Is this the Perfect Leather Laptop Bag?
Jan 12, 2017
Finding a great work bag is a challenge. I adore my Lo & Sons OMG, but when I take it to court, I always feel underdressed. I wanted something in leather, but the Lodis Audrey Brera bag, while great, is a little too bulky. I thought about a Dagne Dover Charlie tote, but the fear that something might slip out the open top was too great.
Then, last month, I spotted the most amazing Dagne Dover laptop bag on Hitha’s blog, and was like, “I need this. I need this, right now. Where is my wallet?”
The Dagne Dover Simone Bag ($395) is the best leather laptop bag I’ve come across. It’s not to big, not too bulky, and has sleek messenger style that keeps it from being to staid.
As you can see, I have it in the grey and rose gold, which is selling out fast. But if I had too pick again, I would get the black leather with black hardware. Ya know, all black everything. Let’s have a look inside.
The inside has a generous number of pockets given that this is usually where bag makers cut corners. There’s a laptop compartment, a center compartment, and a small compartment with pen, cell phone, and change holders. All Dagne Dover bags also come with a leather leash for your keys so you never lose them in your bag. Handy.
I carry all of these essentials, plus a notebook, water bottle and datebook in my bag. It will also hold letter-size folders. I still haven’t found a solution for legal-size folders besides bringing an extra tote bag, but I will, oh, I will.
Final Verdict: I really adore this bag. It holds just enough to be practical without weighing you down. I still use my Lo & Sons OMG when I travel, because it holds more and I’m not as concerned about damaging it, but I’ve been carrying this bag for a few weeks now, and it’s a winner.
Disclosure: I purchased this bag with my own money, and this post is not sponsored in any way. I’m disclosing because, years ago, Dagne Dover was nice enough to give me one of their canvas laptop tote bags to review. The guidelines are a bit fuzzy, but since I had a past relationship with the brand, better to be safe than sorry.
Can you tell me about what looks like a snake skin envelope clutch?
That’s exactly what it is. I tried to find it or something like it to link to, but it’s three years old. It was made by Loeffler Randall, and it’s a nude-colored snake embossed pouch. There appear to be a couple on eBay. https://ow.ly/p8j0307X0ao
It looks like the way the strap is looped through, the bag isn’t unbalanced when opened, right?
Also, what size is your laptop? Can it hold 13-14 inches?
It’s kind of behind the bag so it’ll sit upright. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s a MacBook Pro in 13″.
I wish I could get into Dagne Dover bags. So many of my favorite bloggers sing the praises, but they really do nothing for me. Maybe they’re better in person…
This bag is gorgeous, but like most stylish laptop bags, it’s not actually large enough to hold my 15″ work laptop. I have yet to find anything other than a boring black laptop bag that works.
The Lodis Audrey tote (not the briefcase) carries a 15″ https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=533957326&pid=uid5264-432792-74
My other choice would Matt & Nat. They offer “vegan leather” bags, some of which carry 15″ laptops.
I loved my Lo & Sons Brookline for my 15″ laptop. I have it in the navy and loved the lavender lining. Unfortunately (though fortunately for my productivity), they just upgraded me to a 17″ behemoth and I’ve been carrying it in a backpack since it literally will not fit in anything else I own. To go along with S’s question, if anyone has come across anything other than a backpack that will fit a 17″ laptop, let me know 🙂
I second the Brookline! Holds my brick of a 15″ laptop perfectly. I carry it on my shoulder most of the time and it’s comfortable. I carry my laptop, charger, lunch, wallet, three phones (why), and other “essentials” (like seven lip balms and my blister stick) with room to spare. I can get an extra pair of shoes in there, too. The bag also fits over the handle of a roller bag, which is AWESOME while traveling! Plus there are a million pockets for organizing!!
Is this Dagne Dover heavy? I remember reading reviews that their bags are heavy to begin with, even before you load up with computers and water bottles.
I posted it believe, but I have the Liria Duffle from Opelle Creative and love it
https://opellecreative.com/collections/all/products/liria-duffle-1
Ugh I meant below*
“The Perfect Handbag” by Poppy Barley is great – fits my work laptop that has an extended battery, but when I don’t need the room, the side zips keep it pretty compact. Has a crossbody strap, roomy handle drop, light-colored lining… might be a good option!
I just got the Lo & Sons Seville and I’m in love with it already. I got the 13″ version and it fits my 14″ laptop snugly, so you should have plenty of wiggle room in the larger 15″ version. It’s lightweight and has enough pockets for me – I’d recommend waiting until L&S has another sale, but other than the price, it’s great.
And if you need it to fit legal size folders, the 15″ Seville is advertised as accommodating that!
I bought the large tote as a work bag, beautifully made but oh so heavy when filled! Switched to a backpack and so much better for my shoulders, love the look but not the weight.
Lo & Sons has a new backpack that looks interesting. Lightweight, separators like the bags, really simple looking.
I wish legal size folders would just go away! But if you find that bag, I will be very interested! Since I usually have to carry lunch with me too, I am still sticking with my longchamp for now. The quality of that bag has endlessly surprised me.
I have this for going to work. The
lodis Audrey ivana tote in black. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013L75I2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use a lo and sons Brookline tote for airline travel with my laptop and iPad and everything else I need for carry on “personal ” item.
But the bag you and hitha posted is very very appealing! Can I justify a third? Hope so!
I have an OG and it is faithful, FAITHFUL travel companion. I also recently got the Lo & Sons Seville (15″) and it is fantastic. And not heavy at all for a leather bag (which I load up with computer and a redweld full of paper and a soda or two). Even my children think it’s pretty.
The OG is still my go-to for travel. But I could not be happier with the Seville.
I am in love with this Dagne Dover bag but would prefer that it was a messenger bag. Do you think additional holes could be added strap to make it move of a cross body?
Likely not.
The weight of Dagne bags is a complete deal breaker for me and is the main reason I won’t buy more. I have the Mini Tote and it’s SO heavy with just a few things in it. It weighs almost the same as the Simone (2.9 lbs vs. 2.8) so I couldn’t imagine carrying my laptop in it as well.
I ended up buying the Liria Duffle from a small Canadian brand call Opelle Creative and it’s so, so wonderful. I barely notice I’m carrying my laptop.
https://opellecreative.com/collections/all/products/liria-duffle-1
I’ve had three Dagne Dover Totes (the full-size) and I love them. Yes, The Tote is on the heavier side. But I carry it by-hand or over the crook in my elbow and it’s fine, even loaded up with my laptop, lunch, and necessities. I like that it’s weather resistant, holds everything neatly, zips, and yet looks like a nice purse rather than a “work bag.” It’s gone seamlessly with me on planes and out for drinks, dates, and meetings. I’m curious about this Simone bag, but I’m not sure it has enough space for me (plus it’s twice the price).
I quickly went through other comments so I hope I am not repeating. After reading your post I had an ‘buy now’ moment as well. I LOVE this bag so far. I received it the day before a business trip and it completely elevated the experience. My only question..When you carry your laptop or files, do you use the front or back compartment? Initially I carried my Bosca portfolio in the rear compartment. It was slightly difficult to place, but getting it out during a period where i want to use notes was almost impossible. This happened 2 times before I moved the portfolio to the front. I found this also difficult with my laptop? Where do you carry your laptop/portfolio? Maybe I’m just overreacting.
CLF–I did the same thing! I had been lusting over the Simone–saw this post and purchased same day. Unfortunately, I had the same issues you did with where to put my laptop and how awkward/difficult it was to fit into the back section. I don’t think you’re overreacting because I ended up returning mine. I really wanted to love it, and I’m glad many women do, but it just didn’t work for me.
Hi Belle,
Can you please comment on how this bag has aged for you? One of my main concerns (other than living in Canada which makes it impossible to see in person before purchasing it!) is that the shoulder straps look too delicate to survive everyday wear and tear. Thank you!
It’s held up pretty well, but admittedly, I still use my nylon bag for my heavy-duty travel. So I consider it more of an office bag.