hi jackie,
i got my dark brown duo a few weeks ago from LB, and i bought it because i was looking for a good school bag/work bag. i initially wanted the elisha bag, but liked the rectangular-ity of the duo, because i thought i'd be able to carry my laptop in it. i was also looking for a bag that could be carried different ways, mainly with a shoulder strap though, like messenger style.
my first impression of the bag was that it was definitely a work bag, which i was so excited about, because i was going to be carrying it to school for my work supplies, etc. since i got the dark brown, maybe that has something to do with the serious work vibe i got from it, the CG/amber or the PL combos def seem more fun and funky. the leather was amazing, thick and sturdy, idk if that applies only to the dark brown leather though.
i did notice though that the double zip top can be hard to open with one hand, at least for me. i was carrying it with the handles in the crook of my right arm, using my left hand to open it and get my wallet out, but it was a little tricky. i prefer putting it down and using both hands, one to hold the tab on one side of the bag and the other to unzip. it's definitely easier to get stuff out of your bag if you're carrying it with the messenger strap though.
CARRYING IT: i usually wear it one of three ways, with the handles over my shoulder, like a normal purse, but it does tend to get a little heavy with my usual school stuff in there (a few notebooks, folders, art supplies pencil case, wallet, ipod, other random stuff). that's when i switch it up and use the shoulder strap, which i love. when my shoulder gets a little tired, i'll carry the handles in the crook of my arm, but since the duo is quite big (for me, i'm 5'0") and structured, i don't carry it like that very long.
LAPTOP: i actually was only BARELY able to squeeze my laptop in there, because my laptop is a pretty hefty guy, a 14" x 10.5" (17" diagonally across) dell, but i was thinking about getting a slimmer/smaller laptop anyway for easier transport. i had to maneuver this monstrosity in there, and once it was in there, it was pretty snug, and there was no way i was getting anything else in there, which kinda made me
because i need to carry my charger as well for it to work. it seemed pretty heavy, but i guess it depends on what kind of laptop you have.
hope that helps!
overall, i love my duo, and it's a great school/work bag.
