'Sorry, but this carry-on handbag will legitimately change your life.'

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If, like me, you're too old to lug a duffle bag around the airport but too young to surrender to the frumpy backpack, then this stylish yet practical carry-on bag is for you.

I got my hands on the July Juliette Soft Large Tote back in January and have been putting it to the test on short and long haul flights ever since.

In case you're thinking that name sounds familiar, July is the Australian luggage brand responsible for the colourful suitcases that filled our feeds post COVID. I was one of the people who hopped on that bright suitcase trend, although I must admit I've since retired my pink July carry-on suitcase for something more muted.

Watch: Your must-pack travel essentials. Post continues after video.

So you can imagine my surprise when July released a very grown-up chocolate brown carry-on bag that would slowly replace every tote in my wardrobe. 

This is why the July Juliette Soft Large Tote is better than all the other carry-on bags I own.

• It's beautiful to look at, and I always get compliments on it whenever I travel.

• After people compliment it, they generally reach out to touch it because this bag is so buttery soft - which is great for collapsing into small spaces on the plane like the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you.

The July Juliette Large Tote bag in Chocolate Brown. Image: Supplied.

• There is a pass-through band on the back so that you can travel with it hands free on top of your carry-on suitcase, saving any strain on your shoulders.

So easy to use! Image: Supplied.

• She's roomy! The Juliette large tote has a generous 22L capacity which fits all my in-flight essentials, such as my laptop, portable charger, refillable water bottle, noise-cancelling headphones and much more.

• IT COMES WITH A DETACHABLE 16" LAPTOP SLEEVE - this is what sold me on the bag initially, as laptop sleeves alone can usually set you back $100-$150. Having said that, the laptop sleeve is too big for my 13" laptop. However, the front pocket compartment fits it perfectly.

• There are multiple pockets and a main zip which is essential for keeping your belongings secure during long-haul travel.

• The bag comes in 4 classic colours that will stand the test of time.

You can definitely work anywhere and anytime with this tote bag! Image: Supplied.

I will say it's made of synthetic material, not leather, but after nine months of being the most used bag in my wardrobe, I've experienced very minimal wear and tear and, trust me, I do not baby it! In fact, I've found myself reaching for this bag even when I'm not travelling. It's lived many lives as a work tote, a puppy bag, a very luxe gym bag, the list goes on. 

And I'm not the only fan. Turns out, social media star Sophia Begg, better known as Sopha Dopha to her 1.4 million TikTok followers, also travels a long haul with the July Juliette Tote bag.

Social media star Sophia Begg using the July Juliette Tote bag in Chocolate Brown. Image: Instagram/@sophadophaa_.

The catch is, this coveted bag has been incredibly hard to get your hands on. 

I don't think July realised just how popular The Juliette Soft Large Tote was going to be, because whenever I recommend it to someone it's always sold out or on pre-order. 

However, by some sort of supply chain miracle, at the time of this article being published it is currently available in three colours. Snap it up before it flies away again!

SHOP IT HERE: Juliette Soft Large Tote, $325.

Want to learn more travel tips and hacks? Read these next:

• 'The chic, affordable Aussie hotels I always pay to stay at for bougie travel on a budget.'

• What you should never wear at the airport (and what you should), according to a travel expert.

• It's true, these 6 travel items are actually worth the hype.

Feature image: Supplied.