As you know, I don’t often work with retailers or designers. The reasons are simple: If I love a product, I’ll buy it, kick the tires, and write an honest review. Most brands aren’t interested in honesty. Most want flattering language, hashtags, and tweets filled with concocted buzzwords. But sometimes, a retailer comes along who isn’t afraid of honesty–Lo & Sons, MMLaFleur, etc.. So let’s talk about the latest brand with enough faith in their product to let me inspect it.
Dagne Dover makes a line of simple, organized handbags that let working women carry our every day essentials in style. They give you the look of a sophisticated tote with the functionality of a laptop bag.
Size. The bag’s dimensions are 16 x 7 x 12. This photo gives you a better grasp of size.
The bag weighs a little under 3.5lbs. It’s heavier than a Lo & Sons bag, but it’s not as heavy as a leather bag would be. When filled, it was comfortable to carry for an entire day.
As for the handles, they give you an 8.5″ drop. It’s more than enough to sling the bag over your shoulder.
Storage. The large tote gives you room for a laptop, tablet, phone, wallet, water bottle, notebook, pens, and other essentials. The laptop sleeve holds a 15″ notebook computer. And the key strap keeps your keys from disappearing into the bottom of your bag. The bag provides enough pockets, but not too many.
Material. The bag is made of coated canvas with leather handles. I like the canvas because it looks chic-er than nylon, but it’s not so precious that you feel the need to baby it. It also makes cleaning up a cinch; I spilled an iced tea in mine and just wiped it right up.
The bag is also really sturdy. The handles feel securely attached, and the liner can take a beating. I look forward to having a work option that I can carry without worry that I will ruin it. It’s a nice bridge between my every day Lo & Sons laptop bag and my Rebecca Minkoff leather Knocked Up.
Design. The bag comes in black, pale beige, and cobalt blue. The seams and stitching are clean, and the hardware is good quality. The bag has a very sleek look to it, and it’s perfect for a professional setting.
Price. At $265, the bag is not cheap. But you can see the workmanship and feel the quality of the materials. Also, since you can replace your regular purse and your laptop bag, it really is two bags in one.
Bottom Line. I like the Dagne Dover tote bag a lot. It’s functional and stylish. And I appreciate any manufacturer who knows enough about what busy women need to give you storage in a chic package.
Disclaimer: I received a tote from Dagne Dover to review, but I would happily spend my own money on one. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ah, I’m such a Lo&Sons fan though! Did you like this better than L&S for a laptop bag? Thing is, I still carry my purse and L&S laptop bag. Maybe that’s my fault for not packing more efficiently though. 🙂
I’ve rotated between the Lo & Sons OG, the Lo & Sons Brookline, and the Dagne Dover Tote on and off for the last year and a half. They are all great bags. The Dagne Dover is much heavier than either Lo & Sons bag – to the point where I have to take a break from it every few days. But I do like the style of it better than the OG. For reference, I’m a law student with a part-time job, so I end up carrying a laptop, textbook(s), and normal daily belongings. If you don’t have to worry about heavy books, I think the Dagne is a good choice.
This is a really helpful comparison. I have the L&S OMG and it’s been my go-to bag for carrying textbooks + laptop + everyday stuff, but as you and others have said, it’s not the most streamlined for work meetings.
I’m loving the functionality of this bag and the color but not the price. Adding it to my wishlist for grad school, anyway 🙂
A WATER BOTTLE POCKET. This is life changing.
My thoughts exactly! Also, I’ve been eyeing this bag for awhile (including getting on their email list for when the black (onyx) was available) and after a few weeks of almost buying it, they emailed me a discount coupon. Water bottle pocket, discount coupon AND positive review – resistance is futile.
Do you know how often they send out discount coupons?
It is life-changing! Well, I know what my answer is when people ask what I want for my birthday, haha
My L&S is running thin after two years of daily wear and dragging it around three continents. Other than an MBA loan to pay off, the one thing that is stopping me from taking the plunge from repurchasing is their lack of accomodation for international shipping. Do you know if Dagne accomodates international customers who are willing to pay extra for shipping?
Belle, how easy is this to keep clean (given the coated canvas)? Thanks!
I’ve only had it a couple of days, but like I said, I spilled something in it and it wiped right up. We’ll see how it does long term.
Thank you so much! I have been eyeing this bag for quite some time now and just finally caved thanks to your expert advice! I hope I love it as much as you do! It is so hard to find a nice, “pretty” bag that can withstand the laptops that companies give out!
Got a black Dagne Dover (full size) for Christmas and it’s the absolute best! The chain for my keys is great; no more having to search all over the bottom of my bag for them.
Meghan – the water bottle pocket IS life changing – I use it for my wet umbrella!
Thanks for bringing great new products to us and for your always honest reviews. Been wanting to take the plunge on a Lo & Sons bag, but I couldn’t get over the price for a canvas bag. This one is about the same price but way nicer/more structured looking!
I own the mini-tote which is only slightly smaller than their regular tote and it’s AMAZING!! So many pockets, a place to keep my keys, and it holds my iPad in a special pocket, I’m SOLD!! It’s wonderful and I’ve received a lot of compliments on it. My old leather black bag was my workhorse for over 4 years and needed an up-grade. Very professional bag.
This is sharp looking, but I wish the straps were more geared towards over the shoulder / wide straps. Laptop are heavy enough to be carried over the shoulder. That said, I will keep this in mind.
I’m thinking of taking the plunge on a new work bag, and one with pockets is even better. I love the functionality of the L&S bags (I got a black OMG bag in 2013) but the nylon makes it less formal, so I’ve ended up using it more for travel and everyday studying. The Dagne tote looks like something I could carry with business attire on days when I have to look presentable (I work part-time as an editor, part-time as a PhD student).
P.S. Belle or anyone else: does the Dagne tote realistically hold heavier things (like a law textbook)?
It is large enough to hold it, but by the third book, it’s too heavy to carry. I still carry my Lo & Sons bag on heavy class days.
That’s really good to know, thanks. I’m doing research on law and policy, so sometimes the books I’m carrying around are law textbook-sized, and when I add in a laptop or other gear, it’s a heavy bag.
I’ve been dying for a L&S bag for travel! As much as I love my DD Tote, it is not very good for traveling :\ I had an extremely hard time stuffing it under the seat in front of me and became really heavy while I was traveling for work. Perhaps I’ll continue using my DD for work and get a L&S for travel
I love the organization of this bag, but it’s really too heavy. If you put a laptop and small book and wallet, it’s very tiring to travel with. I had to stop using it because of the weight and the fact that the handles are too short to put on y our shoulder. Also very awkward to put under an airplane seat. I was so disappointed because I thought this was the answer to my search for the perfect bag. $300 later and i will still keep looking.
what did you find?