I’ve never really had a work bag that I truly loved; I’ve always opted for a backpack that I kept from my time in school, but I’d been eager to switch over to something that looked more professional (and made me feel less like a kid on their way home from class), but was still versatile enough that I could use regularly. While I certainly love to sport a classic canvas tote on the weekends—perfect for tossing in odds and ends while out and about—I needed something more structured and sturdy for work and travel so my essentials wouldn’t be knocking around inside. The 13-inch System Tote from Cuyana was definitely more upscale than my average canvas tote, seamlessly befitting happy hours, work, and exciting new restaurant openings. I loved the signature Italian leather exterior and interior, which was understated, tasteful, and complimented any outfit I threw on.
There’s nothing wrong with a giant, cavernous tote that you can throw everything into, but what I appreciate about the System Tote are the additional organizational accessories that you can purchase to add a bit more structure to the interior. I opted for the System laptop sleeve since I planned to use this bag primarily for work, and the System pouch insert so I could carry my valuables in a safe, zippered section. Both snapped directly into the bag’s shell so they wouldn’t move around and were available in the same colors as the bag. While I haven’t purchased it yet, I’m intrigued by the System Flap Bag, which also snaps into the tote, but can be removed and used with an adjustable strap to function as a purse all on its own—the perfect day-to-night option.
Aside from lugging it to and from the office each day, I use this tote as a personal item on the plane and brought it with me on a road trip to Acadia National Park, and have found it to be the ultimate travel companion. The built-in interior pocket is perfect for storing essentials you need to reach easily, like your passport, earbuds, or some petty cash, and since the bag can be snapped closed, you don’t have to worry about anything flying out. The System laptop sleeve kept my computer safe and secure, while the System pouch kept all the bits and bobs (a wallet, coins, jewelry, makeup, etc) from rolling around and getting lost at the bottom of the bag. I appreciate the slight structure to the bag, which is sturdy enough to not completely collapse inward, but is still flexible enough to be folded up and stashed away for storage.
The tote is available in two sizes, 13- and 16-inch—I gravitated to the 13-inch since it was exceptionally roomy but not too large for everyday use, but the 16-inch is likely better as a personal item on the plane, or if to be used in place of a weekender. The 13-inch was a bit small for carrying everything I needed in a personal item, especially if I were to head out on a multi-week vacation, but was just the right size for my day-to-day essentials like my laptop, charger, notebook, wallet, makeup bag, keys, and Tupperware from lunch. Its available in two textures and seven colors from cherry red to classic black.
The one con: the bag had a pretty distinct smell upon arrival and took some time to subside. After using it for a few months, there’s absolutely no smell any longer. In the last three months I haven’t noticed any signs of wear or tear, showing that it truly is a bag that has longevity.
I’m not ready to to toss my backpack or canvas totes just yet, but for my day-to-day life and anytime I want to look a bit more polished, the System Tote is the accessory I grab.
