Code Republic Danielle Luxe Tech Handbag (review)

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If you want one handbag to last from morning to night, protect that valuable tablet or laptop, and even has a water bottle holder Code Republic is the answer.

GadgetGuy does not use handbags (men can stop reading now unless you are after a gift) so I enlisted GadgetGirl (wife) to use and abuse the bag. Following is her review.

“I noticed that Code Republic has four different styles/colours of these tech handbags. I am happy that the Danielle was provided for review. Lovely pebble textured earthy tan coloured leather, rose gold metal hardware, and a lively interior lining that reminds me not to take work so seriously.”

This is a handbag – with large 9” handle drops that do fit over your shoulder, but I am confused – there are D-rings at either end suggesting it should have come with a shoulder strap that would make it more useful to me.

We checked on whether the shoulder strap was missing. “Sorry, our bags are designed for use as a handbag with the 9″ handle drop so do not include a crossbody strap,” was the retort. They should!

Quality

This is a $349 bag – not overly expensive for what you get but sufficiently so that you expect good quality craftsmanship and materials.

Everything about the bag suggests quality. Perfect stitching, edges align, good solid feel, the poly cotton lining is well fitted, and it even comes in a matching storage bag – not to mention the big black box that would look wonderful with a bunch of red roses this Valentine’s day (hint to GadgetGuy).

Practicality

It is only after using this for a few days that you begin to appreciate the little touches that make it useful.

Internal features (all secured under a full-length zipper)

  • Sunglass (or reading glass) pocket at one end
  • Water bottle holder (moisture proof) at the other end – will also take a collapsible umbrella
  • Large phone pocket fits Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (what all working people need)
  • Padded notebook pocket for up to 33.5 x 23 cm (fits 13.3” Surface Pro or most 13=14” laptops) with Velcro flap
  • Smaller 10” tablet pocket (not padded)
  • 2 x Cable/charger pocket
  • Three pen loops
  • Large full-length zip up pocket
  • Detachable key leash
  • External flap pocket secured by a rose gold clasp

It weighs 1.52kg – a little heavy and if you put a laptop in as well as files and stuff it will get up to 5kg. The handles and stitching look solid enough to hold that, but that is where a shoulder strap would have been handy.

As a nice touch is its tapered side profile and four metal stud feet – it stands upright!

Caring for it

It feels like a keeper, and the pebble leather finish is more resistant to work knocks and scratches that smooth or patent leather.

Leather has natural water resistance, and Code Republic recommends using a leather wax/conditioner or waterproofer on the bag.

Being a tan colour means it may pick up black marks – a leather cleaner will remove these.

Style

Style is a very personal thing. Some of us can get away with large tan bags; some may need a grey or black bag like the Lisa, Sonya or Nicole series etc. No matter which you chose you get all the features of the Danielle.

And a nice bit of patriotism

Code-Republic was created by Anthea Rowan – a Sydney lass that worked in the tech industry always carrying a laptop and more.

It is easy to see that this is a bag made by a businesswoman for a businesswoman and it meets my needs as a conference and event manager running multiple complex national events. Before this at best you could get a slightly elegant backpack!

While I didn’t write this, it sums up Code-Republic

Code Republic is passionate about pushing fashion boundaries with its handbag line. Designed specifically to address the needs of today’s boss lady, who needs to transition from work to play with effortless style, the collection integrates daily practicalities with a directional sense of style, presenting a varied edit of vibrant hues, luxe finishes and classic pieces across the handbag collection. 

Price and availability

All varieties are A$349 and appears to be exclusive to Harvey Norman and Domayne stores.

Ratings

  • Overall:  4.6  out of 5
  • Features: 4 out of 5 – give me a matching shoulder strap, please
  • Value for Money: 4 out of 5 – exclusive to Harvey Norman means no retail sales therapy
  • Performance: 5 out of 5 – very well made – a keeper
  • Ease of Use: 5 out of 5 – it’s a bit like the Tardis when you start loading stuff in
  • Design: 5 out of 5 – business elegant and good from morning to night

Overall
Features
Value for money
Performance
Ease of Use
Design
Reader Rating0 Votes
Positives
Good from morning to evening
Negatives
4.6