I received this purse yesterday. While I love the interior compartments and know they will serve me well, I am confused about the quality of the leather. I have purchased leather bags before from your main competitor and the leather on this bag looks very different. It is stiff and almost rubbery looking. And I cannot find a tag inside that states it is genuine leather. I will keep it and use it and hope it softens with time.
I am extremely picky with my purses. I have purchased so many purses & returned because of them non functioning for me as needed. This purse is really great. I love the leather - very sturdy - the purse stands on its own - doesn't scrunch down like a hobo. It has an inside zipper section that separates two compartments. There is also a wall zip. My new I-phone 5 fits perfectly in the phone slot. There is room for 3 credit cards- etc. I use these for stores where you have to show your ID/"Sam's card" to get in - that way the wallet doesn't have to come out. The straps are just long enough to fit under my arm - I wish they were about 2 inches longer but this size fits. The handles lie flat when not in use instead of standing up straight & in the way. The zipper is of great quality. And the end of the zipper is sewn just right into the fabric instead of it rising and in the way.
I did get in a rain storm where the leather got wet - I was worried it would be ruined but after the purse dried the leather was not damaged at all.
I need a purse that is easy to get into & one where things can be organized. This is it -- finally - the perfect purse.
Bought this bag to serve as a brief case/work bag and am very happy with many of the features -- roomy enough to carry files, also my laptop; secure pockets for cell phone and zip pocket for small items; it will even hold my purse.
There are a couple of features I'd like to see. 1) slightly longer straps to go over the shoulder more easily (this will be especially important over a coat). 2) wish it had a long & removable strap that would allow it to carried across the body, which would be good when traveling and possibly juggling other bags. 3) would love a small outside pocket -- i.e., between the straps -- for items like keys or swipe cards to make them more accessible.
Love, love this bag! I had been looking for a leather fall/winter bag and this is it. I bought the LL Bean Sun Washed Canvas tote and loved it, but it was too big for an every day bag, so sadly, I returned it. I came back to LL Bean and saw this bag. It said "mini" which made me think it might be too small, but I looked at the measurements and decided to give it a try. It's the perfect size for an everyday bag. It is a quality dark brown leather which should soften with age.There is a secure place for my I phone, room for my E-reader, room for a wallet and a check book. In addition, it has a zippered pocket for "whatever." The top zips for added security. The only downside is that the straps need to be a little longer to throw over the shoulder, but I can live with that.
