…structured tote or slouchy hobo?…device protection pockets or “gen pop”?…how big is TOO big?…are backpacks cool again?…
If there was one accessory category that could strike fear in the heart of even the most well-seasoned shopper it’s certainly the “carryall”. I mean honestly, what does that even mean and what exactly is the “all” I plan on carrying?! Depending on the person, a carryall can mean a functional yet stylish work bag, a weekend tote, or an everyday satchel. Don’t even get me started on trying to define “all” since it can range from bare necessities to carrying your entire life for those just-in-case scenarios. In the purest definition, a carryall differentiates itself from other handbags by its large open space and minimal pockets/sections. It’s literally one space to carry it all. Go figure. While this definition is reasonable and helps identify the carryall from its brethren, designers can have a bit of creative liberty, challenging the definition and including such features a small zip pocket or two open spaces instead of one. Nonetheless, carryalls remain distinct from shoulder bags like the Chanel Flap or Coco Handle based on their interior design (or lack thereof) and propensity for a high volume of content, including electronic devices. When the time came for me to stare my carryall needs in the eye, I really wished I had a cheat sheet on how to avoid the avalanche of options and decisions that ensued. Well my friends, consider this the cheat sheet I wish I had 
While we aren’t going to be discretely identifying “tech talk” from “couture chat”, I do want to make sure we cover all of our bases when we look to solve the carryall conundrum. Thus, answering key questions like laptop protection and device organization is going to be weaved throughout the commentary on designer options and styles. It might be best to consider this a crossover event 
To keep things consistent, I used my Microsoft Surface Pro 6 w/keyboard whenever testing “laptop” capacity.
In the world of carryalls, filtering by categories and bag types (tote, satchel, hobo, messenger, etc.) can sometimes cause more confusion than it solves. Plus, sites that differentiate laptop carriers, everyday bags, men’s collections, so on, and so forth can really leave your head spinning. I mean, what if I like a work bag for everyday use? What if the “men’s” collection is more my color palette? Do I need an actual laptop bag to carry a laptop? After feeling as though I wasn’t making progress with my search, and potentially having a blindspot to “types” not in my search criteria, I decided to do a little homework on different structures. Controversial, I know, but what a game changer! By understanding the pros, cons, and practical use of the bag’s structure, I noticed my searching was becoming much more fine-tuned. I was now breezing through categories with an eagle-eye on bags that suited my needs. Picking your carryall structure first is like deciding whether to travel by plane or by car…still plenty of logistics left to figure out, but boy is it a lot easier to narrow down your next steps! So how, you may ask, did I determine my structure situation? Well, I contemplated the benefits and pitfalls of the Fantastic Four…
Structured: Odds are good you already have an idea of this type of structure – Dior’s Lady Dior Tote or Book Tote, Louis Vuitton’s Alma, Chanel’s Neo Executive Tote, Alexander McQueen’s Padlock Tote, Celine’s Luggage collection, and even YSL’s Sac du Jour. Being structured means that the bag will hold its shape even after being filled. The key here is that you don’t need to worry about organizers or base shapers to keep the look of the piece since it’s designed with materials focused on providing structural integrity without the aid of anything additional. Ultimately, “structured” offers a defined and clean look no matter how much you choose to shove inside – which can be a lot! The primary downside of “structured” is also the very thing that draws in its appeal, it’s defined shape and size. Having a specific bag structure means that it will not offer much in the way of wiggle room. If a laptop or tablet doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit. Period. On the flip side, if the device fits, it will have a secure place to live without the worry of sliding around or sagging. If you opt for a structured carryall, sizing is key! Be sure to know the “all” you want to carry since the bag will not be very forgiving in adapting to the shape or size of its contents.
Good Option For – laptops and larger devices needing secure placement, keeping contents organized and potentially separated, maintaining the bag “look” over time, (non-air) travel since it offers a defined shape for storage in cars/trains/etc.
Not So Great For – air travel…you don’t want to force it in overheads or under seats, varying volume and content type
Slouchy: Ahhhh, slouchy. Queue the Lous Vuitton Speedy, Stella McCartney Falabella, Chanel Coco Cocoon, Goyard St. Louis, Gucci Large Soho, and Balenciaga Moto City. These bags are meant to be throw-and-go totes with ample “gen pop” space (gen pop = the open/free space in a bag). The attraction to these slouchy saviors is their ease of wear, care-but-don’t-really-care style, and enough space to pack all your things. As you can imagine, this also means sagging and no real form to keep your contents in place. Shifting is the name of the game here. If you are going to opt for the slouchy carryall, then consider investing in pouches and small organizers to keep contents from scratching and getting lost amid gen pop. Additionally, slouchy bags are probably the biggest enemy to devices…you’ve really got to stay tablet size or smaller to make this structure (or lack thereof) work best. Plus, investing in a sleeve or cover for your device is nearly a must. Large, heavy laptops are not going to thrive in this environment, nevermind adding in chargers and other accoutrements.
Good Option For – everyday wear-and-go, lots of “stuff” with varying sizes, travel of all types, pouch-style organizers
Not So Great For – larger/heavier devices, “naked” devices, finding things in a hurry
Utilitarian: This option is for all the backpack, crossbody, and multi-pochette lovers! Utilitarian carryalls are the workhorses of the bunch. They offer space, long-life exteriors (i.e. canvas, coated materials, nylon, etc.), and multiple “wear” options – shoulder, crossbody, sling, etc. This carryall is not for everyone though and can fade in and out of fashion. The good news is that they rarely disappoint on functionality unless you venture into the world of mini/nano bags. Devices are also very welcome in this type of carryall since there are typically pockets and separate spaces to dedicate to phones, tablets, laptops, etc. I wouldn’t expect your laptop to fit in a multi-pochette, but phones and smaller gadgets are generally fine with this style. Laptops are most at home in backpack and crossbody options given their structural support paired with ample gen-pop space. Utilitarian bags also don’t force the need for cases or sleeves with their dedicated pockets and storage options…cheers to all my naked device users! Utilitarian carryalls are really for those looking to embrace functionality and ruggedness over the typical handbag offerings.
Good Option For – frequent travelers and commuters (especially public transit!), those not wanting to “baby” a handbag, hands-free/non-restricted body movement, devices of all types/sizes/shapes/weight
Not So Great For – honestly, it’s a lewk, so it’s not great for those wanting a “handbag” feel to their ensemble…it’s also not great for the mini/nano lovers because utilitarian style bags in a teeny tiny size are just an oxymoron
Hybrid: For those keeping track, you are likely wondering where the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Dior Diorissimo, Gucci Swing Tote, Valentino Rockstud, and Chanel Deauville mentions are located. Found them – right here in the hybrid structure! These are what I like to call the don’t-want-to-pick-a-side options. Hybrid bags offer the look of their structured alternative but pivot to slouchy once anything of substance gets put inside. This is generally referred to as the “sag effect” and is a personal decision on how comfortable you are with this outcome. Good news – base shapers and organizers can bring life back to the bag’s structure allowing for a slouchy-when-you-want alternative. As you can imagine, hybrid bags offer both the good and not-so-good aspects of their structure/slouchy counterparts…meaning that it will take some effort to swing the pendulum in one direction or the other. If you want to use a hybrid bag for devices, you’ll likely need to invest in a shaper or organizer to stop the gen pop shift or sag, and likewise, if you want the full slouchy look it may mean wearing the bag in a bit (which for some may never happen). Hybrids can certainly be a great gateway into luxury carryalls…justifying their insane popularity as of late. Why make a choice if you don’t have to, right?!
Good Option For – those looking for a chameleon with little concern on specific usage
Not So Great For – those wanting to purchase only one piece…hybrids generally mean seeking out an accompanying bag insert or shaper down the line
Congrats! By choosing a structure that best suits your needs, you have now started down a path where the rest of your decisions are primarily based on the “fuzz factor”. No, I don’t mean if the bag is a dust magnet – which, side note, the LV Teddy collection is a notorious dust gatherer – but rather I am referring to the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you see a bag you can’t go without purchasing. Even the best-laid decisions can be put to waste with our natural, gut reaction to style, color, or designer. I’ll offer my perspective on some considerations for bags depending on your structure choice, but remember that fashion is a representation of your personal expression. Have fun! Don’t let current trends drag you down from a fabulous purchase if it brings you joy! Likewise, don’t get caught up in the “gender” of a bag…I have a love affair with the Louis Vuitton Graphite Damier aesthetic and navigating over to the “Men’s” page doesn’t give me one bit of pause. If you haven’t noticed, fashion blurs lines. Now, for my two cents…based on bags I have owned and/or have personal experience using…
Top Pick For Designers/Styles per Structure: I’m going to try and be as concise as possible here, listing my favorite piece for each structure with a few honorable mentions. For that reason, let this serve as a guide, not testament.
- Structured – When it comes to structured carryalls my all-around stand-out pick is the Chanel Large Neo Executive Tote. It is structured in all the right places while still offering the slightest amount of “give” when needed. I easily fit all of my devices, including laptop, along with everyday necessities. This bag is one where the strict “carryall” definition is stretched – there are two main gen-pop spaces with additional pockets and zippered compartments. As honorable mentions and for my friends that don’t need laptop space but perhaps just a phone and small tablet, the Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis and Hermès Trim 31 are wonderful choices. I love the versatility of the LV’s top handle and crossbody wear options (hello utilitarian crossover!) and the comfort plus low key style of the Hermès Trim is fabulous. The only downfall to these is their size when trying to fit devices for work-style carryall functionality. As mentioned earlier, these honorable mentions fall short when it comes to laptops or anything larger than a small/standard-sized tablet. Finally, for additional consideration, seeking out the Hermès Trim is probably best done on the secondary market while the LV and Chanel bags are still available via boutique purchases.
- Slouchy – On to slouchy best-in-class! Top pick goes to my Stella McCartney Classic Falabella Shoulder Bag, with the Chanel Small Coco Cocoon and Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 taking honorable mentions. Let’s start with the Falabella. I was hesitant for so long on acquiring this bag simply due to the fact it was over $1k for a vegan leather-alternative. I can tell you now, I wish I never hesitated because this bag is a true everyday warrior. The material is beyond durable, the classic shoulder style (not foldover) is easy to wear, and boy does this bag carry it all. Once you learn the sagging quirks and invest in a few pouches for organization and device safety, it is truly the most versatile, low-effort but high-impact bag of my collection. The Chanel Small Coco Cocoon comes in as an honorable mention and not top pick strictly due to its lack of top closure paired with a more “fragile” nylon exterior. I’m always a little concerned about the weight of items I place in this bag even though it’s probably me being paranoid. Pouches are a must and definitely watch how you set it down with the single clasp and no zipper top. Lastly, the LV Speedy is a tried-and-true carryall with the 35 being no “slouch” (couldn’t help it!) to holding your whole life with ease. Be prepared for major sag and investment into organizers/shapers which do take away some ability to hold larger devices, like a laptop.
- Utilitarian – Utilitarian is my least collected structure, so I can really only offer my top pick for consideration. Plus, I haven’t yet fallen into the craze of the multi-pochette (I know, I know), so my advice is geared to those wanting a backpack. In first (and only) place is my Tumi Voyageur Lexa Nylon Backpack in hot pink. Anything Tumi for utility is always a win and the Voyageur backpack is functional without being overly large and cumbersome. The two outside zip pockets are great for smaller devices and the interior has a padded laptop sleeve with ample gen-pop space. Plus, the nylon is top-notch. For those wondering about the MCM X-Mini Studded Stark Backpack, I can say that for as cute as the bag is (and it’s darn cute!) the practicality is just not there. I can fit my Pixel 4 XL and a few cardholders but beyond that, it is not meant for true device portability/functionality. As I mentioned earlier, going mini in the Utilitarian category is solely for trend and you’ll be missing the mark on functionality.
- Hybrid – Ah, finishing up with hybrid carryalls. My most loved hybrid carryall is the Dior Diorissimo Large Tote. Only available via the secondary market, this hybrid has really served me well as a work bag that can easily transition from day to evening. It does sag a bit, so a base shaper is helpful, but it can carry its weight in devices without hesitation. Plus, the material (mine is black lambskin) is strong enough to carry any laptop with ease but not offer extra unwanted heft to the bag – hence why Celine Luggage didn’t make the cut. The crossbody strap is a nice option, but not one I used often since the weight of devices can make it a bit uncomfortable to wear. I’ve personally opted not to invest in many hybrids, so yes, I may be part of the few people without a Neverfull, but that doesn’t mean I can’t speak to their appeal…however, I promised to only rate what I own/know first hand, so I have to stick with just the Diorissimo here. I will give an unexpected honorable mention to the Chanel Large Terry Beach Tote. When I found myself debating the merits of the Neverfull, I had realized that my beach tote was actually a great alternative that already existed in my collection. I decided to use that bag as a travel work tote (oversee travel nonetheless), shlepping around my laptop, binders, chargers, etc. in the exact same capacity as a Neverfull, and I never once had an issue. In fact, I received many compliments on it from people traveling with the Neverfull! I will warn that the terrycloth material is not meant for the same wear-and-tear as the LV canvas, but it’s a worthy mention if you want a beach tote than can do a little something extra
While my Diorissimo is currently at the leather spa getting pampered*, I wanted to provide a picture of two wonderful vintage alternatives in the hybrid space: the Dior Rebelle in Army Green and the Louis Vuitton Havane Stamped Trunk GM in Grey Suede. While the LV bowler is on the more structured side of “hybrid”, the Dior hobo minimizes the potential for sag with side cargo pockets to keep weight distributed, thus placing it in a hybrid sweet spot.
*Be sure to take care of your lambskin leather with regular cleanings and touch-up treatments, as needed!
Best Bang-For-Your-Buck: I’ll keep this short and sweet since this award goes to a bag previously mentioned…the Stella McCartney Classic Falabella Shoulder Bag. In the world of designer carryalls well into the $2k+ range, the Falabella offers space, style, and slouchy “structure” that can easily translate from a work bag full of devices to a casual weekend bag to an everyday handbag. If you are open to the barely-there-structure, this bag will be there for you without hesitation…and under the other price-points too! Given the styles, colors, and availability of this bag, it stands out for all the right reasons, especially if you want to invest in a piece that can serve you in multiple ways for many years to come without breaking the bank. As an honorable mention, I do want to spotlight a rarely considered brand in the US market – Mulberry. I purchased the Mulberry Leighton recently and its aesthetic and practicality surprised me for the price point. It came with multiple straps/chains and it gave Hermès Lindy vibes without seeming too knock-off. Plus, the bag does fit a laptop and can be found on sale quite often through Mulberry, their outlet, or department retailers. The major pitfall of this bag is that the interior will rub on contents, leaving the potential for discoloration on leather goods. For example, after a few weeks of use, I noticed my Chanel mini o-case (in 29xxx series pink) was getting corner black marks from the interior material of the Leighton. It came off with a damp soft towel, but I quickly shifted to another bag at the risk of marking my new SLGs…fair warning.
All Around Dream for Devices: If you are looking for a carryall that won’t impede your needs for device variety, the win goes to Tumi – in general. I love my Voyageur backpack for travel and commuting, but the entire Tumi line of bags has come a long way from 5-10 years ago. The styles are minimalistic, sleek, and offer a variety of device protection that a gen-pop “designer” handbag just won’t be able to provide. As much as I want to say my Diorissimo is a dream because it can carry all of my device needs and then some, the lack of protection and base structure in the bag paired with an unrealistic carrying option for long-haul wearing (those handles aren’t exactly the definition of comfort), means that I just can’t steer you in that direction with a clear conscious. If devices are your first and primary priority in your carryall search, Tumi has to be on the top of your list.
Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of yet another post! Trying to find a carryall that is worth the investment and meets your needs can be daunting and overwhelming, to say the least. My hope is that this has provided an alternative route to reaching your carryall destination and offers a new way to compare carryalls apples-to-apples. Just because you have device dreams doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice being trendy! Start with the structure that works for your wear-goals and let your gut be the guide for the rest 
