Totes (Page 23)

Jimmy Choo Mona Large Tote

I have chosen not to pass judgment on this bag, rather let you all make the decision. We all know the Jimmy Choo Ramona, Mahala, and Clutch have garnered a following. But what about this Mona? The Jimmy Choo Mona Large Tote features a black leather and suede body with gold hardware. The tote sports a zip fastening around the middle, which makes this bag act as an accordion, being able to lengthen or compact at the middle. By undoing the central zip, the bag becomes larger and will expose the logo plaque. The inside is lined in suede and has lilac ribbon trim. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,995.

Longchamp Large Tote

There has been speculation that the handbag bubble will burst; meaning the pricey bags will finally hit the top and the handbag world we live in will crumble apart. While I do believe people have their limits, I think true handbag lovers will continue to buy bags. But for those that only want a handbag to tote around, that really do not care for it to be all leather, the Longchamp Large Tote is an ideal signature tote from this French brand. Their signature tote sports lightweight nylon with a leather snap flap and shoulder straps. This bag truly is the ideal everyday bag, good for rain or snow, sun or shine. Even better is the fact that you can roll this bag up for storage, it will literally take about 6 cubic inches of storage space. For me, this handbag would work perfectly to take to the gym or beach. Dimensions are 19″W x 12½”H x 7″D. Available in beige, chocolate, and deep-red; buy through Saks for $135.

Earlier today I told you the crazy patterns and designs are a huge hit for spring. Some are really stunning, some are quirky but cool, and some are downright fugly! The overwhelming opinion on the Jimmy Choo Face Canvas Bag is that it is a huge miss and totally creepy. That makes me certain many of you will hate the Valentino Rosette Tote also, with its plastered fuchsia rosettes. I am all for playing with some leather to make it bunch to look like a rose, in ONE place on the bag. But this fug bag is all about the roses, and it makes me think the bees will live in your bag and build hives. Not only will you need to keep the cute hummingbirds away, but go grab some hive killer! This bag is killer. The black patent leather trim and gold-tone hardware only make it look older and more Driving Miss Daisy mixed with Red Hat Society. It is just hideous from every angle and for each aspect. So far my take on many of the crazy themed/faced/designed/printed bags for the next season are totally drab. I am waiting for one to catch my attention. Pre-order through Saks for $1,950.

Botkier Large Sasha Duffle Tote

The metallic trend is still here. Personally, I do love the trend to a certain extent. I am not one for carrying a huge metallic bag around, it is just not my style. I opt to bring in metallics in clutches and evening bags, rather than everyday totes. I would, however, consider bringing a metallic bag into my everyday mix if it is fun and more of a bag deal that a bank breaker. The Botkier Sasha was one of our biggest giveaway hits, with well over 1,000 entries. I loved it in black leather and the pewter patent leather is slowly growing on me. The Botkier Large Sasha Duffle Tote has been jazzed up for spring in pewter patent leather and silver hardware which gives the perfect metallic in a great shape and a good price. There is the option of the long or short straps, which is a major plus. While this bag is more of a deal if you are looking for a metallic, I can not say that I will be buying it. I suppose the big bag metallics are just not for me; they are too much for my taste. I will stick to my small handbags when opting for shiny metallics, but this may be an option for you. Buy through Net A Porter for $695.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Tote

The allure of the Rive Gauche bag from YSL is the fact that it is quite understated and easy to wear everyday. While it is available in stunning ostrich, like the one Sienna Miller carried, it is also available in leather. There is a new rendition of the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Tote made with crocodile-embossed patent leather. While it is available in both black and white, I find the white more appealing. There is gold tone hardware and ring insets on the sides. One of the features I love most about this bag is the option of top handles or a detachable shoulder strap. The focal point is the turn-lock closure with the extended tab. Buy through Saks for $1,895.

YSL Rive Gauche in Crocodile and YSL Rive Gauche in leather

Today is a very late start on Purse Blog, my apologies! Vlad and I are heading to Germany tomorrow for ten days and it is always crazy before going abroad. Or maybe that is just me? I can’t seem to figure out what to pack, how much to pack, and especially what bag to bring. When I go on a trip for fun, I do not need 15 handbags to lug around. That day will come when I fly privately, and since that day may never come, I will continue to travel with two handbags. One everyday bag and one clutch. I get pretty anal when it comes to deciding what bag to take, because I must decide how I will store it, how the weather will be, etc. My Birkin is staying home this trip; the forecast calls for rain and snow many of the days we will be there and my precious is way too new to me to have to keep putting its Hermes Rain Poncho on (yes, it really comes with one!). I keep telling myself that I need a great everyday bag that has a detachable shoulder strap. I keep not buying one. But I found one that has my heart and I am close to overnighting it to myself. We have seen the Miu Miu Vitello Tote before, and I loved it then, but I love it even more now in this rustic hue of purple. The purple is done beautifully, looking lighter around the edges as if it has aged wonderfully in Miu Miu heaven. There is that shoulder strap that I keep looking for and option of top handles. There are compartment separations on the inside and a zip pocket, which again means this bag is perfect for traveling with. Dimensions are 14″W X 12″H X 5½”D. Just lovely at Saks for $1590.

While I love Prada, I love her younger sister Miu Miu even more right now! Miu Miu delivers the same punch as Prada, the same looks (many times better) for half the price. You can’t get much better than that! A tote bag is a bag everyone needs. We all need to lug around our daily essentials. And to pull it off with a great looking bag is even better. How perfectly fitting then is the Miu Miu Nappa Delave Tote?! I saw this bag while in Saks yesterday and the SA and I were both oohing and aahing at the luscious leather. The topstitching detail adds a nice touch and the gold hardware is subdued and perfect. The design of the bag is simple but it adds some great touches with the leather outlining. The leather feels buttery soft and sports the same look as many of the new resort Prada bags. But the price is, of course, much less that its Prada sisters. Dimensions are 14″W X 13¾”H X 5½”D. The price is very reasonable for what you get; pre-order at Saks for $1445.