Hello everyone, I am back and this time, we are starting off with a little review of the Longchamp Le Pliage Energy XL. If you read my last blog post about moving to Geneva, you will know that I am working in finance again and, naturally, this calls for a new work bag. 😉 Keep on reading to find out not only how I decided on the Longchamp Le Pliage Energy XL plus a review after almost two months of use.
The Requirements:
Right off the bat when I started doing my research, I knew that I wanted a Longchamp bag. This is for work and I didn’t want to invest too much money into something super high end because it will be used and abused. I travel a lot for work and I carry my laptop, lunch, and often, my heels as I switch shoes when I get to work. This means that I need something sturdy for travel, with good straps as it will be heavy, and a zip. All of the above knocked out some other popular luxury options such as the Louis Vuitton Neverfull (especially since I previously owned the Graceful PM and had a bone to pick with the lack of a zipper…) and the overpriced Dior Book Tote.
However, I still wanted something name-brand, but not too flashy. Enter Longchamp Le Pliage. I feel like when it comes to work bags, it’s the obvious pick. It is sturdy, reliable, and hard-wearing. There are a ton of reviews out there for this bag, but when I went to the store, I was quite surprised that the reviews missed quite a few important points! I was this close to buying it online and I am grateful I went to the boutique to compare.
Longchamp Le Pliage – Classic or Energy?
After walking around for a bit, I finally found the wall full on Longchamp Le Pliage bags in every size and color imaginable. In my boutique, they are all already neatly folded in it’s aesthetic little rectangle. When unfolded, I absolutely hated how it creased on the larger version. It was to the point of where I would probably never fold it again in hopes the creases sort themselves out with the weight of the items.
The second thing I noticed is the straps…. They don’t go on your shoulder and that’s a deal-breaker for me. Plus, I found it too large, length wise. For the classic, the straps were great, but it isn’t that big. If you have a laptop to bring to work, lunch, and water bottle, honestly, good luck. It would be a tight squeeze. On my worst days, I have my personal purse, laptop and case, lunch, heels, and an umbrella with me. It’s absolutely impossible with this option!
My partner ended up pointing out the Longchamp Le Pliage Energy XL version to me and while it ticked a lot of boxes, I was worried that it was too big on me and leaned more on the travel bag side than work bag. However, I didn’t want to buy a bag where I was stuffing everything and it’s bursting at the seams. So, I ended up going with this option, but in the black (which was hidden in the back, the spring colors were all on display).
Is It Worth it?
So this little bad boy is mostly recycled or regenerated fabric AKA nylon with grained leather. There are two non-zip pockets on the inside, one being deeper than the other. So far, everything stays put. There is a thick strap which is perfect for days where I have to bring more to work than planned or for travel and, of course, the handles. I tend to wear it on the crook of my arm on days where I just have my lunch. Finally, there is a full zip complete with a little leather bit that can clip on the other side of the zip.
Recently, I had a work trip to Luxembourg and it was perfect. I was able to pack my laptop, personal purse, liquids, snacks, umbrella, and some other bits and bobs with no issue. I see myself buying a smaller cabin suitcase because of how much the Longchamp Le Pliage Energy fits! Size requirement wise, I believe it is slightly over length wise, but I haven’t had any issues. To be honest, I see MUCH larger bags like the Dior Book Tote, pass through airports as a personal item.
Final Thoughts on the Longchamp Le Pliage
Overall, I am beyond happy that I have purchased this bag! It wasn’t even on my radar, but it truly has every functionality that I was looking for without being too in your face. The black on black makes me happy, it fits everything I need and then some, the nylon makes it nearly indestructable, and the thick strap makes it convenient when at airports or on public transports. Plus, it still looks brand new!
I can say that in Geneva, Longchamp is by far the preferred work bag choice. However, I see more of the Pliage classic than mine. And what I also notice? How badly out of shape it is (this might be because of what is put in the bags), that it falls off of shoulders all the time, and how it seems a bit inconvenient at times. I think if you don’t need to bring a lot to work, it is excellent. However if you’re like me and having to bring half your house and always on the go, look into the Energy XL. You don’t regret it. 🙂
Outfit Details:
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