This bag is timeless, excellent quality, and large enough to carry everything you will need from am to pm. My daughter in law who loves all the high end designers admired it over the holiday. And I guarantee mine cost far less and is better quality than anything that goes for 2 or 3 times what this bag cost. You won't regret this purchase!
Got this tote bag as a gift. I am using it as a purse and to carry items to and from work. Leather is nice and soft. Inside on one side it has 2 tab closure pockets to fit cell phone (even the new larger ones), 3 credit card slots and 3 pen holders. The other side has a zippered pocket along with a center zippered pocket which fits a laptop or ipad. Lots of room inside, Carry cosmetic bag, purse, lunch, shoes, compact umbrella, etc. The zippered closure makes the contents secure.
The things that could make this bag perfect (for 5 Stars +) for me are the following:
Handles - could be 2 or 3 inches longer to fit over the shoulder esp. when wearing a winter coat. Numerous previous reviewers have commented on the short handles.
Outside pocket - Like some of their other totes have. This bag could use an exterior pocket between where the handles are attached so you can put your phone on the outside and keep it handy.
Key Keeper - no place to put your keys. They fall to the bottom of the bag or you need to put them into one of the pockets.
Feet - nothing to protect the bottom of the bag from the dirt and grime, or water. Especially in the winter. You really don't want to put such a bag on the floor and ruin the leather.
Hopefully, in the future L.L. Bean will take the suggestions of its reviewers to make improvements to this great bag.
I can't say enough good things about this purse. It's beautiful to the point my husband who would not know a good purse from a plastic grocery bag said "that is professional looking"! I love it, I hesitated not because I was worried about the quality but the price ( work over a day's pay for a purse...) but well worth it. The straps could be a wee bit longer but they fit over my shoulder with the bag tucked tight, the 3 debit cards I regularly use is convenient and my work cell and my personal cell have a happy home :) p.s. the leather smells awesome!
This bag is everything I wanted except for one detail that has turned out to be more of a hassle than I realized it would be. The straps are too short! It's impossible to get this on my shoulder without putting it there with my other hand. Same for getting it off - I can't just reach up and take it off - I have to either reach over with my other hand or slide it down my arm. May sound like I'm nitpicking, but if you're a shoulder bag person like I am - beware! Even a detachable shoulder strap would work. The good stuff: Nice leather. I carry a lot of files and they fit perfectly inside. The divided interior and compartments help keep me organized. So, great bag - except for that one thing!!!
