Dagne Dover SS21, Decluttering, and Nova + Mila Thoughts

Long time no see! It seems I've only posted twice on the Totes Dagne website this year. 😱 I tend to be more active on Instagram Stories (@totesdagne) and in Dagne Dover-related facebook groups, and I recently created a new facebook group for those of us who feel our collections are out of control—Decluttering Schemes for Dagne-Hoarding Fiends. 

Here are my thoughts on some of the new designs DD released this year!

Nova + Mila

The new Dagne Dover Nova Sling Bag and Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizers sold out during VIP early access. Go, Dagne! I recently received my purchases (sans anything in Rosewood because I hesitated and it sold out), so I thought I'd share a few thoughts on both styles ahead of the restock.

Mila Toiletry Organizer

• Small Mila: 5.5” L x 5.5” W x 5.5” H
• Large Mila: 5.5” L x 5.5” W x 7.5” H

The Mila toiletry organizers are well-padded and have a clever, customizable interior design. They work splendidly for me! I found that my makeup essentials are easier to see in the Small Mila, whereas the Large Mila is a better fit for baby-related items. The interior mesh is removable, so I'd like to possibly swap the Moonbeam mesh/dividers into the Rosewood Mila (and vice versa) if I can get a Rosewood Mila during the restock. The only change I'd like to see would be adding two D-ring attachment points for a shoulder strap on the sides of the Larges.

Nova Sling Bag

• Nova Sling Bag: 9.5” L x 4” W x 12” H

I've seen mixed reactions to this bag so far. The Nova has received a fair amount of criticism regarding its maximum 34.5" strap length—individuals with fuller chests are having trouble wearing this bag across the body. Although I don't have this problem, I was already planning to wear it over one shoulder or in the crook of my arm. I've used the Nova a couple of times already, and the strap is comfortable just over the shoulder; I practically forget I'm wearing the bag because it stays out of the way! 

Cuyana Tote Inserts in Dagne Dover Bags

I recently discovered Cuyana's Tote Inserts and wanted to share some suggestions for using them with Dagne Dover bags!

Dagne Dover bags have no shortage of pockets and organizational features, so I'm finding the Cuyana inserts helpful from more of a structural standpoint. Slouch-prone bags like the Large Allyn stand straighter, floppy bags like the larger Landons are given shape, and tablet-sleeve bags like the Midi Tote finally have a designated laptop slot. The price is steep, but may be worth it if you have multiple bags that could benefit from a little more organization and support.

Small Tote Insert: 7.25" x 15" x 5.25", 13" laptop pocket, .8 lbs, two colors—$85.00

• I would suggest it for: Charlie Tote (particularly for the post-2017 version), Midi Tote (if you plan to carry a laptop often), Medium Allyn

Large Tote Insert: 10" x 16.5" (approx) x 5.5", 15" laptop pocket, 1.3 lbs, four colors—$95.00

• I would suggest it for: Medium Landon (unsnapped), Large Landon, Large Allyn

A closer look at the polyurethane microsuede material

Large Allyn

The Large Tote Insert helps solve the problem I've had with Large Allyns for years—they slouch and buckle to the point of falling over! The insert does make the bag heavier, but the tradeoff is worth it to me personally. I'll let the before and after pictures speak for themselves:

Dagne Dover Charlie Version Comparison (2021 Edition)

Back in 2018, I posted an "old" and "new" Dagne Dover Charlie Tote comparison and discovered the existence of a third version—the post-March 2017 Charlie. Now that I have my hands on one, I'd like to share additional comparison photos to help demonstrate what to look for when evaluating secondhand Charlies. (Alas, the Charlie Tote style was discontinued by Dagne Dover in 2019.)

Dagne Dover Small Indi Overview

As part of the FW20 collection, Dagne Dover released two new Indi sizes—Small and Medium! I've filmed an in-depth look at the new Small size, and it includes a general overview, packing examples, side-by-side size comparisons, and fit tests for DD's smaller items. No modeling shots in this video—sorry! Motherhood has truly brought out my inner slob, and I didn't want to immortalize it. 😆

Dagne Dover Landon Comparison & Brief Review

Here's another long-overdue post—a comparison of all five Landon sizes (XS-XL)! I don't have packing photos for all five sizes currently, but I'll explain how I've used them in the past and share some side-by-side comparisons. Additional comparisons of the Landons alongside other Dagne Dover styles can be viewed here. (And if you're a new Dagne Dover customer, please consider clicking this link for 10% off your first purchase!)

Dagne Dover Mini Tote vs. Midi Tote

Onyx Stingray Leather Mini Tote, Prism Midi Tote (the true color is difficult to capture!)  

• Mini Tote: 13" L x 5" W x 10.5" H, 8" handle drop, 2.9 lb weight
• Midi Tote: 11.75" L x 5" W x 10.5" H, 8" handle drop, 2.4 lb weight

Although both of these styles have been discontinued by Dagne Dover, I wanted to show a quick comparison for anyone buying or selling one on the secondhand market. 

Two key characteristics of both versions are that the straps are held on with D-rings (as opposed to being stitched directly into the bag) and that they come with a crossbody strap. 

The Mini Tote was introduced in 2014 and discontinued on March 2nd, 2017. The front zip pocket was a defining characteristic of the Mini Totes. The bag can hold a large iPad in its tablet sleeve and a 13" laptop in the body of the bag. The straps of the Mini Totes from the original release have chains; later versions do not. The interior material primarily consists of coated canvas.

The Midi Tote was introduced on March 2nd, 2017 and was discontinued in 2019 following the release of the SS19 collection. The ends of the bag have less of a flared shape, and there is no longer an external zip pocket. The interior is a mix of coated canvas and polyester. A 12" MacBook fits in the body of the bag, but not in the tablet sleeve.

Both bags are 10.5" high according to past information from the DD website, but there's definitely a height difference between the two in person.

Mini Tote, Midi Tote, Small Allyn Tote, Small Wade

The Small Wade Diaper Tote is comparable in capacity and size to the Midi Tote. (Read more about the Wade here!)

Midi Tote in Prism

I've had my Onyx Stingray Leather Mini since 2016, and I wish I wouldn't have waited until 2020 to try a Midi. I feel like the Midi has held its shape better than the coated canvas Minis, and I love the silhouette and lighter weight. (And I would definitely recommend trying out a Stingray Leather Mini from SS16—they're gorgeous!)

If you'd like to see any additional comparisons, please let me know. (I also have a few more photos here.)

If you're looking to buy used Dagne Dover items, please consider using my Poshmark, Mercari, Tradesy, and/or thredUP referral codes to receive sign-up bonuses for yourself AND to support me and my shopping habit. It's greatly appreciated!

Poll: Bring Back Our Favorite Colors!

I've created a poll with just about all of Dagne Dover's past colors and patterns. Vote for up to five of the options you'd like to see return in the brand's latest styles. If enough of us vote, perhaps the Dagne team will take it under consideration—it's certainly worth a try!

Click here to vote (requires a Google account). Click here to view the current results. Please spread the word about this poll if you can!

(Personally, I would loooooove an Accordion Travel Wallet in Geo Mirage! XS Landons in Haze Camo, Quartz, and Prism would be a close second on my list.)