This post is not sponsored by one individual company but some of the items have been gifted over the years and I am affiliate of the brands listed.



I'm a sucker for a good leather bag. I have a collection that I'm super proud of and it's probably the one category in my wardrobe I don't edit consistently.

Today's post will cover all my basic, most used leather bags, what I use them for, how often I reach for them, how I store them and also share a YouTube video with demonstrations on how much they can fit and what I carry in them.

Portland Leather 9

Madewell Bags


Overall Thoughts on Madewell Leather Bags:

  • good quality + construction
  • lots of versatile designs
  • softer leather which does tend to wear in faster
  • I love the brightness and warmth of their English Saddle color

Madewell Transport Tote


  • One Size
  • English Saddle Color - available in 3 colors
  • zipper pocket on the interior
  • unlined

Perfect for school (either as teacher or student), coffee shop work day, a grocery tote, a book tote.

I've had this bag the longest at about 7-8 years now and while it looks worn in it's not worn out by any means. I've been reaching for this bag for years because of its light and flexible design.

It's also incredibly easy to pack in a suitcase because the exterior is so flexible.

Bag Haul 1

Madewell Transport Rucksack


  • One size
  • English Saddle color - available in 2 colors
  • cinch-sack style top closure with a fasten top
  • canvas lined

Madewell's largest backpack style with three interior pockets for extra storage.

The perfect bag for a car trip, a new school year or remote work. It does hold a 13 inch laptop, headphones, water bottle, notebook, wallet, keys, phone, and any other small accessory.

Bag Haul 4
Madewell 1
Bag Haul 3

Looking for a more in-depth review of my bags?

Check out my latest YouTube video.

Portland Leather Goods Bags


Overall Thoughts on Portland Leather Goods

  • High quality, structured leather bags
  • they run really good sales
  • they're made to last
  • there are lots of different styles and colors to suit every preference and need
  • currently the bag I reach for the most

Check out my initial blog post about the brand from 2019!

Leather Tote Bag


  • 3 sizes and 2 styles
  • I have the Classic Medium Size ( the new styles include the exterior pocket)
  • Comes in 8 beautiful colors
  • I have the Cognac color
  • The sturdiest bag I own

Use code EMILYJLEWANDOWSKI for 25% off a bag of your choice!



This is the most robust leather bag I own. It's not flexible at all which for around town makes me feel more secure about wearing it a lot.

I use this as my daily bag because it fits everything from a laptop to daily essentials. It has a really handy snap loop on the interior that's perfect for making sure keys or a mask doesn't get lost. I've had this bag for about 3 years now and it's worn in beautifully!

Bag Haul 9
Portland Leather 3
Portland Leather 15
Portland Leather 13

Essential Backpack


  • one color
  • one size
  • lightweight design
  • fully zipper top and front pocket
  • the perfect travel backpack

Use code EMILYJLEWANDOWSKI for 25% off a bag of your choice!


This is one of my most recent bag acquisitions and while I've yet to properly test it out, I've been loving how lightweight and versatile it is. The YouTube video linked above shows just how much you can fit in it and where I'm going to be using it the most!

Bag Haul 5
Bag Haul 8
Bag Haul 6

Camera Bag (Black Croc)


Shop It


From the brand Hyer Goods sold on Consciously a sustainable marketplace, this camera-style bag is the perfect small crossbody bag for a nice evening out. The exterior is from an upcycled leather and it's very classy to carry with nicer outfits.

While it doesn't fit a lot, there's a built in card holder that will eliminate the need to carry a wallet with you and then there's just enough room for a phone, keys, and any other small essentials you may want to have with you.

Parker Clay Eden Carryall


Shop It


A fully zippered close horizontal carryall bag that has been my work/laptop bag for about a year now.

While it does not have a laptop sleeve built in, it's the perfect size to store all my remote working essentials without getting too heavy.

I am not easy on this bag and tend to stuff it full of things I need with me for a day of remote work and meetings, but it's held up beautifully and I couldn't be happier!

1
2