If anyone is interested, I have just purchased the Grand Sac (larger size) in burgundy for work. I was carrying a huge Cuyana tote before (the classic structured), which was great for schlepping around laptop + gym clothes + lunch + kitchen sink, but was getting too unwieldy for the days I only need essentials + laptop, which is most days. And the open top was a bit annoying.
I'm also VERY particular with work bag needs... I like it to be big enough to carry my laptop as I don't like taking a separate bag. I don't like top handles - I prefer to shoulder carry. And for some reason I don't like cross-body options where the strap attaches to the ends of the bag if that makes sense - like the
Prada double zip worn with the long strap. And I don't seem to like any of the usual suspects that people recommend - LV NF, aforementioned Prada, etc - the look of many larger work-appropriate luxury bags just doesn't speak to me enough for the price.
The Grand Sac is perfect for my 14 inch laptop (just baarely squeezes in on the larger strap setting!!!) and still has plenty of room in the front bit for wallet, keys, earphones, phone, lipstick, tissues, etc. The way the folds are structured, the laptop is a bit of a squeeze in the back portion but the front is super roomy! Only downside is that the laptop really sits flush against the back wall of the bag, so that it's kind of hard to get in and out of the back inner zip pocket. An outer back zip or slip pocket would have been handy maybe.
I've been carrying it both with the shoulder strap, and the longer strap cross body. It's very comfortable so far and the quality is great! (on par with the Elegant bag which I bought and reviewed here earlier). Also, the flap isn't too hard to get in and out of - I thought it would annoy me but it's been OK so far. Maybe my only other complaint is the strap is a bit on the thin side so I imagine it could start to hurt - but also it's not such a huge bag that you can really load it up with too much junk. Really just the laptop that weighs it down. The straps also are stitched into the body in a way that I can't see the construction, so I just hope it holds up over time - looks fairly secure but also can't say for sure.
Also I work in professional services and for my work environment, it is the perfect combo of professional-looking, not too flashy, versatile enough to carry out to lunch or after work dinner/drinks, to clients, etc. It woudn't be odd or inappropriate to carry something flashier in my line of work but that's not really my style. This one at least is a bit sleeker than an open mouthed black hole of a tote filled with snacks and gym shoes!!
Happy to post pics later if anyone wants!
Maybe when I go to Paris again and see it in real life.
