Large Allyn Leather Tote

Honestly, I received this bag in the bone color and I was super excited to have a bag to fit all of my work things in a purposeful and secure way when I'm commuting- which it does. But, it is HUGE. I looked up several Youtube reviews of the bag and pictures online, and still didn't expect it to be this big. I'm 5 ft, and it looked like I was carrying a huge box. Even with the straps on the sides to make the bag less wide and more fitting, it still seemed too boxy of a bag for me. It also didn't help that the bottom of the bag isn't sturdy enough and buckles inwards. Although there's nothing wrong with the bag, beware of the size. I'm returning this one for a bag with a slimmer profile that can still fit a 15 in. Macbook like this one could.

I purchased this tote directly on the Dagne Dover website. I was scrolling on Nordstrom and saw this and had to give my opinion. This bag is not worth the money because it has a huge flaw. I was so excited to get this bag I was in love with it on social media and when I finally ordered it I couldn’t wait! When I first got it it was perfect the inside was so organized and the quality of leather is great. However, as soon as I started to use it, it began to bend out of shape. It doesn’t hold its shape at all and because of that when you set it down on a table it falls over causing your stuff to spill out. I am very disappointed with this bag because the company must have realized this major design flaw and just didn’t care. It’s not a good look to have your purse falling over and spilling its contents out at work.

This bag is an absolute game changer. My 16-inch Mac laptop fits perfectly in there. I was pleasantly surprised with the Large tote size. At first I thought I was sent a Medium! Reviewers made it sound like it is massive and it’s absolutely not. I’m 5’6 and it’s no bigger than any other purse I’ve owned. The compartments are such a lifesaver. The black leather is beautiful. Makes my work commute a breeze now that it fits everything in such a spacious way.

I bought this bag on an impulse the day of my business trip. I did not expect this bag to be as great as it was - there are pockets for everything! A zippered padded laptop sleeve, a neoprene sleeve for my iPad, pen holders, structured phone pocket with card slots, side pocket for things to grab quickly OR to store an extra pair of shoes WITH shoe dust bag (used it for my heels so I could walk to the office in flats), a zippered pocket (used for my receipts that I needed to expense) and a water bottle holder. There was also a slip pocket one the outside that held my hotel key cards and went deep enough where I didn't have to worry about them falling out. This bag kept me so organized. I was worried about it being too big (I'm 5'3") and yes it's big but it really holds everything so I didn't care. So much better than my usual black hole tote. And such a great price point for all it offers. The leather is a nice pebbled leather too - I got the oxblood color which gave my suits a pop of color.

Last month I bought myself a big girl bag, a forever bag. I think I spent more time researching the bag purchase than I did my vehicle purchase. Not kidding. I love it. It fits my 16” MacBook Pro that I carry back and forth with me everyday. Plus all the rest. Files, notebook, planner, phone, cords, water bottle, readers and sunglasses, and wallet. Sometimes it’s tile samples and fan decks. Last night it carried a bottle of bourbon home.

I got this before a business trip and wasn't immediately sure I was going to like it. Even for someone who likes large bags, this one is huge and not super light. But after a couple of days I was hooked, largely due to the quality of the materials, thoughtful design and all the great touches. You can pay much more for a nice work tote, but I'm glad I didn't. The key fob, many pockets and padded laptop sleeve and the wide open center makes this bag great for everyday. There's even an appropriately-sized (iPhone Plus) exterior pocket - heaven.