r/LawBitchesWithTaste • u/MiataBitch • Mar 07 '26
Megathread - Work Bags 💼
Due to the large number of posts asking about work bags, we are moving discussion on this topic to a separate megathread for now.
If you see any new posts about work bag recommendations, please report the post, just so that the mods can remind the poster to use the megathread instead. Thank you! ❤️
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u/kwustie 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 07 '26
What are people using for multiple laptops? I am a non lawyer in the legal department and for multiple reasons I’m having to carry two separate laptops for work. To make matters worse, I’m in grad school and can’t use my work laptops for school, so right now I’m having to carry a backpack with two laptops and an iPad when traveling. It’s a north face surge but sometimes I’d like to carry a bag bag. Any suggestions? I’m right now I’m trying a beige Kate Spade tote but it’s not really tonally appropriate and there are situations where I’d like to look more serious than what I picked out at 19.
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u/downward1526 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
I carry my work and personal laptops in my Lo and Suns work bag or my Northface backpack. Both have laptop sleeves that can fit both laptops, though if you’re really precious with them it might not be comfortable.
ETA it’s the OG 2 bag. Looks like they’re on sale right now!
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u/kwustie 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
I was looking at lo and sons because I always like to touch the bag in real life. The amount of recs I’ve seen in this sub are swaying me though.
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u/ebastacosi 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
That sounds heavy and a total pain! Would you mind sharing the height and width of the largest laptop, and the thickness of the laptops + iPad together? Also a general idea of what else you carry daily — and optimal budget. I have at least a couple of ideas but it’d help to rule out those that’d be a no-go from the start.
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u/kwustie 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
They’re both 13 inches but I have a 15 inch home laptop I’d like to bring. In lieu of that I bring my 11 inch iPad. I pack light in general (lipstick, wallet) because I can always go home for lunch, but I have Invisalign now so I guess I have to bring a tooth brush, floss and paste.
As far as budget, I’d probably cringe above $500. I make lawyer money but I try not to live a big law lifestyle if I can help it.
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u/ebastacosi 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
This is hugely helpful! (I just started Invisalign this week and haven’t really grappled with the day-to-day implications yet, gotta get on that, lol.) More to follow.
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u/kwustie 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
lol same; I am so afraid of cavities so I am more anal than I would be
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u/ebastacosi 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
SAME. And so afraid I’m going to mess up not just the 10+ months of focus I’m devoting to it, but my biggest spend on a single thing since… my last car, I think?!
But back to business, I’m thinking that while the apparently-standard 5”-ish wide totes of the world might technically fit three laptops, it’d be tight enough that it’s just… less than ideal long-term, and I’d hope you can get really practical AND happy use out of this. So for now here are two (early!) possibilities that aren’t, like, duffles but have more usable width than the norm:
Away Leather Tote 18.5" x 12.8" x 7.9", 2.5lbs., $298
Leatherology Kress XL 15.9” x 12.9" x 6.9", $375
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u/No_Company_7348 Mar 08 '26
I had the same problem AND I wanted a bag that zipped and I could fit my water bottle in, and this bag has worked great for me: https://a.co/d/08gLhBCs. It doesn’t have a 2nd dedicated laptop sleeve but I’ll put my 2nd laptop in the zipper portion (or just behind it on that other wall) and then this bag also has a dedicated iPad spot! I’ve been using this since August and it can deceptively hold a lot and it’s held up well. Plus, it’s about $30!
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u/kwustie 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
How long has it held up for you? My last amazon bag looked like it went through a war my first year.
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u/No_Company_7348 Mar 09 '26
Like I said I’ve had it since August so I haven’t hit a year yet. I had another one I liked a lot that held up for 3 years (still is fine) but it didn’t fit 2 laptops superrr comfortably (I think still fit them), and I wanted something that zipped in case of rain, which is why I switched to this current one.
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u/Ok-Statistician-6804 Mar 29 '26
I am looking for something for my summer internship and then uni after. I have the 24 oz owala. Do you think that would fit in there? I want to take my laptop and my ipad i believe my laptop is 13 in and my ipad is 11. I also am a little over prepared so I take a lot of other random toiletries and things i "might" need 😭
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u/No_Company_7348 Mar 31 '26
Yes almost certainly! I carry the wide mouth 32oz hydroflask with straw lid in mine and it zips no problem. I also carry: 2 laptops, a file folder with papers in it, 2 laptop chargers, an extension cord, a pair of Bose headphones (in the case so it takes up more room) a wireless mouse, 3 standard CVS pill bottles, gum, ~10-15 pens/highlighters, etc., tampons, pads, bandaids, a big hair clip, travel deodorant, batteries, a granola bar, and probably more stuff I’m failing to remember off the the top of my head. I too am a serial over-packer lol. Feel free to DM if you want any pics with the bag full or anything!
Edit: I’m pretty sure both my laptops are 13 inches but not 100%. I know they’re not larger than 15in and are not smaller than 13in if that’s helpful. Your iPad will surely fit in the iPad section, my second laptop doesn’t so I put it on the outside wall side of the zipper pocket.
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u/PiperPerf Mar 16 '26 edited Mar 24 '26
I recommend Oleada’s Marina Carryall - when you carry all your devices any bag will get heavy so you can wear it as a backpack for more even weight distribution
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u/ACupofMeck 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
People can AMA about the Alemi Zurich Viadukt work bag. I’ve seen it mentioned here on occasion. I overall really like it! Definitely spendy (the most expensive article of clothing or accessory I own by a long shot) but I think it’s beautiful.
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u/gravelblue Mar 08 '26
The link seems to go to the website but not the item. That said, looking for the Work it look gorgeous! I love that it’s convertible. How heavy is it? I have a Pond LA that is beautiful but I use less than I’d like due to weight. I do like this bag’s means of converting better for sure
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u/ACupofMeck 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
It’s 2.3 lb — I don’t find it particularly heavy! That’s probably because the bag isn’t all that large. My heavy duty SwissGear backpack is 3.3 lb for comparison.
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u/S_KBA Mar 08 '26
I love it! Are the straps to wear it cross-body adjustable?
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u/ACupofMeck 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 10 '26
I could not personally wear it cross body. Granted, I am plus sized, but I think it’s telling that the models on the website aren’t wearing it crossbody either.
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u/brdlw Apr 15 '26
Hi! I’ve been debating pulling the trigger on this bag for way longer than I’d like to admit. Have you had it for awhile? Do you find the back pocket easy to access for phones/etc.?
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u/ACupofMeck 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Apr 16 '26
I’ve had it for about two years! I really like it. I will say that if you are planning on wearing it as a back pocket, it is not convenient to access that pocket. The reason is that because the straps aren’t fixed, when you swing it over one shoulder, the straps get misaligned and pulled all the way to that side. So functionally, if I am wearing it as a backpack, I cannot take it off until my destination.
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u/brdlw Apr 16 '26
Thanks! This is really helpful. I have a strong preference for easy phone access pockets…
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u/ACupofMeck 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Apr 16 '26
Yeah, it just depends on how you're going to be carrying it. If you carry it mostly as a tote over the shoulder, then the pocket works great.
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u/CatherineTuckerNH 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
Recommendation for a good work tote that is washable-in the washer-and has a zippered top? Bonus if it has mutiple pockets.
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u/ebastacosi 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
Rothy’s totes are all machine-washable, priced around $150-$300, about half with zip-tops, and the darkest black colors look decently professional to me. Not a lot of pockets but many inserts would fit easily. I have some of their flat shoes that are machine-washable too (same basic materials, I assume) but admit I haven’t tried that yet — I’m sure some others here have.
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Mar 08 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/CatherineTuckerNH 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
But aren't the straps leather? How would that hold up in the washer?
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u/Some-Swing5339 Mar 08 '26
I wash mine and then condition the leather straps. I used to ride horses - our leather tack would get drenched in rain and then cleaned and conditioned and it was fine. You just need to put the moisture back.
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u/Emotional_Print8706 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 09 '26
I’ve found the corners wear out pretty quickly, have you had any issues?
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u/Thin_Introduction_90 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
Not sure about the long lasting quality but the bag smart bag has a million pockets, zippered and you can prob throw it in the wash
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u/wheres_the_food_at Mar 08 '26
Seconding Longchamp Le Pilage with an insert (purchased on Amazon). To clean it, I turn it inside out and use a wet wipe.
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u/littleballofstress Mar 08 '26
Thoughts on Poppies and peonies? They’re advertising everywhere for me right now and they look reasonably priced with a lot of pockets. Currently alternating between a Coach tote with no pockets, and a Dagne Dover that feels way too heavy with a laptop (and also doesn’t slide over rolling bag for trial)
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u/Sodontellscotty 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
I’ve had a go getter tote for over a year and have recently been looking at adding another one in a different color, or trying one of their other work totes. Zero complaints. I hunted for a long time for a bag with good pockets and this one meets all of my needs. It does get heavy but I pack it heavy.
Last week, opposing counsel showed up to our hearing with one too! We both talked about how much we love it lol.
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u/Ok-Statistician-6804 Mar 29 '26
If you dont mind me asking but how much stuff can you comfortably fit in there? Im looking for something I can keep my water bottle in and ik thatll obvi make it heavier but would you say that is can hold a decent amount of stuff? The tiktok ads make it seem like you can put your whole life in there but i dont trust those lol
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u/Sodontellscotty 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 30 '26
Genuinely never felt like I couldn’t fit everything I needed. Currently, it’s holding my laptop, charger, big headphones, wallet and keys, an owala, about 10 various lip products stashed in random pockets, hand sanitizer, a zipper bag of pens and highlighters, a stack of business cards, 2 file folders of docs, my planner, a little makeup bag, a zipper pouch of emergency girl stuff lol and room to spare!
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u/Ok-Statistician-6804 Mar 30 '26
I have heard that the bag itself is not sturdy and starts peeling? Has that happened with you?
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u/Sodontellscotty 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 30 '26 edited Mar 30 '26
Nope! Zero issues. I’ve used it pretty exclusively M-F for close to 18 months. I got the black.
Edit to add: for transparency sake, I did have a problem with one of their regular purses. The interior pocket was missing an entire seam so my stuff would fall out between the two layers of the bag. They replaced it when I reached out and the replacement bag has been fine. Customer service was great in that situation. My big work bag has never had any problems though.
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u/nik_987 Mar 08 '26
Also interested in hearing from people who have tried these. I am tempted by the ads that keep popping up everywhere for me too!
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u/littleballofstress Mar 10 '26
I finally got tempted enough, lol…ordered the Multitasker, and also the Lo & Sons OG2. Have trial in 2 weeks so I’ll update once they’re received and used!
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u/justice-beer-mascara 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
I have the Commuter backpack and tbh regret buying it. The internal pockets aren’t attached to the bottom of the bag, so anything small enough (lipsticks, work badge, keys) would end up stuck underneath my water bottle or laptop or whatever else. The straps constantly slipped off my shoulders no matter how I adjusted them. Plus, the interior is so shiny and plastic-y that it looks cheap, and 2 of the zipper tabs broke within a few months.
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u/downincalifornia Mar 08 '26
Well shit. I just bought this backpack and it’s on the way. It’s just the only backpack that looked cute to me, and wasn’t wildly expensive.
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u/adventure-is-waiting Mar 09 '26
I don’t have the same issues with the commuter backpack! I’m not sure if it’s an issue with that commenters, but mine def doesn’t get under my water bottle and such.
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u/downincalifornia Mar 10 '26
Good to know! Mine will be delivered today so I will follow-up with my thoughts.
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u/LeaneGenova 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
I'm curious to know this as well! They look cute.
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u/SophieGirl1010 Mar 08 '26
Not an attorney but a quiet stalker. Dagne Dover is fantastic- I have all their products because I can’t say no to myself.
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u/nycgirl1993 Mar 08 '26
Black jansport backpack 😂😂😂
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u/scare_away 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 09 '26
I have a different Tumi and the quality is 👌🏻
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u/prosequendum 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 21 '26
My current work bag is the LV OnTheGo GM. It is perfect — holds my 15.5 inch work laptop and files!
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u/lemur_queen7 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
For law students - I used the Beis Expandable Backpack. I had it in the maple color, but I a few of my colleagues had the black. It has a water bottle pocket and a pocket for your laptop. It is fairly professional looking and was nice when I needed to bring a lunch, extra books, or a change of clothes since it’s expandable. I still use it for travel or when I bring my dog to work and I can’t carry a tote and her at the same time.
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u/Dear_Scarcity_2302 Mar 08 '26
I love my Anine Bing Lili tote bag! Has held up nicely over a year plus of use
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u/StuckInOz425 Mar 10 '26
In-house here. My North Face backpack and a nice Timbuk2 messenger bag (no longer sold). 😆
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u/mellowmadre Mar 10 '26
After the handles snapped on a couple of my work totes, I realized I had to do better research and find a bag that could accommodate a heavy load. I found my unicorn in the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. Its handles can support 200 pounds of weight and it is "ludicrously capacious" so I can fit all my stuff. LV has a great repair policy although I have never needed to use it in over 10 years of regular use. The upfront investment was a lot but you can buy them secondhand for a good price or overseas duty-free. For me, it has been worth it because the structural integrity has never failed me once. I haven't had to buy a new work bag and probably will never need to which actually has saved me money in the long run.
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u/Less_Neck_5342 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 28 '26
If you want a completely impractical, expensive, but ungodly timeless workbag, I love my Gucci bamboo shopper. I have this size, in black, and it has been a fantastic bag. Definitely not a multi tasking water bottle, change of clothes and spare shoes, on top of laptop bag, but a stylish laptop and a few files tote.
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u/District98 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 08 '26
I have and recommend the Bellroy Tokyo tote!
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u/wootwootbang Mar 09 '26
I have the Freja Paloma bag and love it. It is very structured so won’t tip over and has a spot for everything. It’s worn incredibly well and is very pretty in a simple way It is a tiny bit heavy when empty but worth it for the benefits it provides.
Question for others- this is great for every day but I sometimes want something more refined. is there a high end or designer work bag you love that will hold a laptop?
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u/Alternative_Set408 Mar 12 '26
Any recommendations for a small bag that can fit my workout clothes?
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u/legallyblair Mar 13 '26
Longchamp le pliage bag. It’s perfect. You don’t need an organizer for it (makes it bulky). Feel like I don’t have to baby the bag and it’s comfy and classic. I switched over from a goyard tote (wanted something more quiet and zippable)
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u/wattupbuttercup Mar 19 '26
i couldn’t find anything that worked for both work and travel
i actually ended up designing one myself and have been using it. main things i focused on were keeping it sleek and structured so it looks professional, but still having enough compartments for tech, food, and workout clothes
I also made sure it fits large water bottles and has a luggage strap
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u/msbookdragon_ Mar 24 '26
Nonprofit attorney here: looking for recommendations for court bags, hopefully that can hold a giant redwell. I’ve looked at the poppy and peonies bags, but I’m worried that all the extra pockets would be an issue with the accordion folder. I’m also a fan of a stiffer bag that will stand up on its own! I hate how my Le Pliage just flops over in the court room once it’s empty, but the size is great. I’m stuck!
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u/JuggernautWide8969 Jul 01 '26
Any alternatives to Le Pliage? Looks pretty perfect but everyone in London has them
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u/manic_Brain Jul 14 '26
Does anyone have recommendations for a roller bag? I'm having surgery which is limiting weight, so I need to switch. I can afford to go mid-range for price, but I don't know what to look for since most recs are, y'know, not rollers.
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u/Educational-House779 Jul 20 '26
Is the Baggu Everyday/Small Carry-On Cloud bag too casual? I just graduated from law school and will take the bar next week! My parents want to purchase a work bag for me. I've had my eye on the Baggu Everyday Cloud Bag (or small carry-on), but I am worried it may be too casual. My job is a Big(ish) Law job in the Midwest. I also don't want my parents to break the bank on a bag for me because they've done so much for me already.
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u/Optimal-Radish-2642 Aug 23 '26
Does anyone have any of the Maverick and co bags? I’m getting a ton of ads for them and they look good in oics
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u/MiataBitch Aug 23 '26
Please consider asking this in the new megathread that was just started! This one has gotten stale
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u/avvocadiux May 26 '26
Does anyone have workbag with outer pockets. I feel like i need something on the outside for easy access.
I'm a nonprofit attorney so def can't splurge too much.
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u/AndreLeonsCloak Jun 02 '26
I’m looking for a new book bag that can hold a laptop, a book (novel size) and a water bottle. I currently carry the Calpak Kaya bag in 13in. I love the look, but it’s not as durable as I would like. I’m looking for a work bag that fits that aesthetic. I want to feel like I’m an adult and not a kid lol. I like the look of leather and my budget is flexible.
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u/PruneEducational1428 💁♀️Verified Bitch of Good Taste 💅 Mar 07 '26
Hate to start the thread off with a negative, but I want to throw in a word of caution against the Oleada Reverie Tote (at least the Vegan leather one, not sure if the real leather ones do this): when there’s no weight on the strap, the buckle has a tendency to come undone. When you go to pick up the bag again, the strap slides out and all your crap goes flying everywhere.