I’m at that funny stage in life where I’m either hauling everything in my bag or I’m down to the bare necessities. There’s not much in between. It’s either a big ole’ tote or a simple pouch—and honestly, I’m into it. These two extremes reflect where I am, and I love that.
As my kids get older, my bag has become mine again. Aside from an EpiPen and a few meds (those never leave my side), I no longer lug snacks, toys, and spare clothes in it.
And while Vlad and I have an office, many of my meetings around South Florida happen in coffee shops and restaurants, so I often bring my laptop. That means: tote time. And if you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m a tote girl through and through. It’s the purest form of what a bag was meant to be—something that carries it all.
Discovering Le Tanneur: A Heritage Brand with a Fresh Take
When I first learned about Le Tanneur, it felt like a secret discovery for you and me. Though the brand boasts a 125-year legacy, it felt new and exciting. I was then gifted an Emie bag from the brand, and after using it for a while, I counted myself as a true fan.
This brings me to another standout from the brand: The Elena family of bags.
A Tote That Truly Works (and Looks This Good?)
Now, I can loop back around to the start of this article, in which I remind you that, at my core, I am a gal who loves a big bag. The Elena family of bags includes two sizes: a large tote and a small option.
We are kicking it off with the large size. As I shared, I’ve had to haul my work items with me more. Between my laptop and a project I’ve been working on (more to come soon!), lately my bag carries far more than my usual items.
Vlad walked by after I opened the box Le Tanneur sent me and immediately commented on the quality. As a car guy, he is constantly drawn into the details of the leather, the stitching, the feel of the materials, and the smell of the leather. The way the leather is brought together, folded, and seamlessly integrated, with white stitching that stands out as a design element.
With the exceptional craftsmanship, you’d expect a much more expensive price tag, but you won’t see it. You’ll see only $620.
Practical Inside, Polished Outside
The inside is meant to be practical, with a removable pouch, a vanity mirror, and an interior pen holder. The usability of a tote that makes sense for day-to-day carrying isn’t always the case, and I’m not sure why, but this tote brings it all to the forefront.
Because of its small size, you can still use it as a smaller daily carry. It’s easy to get in and out of, and it fits a small camera, phone, and other daily necessities. Plus, there’s an adjustable and removable strap for crossbody carry. The best part, again, is the price: $490.
Whether you’re in your tote era or need a beautifully made bag that works, Le Tanneur is worth discovering!
When I was a teenager, Longchamp and Le Tanneur were rivals. However, in the late 90s, Longchamp took a more “fashion forward” path. The popularity of Le Pliage further increased Longchamp’s global reach. Same with their numerous artist collaborations. Le Tanneur has decent products but often boring in my opinion. I like the tote you showcased in this post. But in general, Le Tanneur is a bit zzzzzzz.
Thanks for sharing, I really like the big work for my work commute!