Totes (Page 16)

I really hate to admit that Heidi Montag inspired me to do or say or think ANYTHING, but in this case of the Yves Saint Laurent Y Tote, I have to admit, she did. I wrote about her carrying this particular bag a few days ago on Bag That Style, and ever since I saw it, I’ve been intrigued.

Megs, who identified the bag from Heidi’s pictures, was told by the ladies in the YSL forum that the bag was from last year and no longer available, but I love nothing more than a challenge. So I was delighted to find the black version on Bluefly today and thought that since I hadn’t seen the bag before, maybe you guys hadn’t either. And really, it’s worth seeing – the leather used is so drool-worthy that it almost makes me want to try and pet it through my computer screen.

Heidi apparently uses hers for traveling, and although I can’t support any other life decision that she’s ever made, I think this would make a great carry-on. It’s roomy and has two different handle options, depending on what else you’re carrying. I’d have to see it in person to decide if the leather is durable enough, but Heidi’s light-colored iteration looked pretty perfect after her flight back from Mexico. Buy through Bluefly for $1596.

If ever I’ve seen a good reason to have kids, it’s the page of stuff that Saks was calling a collection of reasonable Mother’s Day presents. Sure, there were some things that most kids could have pooled their money and afforded to get for mom, but then there were some things that were absolutely redonkulous (I feel that that’s the only correct term). The most out-of-this-world? The Zagliani Tomodachi Crocodile Tote. This thing is stunningly freakin’ gorgeous, and if having a couple of munchkins would mean that I might, one day, be given something even half as awesome as this bag, then that’s reason enough for me (ok, so maybe not, but go with the joke here, folks). It would take some rich kiddos to put together their piggy banks for this beauty, though, so it might be time for mothers everywhere to increase allowances for the foreseeable future. Buy through Saks for $10,500.

This is possibly the most luxurious laptop bag I’ve ever seen, even if it is slightly boring. I know that the Bottega Veneta Buckle Tote isn’t advertised as a computer bag per se, but if I’ve ever seen a designer handbag that would be more perfectly suited for that purpose, I’m having trouble recalling it now.

And by calling this a laptop bag, I don’t mean that as an insult. Far from it, in fact. This is modern society, after all, and the vast majority of women that will consider purchasing this bag will be women that worked hard to make the money that they’ll be spending. Acknowledging these women and giving them high-end options for their work bags is something that far more designers should be doing. Even if Bottega Veneta didn’t intend this bag for such utilitarian purposes, I think it would be perfect for the job. Plus, knowing of BV what I do, I bet the leather is flawless and soft and made of unicorn hides. Buy through Saks for $1850.

Ladies, I’ve done it. I’ve done the impossible, and now we can all rejoice and hold hands and sign songs of happiness. I’ve found a Chloe bag at a somewhat reasonable price point. I thought that this was a feat I would never accomplish, but today I dared to dream, and when I opened my eyes, the Chloe Victoria Tote stood before me.

And it’s…perfectly serviceable and at least as nice as some of their designs that are much more expensive. We’re not breaking new ground here, design-wise, but the leather does look quite nice (if a bit too glazed and shiny for my taste) and the bag looks like it would be enormously functional and useful for women with all kinds of different personal tastes and lifestyles. I could see it on everyone from a working mom to a downtown hipster, and at the somewhat reasonable price point (for Chloe), a lot more people will be able to consider adding it to their collections than with most of the brand’s other bags. I can’t find anything to dislike here, and I even tend to like the shades of tan that Chloe uses, as much to my own surprise as anyone else’s. Buy through Saks for $1295.

I kept getting emails with a ton of hoopla about Stella McCartney having an exclusive line for Net A Porter. Then I saw some of it and it made me wonder what the fuss was about. Stella McCartney is so hit or miss for me and while some of her designs are simple and I love them some are so simple they end up being simpleton and just blah. One of her exclusive designs for NAP is the Stella McCartney Cloud Print Shopper which features the Sir Peter Blake cloud print on this lightly colored canvas shopper.

I need to break down this bag, my likes and dislikes until I can reach a conclusion. I like that it is light and whimsical and I like the clouds. I don’t like that it is light colored which can easily lead to dirt showing and that it looks childish. Also on the cons, the closeup view of this bag shows an odd pattern of the paint on the canvas, which looks gray and dirty. I suppose if I were to have a child this could be a cute beach tote or playground bag, but again having a child means messes and dirt, and this bag would go downhill fast once it shows wear especially since the inside is white. Overall I give this a 4/10 on my generous scale, because it is not heinous but I can’t imagine many people running out to buy this either. Am I off or on? Buy through Net A Porter for $185.

I think it is fair to say that we typically feature handbags that will set you back more than just a penny or two. And while over at Purse Blog Savvy we focus on a different price point, I do like to switch things up a bit from time to time. So when I found the Eric Javits Dunemere Large Tote, I figured it would not only be a great bag to share, but it would also give that internal budget a mini-break.

It is true, I’ve been on a bit of a beach tote kick. I don’t have any beach getaway plans for this summer (do any of you – please give me ideas!!!) but I am always checking out new sunglasses, swimsuits and beach totes! So, this large striped metallic tote certainly popped out as a nice beach bag option! Ample storage space and pockets provide compartments and storage space for just about anything you tote to the beach (or on daily errands). And of course, you can use this bag in so many different situations. Yes, let me know what you think about this bag, but also tell me about your summer plans – I need ideas!!! Buy through Saks for $345.

I got an opportunity to take a look at some handbags the other day with a friend of mine that’s in to fashion, but doesn’t WORSHIP bags the way that a lot of the ladies here do. And I realized that sometimes, it’s good to get some perspective, because without it we might miss things.

For example, I might have missed the Michael Kors ID Chain Shopper. A lot of people don’t pay much attention to Kors’ bags, and he’s had a misstep or two in the past, but I’ve seen his last season or two become much stronger and more drool-worthy. This bag I like in particular – the multi-material chain is huge and industrial, which gives the smooth, soft black leather a rocker edge without being over-the-top or over-designed. The bag is exceedingly simple while still exuding tons of attitude and style, and that’s not an easy balance to strike. The version with the all-plastic chain reminds me a bit of some recent Chanel collections, but I’ve never seen them do a chain with more than one material, and I actually like this bag better. It’s more accessible, less gimmicky, and certainly at a much better price point. Buy through Nordstrom for $995.