Luxe, minimalist bag that can fit a laptop AND handle its weight?

[Tanja]

My work laptop bag is the large Celine Soft 16 and it fits my laptop, umbrella, water bottle, cosmetic pouch and it's not to heavy. The closing can be a bit painful at the beginning but it closes securely which is important to me when commuting with public transport.

GROSSE SOFT 16 TASCHE AUS GLATTEM KALBSLEDER - TAN | CELINE

Große Soft 16 Tasche aus glattem Kalbsleder |Tan - 194043CR4.04LU. Kauffen Sie die neuesten 16 Kollektionen auf der offiziellen CELINE Website.

www.celine.com

 

[ItsPurseonal]

fwiw I have an Artois MM and it has held up great under heavy use (including carrying my laptop on occasion). I wouldn’t have any concerns about using it once a week to carry my laptop

 

[poleneinblack]

I know that's not the answer you're looking for, but anything heavy like a laptop I would always default to a good, durable, laptop backpack. Then you can carry whatever bag you want!

 

[ThreeCoasts]

My laptop is 13in
Senreve maestra - no need laptop sleeve as there is laptop compartment. Senreve has other styles.
Prada saffiano double zip 40in - also no need for laptop sleeve, I just slip the computer in one of the zipped compartments
I use some other but discontinued styles....

Are you happy with the Senreve Maestra? Like the OP, I’m looking for something luxe and minimalist to haul my devices, although in my case a size down from what she’s looking for, since I carry an 11” iPad. I like the Maestra’s Midi’s convertibility from backpack to crossbody, but it looks a little thicker than I’d ideally prefer, and not quite minimalist enough. Other options for similar E/W shaped stylish convertible backpacks seem to be the Wool & Oak All Day Bag or Kaai Hero (or their mini versions, for those of us with tablets instead of laptops), but I can’t find much on quality of those, and I’d really prefer something nice.

 

[nilin_]

Have you carried a laptop in it? From what I read on here, the bag can't handle the weight of a laptop . . .

I specifically bought my Artois MM as a workhorse bag, and for roughly 1-2 years I carried my heavy (4.7lb/2kg) laptop, big water bottle, and other items in my bag 5 times a week. I don't baby this bag at all and it has held up very well. There is slight cracking at the straps, and I have scuffed the leather corners, but it still looks in great condition. The canvas/goyardine quality has held up extremely well.

I want it to last me a long time, so I've stopped carrying my awfully heavy laptop in it, but it is extremely versatile especially as a travel bag. I've schlepped a lot of things in this bag while travelling, to the point where my shoulders got sore from carrying the bag for the entire day. I would be comfortable carrying a 13" macbook air or pro in it, it is a true workhorse bag.

I've learned my lesson that no luxe bag deserves to carry a 4.7lb laptop unless its a backpack . As long as you don't overload it like I've done in the past, the Artois will serve you very well. I love the bag a lot!

 

[WingNut]

I had a goyard for this purpose...after a time (several years) the handle attachment was pretty strained and the corners quite worn.

For several years now my daily work tote that carries my 16" MacBook pro has been a Tom Ford leather tote. There is some wear on the corners but it has turned out to be VERY durable.

 

[serenityneow]

Thanks, all! This is a great thread, with great suggestions. I will definitely look into a Goyard Artois (I love how it looks), and will also research the Senreve Maestra (which wasn't on my radar at all).

I've ordered three possibilities, all of which are preloved and two of which can be returned. The one that can't be returned is a Celine Edge bag in black and white. I had and loved this bag years ago, and while I didn't carry a laptop in it at the time, I know that it's tough as nails. I regret selling it, so when I stumbled on one is very good condition for a very good price, I snapped it up. It's a bonus for me that it is black and white (the same combo I used to own). I don't really do beige, and wear a lot of black even in the summer, so black and white is perfect for me in the summer.

For anyone who does do beige in the summer, I think this Loewe Lazo on VC could be a really stylish option - https://www.vestiairecollective.com...e/beige-fur-lazo-loewe-handbag-11566148.shtml. I can't comment on its strength, but I have a mini version of the Lazo in a different color, and it is a GORGEOUS bag.

The other two possibilities I've ordered (that can be returned) are a small Tod's Oboe Hobo and a small Celine Tri-Fold. My laptop is only 11.8" long, so both of these would work dimension-wise. I may be unusual in that I prefer the look of the Tri-Fold with the "wings" pulled in, and I'm concerned that carrying that way will eliminate a lot of space, but I want to give it a try.

Happy Hunting!

 

[serenityneow]

Thank you, I tried this on at Saks and can see that it would be a very good option. I adore Celine, but my heart is with the Phoebe Philo-era styles, so I'm basically stuck in the past with this brand (eyeroll).

My work laptop bag is the large Celine Soft 16 and it fits my laptop, umbrella, water bottle, cosmetic pouch and it's not to heavy. The closing can be a bit painful at the beginning but it closes securely which is important to me when commuting with public transport.

GROSSE SOFT 16 TASCHE AUS GLATTEM KALBSLEDER - TAN | CELINE

Große Soft 16 Tasche aus glattem Kalbsleder |Tan - 194043CR4.04LU. Kauffen Sie die neuesten 16 Kollektionen auf der offiziellen CELINE Website.

www.celine.com

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Thanks, all! This is a great thread, with great suggestions. I will definitely look into a Goyard Artois (I love how it looks), and will also research the Senreve Maestra (which wasn't on my radar at all).

I've ordered three possibilities, all of which are preloved and two of which can be returned. The one that can't be returned is a Celine Edge bag in black and white. I had and loved this bag years ago, and while I didn't carry a laptop in it at the time, I know that it's tough as nails. I regret selling it, so when I stumbled on one is very good condition for a very good price, I snapped it up. It's a bonus for me that it is black and white (the same combo I used to own). I don't really do beige, and wear a lot of black even in the summer, so black and white is perfect for me in the summer.

For anyone who does do beige in the summer, I think this Loewe Lazo on VC could be a really stylish option - https://www.vestiairecollective.com...e/beige-fur-lazo-loewe-handbag-11566148.shtml. I can't comment on its strength, but I have a mini version of the Lazo in a different color, and it is a GORGEOUS bag.

The other two possibilities I've ordered (that can be returned) are a small Tod's Oboe Hobo and a small Celine Tri-Fold. My laptop is only 11.8" long, so both of these would work dimension-wise. I may be unusual in that I prefer the look of the Tri-Fold with the "wings" pulled in, and I'm concerned that carrying that way will eliminate a lot of space, but I want to give it a try.

Happy Hunting!

Great choices! I love both the edge and the tri fold and have considered them at various points. Please keep us posted on how the edge holds up with your laptop! Would love to see pics of all when they arrive.

also, I say pass on the Maestra bag given the other styles you gravitate towards. I fell for influencer hype and bought one in 2020 (review here). It’s definitely functional and durable, but the feel of the leather is stiff and not luxurious. The style also doesn’t do anything for me and I’d much prefer any of the other bags you have listed above

 

[serenityneow]

I had one Tom Ford bag in the past. It was very tough, and the style was great, but I haven't thought of the brand recently. Thank you for suggesting a good option I wouldn't have otherwise considered.

I had a goyard for this purpose...after a time (several years) the handle attachment was pretty strained and the corners quite worn.

For several years now my daily work tote that carries my 16" MacBook pro has been a Tom Ford leather tote. There is some wear on the corners but it has turned out to be VERY durable.

 

[Jktgal]

Are you happy with the Senreve Maestra? Like the OP, I’m looking for something luxe and minimalist to haul my devices, although in my case a size down from what she’s looking for, since I carry an 11” iPad. I like the Maestra’s Midi’s convertibility from backpack to crossbody, but it looks a little thicker than I’d ideally prefer, and not quite minimalist enough. Other options for similar E/W shaped stylish convertible backpacks seem to be the Wool & Oak All Day Bag or Kaai Hero (or their mini versions, for those of us with tablets instead of laptops), but I can’t find much on quality of those, and I’d really prefer something nice.

Yes, very happy, no regrets. I have the large size, not midi. It has become a go to for biz trips as it's nice enough for corporate/formal biz setting yet sturdy enough for airports.
The multiple internal compartments are great, no need for additional pouches.

 

[serenityneow]

Hi all, I haven’t tried it yet, so can’t attest to its strength, but I think this small Tod’s oboe is what I will use for the spring and summer. The bottom seems quite strong, my laptop is 12” and pretty light, and I’ll only be carrying it one day a week, so I’m really hoping it will hold up.

I didn’t love the look of the Tri-fold with the wings out, and they take up too much space folded in. My seller still hasn’t shipped my Edge, so that purchase may not work out . If it does, I may keep both and choose based on what I am wearing. The Tod’s is a beautiful light blue-gray, and will go with a lot of my wardrobe. The black and white Edge would go with a lot too.

 

[2cello]

Love that bag. I think that is a classic shape with just a bit of edge. Hope it works out. Tod's also has a bigger tote that's tulip shaped - but not too tulip shaped - that would be a good option for someone who needs something bigger.

 

[serenityneow]

Never mind re: the Tod’s bag, as I spoke too soon. . I was sure my laptop would fit but, alas, it does not, so the search continues (though I really want to keep the Tod’s bag anyway). I think I’ll use my Cuyana backpack for the time being.

Hi all, I haven’t tried it yet, so can’t say if it will hold up () but I’ve recently bought a lovely small Tod’s oboe in a beautiful light blue-gray, and think this is what I think I will use for the spring and summer. The bottom seems quite strong, my laptop is 12” and pretty light, and I’ll only be carrying it one day a week, so I’m hoping I won’t destroy the bag.

 

[serenityneow]

Yes, thanks. I was wrong in thinking my laptop would fit, but I'm in love with the bag too, and think Tod's is generally underrated. I'm going to look into the brand more, as the bags do seem pretty tough and work-appropriate.

Love that bag. I think that is a classic shape with just a bit of edge. Hope it works out. Tod's also has a bigger tote that's tulip shaped - but not too tulip shaped - that would be a good option for someone who needs something bigger.