As someone who juggles client meetings and paperwork daily, this tote has been a game-changer. The accordion design isn’t just pretty—it *actually* expands to fit my chaotic stack of A4 contracts without bulging awkwardly. I’ve stuffed 10+ folders in the 12 pockets and still had room for my tablet.
The ‘purse side’ is my secret weapon. During a recent business trip, I slid my passport, credit cards, and even a slim makeup pouch into the zippered section while keeping conference handouts neatly labeled in the file pockets. No more frantic digging through my bag!
But let’s talk about the smell—yes, mine arrived with a strong chemical odor too. Two days of airing near an open window (plus a sachet of coffee beans) fixed it. Now it just smells like… well, leather and productivity.
Pro tip: The adjustable strap is perfect for switching between shoulder-carry during commutes and hand-carry in formal meetings. My only gripe? I wish the labels were pre-printed for common categories like ‘Receipts’ or ‘Pending’.
Final verdict: It’s the Mary Poppins bag of organization—surprisingly spacious, unexpectedly stylish, and smells fine after some TLC. 4.5/5 stars.