I recently purchased this bag in the black leather. I was a little skeptical at first because the picuture showed the black bag with brass hardware - and I am not crazy about brass. But the bag looked like it was everything I needed and wanted, so I bought the bag. Well, the bag arrives and I take it out and the hardware is a blackish nickel. I was like "yes"!!! The bag looks awesome and I absolutely love it! It fits everything I need - I was able to consolidate two bags into one (personal and business). There are several compartments inside - making it easy to get organized. I have gotten so many compliments. The quality of the bag is superb! But what else would you expect from L.L.Bean?
I bought the solid leather tote bag and it is more than what I exected. I can Fit everything I need in the bag, great sensible organization spots and looks wonderful. I use it every day to carry things back and forth to work and for my books when I go to class. It is very well constructed and I feel it will last for many, many years
I purchased the patchwork version of this bag, and when it arrived, I was impressed by its good looks. However, in the item description, it mentioned the word "briefcase," which is how I had intended to use it. That turned out to be impossible. Because of its cavernous interior, books and papers won't stay upright and all fold over or roll up. A pity, really; I love the bag, but have no use for it as just a tote. I have a dozen LLBean totes , love them all, and have been giving them as gifts to everyone's delight. Another significant problem I find with this one is the handles, although described as over-the-shoulder, are way too short for that, especially if wearing a heavy jacket. I always carry other things along with my briefcase, so it's important to me that it can be carried over my shoulder. It's reluctantly going back, much as I hate to part with it.
