Earlier this year, contributor Mya Gelber stopped strangers on the train in search of the perfect work tote. Of all the bags she spotted, it was this Cuyana tote that particularly piqued her interest.
So she ventured to Cuyana’s flagship store in Soho to test a few herself, and Gelber was convinced that the brand’s Easy Leather Tote is the ideal work tote. “The leather really is so soft, and it sits comfortably on my shoulder, even while carrying my thousand-page textbooks,” she wrote. Each bag can also be paired with an insert to create additional compartments or a wide strap to function as a travel bag.
After Gelber’s rave review, Strategist writers Liza Corsillo and Arielle Avila tested the bag for themselves. Avila likes its slim, streamlined silhouette and that it’s still able to fit her laptop, wallet, phone, keys, and even a couple journals, while Corsillo’s bag is now her go-to for her New York City subway commute. “My favorite thing about it is how light the actual bag is, so I’m not adding any weight to what I’m carrying,” she says. It’s just expensive enough to be a splurge for someone — which makes it an ideal gift.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
