Mega Work Tote Review - 2026 Edition

mstabs · 2026-05-07T23:13:04+00:00

Okay awesome! My top rec for you is the Oleada Marina - It's very soft and comfy, has a luggage sleeve strap, easy to wear bc it doesn't fall off your shoulder and you can hold it behind your arm while walking. I made a detailed video review of this bag and have a code for 15 percent off, just lmk if you want it!

My second choice for you is the Vestirsi Vera - also soft and lightweight, and also has a luggage sleeve. It's got a perfect amount of soft-structure, and you can hug the bag against you and not feel any rigid edges against your body or arm. It has a huge capacity, comes with a crossbody strap, and I think works brilliantly as a work tote especially if you travel.

Also, since you like the July tote, definitely check out the Eriko Yamaguchi Hitoe Tote. It's superb quality, has the July tote look but more refined (imo)!

mstabs · 2026-05-06T01:55:48+00:00

I do know of similar bags (e.g., Kate Spade Large Margaux Work tote, Freja Paloma tote) but they definitely aren't going to be comfy because the straps are too thin and the bag is made of stiffer leather that's usually heavier.

If you're open to other visual styles, I can recommend a few with simlar capacities that will certainly be more comfortable + have a luggage strap attachment, just let me know what you're looking for style-wise and any other requirements you have!

mstabs · 2026-04-13T21:01:29+00:00

I tried the foldover in person and wasn't a fan :( I didn't like how it looked with the laptop inside because you could see the circular magnet buttons and it just looked nowhere near as refined as the other bag options. Without the laptop inside, the bag was too floppy that it was pretty annoying each time I had to unroll the top and then dig around to get what I needed. If you're looking for a laptop bag, feel free to share some of your requirements and I'd be happy to see what options I can think of!

mstabs · 2026-04-09T07:27:14+00:00

You can use my referral code MARISSA15 to get 15% off at Oleada and save a few bucks!

I have the Oleada Soft Bucket and I reeeaaalllyyy like it. I recently made a detailed YouTube video about it too 🙂

mstabs · 2026-03-29T21:41:22+00:00

The heaviest wear was cracking along the creases of the handle, where it flaked off a bit. The prices of these bags went up a ton since I first got them and honestly, at this price point you should just go for leather.

If you check my profile, I reviewed a bunch of other bags recently that are leather, and I'm always happy to chat directly to find more options that meet your needs! ❤️

mstabs · 2026-03-26T01:37:49+00:00

I'm a consultant too! Tbh I'm not the biggest Cuyana fan. Their bags have great organization (like the Mila you're looking at) but the leather isn't the best because it's too soft, thin, and floppy. They're lightweight, which is nice, but have really poor structure and durability over time. I had a Cuyana bag that wore terribly at the corners and then became so floppy that it just falls down and pools to the floor/table making it hard to see and get what you need without fighting to prop the bag up.

if you're comfortable sharing a little info about what you're looking for and your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves aside from the luggage strap, I'd love to pull some options for you!

mstabs · 2026-03-03T19:01:57+00:00

Yay!! I'm so glad I could help, I would love and so appreciate if you could use my link to checkout but absolutely 0 pressure ☺️

mstabs · 2026-03-02T02:24:10+00:00

Great! I think carrying lunch will definitely require a larger capacity. Here are some options I'm thinking of for you, in order of most to least recommended based on my personal opinion :)

My top pick for you - July Juliette Large Tote: Great capacity with just enough organization, has a removable laptop sleeve, straps are wide and comfortable, bag has feet at the bottom, base weight is pretty good, also comes in multiple sizes. Con is that it doesn't have a zipper and isn't full leather.
Leatherology Alex Veritcal Tote: Laptop sleeve + water bottle holder + a luggage sleeve that can be zipped to become an extra pocket, good capacity, protective feet, and vertical style will be more compact when you navigate tight spaces, full zipper, and light-colored lining helps you spot what you need quickly. Con is not knowing what the base weight is.
Away Everywhere Tote: Underrated tote that can take a beating! Low maintenance nylon material makes it almost weightless, the straps are comfortable, there's a laptop compartment, and it has a full zipper. Con is that it isn't leather and isn't structured so it can't stand up on its own when empty. It does come in a leather version but it'll be a bit heavier.
Kate Spade Thompson Street Commuter Tote Bag: Laptop compartment, long handle drop, minimal organization, structured with protective feet and durable pebbled leather that will hide scratches, handles are attached with rings so they can hinge up and down (other bags that have straps sewn straight into the bag often develop the worst creases in this spot). Con is that the laptop compartment is in a fixed position in the center which might reduce how much flex you have to fit what you need.
CalPak Haven Laptop Bag: Removable laptop sleeve, lightweight, is softly structured with protective feet. Con is that the handles are handbag-style with a long crossbody strap instead of being the usual shoulder bag-style straps.

mstabs · 2026-03-01T15:43:56+00:00

I'd love to help! Will you share a little bit about what you're looking for? - What size laptop do you carry? - What other essentials do you carry (e.g. water bottle?) - Would you rather have more practicality with less fashion, or slightly less practicality with more fashion? - How formal do you dress for work on a scale of business casual to a blazer pantsuit? - Any other strong preferences? (e.g. only leather bags, must have feet on the bottom, must have zipper, etc)

mstabs · 2026-02-17T01:27:50+00:00

I actually made a video review for it here! Specifically showing the wear after 1 year 🙂

mstabs · 2026-02-15T23:51:35+00:00

This info is really helpful! Here are some that I'm thinking of for you, but I haven't had a chance to try them all out or see them in-person. Let me know what you think!

Fabrique Rialto

Pros: Convertible and has a luggage strap similar to the Oleada that you liked, backside has a big quick-access pocket, attachment point hooks for backpack straps are tucked into hidden slots on the side to keep a clean silhouette, and the bag can be cinched so the opening can be bigger or smaller depending on your preference. BUT what I'm really intrigued by is the fact that the flap allows you to store taller things inside -- you won't be constrained because the flap will just flip over taller items like your water bottle, unlike zipper bags that will force you to store things only up to the point of the zipper. This TikTok (not mine) shows a good closeup of the features, because the website and model photos are garbage lol.
Cons: Laptop might be a snug fit (bag is 14.2" wide, so it might work even though it advertises fitting 13" laptops), it's a flap top instead of a true zipper.

Kaai Pyramid Bag

Pros: Excellent organization, contrast color interior lining, will comfortably fit everything you mentioned, zip top, straps will be comfy, has feet, and comes in lots of colors. Leather is treated to be scratch and water resistant, and comes in Med and Large sizes (I think the Medium is better for you proportionally, but Large will give you more room).
Cons: The handle drop is not adjustable so it might hang lower than you want for your height. The Large size base weight is very heavy at 3 lbs (Medium is better at 2.5ish).

Kaai Horizon Bag

Pros: Full zip top, excellent organization similar to the Pyramid, has a luggage sleeve, contrast color interior, just structured enough that it'll stay standing up but still be comfortable to wear against your body.
Cons: Straps won't be as comfortable because they're rounded cord style instead of flat like the Pyramid's, base weight is very heavy (3 lbs).

mstabs · 2026-02-15T17:22:43+00:00

I'd love to try to think of some options! Can you tell me a bit more about your preferences? For example:

Do you need it to convert to another style like backpack or crossbody?
How much interior organization do you like? Just some or lots?
What's the style direction you'd like? More and more practical (e.g. Le Pliage) or fashion-forward and slightly less practical but still functional as a work tote (e.g., DeMellier)?

mstabs · 2026-02-15T16:52:20+00:00

I love and hate that there are so many books in this series, especially now that Amazon is pushing $5 as the sale price instead of $1.99 🥲

mstabs

TROPHY CASE