This One Work Tote Has Lasted Me 5 Years (and Counting)

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

I stash my laptop in it after work. I fill it to the brim for international flights. I pack it in the car for weekend getaways. My trusty black Classic Leather Tote ($175) from Cuyana has truly been through everything with me, spanning two jobs and over a dozen flights. No, this isn't an #ad, folks—promise. I bought this tote bag at full price over five years ago, and I recently realized that it's held up remarkably well for the amount of abuse I've put it through, so I had to share my favorite buy.

While the inside is admittedly a tad beaten up, the outside could be mistaken for being new—it doesn't even have scratches on the bottom! Even though my dog constantly jumps up on me; even though I frantically kick it under the seat on planes before takeoff (and it barely fits because it's so full); even though it's been on its fair share of dirty floors. Oh, and I'm not sure this would be an expert's leather care recommendation, but after traveling, I wipe down the bag with sanitizing wipes to get rid of germs. As far as I can tell, this hasn't affected the color at all. Take note: This isn't something you could do with a suede bag, so always consider your fabrics.

Some structured bags don't have a lot of give, but this buttery soft leather allows it to expand quite a lot. The only downside is that I can fit so much in this bag that I end up not being able to find things in it (something I could easily solve with a tote organizer, but I'm too lazy to buy—sue me). But enough about me—scroll down to see the bag in action and shop it for yourself in seven different colorways. See you in five years when you want to repurchase.

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

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Next, I wear these four basics under jackets and sweaters every single day.

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.