Phew. It was difficult just listing out all the bags I’ll be reviewing in this post today.

If you’re interested in just Dagne Dover bags because you’ve been eying these beauties, you’ve come to the right spot.

FEW THINGS BEFORE WE START

1. The Dagne Dover bags have new names

Instead of by size — 15″ or 13″, they’re now called “Classic”, “Legend”, “Midi” and “Petite” and have gone under a little makeover and re-branding.

Update: I think the midi is gone now.

I have old and new versions of the bag.

The difference between all the bags:

• Legend – This is the closest to the original 15″ tote, but is now 14″ and slimmer I suspect (this specific model is not reviewed here but I have the 15″)
• Classic – This is the closest to the original 13″ tote, but is slimmer in size(this specific model is not reviewed here but I have the 15″)
• Midi – This is a new version between the bigger tote & the Petite (you’re in luck! it’s reviewed here)
• Petite – This was originally the “Tiny Tote” (not reviewed here)

2. I paid for 2 out of the 5 bags

Out of the bags I am reviewing today, I bought these bags with my own money

• Dagne Dover 15″ Tote – Stingray Embossed Black Oynx Leather (Original 15″) – closest to the Legend Tote
• Dagne Dover 13″ Tote – Cork (Original 13″) – closest to the Classic Tote

The rest were generously given to me as part of this review by Dagne Dover, although I had to pay for the shipping costs since I live in Canada & they don’t ship internationally, so it wasn’t completely free.

• Dagne Dover Midi Tote – Oynx Black Coated Canvas
• Dagne Dover Charlie Tote – Bone Leather
• Dagne Dover Lola Pouch – Bone Leather

Even though they were gifted, this review will remain unbiased and honest about each bag’s pros and cons. Promise. Pinky swear.

(I really want the Dagne Dover Simone Satchel actually… It looks like a great crossbody)

3. I am using other bags as comparisons for sizes

Namely, the Large Longchamp Neo Pliage and the Paterson & Salisbury Large Tote just in that photo above. The Pliage is about the same size.

I also have some items for laptop sizes in the photos:

• The Macbook Pro 15″ (Red neoprene case is from InCase)
• Macbook Air 13″ (Wool felt case is from Inateck)
• Macbook Air 11″ (Wool felt case is from Inateck)
• 2 A4 Letter-sized Red & Blue Semikolon folders
• 1 notebook
• 17oz travel tea mug (tall and teal)
• Cuppow glass mason jar mug
• Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones which are AMAZING and my review of them is here

I’m holding the Bose case so you have a size comparison here. I do have small hands.

Ready?

Let’s get started.

ALL DAGNE DOVER TOTES GENERALLY HAVE THESE THINGS IN COMMON

Left to right:

• Charlie Bone Leather
• Original 15″ Black Onyx Stingray Leather
• Original 13″ Cork
• Midi Black Onyx Canvas

The size differences are slight.

Ridiculously good organization

Lots of pockets inside and on the newer versions, on the outside.

The newer totes all have handles that fold down (finally!)

The older, Original Signature Totes (15″ and 13″) do not have handles that fold down, so keep that in mind.

Actually even the newer Original Totes do not fold down, only the Midi tote (discontinued) did that.

Handles up on all

You can see the Bone Leather Charlie Tote, and the Midi black tote (with gold hardware) at the end, have handles that fold down.

The other two totes in the middle (Black Onyx & Cork) are old and the handles stay straight up).

Handles down on the Charlie Bone Leather Tote & Midi Black Onyx with Gold Hardware Tote

Their new redesign allows the handles to fold down which is great because sometimes you need to stuff it overheard or under your seat and the handles get in the way.

This doesn’t bother me as much because I don’t travel like I used to, and if I do take a trip back with Baby Bun, I will be wearing a backpack to have two hands free to wrangle him, not toting a stylish shoulder bag.

If I were to travel again, I’d more than likely bring one of these totes as a personal purse.

Pyramid Feet on the Signature Totes

All the Midi & Legend totes have pyramid feet on the bottom (top row), but not the Charlie Tote as you can see.

Free-standing

They all stand up on their own without tipping over or needing help even the pouches.

Gorgeous hardware

From the zippers (that are not sharp, I have run my fingers over them and the quality is excellent as they are smooth and won’t scratch your hands), to the embossed Dagne Dover logos (or my favourite, the very discreet metal logo in front), it is stunning.

Slightly heavy with a few exceptions

They’re all slightly heavy except when you choose a material like cork which is super, ultralight, but as my partner pointed out, cork breaks down eventually because it’s so delicate.

I think it looks good as a summer bag though, so I am not convinced.

The reason why they’re heavy is the quality and weight of the leather and if weight is a serious issue, go for the canvas versions and avoid leather completely.

It will never be as light as a nylon Longchamp Pliage bag for instance but you are paying almost the same price for these bags, and you get other major benefits like space, organization, high quality fabric/leather/hardware and style.

It’s all up to what you want.

Now for each bag in detail.

DAGNE DOVER LEATHER 15″ TOTE (ORIGINAL)

BLACK OYNX STINGRAY EMBOSSED LEATHER WITH BLACK HARDWARE (15″)

DESCRIPTION

I bought this because it was the biggest 15″ tote they had available, I liked leather, I liked the idea of a stingray embossed motif and it looked seriously good.

QUALITY

Excellent. You can see that the handles don’t fold down in the original versions but they do in the new ones.

This is a well made, sturdy bag that you can be ROUGH with.

I LOVE the black hardware.

I will say that the little pyramid feet are great because they keep the bag off the ground and from getting dirty, but after a few uses (obviously) the black metal hardware is are starting to wear down from use.

SIZE

Huge.

It’s like a briefcase.

You will see all the size comparisons later against each of the bags and against my body, but it is a big bag which means it has lots of space.

WEIGHT

It is heavy.

The leather doesn’t help, and it is lined, plus the hardware in metal? All that quality adds up to weight.

It is not heavy like a rock, but it is a hefty weight. I wouldn’t say that you could commute with it unless you are okay with putting it on your lap (or on the ground), when you’re on the bus or subway, but not slinging it over your shoulder 24/7.

SPACE

AMAZING.

I can fit a 15″ Macbook Pro with the neoprene case in the middle and it zips up…

…or without the neoprene case in the flap for the laptop.

I also have plenty of room to spare with a water bottle in the neoprene section, my headphone case and two folders.

This is a real work/laptop bag.

And it zips up fine!

An iPad mini can easily go in the slot in front but not anything thicker like a 13″ Macbook Air or 11″ Macbook Air. You can see that I put the Macbook Pro 15″ in there with the iPad Mini.

I’d say it is even big enough for a big iPad as well.

There is a lot of space in the middle as well.

I will say that the older totes are fatter and MUCH harder to sling across your shoulder and carry (especially with a winter jacket), so it is more of a hand bag than anything, but what you lose in convenience, you make up in space.

It’s a briefcase.

ORGANIZATION

They score very high on organization because you have to work really hard to lose your things in this bag.

Their newer bags are slightly more organized than the older versions, hence why they were revamped. I can see the difference between the two.

For one thing, there is no front zippered or open pocket to put your metro card or keys or anything like that. It keeps the entire line and look of the bag extremely sleek and streamlined.

DAGNE DOVER MIDI TOTE (NEWEST DESIGN)

ONYX BLACK COATED CANVAS WITH GOLD HARDWARE (14″)

DESCRIPTION

The small-bodied Midi is designed for speedy days about town that call for more than a purse but less than a full-size carryall.

It’s fully equipped with a 10.5” tablet sleeve, pen loops, a water bottle holder, and an array of convenient compartments for wallets, phone, cards and more.

Plus, a detachable crossbody strap gives you the option for hands-free carrying.

The Midi tote is your work/weekend hybrid that takes you everywhere and fits it all in.

Note: They have not updated their stock photos as of late, so I don’t have any fancy product shots. This is the newest feature of their new totes, a side zippered pocket.

Features

• Detachable Adjustable Crossbody Strap
• Crossbody Strap Drop Length: 19” – 21”
• Drop Zipper Opening
• L 10 ½” x H 8” x W ¾” Padded Tablet / Notebook Sleeve
• Phone Pocket with ID / MetroCard Compartment
• 2 Pen / Lipgloss Loops
• Large Interior Zipper Pocket
• 2 Slip Pockets (L 5 ¼” x H 5 ½”)
• Additional Side Slip Pocket (L 4 ½” x H 5 ½”)
• 4” Diameter Neoprene Bottle Holder
• Detachable Leather Key Leash with 2 Interior D-Rings
• 2 Large External D-Rings for Crossbody Attachment
• Pyramid Hardware Feet

 

Specifications

• Coated Canvas Body
• 100% Genuine Leather Trim
• Zinc Alloy Hardware in Brushed Gold Finish
• Polyester and Coated Canvas Interior
• Neoprene Bottle Holder
• L 11 ¾” x H 10 ½” x W 5”
• L 15 ¼” Top Opening
• 8″ Handle Drop
• 2.4 lbs Weight

QUALITY

High.

The coated canvas is sturdy, waterproof, and really well made, naturally.

The HARDWARE though. My goodness.

I don’t love logos but I love that they printed their name all over the place discreetly.

And the logo is discreet too.

SIZE

It is the smallest of all the totes being reviewed here today but not as small as the Petite which is a mini, MINI handbag.

The new designs have made them slimmer than the older versions of the totes.

WEIGHT

It is almost as light as the 13″ Cork (Original) tote (the cork itself makes it super light), but slightly smaller and made of heavier materials.

That is to say, it still has weight but it isn’t as hefty or as heavy as the leather totes, but it does have solid hardware (the zips are not flimsy):

The handles also now fold down flat with the addition of the D-rings.

All of their Signature totes come with Pyramid metal feet as well which is a must. I put it on the ground a lot.

SPACE

I took a shot with the white cardboard that came with the bag inside so you could see it easily: It’s quite spacious.

They have made it slimmer so there is slightly less space in there.

Meaning that in the old version I can fit an 11″ Macbook Pro laptop in its wool felt case all the way across which would squish down the neoprene cup holder inside, and would fit a few more notebooks but not much else.

It zips up JUST barely.

I can even fit the 13″ Macbook Pro laptop in its wool felt case across the middle too but it takes up the whole space and it DOES NOT ZIP UP as you can see.

I cannot put the 11″ Macbook Pro in the iPad slot as seen here because it’s meant for an iPad. I can fit it in sideways so it sticks out though but.. why would you? LOL

 

It does make it easier to carry across your shoulder when it isn’t so fat and it is slimmer, so the new design is very nice.

I suspect the larger sizes of this tote would be a great size to tote around, and much easier to carry than the Original 15″ Totes (the leather stingray embossed one).

What it fits, is my iPad mini, super easily, with lots of room to spare.

A full-sized iPad would be fine.

I also tried my A4-letter sized folder and it would just barely zip up if I tried.

Otherwise, the space inside is sufficient for the Bose headphone case for instance, and leaves lots of room for other things.

It’s the perfect size for running errands WITHOUT a laptop or folio, so not a work tote.

ORGANIZATION

Love.

They always do this part well with lots of pockets, and interior zip pockets.

I LOVE the side zip on the bag itself.

I can’t fit a notebook…

But I can fit the Bose headphone case…

…although it bulks it out a little, and JUST barely zips (I had to force it in there):

DAGNE DOVER 13″ TOTE (ORIGINAL)

CORK WITH GOLD HARDWARE (13″)

DESCRIPTION

I bought this Original 13″ Cork tote during their sale of old stock because I thought it would be lighter (I was right) and a great material for summer wear while being very summery.

Leather and other such fabrics don’t feel as easy or breezy as cork for the summer.

QUALITY

High. It looks and feels GREAT. The gold feet are on there of course:

Cork is soft, it looks great, summery.. and still holds things in such a wonderful, organized manner.

The handles don’t fold down in the older models:

But the hardware is just as beautiful:

SIZE

It is a good solid 13″ size, just like the original.

It is soft to the touch (cork!) and it slings easily over my shoulder.

Perfect for summer.

WEIGHT

It is the original size which they no longer make, but it is a good size and VERY light, the lightest of all the totes reviewed, which is surprising because the Midi Tote (doesn’t fit anything but an iPad) which is in the coated black canvas is actually slightly heavier than this one just because of the Cork fabrication, even though the Cork is 13″ and fits a 13″ Macbook Air.

I’m quite pleased I snagged the Cork.

SPACE

Again, amazing. It’s easier to see just how great it is in the Cork version because of the lighter inside:

Has lots of space.

It fits the 13″ Macbook Air in its wool felt case across the middle and it zips up fine.

But when you remove the case, you can fit it in the laptop slot as promised.

And the magnetic clasp comes down:

ORGANIZATION

Incredible, as usual.

Lots of spots to put your things, zippered compartments, a metal flap to keep your technology in line (although if you are putting laptops and iPads there, you don’t really need the flap to hold it in place, I think).

It even zips up beautifully.

There’s also a dedicated bottle holder in every single Dagne Dover bag and I use it sometimes for my water or tea in a mug but I really use it more often for my purse and keys, as it all fits so nicely in that neoprene section, and I just reach in and grab them as I need them.

DAGNE DOVER CHARLIE TOTE (NEW)

BONE LEATHER WITH ROSE GOLD HARDWARE (ONE SIZE)

DESCRIPTION

Stunning and smart, simple yet chic, high style mixed with utility: it’s the leather tote as only Dagne Dover can do it.

The Charlie mixes sleek sophistication with super-smart functionality to create the ultimate go-anywhere bag.

No detail is overlooked: from the handpicked, drum-dyed oversized pebbled leather and unexpected waterproof camouflage lining to the substantial hardware that finishes each piece, we have brought quality, utility, and style together in a celebration of striking simplicity.

Every bag is a true labor of love, from us to you.

Features

• Exterior Front Slip Pocket with Hidden Magnetic Closure (L 12 ½” x H 10 ½”)
• Side Slip Pocket (L 6” x H 6”)
• L 11 ½” x H 15” Padded Laptop Sleeve with Zipper Closure
• L 10″ x H 8 ½” Padded Tablet / Notebook Sleeve
• Leather Phone Pocket with ID / MetroCard Compartment
• Neoprene Water Bottle / Umbrella Holder
• 2 Leather Pen / Lipgloss Loops
• Large Interior Zipper Pocket
• 2 Slip Pockets (L 5 ½” x H 7 ½”)
• Additional Side Slip Pocket (L 3 ¾” x H 4 ¼”)
• 4” Diameter Neoprene Bottle Holder
• Detachable Leather Key Leash with 2 Interior D-Rings
• 2 External Aesthetic D-Rings
• Leather Feet

Specifications

• Genuine Pebbled Leather
• Zinc Alloy Hardware in Brushed Gold Finish
• Polyester Lining and Leather Interior
• Neoprene Bottle Holder
• L 12 ½” x H 15 ½” x W 6”
• L 15 ½” Top Opening
• 9″ Handle Drop
• 3.4 lbs Weight

QUALITY

Amazing as usual.

Pebbled leather, in a nice light grey stone colour, with GORGEOUS rose gold hardware.

I think if you are okay with a few stains here and there on occasion, Bone Leather is gorgeous and the combination is just so stylish.

The handle is also doubly reinforced with a stick-like thing in there to keep the shape.

SIZE

It is pretty big.

It is the tallest of all the bags because it fits the laptop standing upright rather than on its side.

Compared to the others:

WEIGHT

Heavy as it’s all thick, pebbled leather.

It is heavier than the Original 13″ Cork tote by far, heavier than the Midi Tote, but lighter than the Original 15″ tote in leather.

It rivals the weight of the Original 15″ and it is because it is just completely done in leather and the hardware is SOLID which adds to the weight. Quality = Weight.

You wouldn’t want it to be flimsy or else it would wear down easily.

SPACE

MY FAVOURITE OF ALL THE BAGS.

If you only buy ONE Dagne Dover bag for commuting and general style, make it this one.

The space is sleek and although it is quite a tall bag compared to the others, it more than easily fits a 15″ Macbook Pro without the neoprene case (and you can zip it up), or you can just slide the entire thing with the neoprene in there and it doesn’t zip up.

Your choice.

Lots and lots of space, I couldn’t believe how great it was.

I mean look at how much space is left after a laptop is in there and two file folders, plus my Bose headphone case at the bottom & the travel mug.

ORGANIZATION

Fantastic.

If you didn’t want to use the neoprene holder for your mug, the side pocket does fine too for a tall mug.

My FAVOURITE of all the totes.

They thought about pouches everywhere, for instance this leather pouch above has a slit for your metro card AND your phone in one spot.

It has magnetic pouches in front, another mini pouch on the side which DOES NOT fit the travel mug but I put it in there for you to see the size and thickness.

I could even fit the 11″ Macbook Air in the front pouch if I wanted.

I mean. WOW.

I also love love LOVE that they put an open magnetic closure in front for handkerchiefs or quick-grab items…

This is a bag you could travel with, if it had a zipper on top to close it all (which it doesn’t).

I’d say that’s the only flaw in using this tote to travel because when you fly, you need to tuck your bags underneath for takeoff & landing, and without a zippered top, everything will slide and fall out everywhere.

Still. I love it.

It is a seriously great bag with so much organization, a commuter’s dream if it also weren’t for the lack of pyramid feet (can’t put it on the floor, on your lap only!), but that’s a minor point for me.

DAGNE DOVER LOLA LARGE POUCH

BONE LEATHER (ONE SIZE) (NEW)

DESCRIPTION

Put your best face forward.

A versatile, hold-anything pouch, our largest Lola was designed as a makeup pouchette, but looks chic as a clutch too.

With an ideal shape and structure to fit full-size brushes, its two open slip pockets feature invisible magnetic closures and easily fit compacts to prevent spilling and breaking while you’re on the move.

A smooth lining allows for easy cleaning, making Lola much more than your average pouch.

Need a bit more room?

Unsnap the zipper tabs to adjust the shape.

FEATURES

• 2 Way Zipper Opening with Side Snaps
• 3 Elastic Lipgloss Loops
• 2 Slip Pockets with Hidden Magnetic Closures
• 1 External D-Ring

SPECIFICATIONS

• Genuine Pebbled Leather
• Zinc Alloy Hardware in Rose Gold Finish
• PU Interior
• L 10” x H 6 ½” x W 4 ½”
• 13.6 oz Weight

QUALITY

High.

Just as good as the Charlie Tote and all of their other bags.

Soft, pebbled, elegant leather, gorgeous thick rose gold hardware.. it all adds weight of course, but my goodness.

SIZE

A good size.

I find it big enough to use as a clutch if you plan on going out. It is JUST big enough to tuck under your arm.

WEIGHT

Thick heavy leather = weighty.

Just the pouch alone feels heavy compared to a flimsy nylon pouch, but it is just so elegant….

SPACE

Fantastic. I tried stuffing some items in there so you could see the size but I’d obviously never try to carry a water bottle or mug in this.

The travel mug doesn’t fit in there, and it definitely doesn’t zip up.

The mug fits …

But then it doesn’t zip up because it’s too wide, so it gets caught here.

Then I tried my Bose case:

Which zips!

So.. verdict?

Good enough to squish a whole Bose Headphone case in there (just for the sake of trying).

ORGANIZATION

Again, out of this world.

They thought about little loops for your lipsticks, zippered areas, it’s all able to be washed…

I think it’s great.

I know they put in side snaps if you want to make it smaller or bigger but I don’t see the point. I could have done without it.

I also like that the zipper on BOTH sides sticks out because it makes it easier to grab and pull the zip closed or open rather than struggling, and the hardware is of course, stylish and perfect for pulling it open and closed (no struggling here).

COMPARING DAGNE DOVER BAGS AND SIZES

For the record, I am 5’5″, wearing no heels or shoes for that matter, about a US size 4 in the body (but my shoulders are US 6) and I’m about 123 lbs.

(In case you’re wondering, the leather pants are from The Row, the large pressed flower necklace is by Catherine Weitzman and the linen metallic khaki green shirt is from Banana Republic.)

Now this is what each one looks like together:

Original 13-inch Tote with the Original 15-inch Tote

Original 13-inch Tote versus Midi Tote

Midi Tote versus Original 15-inch Tote

Original 15-inch versus Charlie Tote

Longchamp Neo Pliage versus Charlie Tote

Original 15-inch versus Longchamp Neo Pliage

Lo & Sons O.G. Bag versus Charlie Tote

OVERALL THOUGHTS

They are solidly made and some of the most beautiful bags you can buy for the price and quality.

They are slightly heavy of course with all the hardware, the coated canvas, and leather, but it’s what you pay for.

They’re well worth the cost, and will take a beating and clean right up with a damp rag.

You can buy the Dagne Dover Tote here…. and I am really a huge fan of the Simone Crossbody Satchel too but I haven’t yet purchased it.

The hardware is just stunning with the etched name “Dagne Dover” discreetly printed on the thick, gorgeous zippers (which add to the weight), and the combination of Bone Leather with Rose Gold hardware is everything.

P.S. If you are interested in seeing how the Dagne Dover stacks up against other bags floating around the blogosphere you can check out this post: The Ultimate Review of Dagne Dover 15″, LUG Bags, Matt & Nat Kintla and Lo & Sons O.G. Bag Totes