I’ve been critical of Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent’s handbag line in many and various ways in the past, but I can think of nothing I love more than when a line that used to disappoint me comes through and makes a bag I love. With the Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Harvey Tote, Vincent has done exactly that.
Great design is often found toward the ends of the design continuum – successful bags are usually very broadly appealing or very taste-specific. This bag fits easily into the first category by virtue of being neutral, useful and priced under $500, and hopefully it’s an indication that the brand has found its accessories footing and will continue to churn out attractive, functional, reasonably priced handbags.
The thing that elevates this bag above your average black tote is the material used to manufacture it. The pebbly, texture-rich black leather reminds me quite a bit of that which is used on many of Alexander Wang’s black bags, and the soft touch and visual interest of that type of leather has been a hit with fans of the downtown-cool aesthetic. Luckily for Vincent, some of Wang’s handbag customers likely overlap into her demographic as well, and the added functionality of this pocket-front tote will appeal to women on the go. Buy through ShopBop for $440.
