My husband gave me this bag as birthday present and I adore it! It is the first genuine leather handbag I've ever owned and I am not disappointed. This bag is the perfect example of how a high quality material can make a clean, simple design look very classy and elegant.
I've been teaching 28 years. Daily lugging papers, journals, pens, pencils, protractors, projects. My husband got me this bag about 10 years ago. Although other bags are sometimes needed, this bag is ALWAYS with me. My children have affectionately names it my"schoo'bag"..."Mom do you want your school bag or your "schoo'bag"they'll say. It has never failed me. It's with me to ball games, concerts, you name it. After all this time I still get compliments on it too. The compartments help with organization of my daily work, and long withstanding plan and grade books.. It even is roomy enough to hold my I-Pad now too. If you need a bag that is as reliable as your dog, this is the one.
The leather tote is beautifully made. However, I relied on the dimensions given for the tote on the website. The website states that the tote is 15" wide. It is 15" wide at the very bottom of the base of the tote. However, the tote widens above the base and it is at least 20" wide. Much too large unless you are using it solely in place of a briefcase. I will be returning it. I already have the mini-tote and that is too small. I would love to see something in-between the two sizes.
I received this mini tote in brown the other day and I must admit that I was a little on the fence about keeping it, due to size. However, once I loaded it with everything that I carry for the day I was pleasantly surprised. It has room enough for everything I need and more. The leather is not stiff but substantial, and the brown is a lovely medium shade. Craftsmanship appears to be very good, and if there is a problem with something down the road I can count on LL Bean's guarantee. I don't agree with those who think the center zippered compartment is floppy and should not be there; I keep receipts and papers corralled in it and it works fine for me. It is a classic design, which I love, and it is different from all the other high-visibility name-brand bags that everyone seems to be carrying. I can see myself using this bag very often in the years to come, and I will be ordering the black as soon as I finish this review. Thanks, Bean!
