Beautiful Meets Functional: Jill-e Designs Laptop Tote in Brown Croc
Friday, November 7, 2014I received a Brown Croc Laptop Tote from Jill-e Designs in order to facilitate an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I had the chance to try out their Laptop Tote in Brown Croc (which was on my wishlist!), and I was not disappointed! This sleek tote is sophisticated enough to take to the office, but casual enough to carry on the weekends.
I found Jill-e Designs online when I went searching for a more grown-up laptop bag to travel with. I was tired of the usual selection of nylon backpacks and messengers that look like they were meant for High School kids. When I landed on their site, it was like I finally found my sort of candy store.
They carry a huge selection of bags, wallets, and clutches for laptops, tablets, cameras, and smartphones, and it's not just for ladies; They also carry men's tech bags in sumptuous fabrics for any kind of gadget he needs to protect. I would love to carry any of these sleek bags myself! So although they would make an amazing gift for the man in your life, he may have to pry it out of your hands first. ;)
Since I found Jill-e Designs, I'll never go back to ugly, utilitarian tech bags again. They've spoiled me forever and ever on soft, textured leather, gorgeous hardware, and incredible versatility. The sheer selection of sizes, functionality, materials, and color choices is enough to make any girl swoon.
ABOUT JILL-E DESIGNS
Founded in 2007, Jill-e Designs creates bags and carriers in smart and stylish designs for daily use, tailored specifically for digital and mobile devices. Today everyone has a mobile device, typically a device they can’t live without. They need a way to carry them, protect them, easily access them, and keep them organized with all of their other everyday items. We satisfy these needs. How do we do it?
> We protect your digital and mobile devices with a relevant, high-performance product that keeps its contents secure
> We organize your devices, making them easily accessible
> We deliver a timeless, classic, yet on-trend look … we call it “future classic”
> We insist on quality – in materials, workmanship and customer service
Originally a pro camera bag company, we combine what we learned satisfying demanding, creative photo professionals with an understanding of new trends and needs. The result is evident in every bag we make today – for mobile devices, for photo equipment, for travel, for the office, for a night on the town, for outdoors, for college, for everyday use. We offer the perfect blend of style, function, protection and classic appeal.
The Vertical Orientation
I love that this laptop tote has a vertical orientation, meaning it's streamlined and easy to carry. It stays close to your body, which can come in handy in tight spaces. Have you ever knocked a store display over with your bag? Trust me, you don't want to.
The Design
Jill-e has outdone themselves with this design. It is functional and beautiful, and the overall style will resonate with so many different women. The brown leather is flattering to any wardrobe, but the croc texture takes it over the edge from boring to sophisticated and fun. It's casual enough for a coffeeshop, but will transition to a business meeting in 0 seconds flat.
The Hardware
The hardware on this bag is a pretty polished silver. The pulls and o-rings are thick, heavy, sturdy metal which translates to high-end, durable hardware that will last the life of the bag and beyond.
The Logo
Again, subtle. If you remember my logo tirade from the last Jill-e review, you'll know that this is an important point for me. Jill-e bags are branded, but so subtly that you would have to really look to find it. The logo in this tote is simply etched into the front flap button cover. If you weren't in the right light, you might miss it. LOVE.
The Organization
Jill-e Bags are the most organized bags I've ever had. The number of pockets and extra touches is always astounding. Let's count them, shall we?
- Front flap pocket with magnetic closure
- Back pocket with magnetic closure/Trolley pocket
- Large zippered main compartment
- Laptop sleeve with velcro tab closure
- Phone pocket
- iPod/Sunglasses pocket
- 2 Pen sleeves
- Inner (large) zippered pocket
- Built-in Lanyard with key ring
- ID Wallet
- Luggage Tag loop with snap closure
This tote also fits the Jill-e Camera Insert perfectly with a ton of room to spare.
There is room for everything you need to carry and then some. Would you like to see what I fit in it?
- Camera with accessories in the Jill-e Camera Insert
- 15" Dinosaur Laptop with charger cord
- Planner
- 9" x 4.5" Makeup bag stuffed to the gills
- Phone
- iPod shuffle
- Sunglasses
- Pen & Pencil
- Keys
- ID & Business Cards
- Gum, lip glosses, hand sanitizer, etc. in various pockets
AND still have room for more! Pulling it all back out looked like a crazy magic trick!
The entire inside of the bag is padded; Not just the laptop compartment. This is a fantastic feature if you slip your eReader, smartphone, tablet, or other small devices in your bag. Not only is your laptop protected, but so is everything else.
The inner lining is a durable material with reinforced edges that will stand up to tough use. There are also cute blue embroidered icons to identify all of the pockets.
The Innovation
This tote is just as smartly designed for travel as the Sasha bag; It too has a trolley pocket. The back pocket unzips at the bottom to slide over your luggage handles so you can run through the airport if needed without bouncing and bumping handfuls of bags. This is such a great design feature that I'm mystified as to why more travel bags don't have them. I've gone through a lot of luggage sets, and not one was as easy to carry together as this tote is to carry with a suitcase. I thought the best feature of my current luggage set was a Molle strap on the top of my largest suitcase, but it wasn't secure and my carry-on fell of so much that I abandoned using it. I am smitten with this feature and I won't settle for anything less now!
And I have to mention that this gorgeous leather tote comes with a handy-dandy dust bag. So when you're not using it, you can store your tote in a closet and keep it protected and looking as good as new. They really did think of everything!
- Top quality, weather-resistant, all leather construction
- Designed with strategic protection for your electronic essentials
- Padded compartments for laptop, tablet, reader or similar devices
- Interior compartments to protect smart phone and music player
- Top zipper closure to secure electronics and personal belongings
- Inside zipper pocket for passport and personal items
- Key keeper and convenient ID tag
- Comfortable handles with 9.5" drop
- Trolley pocket
- Dimensions: 15.5” L x 4.0” W x 14.5” H
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Color: Brown Croc
What Fits Inside:
- Laptop computers up to 15"
- DSLR and 1 to 2 moderately sized lenses (using the optional JILL•E Camera Insert)
This tote crosses over so many style lines; Whether you're style is Boho, Glam, Preppy, Mod, or Classic, it will fit right into your wardrobe without batting an eye!
All of the bags I've shown you today are available for purchase on the Jill-e Designs website, and they make the perfect gift! Wouldn't you love to find one of these under the tree?
You can also find Jill-e Designs on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest. Stop by and tell them what you love about their bags!
What's your favorite Jill-e Designs bag?
Check out Southern Mom Loves' 2014 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for this and other hot holiday gifts! Find something for everyone on your list from the Fashionista to the Tech-Lover and beyond!
Update: Get 20% off your order with the EXCLUSIVE discount code for Southern Mom Loves' awesome readers! Use code SMLHOL2014 until 12/19/14!
Have a Happy and Fabulous Holiday, Fashionistas!
0 comments