3 min read
No woman who considers herself a city schlepper (hi, it’s me) will deny the power of a good haul-everything bag. Yes, there are the old faithfuls—a.k.a. the classic leather totes and laptop bags—but, speaking from personal experience, nothing leads to growth quite like change. And so, I’m setting aside my trusted hobo and bucket bags in lieu of something different this spring: a doctor bag. More specifically, DeMellier’s Stockholm bag.
While a quality shopper tote will always have its place, there’s something to be said about a more structured but nonetheless functional doctor bag—plus, this particular handbag style was a mainstay on the runways last year, and I have a feeling they won’t be leaving us anytime soon. So, why not incorporate one into my rotation of commuter-friendly carryalls? I’ve had my eye on DeMellier’s large Stockholm bag since it first launched. The sleek, duffel-like design combined with the lack of noticeable hardware caught my eye immediately. Factor in the durability I’ve come to know the London-based brand for along with the ultra-chic brown suede, and I was sold.
I’ve only been using this bag for about a week, but it’s already becoming an easy favorite. While I wasn’t quite sure about the overall structure (in terms of function) for my daily commutes at first, I’ve come to absolutely love it. The size feels perfect for everyday essentials (i.e. lunch, a book, a notebook, my wallet, and a small cosmetics pouch). And thanks to the longer shoulder straps, this fits well underneath my arm and rests right at my hip, allowing for easy access to said essentials without leaving the entire top wide open.
The Stockholm features the durable cowhide leather found in DeMellier’s other beloved styles, like the now-iconic New York tote (a bag my colleague Laura Tarafa has been wearing regularly)—and for a bag that I foresee using daily, that’s important. That said, it’s also started to gain a little bit of that lived-in wear that only adds to its character. As for what it holds, there’s a center pocket for a 14-inch laptop or smaller, as well as an interior zip pocket, and two dedicated pockets for smaller items, which I’ve used for my keys and lip balm. Let’s be honest: Organization is key when you fill your bags to the brim!
DeMellier
I love this bag so much, I’ve also opted for the Small Stockholm, which is exactly what I need for running around the city for weekend brunch, drinks with my friends, or other occasions where I only require my phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm. Of course, one can fit a little more in there (I’ve also got hand cream and mints), but I love how adorable (dare I say demure?) it looks with my more casual ensembles. That said, she can also be the type to be dressed up, so there’s a range of opportunity for this mini bag. And given the collection’s popularity, DeMellier has been so kind as to grace the world with more iterations of the Stockholm, including a boxier east-west style that I know many an It girl will be carrying this season. Scroll on to shop DeMellier’s Stockholm styles below.
Shop ELLE Editor-Approved DeMellier Bags
DeMellier The Stockholm Shoulder
DeMellier The Midi Stockholm
DeMellier The Stockholm Shoulder
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