Beautiful tote - well constructed. It was FAR too large for my needs, so I returned it. I wish LL Bean made one in a smaller size to be used as a purse.
I purchased the tote bag after seeing it on the Martha Stewart show. Just the bag I needed to tote all my stuff. I volunteer at my church and have to have a good strong bag for all the paperwork and keys. I can just put everything in this bag and just carry one thing back and forth. LOVE IT!! This leather bag has well stitched handles and is strong. The compartments are sectioned off so it's easy to find your things and not look into a black hole.
This tote surpassed my expectations, and I am VERY fussy ... Superb workmanship... good proportion (feels very light in weight, even when fully loaded)... More than ample storage without looking bulky... and... I especially like the way it lays against my body when I slip the beautifully crafted straps over my shoulder... The latter is a 'surprise bonus', because I didn't expect to be able to use it as a shoulder bag... It also fits well underneath plane seats, and is easily accessible during a flight... It garners compliments everywhere I take it... I bought it in black, and plan to get another one in cordovan... Thank you LL Bean!!!
Bag looks nice and is plenty roomy. Downside is it's heavy. But biggest disappointment is the straps. I like to pick up a bag and plop it on my shoulder in one motion. This bag's straps are too short to allow that: my elbow gets caught. I have to lift it onto the shoulder with the opposite hand, not great if you're in a hurry and/or have your hands full. Will probably end up retiring this bag long before I've gotten my money's worth.
