What is the difference between the OG Lauren & Mini Lauren?

A Buyer’s Guide to Finding Your Perfect Size

Hey there, fellow bag lover - if you’ve ever found yourself scrolling past endless bag options hoping for “the one,” I’ve got you. Since 2010, the Lauren Convertible Crossbody Backpack has quietly become our signature piece, and it’s not magic or fancy marketing that keeps women coming back year after year. It’s the way Lauren adapts to every part of our lives - and yes, that includes the slightly smaller Mini. That “mini” tag can feel misleading, though, so let’s unpack exactly what each size does, how it feels on your shoulder, and why you might choose one (or both!). No fluff - just the real talk you need to feel absolutely confident in your pick.

Quick Side-by-Side Comparison

Original Lauren

• Dimensions: 14.5″ W × 16″ H × ~3″ D
• Why it’s awesome:
  • Holds your tablet or small laptop - plus a water bottle, notebook, and maybe a surprise farmers-market find.
  • Feels roomy without ever looking oversized.
  • Perfect for days when you need “one bag to rule them all.”

Mini Lauren

• Dimensions: 13″ W × 14.5″ H × ~2″ D (just 1.5″ less in width and height)
• Why it’s lovely:
  • All the Lauren style you adore, just a whisper sleeker.
  • Feels lighter on your shoulder - almost like “traveling lighter” rather than “traveling tiny.”
  • Ideal when you’re grabbing coffee, running a quick errand, or packing just the essentials.

• Original Lauren: SHOP the Original Lauren 
  
• Mini Lauren: SHOP the Mini Lauren

Why “Mini” Isn’t Really “Mini”

When you hear “Mini Lauren,” don’t picture a teeny bag your niece would use. In practice, it’s only about 1.5″ smaller than the Original - think of it as a gentle trim, not a radical makeover. Here’s how that translates in real life:

• Feels lighter, not cramped. You only lose about 10% of capacity.
• Still fits your essentials. Your wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, and favorite paperback all slide right in. You won’t be digging for a minute to find them.
• On petite frames, just-right proportion. If you’re under 5’2″, that slight slimming means the bag may feel more balanced, not bulky.
  
  

Why I Created the Original Lauren

I designed the Lauren because I was tired of constantly choosing between style and functionality. I wanted a single, versatile bag that could seamlessly shift from weekend adventures to weekday meetings, from errands to travel - one bag for wherever life takes you.

I knew from the start I wanted a fold-over style; I always loved that look but was frustrated seeing designs that could only be worn two ways. Why limit ourselves? So, I created the Lauren with two detachable straps instead of just one. Suddenly, you could transform it simply by where you hooked the strap onto the bag: shoulder bag, crossbody, fold-over and even handheld clutch, especially with the Mini.

The backpack option? Believe it or not, that was discovered by one of my biggest fans, a true “aha!” moment for me!

We extended the strap length to 54 inches, thanks to feedback from women with longer torsos. That’s what I love most about being a small business: connecting with you directly, listening, and adapting in a way big corporations simply can't.

Brynn with the Original Lauren (Free Love) in action

Real Stories from Lauren Lovers

Hearing their stories, you realize the “right” Lauren is the one that lets you feel unstoppable - whether that’s flowing through your busy workday or packing extra for a spontaneous road trip.

Five Reasons Women Ask for “Lauren” by Name

Nothing feels better than when husbands call and say, “My wife wants a Lauren bag,” like it’s a household word. If you’re wondering why that name comes up so often, here’s what our community says:

1. Soft-Structured Design That Flows on Every Body
   Every iteration of Lauren - Original or Mini - drapes beautifully on all frames. The supple yet structured leather keeps the silhouette polished, whether you’re petite or tall, curvy or straight. No matter how you carry it, Lauren looks like it was custom-designed for you.
2. Six-in-One Versatility for a Busy Life
   Juggling soccer practice, business meetings, and weekend getaways? Lauren shifts instantly from a shoulder bag to crossbody to backpack (and clutch or tote with a quick strap tuck). You’ll never have to hunt for a second bag or transfer items - your phone, keys, and wallet stay put through every switch. Travel friendly, hands-free perfection.
3. Zipper Pockets Everywhere You Need Them
   Say goodbye to the “where are my keys?” panic. All of Lauren’s zippered compartments live on the outside - two deep slip pockets for your phone and sunglasses, plus an easy-access zip pocket for earbuds or charging cords. Inside, you’ll still find space for business cards or lip balm, but the exterior organization is what makes grab-and-go a reality.
4. Ethical, Chicago-Exclusive Craftsmanship
   From conception to fabrication, Lauren has been proudly made in Chicago since 2010. We source full-grain hides in small batches, consciously engaging in ethical manufacturing - no shortcuts, no overseas mass-production. Every Lauren reflects American craftsmanship and a promise: when you buy one, you’re supporting local artisans and quality you can trust.
5. Cost-Per-Wear That Pays for Itself
   Yes, a quality leather bag requires an investment up front, but when you calculate how often you’ll wear Lauren - six ways, every day - the cost-per-wear drops to almost nothing. Soft, durable leather ages gracefully (on select leathers, each patina is unique), but even on our everyday hides, Lauren stands up to years of use. In short: you don’t choose between style and function - Lauren gives you both, making every dollar count.

Shopping for a bag should feel good. And because we know trying a bag online can feel risky, we offer Free U.S. Shipping & Easy Returns on every Lauren - so you can pick the perfect size with total confidence.

Watch Brynn highlight our Signature Bag

In this video, Brynn talks about the differences between the two sizes and walks you through all the different ways to wear our Signature bag.

How to Decide: Original Lauren or Mini Lauren?

Choosing between the Original and Mini can feel tricky - especially when "Mini" isn't actually all that mini (it's still 13" x 14.5" unfolded!). So let’s break down exactly how each size feels, what comfortably fits inside, and what other women have realized after owning both.

1. Think about your daily essentials

• Original Lauren: Easily fits a tablet or small laptop, a notebook, sunglasses, snacks, your wallet, phone, keys, and even a few surprise finds (farmers market anyone?). It’s great for your everyday carry or travel.
• Mini Lauren: Perfect if your essentials are simpler - wallet, keys, sunglasses, phone, earbuds, and maybe a paperback or small tablet. It’s not tiny; it’s just sleek enough to feel more compact.

Pro Tip: What fits comfortably in a fully packed Mini can typically fit in an Original folded over - this surprises many first-time shoppers!

2. Consider how you carry the bag

• Original Lauren: Most women (myself included, at 5’5”) prefer to carry the Original folded over for everyday use, as this softens its silhouette beautifully. Unfolded, it’s roomy enough for larger items (like a small laptop), but it's not primarily designed as a laptop bag.
• Mini Lauren: Designed specifically for women who felt the Original was slightly oversized, the Mini provides a similar look and feel, just trimmed down by about 1.5 inches in width and height. Keep in mind, if you're unsure about dimensions, you may find the Original a better fit than you initially thought.

3. Phone-friendly exterior pockets

Do you rely on outside pockets for quick-grab essentials like your phone?

• Original Lauren: Exterior pockets measure 8", easily fitting most phones and small accessories comfortably.
• Mini Lauren: Slightly smaller pockets at 7", ideal for slimmer phones or smaller items like earbuds, keys, and cards.

If you typically use your outside pockets a lot, you'll appreciate the Original’s slightly more generous sizing.

4. Visual proportions—how it fits your frame

Worried about either bag looking too big or bulky on your body?

• Original Lauren: Folded over, it has a universally flattering look, perfect for those 5’4” and up. Even petite women often prefer the Original after seeing how comfortably it sits folded.
• Mini Lauren: If you're especially petite or simply prefer a slimmer silhouette, the Mini may feel proportionately perfect for your frame without sacrificing functionality.

Remember, "Mini" is more about "traveling lighter," not "traveling tiny."

Bottom line

Most Lauren buyers quickly realize it’s less about absolute size and more about the feel and functionality. If you're someone who wants flexibility to occasionally carry a bit extra (like a laptop or more items), lean toward Original. If you're confident your essentials are minimal and you prefer a slightly smaller visual footprint, the Mini has your name written all over it.

But no stress - our complimentary shipping and easy returns let you try out the size that feels right. After all, Lauren is designed to make every woman feel stylish, confident, and effortlessly organized. Choose your favorite (or both!) and enjoy every step of your adventure.

And remember: you might end up loving both enough to switch between them, depending on the day. That’s the beauty of a convertible design - choose what suits your life in the moment, not just in theory.