Out of the house for a 9 a.m. meeting, back in after the 7 p.m. train: a leather work tote bag has to look the same at both ends of that day.
The Aurora has a clean line and not much fuss. Full-grain leather, zip-top closure with a magnetic catch, canvas lining, interior pockets for the things that otherwise sink to the bottom. The brass is solid on the handles, the rings and the clasp.
Room for a 15 inch laptop and the rest of the day
It measures 11 × 15 in with a 10" handle drop, which sits on the shoulder over a coat without a fight, and it takes laptops up to 15" along with a notebook, lunch and the cardigan for over-air-conditioned rooms. It is a structured bag, so it will not squash flat under an aeroplane seat. That is the trade for an office bag that still stands up on the floor at the end of a long day.
Wipe it with a dry cloth and condition it every few months. That is genuinely all it needs.
Questions we get
Will a 15 inch laptop actually go in?
Yes, alongside a notebook, lunch and a light layer.
Is a leather work tote bag comfortable as a shoulder bag all day?
The 10" handle drop is cut to clear a coat, so it stays on the shoulder rather than sliding.
How does it differ from the Nova Tote?
The Aurora is the minimal zip-top version. The Nova gives you a closure choice and our engraved botanical monogram across the face. If you need a bag for travel rather than the office, the Atlas Backpack takes a 16 inch machine.
Do I have to pay for the engraving?
No, the monogram is included. Pick your initials at checkout.