my everlane petra tote arrived the other day.
well, the bag shipped rather quickly, and it's a beauty. i also considered the magazine, but ultimately decided to go with the market as it's the same size as my longchamp tote– big enough to stash everything i'd need during the weekday without being massive.
the leather: thick and smooth with a very fine grain and a subtle sheen. (i briefly considered mansur gavriel, but i think the leather finish is a bit too rigid for my liking.) i wanted a tote that was structured yet still had softness and a bit of slouch. the everlane leather has the perfect amount of both. it'sits' well, and with a bunch of my stuff in it the base of the bag doesn't sag.
the design: i think the design team did a really great job here with thoughtful details. the shoulder straps have three notch-length options, and the silver hardware buckle on each side clicks open and closes easily to enable adjustment. there are also four small but sturdy silver studs at the base to protect the bottom and help the bag stay upright when you set it down. i love the clean lines and form-after-function hardware.
the space: there's enough room to comfortably fit all the usual suspects: my 13" Macbook Pro, folders and files, large bag organizer, a full-size umbrella, a large water bottle or travel mug, a spare pair of flats, etc.
the look: quiet luxury all the way here – this is a bag that looks a lot more expensive than it is without screaming 'status bag'.
worth it? yes – definitely my top pick if you're looking for an affordable and sophisticated minimalist leather bag for work and weekend.
i hope this review is helpful for those of you shopping for a luxurious yet affordable tote. what do you think? do you have anything from the petra line?