rather than a magnetic closure. I have the Le Pilage Neo which is a good bag but lacks an outside pocket and the flap that goes over the zipper makes me crazy. I take it when I travel as it folds up nicely to put in a suit case and it doesn't call attention as being an expensive bag, especially in Europe they are everywhere.
I have a MZ Wallace bag that I used for over a year and it still looks brand new. I abandoned it because it had too many pockets, I couldn't ever remember what pocket had what in it. Ugh.
I am currently using a Cuyanna leather tote. It has an inside pocket so my phone is easily accessed. I have had it for about a year and it is wearing well. Not lined on the inside so it does lint on the contents at first.
I am eyeing the Shinola tote but whoa is it expensive. I am not nice to my bags.

Liz A.

Veteran

ummlila and cherylm, which MZ Wallace bags do you have?

cheryl, yes, what were they thinking with that zipper flap??!!

K.M.

Veteran

Liz A., yes, I have a problem. At my worst I've carried bag, tote, and insulated lunch bag. It's terrible. I'm working on it!

unfrumped

Veteran

I'm reading along as am in the market for a really great car and plane travel
tote bag and would also use for work. I keep reading the related posts.
I think I like pockets rather than single compartment with organizers- for several reasons sorted out over that years.
But I know I hate it when double straps flop and fall off shoulder. I have several handbags of the " shopper" shoulder strap type- these are my fave style- and it seems unpredictable to me which straps turn out to behave. Some you can tell in - store and others turn on you later.

cherylm

Liz A - I think I have the Hayley Bradford. It wears like iron.

Staysfit

Veteran

MZ Wallace! That's my vote. I use them for my work totes, and have never had any problems. The quilted bags don't have as many pockets so be wary and read the descriptions carefully. The quilted bags are also very lightweight, probably the lightest bags I own.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Liz, I would test it with the 15" computer just in case. I put my 13" in a slip case and put it inside. Admittedly, it's a bit more awkward to do this than it is with a tote, since I have to put it in vertically and then shift it to horizontal position (due to the smaller opening of the bag). Yet it works better than I had feared. I'm about to try this with the smaller white bag today. Crossing fingers.

Recall, though, I am short and even more importantly, a bit short waisted. The 8 or 9 inch drop on the Bryn is perfect for me to tuck it securely beneath my arm -- even wearing a coat. But I do adore this non slipping aspect and the way the strap stays put (unlike the Pliage, whose straps I like for their strength but not slipping).

I fear the smaller Isobel bag is a bit short in the strap even for me. This is not such a huge problem since I also need a bag for days when I don't have the computer, so I will keep it -- but again, I am wishing I'd pounced on the white Bryn when it was available and I may keep eyeing ebay for a cheaper than $760 version (yes, that is what they were charging for one I saw on there!)

Having said all I've said in defence of hobos, I also really love totes and for much commuting I do think they are the ideal option. The MZ Wallace look worth investigating to me. What I do love about the lack of structure of the hobo is that it is eminently adaptable. I really can carry more in mine and nothing gets lost. The only thing I wish it had was a key clip (but I added one). I put my sunnies and other odds and ends in zip pouch, phone in the unzipped pouch (plus transit pass in other side -- SUPER easy access for me) and the rest in little bags (eg cosmetics) or simply in the bag. I also worried about the magnetic closure not being secure enough but because it is tucked under my arm at all times, this is a non-issue.

viva

Veteran

I have a large nylon Tumi tote with adjustable straps and just the right amount of pockets for me. It's been a workhorse since I got it, last summer I think? I just looked on their site and they don't seem to have this model any more, but it might be worth checking the brand. Super-reliable. (Great-looking too.)

K.M.

Veteran

cherylm, I didn't know about this Cuyana brand. Wow, those totes look beautiful. Is the leather as buttery as it looks on the photos? Do you have the one with or without a zipper?

cherylm

I have one with a zipper. The leather is soft but I wouldn't describe as buttery. But soft enough that it collapses against your body - that is one of the things I like about it. It is sturdy enough to take wear and tear.

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